Lori McDowell

5 Tips t Prevent Holiday Bloating

2011-11-28T14:03:00.001-08:00

5 Tips to Prevent Holiday Bloating
By Casey Lorraine Thomas
We've all been there. Post holiday meal, sitting on the sofa feeling bloated, fat, gassy and miserable.

The holidays are a great time to connect with your loved ones over good food and drinks, but for most it’s more a case of stuffing yourself to the point of sickness and then feeling heavy and fatigued as a result. And that’s just after the first holiday party!

Add a few more weeks of parties and family gatherings, each one laden with piles of heavy food and you have a recipe for a protruding, sore belly, lethargy and probably a lot of negative self talk when you catch yourself naked in the mirror.

The great news is that you can have a fun and indulgent holiday season without the discomfort, weight gain and stinky gas if you pay attention to a few rules for easy digestion.

1. Focus on vegetable based meals.

Make vegetables the focus of every meal over the holiday season. This doesn’t mean you need to eat boring salads of soggy iceberg lettuce and tomato and a baked potato without toppings. Of course you won’t feel satisfied and indulged eating that.

Instead focus on having at least 60 to 80% of your plate piled high with amazing vegetable creations like beautiful fresh salads with your favourite ingredients, olives, avocado, cherry tomatoes, spiralized beet and carrot and a lick-your-plate-clean dressing. Serve your heaping salads with baked beetroots tossed in olive oil, lemon juice and fresh thyme. Enjoy baked sweet potato chips dipped into mounds of fresh guacamole and salsa and a hearty bowl of your favourite vegetable soup. Check out some of my mouth watering vegetables recipes here.

If you focus on having a delicious combination of fresh and cooked vegetables, the other foods you eat will be in much smaller quantities and the vegetables, especially the raw salads, will help you to digest the other foods you eat.

If you have been eating very little fibrous or fresh food and you start eating large amounts of fresh produce, you can expect to see some bloating in your belly temporarily as the vegetables awaken old waste and get things moving in your intestines. Don’t let this deter you, simply increase your veggie intake slowly and it will pass quickly leaving you with a flatter and happier belly.

2. Forgo the fruit salad dessert

Fruit salad is healthy, but it becomes a digestive nightmare when eaten as dessert after heavier foods like turkey, cooked vegetables, bread, grains or potatoes.

Fruit moves through the body very quickly, so when it is eaten after a meal that is slower to digest there will be a traffic jam in your intestines. This creates a lot of gas, fermentation, bloating and discomfort. It also means you won’t as effectively absorb the nutrients from the food you’ve eaten, nor will you eliminate it into the toilet completely. That’s a recipe for bloating and weight gain!

Instead have some high quality 70% plus dark chocolate (in this situation it is a better choice than fruit!) or enjoy a fresh almond milk chai.

3. Pair your foods for easy digestion.

Different types of foods take different times to digest and require different enzymes to break them down, meaning your assimilation of the nutrients from these foods will be impaired and your digestion will be compromised, causing bloating, gas and constipation. For example, animal foods take around four to five hours to leave the stomach while starches (grains, bread, etc) take around three to four hours to leave the stomach.

If you eat foods from these two groups together at the same time (think fish and potato, chicken and rice, turkey sandwiches) the time for that meal to leave the stomach has now been increased to seven to nine hours, and that’s provided you haven’t thrown in other food groups like fruit or nuts too! That’s a whole lot of extra time your body is spending on digestion when that energy could be spent on cleaning out your temple, removing toxicity and giving you energy.

Keep your animal foods and starches away from each other (eat them with fresh vegetables instead). You will be left with a healthier body (and mind – digestive health plays a huge role in your mental and emotional health too) and a calmer, flatter belly.

4. Avoid or limit the worst offenders.

If you are intent on eating heavily processed foods, large servings of red meats, refined sugar, cakes, cookies and refined salt, you will suffer with bloating. These foods are just not designed to go into our bodies!

Instead choose the highest quality foods and bring dishes to your holiday parties that emphasize these foods, of course along with plenty of fresh and cooked vegetables. Choose fish, organic eggs and organic raw dairy. Focus on grains like millet, quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat. Enjoy healthy cookies made with clean ingredients, like these. Forget refined salt and instead pick up the pretty pink Himalayan crystal salt or Celtic sea salt. Ditch white sugar and go for stevia, yacon syrup, raw honey or pure maple syrup.

Make these switches and you will be pleasing your palette while your body becomes stronger, healthier and slimmer.

5. Hydrate and flush.

You need to drink enough pure, clean water and organic hydration from fresh fruits and vegetables to keep toxins flushing through you. Water is essential to life and it is also essential to reducing and preventing bloating.

Drink pure water every day as the first thing you consume. If you don’t like your water straight up, try this or add some lemon juice or lemon slices.

Herbal tea is also great but avoid coffee and tea as much as possible and if you do choose to include them drink extra water and fresh vegetable juice to help counter their dehydrating effects and acidity.

This will help to minimize bloating and weight gain.

Put these tips into place and enjoy a healthy, happy holiday season with a bloat-free middle! Get inspired with some yummy recipes and more information at CaseyLorraine.com.

Published November 28, 2011 at 11:30 AM

Our Quest For Happiness By Frank VanderSloot - CEO

2011-08-26T05:57:00.001-07:00

I believe that a factor that is often overlooked in our search for happiness is the tremendous impact that our own moral compass has on our happiness. We all seem to have a moral compass--something inside of us that tells us what is morally "right" and what is morally "wrong". It's something that is inside each of us. When we live and act within the boundaries of our moral compass, we have peace of mind. When we find ourselves living or acting outside the boundaries of our moral compass, we don't like ourselves. And when we don't like ourselves we can never be happy. I suspect that this phenomenon has the greatest impact on our happiness. Liking who we are is, I believe, the most important aspect of finding happiness. I have often imagined a man standing in front of a mirror when he is 90 years old and saying to the person in the mirror, "I know you. I know everything about you. I know everything you've ever done. I know every thought you've ever had. I know every mistake you've ever made. And I know what you have done to try to correct those things. And therefore I like you. And I trust you!" I think that would be the ultimate test of our lives. If we can pass that test, we will have passed the test of life. We will like ourselves. And we will have lived a happy life.

I hope this helps you in some way!

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Great Advice For Anyone Interested In Starting A Home Business

2011-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been wondering how to take an ordinary idea and turn it into an extraordinary business, read on. These 9 clues to success are guaranteed to give you the edge when it comes to making your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals a reality:

1. Decide – The women were very clear about their decision to become an entrepreneur. There was no turning back. They were focused on making their business dreams and goals happen. Period.

2. Live in Optimism – Each one of them spoke about the power of optimism and this one style of behavior helped them in times of challenge and struggle in their business (especially early on in the start-up phase).

3. Maintain Unshakeable Belief – I had a mentor once who used to say, “people are looking for the chink in your armor.” It’s not what you say about your business that will attract people; it’s how you feel about what you say. These women had unshakeable belief about their business goals from the very start.

4. Take Inspired Action – There is a difference between action and inspired action. Do you get up every day with energy and passion for your business or do you hit the snooze button most days? Do you feel inspired when you get into your office or does it feel like a “ball and chain?” These women love what they do and it shows.

5. Follow your “gut” – Whether you are in the start-up phase or ready to take your business to the next level of success, trust your instincts.

6. ASK – This was BIG. These women were not afraid to share their ideas with anyone. They developed a marketing message about their mission and shared it everywhere they went with anyone who would listen. Challenge yourself to ask more often for what you want in business and life.

7. Get Uncomfortable – It’s essential that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When we’re comfortable, that’s a big clue that we’re not growing. The only way to experience real personal and business growth is to challenge yourself on a regular basis.

8. COI – Sit down and make a list of your “centers of influence.” These people are admired and respected in your community and area of business. Make a commitment to contact them and share your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. I will share from my own personal experience that this one tip has taken my business from “surviving” to “thriving.”

9. Pay Attention – To your clients and customers. Once you begin to gain momentum in your business, pay attention to what your clients and customers have to say. They will tell you what they want and how they want it delivered. Survey your clients at least once a year to find out what they love about your business and how you can better serve them.

These 9 success clues were basic threads that ran through each speaker’s presentation. Here’s what I love about them; They are low-cost to no-cost and as expected, come from within you. All you need to do is decide. Make a decision about achieving your own level of success (whatever that means to you) and follow these easy-to-implement clues to take your Big Idea, Dreams and Goals from “surviving” to “thriving.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

© 2010 Joy Chudacoff

Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com

I hope this has helped you.

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Ten Top Reasons To Become A Customer!

2011-08-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have been a customer of Melaleuca for 3 years and it is the best decision I made for my family for a number of reasons.

1. These products are the best products I have ever used! They actually do what they are suppose to which is awesome. We have improved our way of life by just switching stores and becoming a customer.

2. They are green products, so there are no harmful chemicals in them. I had no idea what the chemicals in our every day products are so hazardous to our health! These harmful chemicals can cause asthma, breathing problems, allergies, etc. No thank you, I am sticking with Melaleuca! Plus, everything is recyclable. Melaleuca has been a green company for over 25 years, they were a green company before it was popular.

3. These products help so many people with who have conditions such as, asthma, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and so many other.

4. Melaleuca saves you money! The products are concentrated so they last longer! Laundry detergent, cleaners, shampoo, hand soap etc., will last you at least 3-4 times longer. Sometimes they last longer than that! The products can be mixed together and become multi-purpose cleaners as well as bug repellent.

5. Melaleuca gives you loyalty shopping dollars which are great and another way to save money. Melaleuca gives all new customers $20 worth of free products for the five months and then you accumulate them every month after that. I average $30 worth of free products. Plus you get 30-40% off the retail price just for being a customer.

6. Melaleuca will replace your trips to Walmart or Target because Melaleuca offers your everyday products. They have the following lines of products; Bath & Body, Skincare, Cosmetics, Dental, Laundry, Cleaners, Nutritional Food Line, Vitamins, Pharmaceutical, Kids, and Sports Nutrition. Think of the time you will save and gas money. I can tell you I love not having to take my son to Walmart or Target, we save money just staying out of those stores. This is all because I decided to try a new store and it was a great decision.

7. Melaleuca offers so many other services like discounts on cell phones, security systems, health care and the MarketPlace is great. The MarketPlace allows you to order from your favorite stores like Target, Kohls, Best Buy, Overstock.com, and about 400 other popular stores. You get anywhere from 5-15% off plus, Loyalty Shopping products to use to get free products.

8. Melaeuca offers coupons every month to give you even better savings for your favorite products.

9. Melaleuca will send you a thank you check for referring new customers. How many stores do that? You can refer as many customers as you would like and every time they order what they need, you will receive a monthly thank you check. I can tell you I have been receiving a check every month for almost 3 years and it more than pays for my products every month. It is like getting free products and making a profit. I do not know any stores that offers that. Plus, I love sharing these awesome products/store with others.

10. Melaleuca is usually only $29 a year to join and $12 annually, but this month it is only a $1 and there is no risk to join. Everything is guaranteed and you can cancel at anytime. It is a month to month membership. There is no penalty to cancel at any time.

There are several more reasons to join Melaleuca but I will stop there. I love Melaleuca because it is a Direct Consumer Company, not a MLM or Pyramid. There is the option to build a business with Melaleuca with great residual income. The great thing is people can just be customers and not build. The products are so great most people end up sharing it with the people they love and therefore they receive a check. It is a great company with Christian values and it all starts with the CEO. Melaleuca has been in business for over 25 years and has won several awards for providing excellent service to their customers as well as their community. That is what really impresses me. Check out Melaleuca's awards at the top of my blog. They have grown every year since they opened their doors in 1985.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at lannmc@live.com.

I hope this information is valuable to you!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Understanding The True Meaning of Residual Income

2011-08-03T05:53:00.001-07:00

When it comes to choosing and having a home business, my advice would be to make sure that there is a "True" residual income.

What exactly is residual income anyway? Simply put, residual income can be defined as any payment system where you receive regular, ongoing payments as a result of a one time effort. Payments that are regular and ongoing with no further effort (except for a little maintenance) once the initial work has been done.

As you surf the net, you will come across a wide variety of business opportunities. Invariably, each one will claim to have the best compensation plan available and many will claim to offer "residual income". However, a quick examination of many of these pay plans will reveal that, although there may be an earning opportunity, it cannot truly be described as residual income.

For example: Let's say you are in a home business that promotes water softeners. Once a sale is made, that customer will no longer require any further water softeners. At least not for a while. It's a one time sale, not an ongoing income.

Now let's look at a cosmetic business or a jewelry business as another example. Although your customers may need cosmetics or jewelry on a regular basis, unless they are signed up as an ongoing member that commits to purchase a certain amount each month, you can only "hope" they come back to you to purchase their cosmetics or jewelry.

Picture this scene. You had several parties during a month where you made $2000 in sales of your cosmetics or jewelry (of which you receive a commission). No one signed up as a consistent monthly shopper, but rather simply made a one time purchase from you. What are the odds that those who shopped from you last month, will come back and shop for just as much or more this month or the next, or even the next? The chances are slim. What is required with this type of home business is a commitment to begin each month searching for new prospects to replace the ones from the month before.

With genuine residual income, the products should be needed and consumed on a monthly basis. With that type of reorder process your current customer base continues to shop every month. So when a new month starts, and you build your business, you are simply adding to your current customer bases, thereby continually growing your business with a true ongoing residual income.

This article is by Donna Stewart the Founder of Internet Ceo Moms. Love this article and Donna explains it well. I hope this has helped you in some way.

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

Christian Work At Home Moms Article

2011-08-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Every MOMent Counts! Here you will find words harnessed together by energy and enthusiasm that I hope will provide encouragement and empowerment to you as a mom.

You see once God blessed me with the title “mom” my entire outlook on life was forever altered, tipped away from self and towards legacy. Suddenly my desire to glorify God was transcended from my life and into the life of His great blessing to me…my children. I was being entrusted with these tiny little lives to love and mold into “His little soldiers” as my younger brother declares.

In today’s world of “meism” the ability to place one’s personal desires aside and contemplate daily life through the lens of selfless motherhood can only be done… well, through the power of the Holy Spirit. And lest you think me a prideful, perfectionist, ninnymuggins; allow me to assure you my selflessness exists successfully only when I am well girded. The daily battle against self continuously screams loudly in my momlife.

Actually, so loudly does it scream that I am compelled though necessity to spend daily time in the word at most, and seek out scotch taped index cards streaming with Bible verses at least. My home is frequently alive with the cascading sounds of Christian contemporary music to wage war against my selfish thoughts. And on the days I really need some serious refocus – very loud, foot stomping strains of LeCrae, Skillet and Third Day are at a fever pitch level!

My children have always been the integral part of my life. They matter. I make time for them. I set aside my wants for their needs. I spend intentional time with them. I am always a teacher. I fail. I apologize. We keep moving forward. We make memories. We play. I am silly. I dance. I sing. I instruct. I have “do nothing” days. I cook. I am busy. I err. I ask for forgiveness. We rebuild. We laugh. We cry. We create. I take pictures – lots of pictures. We make memories. I am an intentional mom.

My children are now teens. We have a relationship…still. I am part of their lives. They talk to me about things. I know all their friends. They hang out at our home with their friends. They continue to accept instruction.

Why? How?

Intentionality works.

Remember…every MOMent counts!

Blessings.

Tracey

Tracey Eyster is the creator and senior editor of MomLife Today and has served with FamilyLife.com as a writer for three years. After becoming a mom, she “retired” from her career in public relations and marketing but continued to serve by volunteering on many committees and boards. She is passionate about momlife, encouraging other moms through speaking and writing, and is in the process of publishing her first book. Tracey is happily married to Bill has two teenagers at home (and several extras always looking for some fun n’ home cookin) and they live the simple life on a small ranch – horses, four wheelers, go carts and dirt bikes included! Always known as the “fun mom”- she embraces that title and challenges other moms to lighten up and make memories because … Every MOMent Counts! You can find her at www.momlifetoday.com, www.momlifeoutloud.com , www.blog.familymatters.net follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/momblog, and hear tips from her on parenting at www.iquestions.com.

Great article I hope you enjoyed it!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowelL
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Tips for Leadership!

2011-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting parts of your home business will be building and leading a team. When I first started in my company, I had zero experience. My home business was my very first at home anything I had ever done so I had A LOT to learn. It has been such an incredible journey going from someone who had no experience at leading a team to someone who has grown an organization of thousands. I'm SO excited to share with you how I did just that!! These tips are from Kristen Wooten who is a team member of Internet Ceo Moms! Great tip!

My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:

L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.

E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:

* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.

* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team

* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.

A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???

D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.

E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!

R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.

* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!

* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.

* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."

S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!

H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.

I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.

P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.

Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!

GAME ON!!!!

Thanks Kristie Wooten from Internet Ceo Moms for such a great article!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Building A Business That Will Last A Lifetime

2011-07-27T14:44:00.001-07:00

I talk to several people every day, who are dissatisfied with the direction their lives are heading. They have become slaves to their circumstances and are trapped in jobs that are not rewarding;
emotionally, spiritually, or financially.

Most of the moms I meet, are struggling to find balance between the desire to raise their families, be present in their kids’ lives, and the need to earn additional monthly income. They are spread thin,
exhausted, and overwhelmed.

But through the chaos of daily life, I see a flicker of hope quietly glowing inside of all of us.

A Hope that we can create a better life for ourselves and our children.

A Hope that we can make a difference for others.

A Hope that life will get easier someday.

Please don’t let the draft caused by self doubt quickly extinguish that flicker of HOPE inside of you.

You can create a better life for yourself and your children, you can make a difference for others, and life can be easier.

As soon as you recognize that flicker of hope inside of you, and you start to pursue the better life you dream about, your perspective changes, the flame inside of you grows, and you see opportunity
everywhere!

I bet if you stop and assess your inner qualities, you will realize that you are ambitious.

You are dissatisfied with the way things are and you want to do something more with your life. You are caring.

You’re energetic when it comes to things you feel passionate about.

And I’ll bet that raising your kids has helped you to become decisive and developed your leadership and communication skills.

Those are the main qualities it takes to succeed in a home based business opportunity.

Building a home based business has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Has it been easy? No, nothing that takes hard work is ever easy.

Yes, it’s given my family a better life and allowed me to stay home with my son, but more importantly, it’s turned that flicker of HOPE into a fire within me, to
help others succeed everyday as well.

I would be honored to introduce you to the possibility of building a home based business that uses your gifts and strengths to help others.

If you have an interest in an opportunity that could help your family as well as help other families while working from home and you would like more information about how you can partner with me, please call me. Let’s schedule a time to speak and get to know one another better. I can educate you on my business that I am passionate about and you can ask me questions. There is no risk in finding out more information, expect there is the risk you might be missing out on an opportunity that is perfect for you. I want to learn more about YOU and your Dreams,as well!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!
C-913-645-9420

What to look for in a Mentor!

2011-07-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

What to Look For in a Mentor:

• I can not emphasize enough the importance of finding a good mentor. If you want to be successful in business and in life, it is so important that you find quality people to surround yourself with. People who possess the kind of skills and traits that you want to have as well.
• When you look for a mentor you need to look for someone who will come along side you to motivate you and direct you, encourage and direct you in the way you should go. When it comes to business, a person may be successful and a "leader" but if they aren't willing to partner with you for the long haul you may be left feeling lost...so it is so important to have a mentor who will continue to work WITH you to ensure your continued success!
• Here are some things to look for in a Mentor:
1. Mentors Open Doors and Help YOU to Create Opportunities for Growth: A mentor who has already had the experience and connections can help open the doors of opportunity that you don't know about yet or have access to.

2. Mentors Can Help you develop your Abilities and Strengths: A good mentor will set you up to succeed, not leave you alone to fail. A good mentor should challenge you to go a step further then you might have gone on your own.

3. Mentors Set the Pace and are and Example: Mentors show you wher to go and what to do. Watch them and do what they do!

4. Mentors Strive to Help you learn from Your Mistakes and Better Yourself Each and Every time: Mentors are your partners not your competition. They want you to do well. They will help you use your mistakes to learn and improve for the next time!

5. Mentors Strive to Help you Aim for Independence and to Help you become a Leader Yourself! The support and training you receive from you mentor should help you to branch out towards the goal of becoming a leader and mentor as well. They shouldn't want you to stay weak and under their wing forever, but Empower you to become like them and even Better! No matter what your goals and vision for the future, a good mentor will lead you towards functioning successfully and independently enough to be able to go on and lead the next generation to success!

Sent via facebook by Stephanie Page

I thought this was excellent because I believe having a great mentor makes all of the difference. Hopefully, everyone is successful with having a great mentor!

To Your Success,

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Tips For Working From Home

2011-07-23T08:36:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips that help me get more done while working from home and home schooling my children.

1. Schedule. Know what you need to accomplish in your day, and create a schedule. It may be a loose schedule with big blocks of time for general things (for example, morning for school work, afternoons for business work, evenings for family time) or it may be a more precise schedule with hourly plans (breakfast at 8am, math at 9am, spelling at 10am, mom checks email while kids take a break at 10:30am, etc). This depends on your personality. Try different strategies to find what works best for you and your family.

2. Plans and Lists. I keep lists and plans. My weekly menu is on the fridge. My shopping list is also there and as soon as we run out of something it goes on the list. I plan to use the crock pot frequently, especially when I know a day will be busy. I choose home school curriculum that comes with the plans already laid out so it’s easy to “open and go” then just check off the boxes as we complete things. I’m a big fan of following things that work and not trying to re-invent the wheel.
My calendar stays on my desk and when I have specific projects or things that need done they go on the calendar. I keep an eye on what’s due and what’s coming up soon. I also use Basecamp online for client work and some of my own projects.
Find the types of lists and plans that work for you. Keep your planning tools in the most convenient places so you are reminded to use them and follow them.

3. Have support. Surround yourself with people and systems that support you in the things you’ve got to accomplish. We’ve chosen to home school through a charter school program that gives us a teacher I can call or email when I need help. I have business friends that I know I can go to for support and accountability as well. Makes a world of difference to know that’s there if I need it.

4. Challenge yourself. If you think it’ll take 30 minutes to clean your kitchen or speed through your email, set your timer for 15 and just see if you can get it done quicker. You might be surprised how often it works!
—–
And now, let me give you access to some great free resources for small businesses including 101 Free/Cheap Ways to Market Your Business and more at http://www.michelleshaeffer.com.
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This is a great article with wonderful tips! I hope this has helped you in some way!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

What Kinds of Online Businesses Coud You Have?

2011-07-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular types of businesses that people tend to consider nowadays is an online business. It isn’t hard to see why either. These businesses can be run from home; they can bring in sales even when you are sleeping, and they can also be extremely profitable if they are run properly.

But online business is a very broad area to consider. If you want to make money in this way you should think about what kind of business you want to run before you dive into anything.

For instance some people find they can build a business around their skills. This could mean selling a service or creating a product they can sell instead. Some people are good at writing and therefore they offer this skill as a service, writing articles, blog posts and web content for their clients. Other people are good at making homemade greetings cards, so they create a unique range and sell them from a website.

This doesn’t mean you have to have a particular skill already that can be translated to the web though. Another good business model to focus on is to earn money from affiliate sales. An affiliate is a person who earns a commission from each sale of a product or service they make. There are thousands upon thousands of products and services that can be sold in this way.

Some companies have been created specifically to offer lots of different affiliate opportunities all on the one website. This means you get all the information and links you need in one place; all you have to do is to focus on how to make the sales. This can be done by creating a website on a specific subject and populating it with good content and your affiliate links.

Another popular way to make money online is to sell things on auction websites. You can either start by selling second hand goods or you can opt for buying wholesale and selling items at a profit. Both methods work and indeed many people have started off part time and left their full time job to devote their whole lives to this kind of online business.

The key to your eventual success will be to find a business that you really enjoy. There are plenty of ways to earn money from the internet – all you have to do is to find a business model that is perfect for your skills and ambitions. Remember you can learn as you go along as well.

Eventually you may have to consider upgrading some of your equipment to make it easier to run your business. A new computer might be in order, as could broadband for business, instead of using a standard residential connection.

Just remember to spend a little time deciding what your best online business model would be. It will be time well spent.

Paul is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with brands like BT. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.

This is a great article about Online businesses. I love working from home and having a business that is online. I can set my own hours and work around my sons activities. It really is the best of both worlds. I would suggest you do something you are passionate about. I love helping others become healthier and as well as reach their goals. I hope this article helps you decide on a perfect online business for you.

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

2011-07-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

To the amazing women I know ....

A Flash Mob Dance Video was organized by Kim McGregor. Kim created this as a tribute to her best friend Erika Heller who died of colon cancer last year at age 31. Each and every telephone conversation they ever had, Erika would end by telling Kim "You're an amazing woman!" Well, Kim wanted to do something special to honor her friend and this is the result. It was filmed at the Toronto Eaton Centre after only one 6 hour rehearsal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k

Kim's goal is to reach 1,000,000 viewers - please help her reach her goal and pass this on to all the amazing women in your life.

Enjoy.

This is such an amazing tribute to her friend, as well as women all over the world.

I hope this puts a smile on your face.

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Dr. Oz - Best Way to Loose Weight

2011-07-08T14:04:00.001-07:00

I have to share the information Dr. Oz had on his show today. I am a follower of Dr. Oz and very glad I am. Here are a few of his tips on loosing weight.

1. Best time to weigh yourself is as soon as you wake up. The average person wakes up at 6:30 a.m.

2. Best time to exercise is 6:35 a.m., based on getting up at 6:30 a.m. It is important to burn fat right away and it will make you feel great the rest of the day.

3. Best time to eat breakfast is within an hour after you wake up. Which in this example would be 7:30 a.m.

4. Best time to take a metabolism booster is at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Oz says to drink ice cold water, it will fill you up and you can loose 1 pound a year just by having the water. Sounds pretty good to me!

5. Best time to go to the Grocery store is 10:00 a.m. Simply because you are still full from the glass of water and it will keep you from over spending.

6. Best time to eat lunch is at noon because it is 4 1/2 hours after you have ate breakfast. If you wait longer you will tend to over eat because you waited too long.

7. Best time to eat dinner is at 6:30 p.m. You always need to eat dinner 3 1/2 hours before going to bed to help digest your food.

8. Best time to take your fiber supplement is at 6:15 p.m. right before you eat dinner. Dr. Oz says this will keep you from overeating because you will feel full from your fiber supplement. He says you will on average eat 70 calories less at dinner just by doing this. I will be switching when I take my fiber supplement.

I thought these were excellent tips and I am definitely going to incorporate these in my daily life. Thanks so much Dr. Oz!

I hope this has helped you as well.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Top Ten Reasons To Become A Customer!

2011-06-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

What An Inspiring Way to Teach!

2011-06-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Fifth Grade Assignment

Wouldn't this be great if it was taught in every school.

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look
At TV commercials and see if they could use them in 20 ways
To communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results: scroll down.

God is like.
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like.
A FORD
He's got a better idea..

God is like.
COKE
He's the real thing.

(This is great)

God is like.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like.
TIDE
He gets the stains out others leave behind. ..

God is like.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like.
WAL-MART
He has everything.

God is like.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him

God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like..
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray;He holds through all kinds of weather

God is like.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
(that one is my favorite)

God is like .
The U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from
His appointed destination.

God is like.
Chevrolet. . . .the heart beat of America

God is like
Maxwell House. .... .
Good to the very last drop

God is like.
B o u n t y . . . .
He is the quicker picker upper. . Can handle the tough jobs. ....
And He won't fall apart on you

BLESSINGS FROM
MY HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE
Peace, Love and Prosperity to all!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home Since 1999!

The Right To Lead

2011-06-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

"Introduction"
An Excerpt from
The Right to Lead
by John Maxwell

What gives a man or woman the right to lead? It certainly isn't gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank or degrees doesn't qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn't come automatically from age or experience, either.

No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And that takes time.

The Kind of Leader Others Want to Follow

The key to becoming an effective leader is not to focus on making other people follow, but on making yourself the kind of person they want to follow. You must become someone others can trust to take them where they want to go.

As you prepare yourself to become a better leader, use the following guidelines to help you grow:

1. Let go of your ego.
The truly great leaders are not in leadership for personal gain. They lead in order to serve other people. Perhaps that is why Lawrence D. Bell remarked, "Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things."

2. Become a good follower first.
Rare is the effective leader who didn't learn to become a good follower first. That is why a leadership institution such as the United States Military Academy teaches its officers to become effective followers first - and why West Point has produced more leaders than the Harvard Business School.

3. Build positive relationships.
Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. That means it is by nature relational. Today's generation of leaders seem particularly aware of this because title and position mean so little to them. They know intuitively that people go along with people they get along with.

4. Work with excellence.
No one respects and follows mediocrity. Leaders who earn the right to lead give their all to what they do. They bring into play not only their skills and talents, but also great passion and hard work. They perform on the highest level of which they are capable.

5. Rely on discipline, not emotion.
Leadership is often easy during the good times. It's when everything seems to be against you - when you're out of energy, and you don't want to lead - that you earn your place as a leader. During every season of life, leaders face crucial moments when they must choose between gearing up or giving up. To make it through those times, rely on the rock of discipline, not the shifting sand of emotion.

6. Make adding value your goal.
When you look at the leaders whose names are revered long after they have finished leading, you find that they were men and women who helped people to live better lives and reach their potential. That is the highest calling of leadership - and its highest value.

7. Give your power away.
One of the ironies of leadership is that you become a better leader by sharing whatever power you have, not by saving it all for yourself. You're meant to be a river, not a reservoir. If you use your power to empower others, your leadership will extend far beyond your grasp.

In The Right to Lead, you will hear from and read about people who have done these same things and earned the right to lead others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed, other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them.

The followers who looked to these leaders learned from them, and so can we. As you explore their worlds and words, remember that it takes time to become worthy of followers. Leadership isn't learned or earned in a moment.

To your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Anybody Can Achieve Anything? Do You Believe It?

2011-06-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

As the story goes, Frank Sinatra got his big break while working as a waiter. One day, as he was waiting tables, who does he see sitting in the restaurant, but one of the biggest names in the music industry.

Old Blue Eyes did the unbelievable: He cleared off a table next to the gentleman and got up on it and sang! He knew he was done at the restaurant for doing so, but how many times would this door of opportunity open up? Needless to say, the rest is history.
You see, you never know when the door of opportunity is going to open wide. For some, the big break comes early in life and for others later on.

But for all of those who become successful, there is one key similarity: They were ready. And for every one of those who were ready, there were thousands more who were not.
So, the principle for us is: Be ready!
Are you ready? When that huge door of opportunity opens up, will you be able to walk boldly through it? Don’t just sit and wish and dream. Be proactive and make sure you are the closest to the door.

When it opens – Be Ready!

Shhh. Do you hear that? Hinges creaking! It is the sound of the door opening. Your door of opportunity! Are you ready?

If you’re ready to make some positive changes in your life,read my story and email me at lannmc@live.com for more information and let me know a good time to contact you. What do you have to lose? The information is FREE and there's no pressure or anything like that. Just the facts so you can decide if what we have a good fit for you and your family. I believe you'll be pleasantly impressed.

Those who succeed are those who walk through the door of opportunity when it swings open. We have helped thousands to achieve their goals, and we're looking forward to helping thousands more who are truly ready to open and walk through that door with us!

I think Donna Stewart is so right! She is the founder of Internet Ceo Moms and this article. One day I decided I really needed a positive change in my life, as well as to grow personally. I wanted to find the right business that I would be proud of and be able to stay home with my son. I have found the perfect fit for me, thanks to Donna and the Internet Ceo Moms. I love what I do right from home and I would love to share it with you. We all have choices to make in our lives and it is important we make the right choices for ourselves and our families. It is always a good idea to obtain all of the information before making a choice.

Enjoy a great day and to your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Can your ego kill your business?

2011-06-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

This article is by MaryEllen Tribby.

During my career I have hired, trained and mentored hundreds of people.

I can usually determine after the first week of working with someone what their “make or break” is. I can conclude if they will excel or will be mediocre and the underlying characteristics that will prevail.

Over the years I have earned about a 95% success rate. Meaning my initial assessment turns out to be correct. You would think I would be elated with that number – but there is just something about that 5% that just plain saddens me.

I have banged my head against the wall trying to figure out why I care about that 5%. Why that damn 5% makes me so sad. And finally it hit me – it is because of the wasted potential!

It is seeing the extraordinary gift in someone go to waste.

Years ago while heading up a large financial publishing company, I hired a rising superstar. Because I recognized this early on, I spent a great deal of time mentoring her as well as introducing her to other people in the industry.

Our boss/employee relationship blossomed into a wonderful friendship and we began spending time together socially with our spouses and children.

When she was ready to move on, I encouraged her to do so. I even recommended her to an industry legend that was starting a new business.

On my recommendation he hired her and in the beginning she excelled.

But then she soon left that position to start her own little consulting company.

She quickly acquired clients using my name as bait.

Initially I did not have a problem with this until the “buzz” in the industry was that she is not always delivering assignments on time and is getting increasingly harder to deal with.

We hadn’t communicated since she went off on her own. Then, a few months ago, I received an e-mail from her.

She asked if we could have lunch so she could pick my brain regarding her consulting business. She admitted she was overwhelmed taking on too much work and did not know what to do about it. Because we both have busy schedules, we had to set the date for two weeks down the road.

Two days before our scheduled lunch, I e-mailed her to say I was looking forward to seeing her and to confirm the time and place.

I was shocked by her response. She had forgotten all about it. She said she was too busy, and asked if we could please meet the following day instead.

I couldn’t make it the following day. And I was understandably miffed, because I’d had to re-schedule several appointments to free up the day and time we’d originally set. As I tried to explain this to her, I felt sudden heartbreak. Here was someone whose ego was destroying her business.

Whether you are working in a corporate environment or on your own, you should always be building relationships. Relationships with your customers, your competitors, and certainly with your current and previous mentors.

The best and easiest way to do so is to:

Follow my simple business ABC’s for sucess:

A) Always put yourself on the same playing field: Never think you are more important than anyone else. Some people may be more famous – but we are all equally important. I pride myself on treating everyone I meet with mutual respect. It does not matter to me what someone’s job title is – when they do that job with dignity and urgency, they deserve my respect.

B) Be thankful: Wake up everyday with a sense of gratitude. I am so grateful for the people in my live. Yes my family is a given, but also the mentors I have had that helped me achieve my success. It does not matter if they were a mentor from 10 years ago or 10 minutes ago, if anyone of them called me and asked for anything I would jump through hoops of fire to make it happen.

C) Communicate carefully: This starts with not over committing. It is a common blunder when starting out in business to take on too many clients in fear that the clients may not be there next month or next year. But when you actually turn down business and only accept the amount of business that you can handle your business will grow.

Remember if you take people for granted… and start putting yourself ahead of them… you’ll be burning valuable bridges that you will be sure to need down the road.

I think this is a great article and reminder for anyone in the corporate world or anyone who owns thier own business. You really need to care about people and respect people's time, as well as thier situation. Everyone had different circumstances and it is important to be aware of them at all times. I will help anyone who wants my help. It is such a great feeling to help others accomplish thier dreams.

I hope this gave you something to think about and can make a difference in your life.

To your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Work At Home Moms Article - Great Information

2011-06-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is another great article of information posted by another mom on Internet Ceo Moms Suzanne Conant. This is great advice.

Just because you're a WAHM, it doesn't mean you're the welcome mat for everyone else. You're a work at home Mom who's not only taking care of her family, but contributing to the family's income. Your job working at home is just as important as someone's job outside the home.

The challenge for many Moms working from home is not making it clear to family and especially to friends that being a WAHM means you have work or business priorities to tend to. Here are some tips to help you make it clear to the people around you aware of your work schedule.

Sit down with your family members and show them your schedule. This schedule can be posted somewhere prominent in the house for reference. Explain to them what your job or business is about. The more they understand what you do and why you can't be disturbed from so and so time the less interruptions you will get.

If you treat your work at home business like a real business, how you present yourself as being a business person will shine through and people will take you seriously. If you act like your business is no big deal then your friends will think it's just a hobby and expect you to have time to chat on the phone, go for coffee or even use you as their babysitter.

There are many advantages of being a WAHM because of the flexibility it offers, but also know when to say, "No." Doing occasional favors for family and friends are okay if they really need your help, but it's not okay to make it a regular thing.

One of the reasons you work from home is to have full control of what and when you do things. Take control of your work at home schedule, stick to it and don't let others disrupt it unnecessarily. Once people see you take your work at home job or business seriously, the more likely they will stop dropping by unannounced or calling you to chat.
Work does work but as Zig Ziglar says you have to live your day by a the clock and your life by your vision.

I agree with Suzanne, it can be challenging to work from home but, you do have to set a few guidelines in order to be successful. To have your family on the same page will make all of the difference.

I hope this information helped! I know it was beneficial for me.

Have a productive day!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

What Will You Be Doing In 7 Years From Now?

2011-05-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a a great story to share with everyone! It is so true!

I graduated from Brazosport High School in Freeport, Texas in May 1972. Not dressed in white (honors), but I graduated.

That summer like the previous summer, I worked as a longshoreman loading corn, flour and corn sacks weighing 50 to 140 lbs. and 900 lbs. caustic soda drums on freight ships bound to other countries at nearby Brazos Harbor and Dow Chemical A2 Dock.

This was one of the better paying jobs in the area. It was grueling, hard, heavy work, but I loved it at the time. My father had been doing this job most of his life since it paid well.

Fall came around and I had already decided that I did not want to make my living as a longshoreman. Work was inconsistent and when it was there it only went to the ones with the most seniority, unless there was too much. There was very little opportunity for a better job when you got older.

I had always heard that a college education would get you a better job and decided to find out. So I went to nearby Brazosport College and set up an appointment with a counselor.

I got to his office at the appointed time and he asked me what work or profession interested me the most. I had taken Auto Mechanics I & II during my junior and senior years in high school and asked him if Brazosport College had an auto mechanics
program.

He said "no." I asked him if they had anything similar to it. He said that the Machine Tools Technology program was very similar and described the program to me.

I was very interested and asked him how long it would take if I went full time. He said "4 years." I said I couldn't go full time since I am working (whenever work was available).

I asked how long would it take if I go part time? He said "7 years." I was shocked. I said, "Man, I'll be old then, I'll be 25 years old. I don't think so."

He asked me, "what did you say you did for a living right now?" I told him again that I worked as a longshoreman throwing bags and manhandling drums. Then he bent over his desk and looked me square in the eye and asked me the most significant words I will never forget in my life:

"IF YOU DON'T TAKE ANY CLASSES. WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING 7 YEARS FROM NOW?"

These words hit me like a ton of bricks! I sheepishly told him that I would be doing the same thing. I signed up for the classes right then and there.

These prophetic words have inspired many of my relatives and friends. The sun will rise and fall 365 days a year. What you choose to do in between will determine many things in your life. This story alone has inspired relatives and friends to realize an age-old truth: Time will go on regardless and it waits on nobody.

Years later, I told a co-worker this story. He got inspired enough that he went on and got 3 different degrees in computers in less than 7 years! He said afterwards, "7 years ago I would've been saying to myself, 'If only I had the opportunity.'"

TIME WILL PASS REGARDLESS!Augie Mendoza

I am sure we have all felt this way at one time or another. I know I have missed opportunities in the past and I always wondered what if? That is why I am so proud that 3 years ago I did not let the Internet Ceo Moms opportunity pass me by. It has been such a blessing for our family because we are healthier, using better products, saving money and helping others families do the same thing.

To your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com

7 Ways To Feel Good

2011-05-09T18:45:00.001-07:00

1. Wake Up !!

Decide to have a good day.
'This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.'
Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.'
I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!

Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

'He who guards his lips guards his soul.'
Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!

. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...'
Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!

. . to the Lord.
'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me'.
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!

. . for something higher.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.'
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!

. . your Prayers.
'Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'
Philippians 4:6

I hope this helps as you grow daily in the Lord. I know it helps me! This can help you get through the tough times you maybe facing in your life or in your business.

Have a Blessed Day!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com!

Would You Agree That Owning Your Own Business Is The Best Way To Get Ahead?

2011-04-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

The truth is, most people that are in business for themselves are the people who have built the biggest fortunes and have created financial security for their families.

Sadly most don't have the means, entrepreneurial spirit or know-how to do it.
Think about it for a second. Suppose you wanted to start your own business, let's say a retail store. What do you need to have in place to do it?
• Huge Investment of Cash
• Money for building and/or rent.
• Money for inventory/product.
• Employees
• Payroll Staff
• Management Staff
• Ordering Staff
• Computers
• Racks etc. to hold products
• Cash Registers/Debit Machines
• Legal Department
• And the list goes on...
What if you could start your own successful business for $29 and everything was already in place for you.

What if:
• You had access to hundreds of consumable products backed by 25 years of research and patents that were better and less expensive than the competition?
• You had access to millions of square feet of manufacturing and distribution facilities?
• You had access to millions of dollars worth of computers to handle payroll, orders, taxes etc?
• You had access to a legal team ?
• You had access to hundreds of employees to take orders and service your customers?
• You had access to a research and development team and sales literature?
• Your customers purchased every month? They came back and shopped month after month after month?
• Everything was guaranteed?
• You could build your business to the size of thousands of dollars of residual income each month?
• You could see the average annual incomes of current business owners as well as the average time it takes business owners to achieve them?
• All you had to do to build your business was to promote the products/company and set up customer accounts?
• You had all of that, and your only investment was some of your time and $29 (that was guaranteed) ?
It amazes me why anyone that really wants to make some positive changes wouldn't jump in with both feet and create a great life! Or at the very least learn everything they could about to make an educated, informed decision.

Shhhhh...do you hear the door of opportunity opening?

Some Do, Some Don't.

Which one are you?

Donna Stewart
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families to Achieve Their Goals since 1999!

Donna is so right this is the best way to get ahead! I love the freedom to work from home and be able to stay with my son. It is the best thing in the world and I am so grateful to have found the Internet Ceo Moms.

To Your Success

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Understanding "True" Residual Income

2011-04-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

ABC' s For Success

2011-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

This article is by MaryEllen Tribby.

During my career I have hired, trained and mentored hundreds of people.

I can usually determine after the first week of working with someone what their “make or break” is. I can conclude if they will excel or will be mediocre and the underlying characteristics that will prevail.

Over the years I have earned about a 95% success rate. Meaning my initial assessment turns out to be correct. You would think I would be elated with that number – but there is just something about that 5% that just plain saddens me.

I have banged my head against the wall trying to figure out why I care about that 5%. Why that damn 5% makes me so sad. And finally it hit me – it is because of the wasted potential!

It is seeing the extraordinary gift in someone go to waste.

Years ago while heading up a large financial publishing company, I hired a rising superstar. Because I recognized this early on, I spent a great deal of time mentoring her as well as introducing her to other people in the industry.

Our boss/employee relationship blossomed into a wonderful friendship and we began spending time together socially with our spouses and children.

When she was ready to move on, I encouraged her to do so. I even recommended her to an industry legend that was starting a new business.

On my recommendation he hired her and in the beginning she excelled.

But then she soon left that position to start her own little consulting company.

She quickly acquired clients using my name as bait.

Initially I did not have a problem with this until the “buzz” in the industry was that she is not always delivering assignments on time and is getting increasingly harder to deal with.

We hadn’t communicated since she went off on her own. Then, a few months ago, I received an e-mail from her.

She asked if we could have lunch so she could pick my brain regarding her consulting business. She admitted she was overwhelmed taking on too much work and did not know what to do about it. Because we both have busy schedules, we had to set the date for two weeks down the road.

Two days before our scheduled lunch, I e-mailed her to say I was looking forward to seeing her and to confirm the time and place.

I was shocked by her response. She had forgotten all about it. She said she was too busy, and asked if we could please meet the following day instead.

I couldn’t make it the following day. And I was understandably miffed, because I’d had to re-schedule several appointments to free up the day and time we’d originally set. As I tried to explain this to her, I felt sudden heartbreak. Here was someone whose ego was destroying her business.

Whether you are working in a corporate environment or on your own, you should always be building relationships. Relationships with your customers, your competitors, and certainly with your current and previous mentors.

The best and easiest way to do so is to:

Follow my simple business ABC’s for success:

A) Always put yourself on the same playing field: Never think you are more important than anyone else. Some people may be more famous – but we are all equally important. I pride myself on treating everyone I meet with mutual respect. It does not matter to me what someone’s job title is – when they do that job with dignity and urgency, they deserve my respect.

B) Be thankful: Wake up everyday with a sense of gratitude. I am so grateful for the people in my live. Yes my family is a given, but also the mentors I have had that helped me achieve my success. It does not matter if they were a mentor from 10 years ago or 10 minutes ago, if anyone of them called me and asked for anything I would jump through hoops of fire to make it happen.

C) Communicate carefully: This starts with not over committing. It is a common blunder when starting out in business to take on too many clients in fear that the clients may not be there next month or next year. But when you actually turn down business and only accept the amount of business that you can handle your business will grow.

Remember if you take people for granted… and start putting yourself ahead of them… you’ll be burning valuable bridges that you will be sure to need down the road.

I think this is a great article and reminder for anyone in the corporate world or anyone who owns their own business. You really need to care about people and respect people's time, as well as their situation. Everyone had different circumstances and it is important to be aware of them at all times. I will help anyone who wants my help. It is such a great feeling to help others accomplish their dreams.

I hope this gave you something to think about and can make a difference in your life.

To your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

What To Look For Regarding Online Business Opportunities

2011-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is a great article by Mark Harriman on what to look for in a business opportunity. These were the type of attributes I was looking for in a business. The only thing I would add is you want a business that has high ethics and morals. At least, that was very important to me and I would think it is important to many people. It also has to be an opportunity that you are passionate about because if you are not passionate about the company you are representing you will not be successful.

1. First thing is a powerful business model. When you take a look at the company do you see a company with a firm foundation in the business world and are they using the latest technology and techniques to create wealth.

2. How they are marketing and what type of marketing are they using? This is a vast subject but one that is so key to your success, it can be the difference between success and failure. The world is at your fingertips in the 21st century. You can sit in your bedroom as I am doing now and in a few minutes or hours put together articles, blogs, classified ads or a number of others resources that are out there that will drive traffic you your business. You must be online and you must be online in a big way. So the company that you choose should have some kind of resources for powerful marketing.

3. A powerful mentoring program & educational tools. If you do not have the support that you need in a new venture it is going to be all that much harder. Support from your team and the tools and resources that you are able to tap into when you have time to do so are worth the wait in gold. Lets face it many of us that take the leap to start our own business are not sitting around all day with nothing to do. We have jobs, families and lives that need attending to. So finding a company with the educational tools that can help us make the most out of the time that we do have is key.

Online business opportunities are abundant and it is not easy separating the ones that will give you the best chance for success from the ones that will not. Be diligent in your research and look for the resources that they say that they will provide you with to help you succeed with the business. You have heard of location, location, location, well I would say the key here is resources, resources, resources.
Next find some key elements to marketing online and driving your business forward.

About the Author
Mark Harriman owns and operates an online marketing and mentoring business.

I hope this information helps you decide on what business you would like to pursue.

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

For more information on Internet Ceo Moms, check out my website at: www.momsforgreen.com

Why MLM's Don't Work Long Term by Donna Stewart

2011-04-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have had so many people come to me asking me if MLM’s work.

My short answer. No, definitely not long term.

Now, hear me out. I’m not saying Home Businesses don’t work. I’m saying any business that has an MLM business model will not work long term.

Question: Is there an MLM company that started in the USA in the past 30 years, that grew to 300 million in annual sales, and then continued to grow for each of the following 3 years?

Hmmmm? Interestesting question isn’t it. I have yet to find one MLM that meets that criteria.

Why? My theory: MLM’s have a poor business model yet hundreds of new ones pop up every day. (To replace the old ones that have gone under.)Some people will be successful. No question about that. But they are making serious money at the expense of thousands who do not and who will get hurt.

Another Question: If you are currently in an MLM, how many people are you willing to hurt to make money? Some of you may not even realize that you are involved in something that will hurt people and their families financially.

Most leaders that are in MLM companies have come from another and will eventually join another. Again, at the expense of hurting people for their own personal gain.

Now there are some MLM’s that have a product(s) like candles, skin care, Knick Knacks, Kitchen tools etc…and some have great products. However…can you build a long term residual income where you have a customer base that consistently shops month after month?

Then there are MLM’s where it seems just too good. Seriously, you’ve seen the emails and facebook posts right?

GET IN NOW!
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
PRE-LAUNCH
JOIN WHILE IT’S HOT
SEE HOW A 25 YEAR OLD…MADE MILLIONS
ETC…

Enough already! Below I’ve listed “some” MLM companies that are either closed, bankrupt, or on their way out. What MLM is going to be next? It’s just a matter of time. In my humble opinion, the business model does not work long term.

1Network.com
1st Family
1Voice Worldwide
A Better Chance PTY
A1 Internet Service
Accelerated Internet Income Strategies
Acheivers Unlimited
Act II Jewelry – Lady Remington
Active Business Solutions
Adora LLC
AdSavers
Advantage Neutraceuticals
Affordable Luxuries
Albert Konder Collection
AlpineV
AMERICA’S TEAM
American Freeway 100
AmeriKare International
AmeriLat
AmeriTalks
Annasa
ART & SOUL, INC.
Artistic Impressions, Inc
ASN (dba) AMERICAN SHOPPERS NETWORK
Assured Nutrition Plus
ATG TECHNOLOGIES
ATI (dba) ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY INT’L
ATN
AWARENESS
B & F SYSTEM, INC.
BigSmart
BIMINI ESSENTIALS
Blessed Hope Communications
BODY ELECTRIC
BRIDAL ACCENTS, LTD.
BROAD POINT COMMUNICATIONS
BULLETIN BOARD
Call the Planet ( CTP )
CALLS FOR KIDZ
CAMBRIDGE
CAROLINA FINE COOKIES
CDBN (dba) CONSUMERS DIRECT BUYERS NETWORK
Celestial Harvest
Chantal B – Paris
CharityFirst
Chef Selections
Chef Specialties Company
Cherish Designs
Claudia Jean Collection
Claytime Inc.
ClickIncomes.com
ClubDepot.com
CoffeeFair
COLESCE COUTURE DBA: CAMEO
COOKIE LIFE
CouponsMan
Custom Corner
Cutting Edge Vitamins
CYBERGOLD, INC.
Darswinkle’s Delights
Dashyn Delights
DEBT FREE PUBLISHING, INC. / DBA: DEBT ZAPPER
Denali Health Sciences
DIAMOND CLUB OF AMERICA
DIRECT HOME SHOPPING CLUB (DHSC)
DK FAMILY LEARNING EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS
Dynasty of Diamonds
E-EXCELL INTERNATIONAL
E-ZINE LIBRARY.COM
EARTH SAFE & WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
EASY MARKETING, INC.
EASY WAY INTERNATIONAL
EMPOWER NET
English Collectables
Entertain with Ease!
ENVION
Environmental Nutrition Network
EonDeck.com
EPIC Network International
ePlanetParadise
ESA-STAR TOUCH INTERNATIONAL
ESSENTIALS BLUE LINE COSMETICS LTD.
Etherea Aromatics
EverydayWealth
Excel Communications
Extreme Research Corp
F.A.I.T.H. Company
FAMILY INTEGRITY BUYLINE, INCL (FIBI)
FAMILY SOLUTION (THE)
Fantasy Inc
FAX BOX NETWORK
Finest Accessories Inc. (The)
FIRST STEP (THE)
FOR YOU, INC.
Fortune21
Fragrant Lemon Peel (the) TFLP
Free Card Matrix
FREE NETWORK (THE)
FREEDOMSTAR COMMUNICATIONS
FuelZone
Fun For Life Club International
FUTURE CITY.COM
FUTURE WORLD
GCMI LONG DISTANCE
Gemcap Equity Management
Geminet
Global Cause
Global Nutrition Network
GLOBAL VILLAGE MARKET
GLOBION
GMT (Get Moving Today)
Gold Entertainment
Golden Neo-Life Diamite International
GOLDEN NEO-LIFE-DIAMITE
GOLDEN NUTRITION
Good Books & Company
Good Nature Company
Great American – The Wholefood Farmacy
GREAT LIFE PRODUCTS
Greeting Cake Company (The)
GULF COAST NUTRITIONAL INC. (dba) NOAH’S ARK
HAND TECHNOLOGIES
HARVEST HOME CANDLES
Harvesting America
HEALTH & NUTRITION NETWORK
HEALTH DYNAMICS RESEARCH
Heart Warming Creations, Inc.
Heart Warming Goodness
HIGHER IDEALS
Highlights-Jigsaw Toy Factory
Holbrook Cottage, Inc
Holiday Magic
Hsin Ten Enterprise USA
I Deal In Travel
I-LINK WORLDWIDE, LLC
IDEA CONCEPTS
IDEAL HEALTH INTERNATIONAL
IDEAL SOLUTIONS INT’L
IDN-NU SKIN INTERNATIONAL
IEXALT FAMILY
IMOGEN CONCEPTS, INC.
INCOMNET COM (SIMPLE2 NET)
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES CORP OF AMERICA
Integrated Synergy
INTELLIGENT NUTRITION SYSTEMS, INC
International Team Works
INTERNET 4 FAMILIES (I4F)
IONX RESOURCE
iPowerBiz
IT’S LIFE
JAPAN LIFE AMERICA CORP.
JET SET LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Jewel Way
Joielle
JS Homestyle
Just Add Guests
Kanosis
KAREMORE INTERNATIONAL
KASEY’S COUPONS
Kat’s Coffees
KIDZ BOULEVARD
KINETIC RESOURCE INTERNATIONAL
KINGS CHOICE
KINGSWAY, INC.
Kitchen Fair (Regal Ware)
KM.net 1/1/2005
L.E.A.P. (LIFE, EDUCATION & PROSPERITY, INC.)
Ladybug Garden Parties
Laga Designs
LAMETCO
Le Club Prive
LE NATUREL
Let’s Do Tea LLC
Lexli MD, Inc.
LIFE DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL
LIFE LINK, LTC.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
LIFE STYLES USA
LifeMist Home Products
LifesMiracle
LifeSpan International
LIFETEK CORPORATION
LIGHTHOUSE AMERICA
Longevity Network
LUXELLE INTERNATIONAL
LYC INTERNATIONAL
Magnus Enterprises
MARK I OF NORTH AMERICA
MARKET PLACE INTERNATIONAL
MARKET TO SUCCESS
MAXXIS 2000
Mayberry America
MIRACLE MAIL.COM
MLM BANNER EXCHANGE
MLM COMMUNITY.COM
MLM SEARCH.COM
MLM World News Today
MOUNTAIN GOURMET
Movie Club Plus
Muscle Dynamics Fitness Network
My Tax Man
N.A.T.A.L.
NANCI CORPORATION
NATIONAL BENEFITS & SERVICES
National Bodycare
NATIONAL CALLING CARD ASSOCIATES
National Companies
NATIONAL SAFETY ASSOCIATES (NSA)
Natural Air Products
NATURAL BODY LINES
Natural Health Trends Corp
Nature’s Gold International
NATURE’S HEALING AROMATHERAPY, INC.
NATURE’S VERY BEST
NATURES BODYCARE
NATURES WEALTH
NaturScience
NetmarkAid
NEURO-HEALTH (BECALM’D)
New Century Life
NEW LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
New Quest International
NEW RESOLUTION, INC. (NRI)
NSA
NTA (dba) NATIONAL TELECOM ASSOCIATION, INC.
NU BOTANIC INTERNATIONAL
Nutrition For Life
Oasis Lifesciences
OC Rebates
OceanCity Network
October Trading
ONE Group
ONE SOURCE WORLDWIDE NETWORK
ONE WORLD ONLINE
ORIGINAL SOLUTIONS INC.
Our Family Favorites
OXFORD SAVINGS CLUB
P.S. I Love You, Inc
PAINT BOX COMPANY (THE)
Pamper My Baby
Patchwork & Preserves
PetShop.biz
PetsParty
Phoenix Cookes
PixMeUp 1/1/2005
PlantMakers
Platinum Travel Club
Pola USA
Popular Club, Inc.
Power of Nature
PremierNet Plus
PriceNetUSA
Primebuy International
Pro-Ma Systems
PROFIT CENTRAL, INC.
prowealthSOLUTIONS
PTI
Purchase Plus Buyers
PurchasePro
Quiet Place for You
Quorum
R GARDEN INTERNATIONAL
RACHAEL INTERNATIONAL
REAL LIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
ReferralWare International
RENAISSANCE FOR LIFE
Retire on Spending
RICH PLAN OF FLORIDA
RMC Group, Inc.
ROSEMARIE COLLECTIONS
Savory Naturals
SCRIPTURES
Sea Alive
Seaborne, LLC
SeAcai
SECURE INDEPENDENCE
Self Indulgence
SERENITY
Shades of Color
Shoppers Central
ShrimpUSA
SILVER BUYERS CLUB (THE)
SMART RESPONDER.COM
smartmall.biz
Solutions Immunity Enhancement
Sound Cafe.com
SOUND TRAVELS (div SOUNDS EXCITING)
SOUTHERN HERITAGE, INC.
Southwestern Company (THE)
SPRINGBOARD
SPRINGWELLNESS
STEAK BUYERS CLUB
Stella -n- Dot
Stoxrus
SUNRISE DIRECT
SUPRA/LIFE SOARING EAGLE VENTURES, INC.
Surfing2Cash
Sweet Berry Designs
Sweet Prairie Soap Company
T-Shirts with a Personal Touch
TALISMAN
TapCity
Taste D-Vine
TBN – The Benefits Network
Team Effort International
TEL-A-NATION
TERAFORMA HEALTH
Terra Mezzo
The Furnished Garden
The Topline
Total Life Changes (TLC)
TOTAL SUCCESS SOLUTIONS, INC.
Totally Tropical Interiors
TRADE EXCHANGE NETWORK
Traditions, Inc
TRAFFIC DIRECTORY.COM
Travel Legacy
Travel Promotions International
Travel Reaction
TravelMax International
Travelogia
Treasure Traders International
TRENDMARK INTERNATIONAL
Trilogy International
TruDynamics (Travel Dynamics)
UCS (dba) AMERICANS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL ACTION
UltimateMatch
Uni-Body International
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES, INC.
UNITED SUPER ACCOUNT PROGRAM
Universal Lifestyles
US DIAL1
US Health Advisors
USTELETRICITY NETWORK
VIRTUALLY FREE INTERNET
VISION QUEST WORLDWIDE, INC.
Vita Genesis
Vitacube
Vitagenex
VITALITY LABS
VITALITY LIFE CHOICE
VIVA MARKETING
Viva Toxic Free
Viviane Woodward
VOYAGER GROUP, INC. (THE)
WACHTER’S ORGANIC SEA PRODUCTS
WESTERN MARKETING
wfhTravel
WICKER PLUS, LTD.
WORLD GOLF CORP
WORLD NET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
World Wide Alliance Corp (WWA USA)
WORLD WIDE INTERNET MARKETING
WORLD WIDE LINK, INC. (dba) THEWWWLINK
WORLD X CHANGE COMMUNICATIONS
WORLDWIDE
WORLDWIDE NETWORK INCORPORATED (BETA SOURCE)
XPI Online
XtremeHealth Formulas
YOUNGER LIVING, INC.
Your Family First
YourNetPlus.Com
YouthFlow
ZeBlooms
ZENITH 4 THE PLANET

Quite the list isn’t it? Sadly, there are more.

I will be writing a follow up article about “True Residual Income” as well as the MLM “Guru’s” who have created ways to get fellow MLM’ers to purchase their training to help them build their MLM business.

Really?? You’re going to help someone become successful in something that is eventually going to fail? Perhaps they do this to earn more money for themselves and so that they have a list of people to promote the next venture they jump in to?

My personal goal is to educate people on the realities of having a real, lucritive, long term home business and to help to achieve whatever their goals might be.

So what did you think? I always love hearing your feedback, so please leave me a comment down below with questions, thoughts, or feedback. And (yes, here’s my call to action) please share this post with your Twitter and FB friends by clicking on the share buttons below. I totally appreciate it!! Thanks so much for spending time with me here today!

To your success!

Donna Stewart
Founder of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

For more information check out my website: www.momsforgreen.com
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Another Great Coachable Article

2011-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is another great article on how to be coachable By Yoji Cole

Here are five other tips on how to be coachable and get the most from your mentor:

1. Ask for feedback
To learn who you are as a worker, ask your supervisor for feedback on your work ethic, strengths and weaknesses.

"Ask pointed questions right after you complete a project or important meeting," says Anne Marie Yarwood, vice president of human resources and head of diversity for JPMorgan Chase's investment bank (JPMorgan Chase is No. 13 on the DiversityInc Top 50 list). "During the walk back to your desk and while it is fresh in someone's mind, test their perceptions to learn their suggestions for your improvement. That tells them you want to be developed."

"Have the courage to ask the question even if you don't like the answer," says Douglas. "Have the ability to ask the questions, because often when I'm coaching people or giving feedback, I encourage them to go to a person, such as their boss--break through the fears."

If you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you will not take criticism as a personal affront, says Kym Ward Gaffney, national director of coaching at PricewaterhouseCoopers, No. 4 on the DiversityInc Top 50 list.

"Know how to not get defensive when your leader offers alternative behaviors or disagrees with your approach, because self-awareness is knowing when you become sensitive," says Ward Gaffney. "Be able to suspend judgment; be aware of your strengths and weaknesses; it all signals maturity. It means we can objectively listen to feedback without having the need to be right."

2. Reach out to a mentor who is different from you
A male executive who seeks a mentor who is a senior female executive, or an executive without a disability who seeks a mentor with a disability, for example, will learn more because they're reaching outside familiar territory.

"If your network is not diverse, then you're most likely to get stuck because people in your network will see things like you do, which is affirming but not helpful when you're stuck, "says Yarwood.

She also suggested a method of approaching a mentor who does not share an executive's personal traits. "You might want to think of what you can do for the person," says Yarwood. "Offer to get involved in something they're working on."

Seek the common areas about which people can bond, says Ward Gaffney: "When you are being coached [by] someone who appears different from you, then you make the extra effort to seek points of commonality. Just because someone is physically disabled doesn't mean you don't share some interests. You should look beyond the physical to the core values that you both share."

A method of developing that personal relationship is revealing extra involvement with projects outside of an executive's division, involvement with an employee-resource group or external professional groups. Dr. Cole says taking a mentor to a favorite food spot or event can reveal an executive's interests outside of work. Developing a relationship with a mentor can also be accomplished by inviting "one's coach to a meeting of their LGBT employee-resource group or [inviting a coach to one's] church or synagogue or temple," she says.

3. Know your prospective mentor
Research the senior executive you want as a mentor to learn his or her educational and professional background. The information learned can serve as an opening to ask for the executive's mentoring expertise.

Dr. Cole says this is a great way to open the request for mentoring: "'I've read your biography and certainly know who you are; would you allow me to briefly share my story?'"

"Do your homework to learn who the coach is as a person," says Ward Gaffney. Your research can also help you determine whether or not the mentor is likely to be good for you. Earlier in her career, Ward Gaffney's excitement at being assigned to work with a female leader turned to disappointment when Ward Gaffney discovered that none of the female leader's past mentees were promoted after their time with her.

4. Set up specific expectations
The more specific you and your mentor are about each of your goals for the relationship, the more beneficial the relationship will be to both parties. Yarwood says using broad terms to define a mentoring relationship and not reporting the results will set up the relationship to fail. A common mistake she says is to use broad terms instead of being specific.

"Ask specific questions about where you want feedback or coaching, and when someone has invested time helping you, then let them know the result. That lets them know you're willing to get feedback and act on it," says Yarwood.

"You should always set up a professional-development contract, and that means you are proactively seeking an agreement with your coach that you will create a receptive relationship where you are willing to receive feedback," says Ward Gaffney. "The first thing you can say is that you want to be receptive and you want to have a dialogue with them. You have to establish intentions and actions at the beginning. You're trying to set up mutual accountability."

Mutual accountability gives both parties a framework for formal follow-up meetings at which you and your mentor share in your professional growth. Scheduling formal meetings will ensure that a mentor has set aside time for tutoring and is mentally present.

"[The person being coached] must develop the spirit around which you will receive feedback," says Ward Gaffney. "Consistently and strategically ask for feedback. Don't ask for feedback when the coach is pressed for time. You want to make sure you are letting the coach know you expect feedback. If you don't make time to receive feedback, then it looks like you don't want the feedback."

Make sure your goals include what you can do for your mentor. "This is a business relationship that is expected to benefit both parties. Establish that reciprocity is going on," says Dr. Cole.

Mentoring relationships that focus only on what the mentor can provide dissolve because of a lack of reciprocity, says Dr. Cole: "Any human relationship involves reciprocity." She adds that an executive should involve their mentor in their extracurricular business activities.

5. Show that you learn from mistakes; don't be afraid to fail
It is the demonstration of leadership skills that eventually earns an executive a leadership position. One method to show leadership is by admitting you don't know it all and that you can and do make mistakes.

"I think a good leader is willing to show other people that they don't know everything, that they have frailties and that they're willing to honestly share that with other people," says Douglas. "That opens them up to learning when they admit they don't know everything."

And do not fear failure. "Failure is one of the best ways to grow and learn. Until we have some [failures], we go through life merrily thinking about life one way. Failure is about growth and learning from that," says Douglas.

Tell your mentor what you've learned. "Always indicate you're learning and willing to stretch yourself because then people see you're not stuck in your comfort zone and seek continued improvement and to stretch your skill set," says Ward Gaffney. "If after receiving feedback, you crumble, people will say, 'I'll never coach that person again. We should critique ourselves but not so that we critique ourselves out of action."

These are great tips on how everyone can be coachable.

To your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Coachability Quiz?

2011-04-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Last Week,I posted an article about how coachable do you think you really are. Today I found a Coachability Quiz that will let you know how coachable you really are.

I believe that most people are coachable but they're not always coachable at every point in time.
Sometimes people want change (or others around them want them to change), but they may not be currently open to changing their beliefs, behaviors and actions.
If that's the case, coaching won't work, and it's better to wait until you're more open to change to try coaching. Here's a quick quiz to find out if you're currently ready to benefit from coaching.

Select the number which comes closest to representing how true the statement is for you right now. Then, score yourself, using the key at the bottom of the page. Your coach needs for you to be at the place in life where you are coachable. This quiz helps the coach - and you - to discover how coachable you are, right now.

The scoring is the follwoing: 1 2 3 4 5, 1-2 Less True Statement and 3-5 More True Statement

I can be relied upon to be on time for all calls and appointments.

This is the right time for me to accept coaching.

I am fully willing to do the work and let the coach do the coaching.

I keep my word without struggling or sabotaging.

I'll give the coach the benefit of the doubt and "try on" new concepts or different ways of doing things.

I will speak straight (tell the truth) to the coach.

If I feel that I am not getting what I need or expect from the coach. I will share this as soon as I sense it and demand that I get what I want and need from the relationship.

I am willing to stop or change the self-defeating behaviors, which limit my success.

I am someone who can share the credit for my success with the coach.

I have adequate funds to pay for coaching and will not regret or suffer about the fee. I see coaching as a worthwhile investment for my life.

Total Scoring Key
10 - 20 Not coachable right now.
21 - 30 Coachable, but make sure ground rules are honored!
31 - 40 Coachable
41 - 50 Very Coachable; ask the coach to demand a lot from you!

Congratulations. By taking the time to conduct this brief self-test, you have just taken a small step towards exploring if having a coach in your corner is the next best step for you.

Survey courtesy of and copyrighted by Coach U Inc., www.coachu.com @2001, Coachville.com

Hopefully this helps!

Have a great day and to your success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Are You Coachable?

2011-04-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Are you coachable? This is a great question! To be successful in any business, you have to be coachable. Let's face it when we start a business we do not know all of the answers and we need to look to our mentor or whoever for advice.

Let us look at he definition of coachable which is from the Webster Dictionary:
The state or condition of being coachable or coachable - Able to be coached effectively.

The following article is from Management Craft, which can help put you on the right track of being coachable.

Are you Being Coachable?

Want to have a breakthrough? Breakthroughs happen when we let them - which for most of us, rarely occurs. Our habits, hang-ups, assumptions, and lack of self-confidence get in the way. I call this collection of internal mental responses coachability.
Coachability is the extent that we hear and utilize outside input and influences. To produce breakthroughs, we need to be coachable.

Here's what it looks like when we are coachable:
We do not get defensive when people offer alternatives or disagree.
We invite and appreciate feedback.
We ask peers, team members, managers and others to offer coaching - yes, we think being coached is a GOOD thing!
We think about, process, consider, and occasionally use ideas we get from others.
We stay on a learning curve - keep challenging ourselves.
We know and can openly discuss our strengths and weaknesses.
We handle failures well (hostestly, constructively, quickly getting into action to solve).

And when we are being uncoachable:
We don't listen and an invisible barrier goes up when others offer ideas.
We get defensive - we need to be right!
We do all our own thinking - only the weak ask for input!
We are not interested in being coached.
We are neither aware of nor willing to talk about our weaknesses.
We intrpret suggestions as criticism - we take everything personally.
We dismiss the ideas and assistance of others.
We can improve our coachability by:
Adopting a belief that to achieve our goals, we need to be highly coachable. When we are coachable, success comes easily and quickly.
Change how we define “looking good” or “doing a good job.”
Reverse our belief that we need to be right to be a success. We will create more success if we focus on getting results and utilizing many ideas and perspectives.
Recognize that there are times when we are more coachable than others. For me, 3pm to 5pm is the time I find toughest to concentrate unless I consume vast quantities of chocolate. This would be a bad time to seek input or coaching (unless the aforementioned chocolate had hit my bloodstream, then it would be fine).
Ask for coaching. Ask for ideas. Ask for input. Get into dialogue about the things that matter to you.

A few things to consider about coachability:
We are all coachable some of the time and uncoachable some of the time.
Some of us are uncoachable most of the time - yikes! (and a joy to work with, I am sure).
You can go from being uncoachable to being coachable in an instant. Breakthroughs can occur in a moment.

How coachable are you - I mean right now? Be honest with yourself because if you want to succeed being coachable is very important.

To your success,

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Acres of Diamonds

2011-04-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting Americans who lived in the 19th century was a man by the name of Russell Herman Conwell. He was born in 1843 and lived until 1925. He was a lawyer for about
fifteen years until he became a clergyman.

One day, a young man went to him and told him he wanted a college education but couldn't swing it financially. Dr. Conwell decided, at that moment, what his aim in life was, besides
being a man of the cloth - that is. He decided to build a university
for unfortunate, but deserving, students. He did have a challenge
however. He would need a few million dollars to build the university.
For Dr. Conwell, and anyone with real purpose in life, nothing could
stand in the way of his goal.

Several years before this incident, Dr. Conwell was tremendously intrigued by a true story - with its ageless moral. The story was about a farmer who lived in Africa and through a visitor became tremendously excited about looking for diamonds. Diamonds were already discovered in abundance on the African continent and this
farmer got so excited about the idea of millions of dollars worth of
diamonds that he sold his farm to head out to the diamond line. He wandered all over the continent, as the years slipped by, constantly searching for diamonds, wealth, which he never found. Eventually he went completely broke and threw himself into a river and drowned.

Meanwhile, the new owner of his farm picked up an unusual looking rock about the size of a country egg and put it on his mantle as a sort of curiosity. A visitor stopped by and in viewing the rock practically went into terminal convulsions. He told the new owner of the farm that the funny looking rock on his mantle was about the biggest diamond that had ever been found. The new owner of the farm
said, "Heck, the whole farm is covered with them" - and sure enough it was.

The farm turned out to be the Kimberly Diamond Mine...the richest the world has ever known. The original farmer was literally standing on "Acres of Diamonds" until he sold his farm.

Dr. Conwell learned from the story of the farmer and continued to teach it's moral. Each of us is right in the middle of our own "Acre of Diamonds", if only we would realize it and develop theground we are standing on before charging off in search of greener pastures. Dr. Conwell told this story many times and attracted enormous
audiences. He told the story long enough to have raised the money to
start the college for underprivileged deserving students. In fact, he
raised nearly six million dollars and the university he founded, Temple
University in Philadelphia, has at least ten degree-granting colleges
and six other schools.

When Doctor Russell H. Conwell talked about each of us being right on our own "Acre of Diamonds", he meant it. This story does not get old...it will be true forever.

Opportunity does not just come along - it is there all the time - we just have to see it.

Earl Nightingale
1921-1989, From Our Changing World Radio Transcript
Author of The Strangest Secret

This is such a great story. We all have opportunities in our lives and we all will find our acres of Diamonds, whatever that may be.

I hope this has given you hope in some way.

Good Luck with all of your opportunities.

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

Handling Change

2011-04-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

Change: We can actually choose to embrace it; or completely resist it!

We are at a time in our lives when there is much change occurring; and we are more frequently being faced with choices! We often don't see them
as choices; but that's what they are!

We are being given a multitude of opportunities to actually embrace change; or to resist it! This applies equally in our business and personal lives.

Sometimes the necessity for change just happens, and sometimes it is forced upon us quite unexpectedly!

Either way, we are often faced with tough decisions to make and our attitude towards our circumstance s are critical to whether we just survive, or come out thriving!

At other times we need to investigate the change ourselves: and its times
like these that we often have to admit to ourselves that something, or
someone, just isn't working in our lives any more. You might be feeling
like you're in one of those ruts which creep into our lives from time
to time? If you are, remember that a rut is really a grave with the
ends kicked out of it, and it is time to do something, perhaps!

Sure, we have very challenging choices to make when this sort of stuff occurs
in our lives; but we need to make those choices; act upon them; and
move on as wiser people.

Whether you are faced with change that creeps up and bites you on the butt; or whether you have to create a change for your own sake; the ability to accept things as they are, and move forward, is critical. One door closes; another one opens!

Do your best to remember this paradox of life: We can often stare for so long at the door which has closed; that we can miss a new one which has opened!

It is actually very easy to resist change; but keep in mind that resisting
change is actually hard work! Quite often, we don't even know that we
are resisting it; so like most other things in life, it's about being
aware!

Right now, change is being forced upon us in many ways; and for some of us, that could possibly be overwhelming. My suggestion for anyone who is feeling the pinch, is to remember that, necessity is the mother of invention so if you can get yourself into embracing the change which is forcing itself upon you, and get creative, then you may come out of your own situation absolutely shining!

Yes folks, our attitude towards change, does make all the difference!

We can choose to Embrace it ... or Resist it!

Remember: None of us have to do it tough on our own ... ever!
Because: doing it tough on our own ... is also a choice!

Phil Evans
Phil Evans is a Motivator, Business Coach and Inspirational Writer based in Australia.

I love this article and it is so true, it is all about how we respond! So, I choose to embrace it!

I hope this has helped you in some way.

To Your Future!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

Thinking For A Change

2011-04-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

"Thinking for a Change"
by John C. Maxwell

"You can find many big-picture thinkers who
aren't leaders, but you will find few leaders who are
not big-picture thinkers. Leaders must be able to do
many important things for their people:

1. See the Vision Before Their people.
That's one of the reasons they are able to lead.
Leaders not only see the big picture before others
do, they also see more of it. This allows them to...
2. Size up situations, taking into account many
variables.
Leaders who see the big picture discern possible
possibilities as well as problems. As Max De
Pree says, the first responsibility of a leader is to
define reality. Doing that allows the leader to form
a foundation to build the vision. Once leaders
have done that, they can ..
3. Sketch a picture of where the team is going.
Too often when people present the big picture, it is
drawn up as a bright image without any challenges
or obstacles. That false portrait leads only to
discouragement when followers actually take the
journey.
The goals of leaders shouldn't be merely to make
their people feel good, but to help them be good
and accomplish the dream. The vision, shown
accurately, will allow leaders to. . .
4. Seize the moment when the timing is right. In
leadership, when to move is as important as what you
do. As Winston Churchill said, "There comes a special
moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that
person was born. When he seizes it . . . it is his
finest hour."
"People who are constantly looking at the whole
picture have the best chance of succeeding in any
endeavor." John Maxwell
This incredible book teaches not what to think,
but how to think - how to best use one of your most
precious possessions - your mind. He's considered
one of the foremost experts on leadership and has
written many books on the subject of leadership.
In this book he explores the topics such as
Focused Thinking, Creative Thinking, Strategic
Thinking and Possibility Thinking.

I hope this helps you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

I Do It Right - Remember These 10 Keys!

2011-03-31T14:15:00.001-07:00

• Integrity: Means always be honest. Know your principles and stand by them.
• Determination: Make up your mind to be successful. Resolve to let nothing stand in your way.
• Openness: To people, ideas and situations broadens our options and widens our perspective.
• Initiative: Means to act independently when necessary. Make a plan, and then begin to work on it. No plan is perfect, so do not wait until yours is before you begin to act.
• Resilience: Picks you up when a setback knocks you down. Recommit to your vision of success. Reaffirm your confidence in yourself. Then move on toward your goal.
• Imagination: Allows us to see the future. Develop and maintain the perspective of a child. Wonder why not and what if. Many successes come from seeing an old idea in a new way.
• Gratitude: Is an active way to thank others. Pass on to others the same help and prosperity you have received.
• Humility: Recognizes that success is usually the result of the effort and cooperation of many people. It is seldom the product of solitary actions.
• Think of others first: All of us serve others in some capacity. Use your abilities fully to help others benefit from their contact with you.

Read these 10 keys until you have them memorized and you can recall them simply by remembering “I do it right.” If you review these keys a few times a day they will help you remember what you have done so far that day. This should keep you focus regarding the path to follow that leads to your success.

I hope this has helped you in some way!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

The Beauty of Living a Grateful Life by Melissa McCreery, PhD, ACC

2011-03-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for more ease in your life? Do you wish things flowed better? I don’t have a magic solution for you, but I do know a simple tool that, when leveraged, makes life smoother and more pleasant—and it’s free and at your fingertips. How about serving up a bit more gratitude?

We all know that gratitude is a good thing. By gratitude, I’m talking about that deep peaceful sense of appreciation and thankfulness we feel for certain realities and people in our lives. Liberally and authentically applied, gratitude has the ability to work wonders. We don’t just give thanks and gratitude. Our ability to connect with our sense of gratitude has the power to profoundly affect who and how we are in the world.

Here are three ways that gratitude can make your life flow better:

Create more happiness: Taking time out to identify and name the things and people that we are grateful for on a regular basis increases our feelings of well-being and contentment. The simple act of noting three things we are thankful for on a daily basis has been shown to increase feelings of happiness, decrease feelings of depression, and be such a positive experience that subjects in one study continued doing it long after the study was over.

Create more positive relationships: We all love to be appreciated. Expressing our gratitude obviously creates good will—and increases the odds that we’ll see more of the qualities we expressed appreciation for. Expressing genuine gratitude is a way (albeit after the fact) of expressing what we want and need. When we let someone know that we are truly thankful for something they say or do or convey, we are also letting them know something about how they can and do help and support us—and they’ll know that going forward. Expressing gratitude to another is also a mood enhancer. It’s not only kind, it makes us feel good to express gratitude.

Create a mindshift: We tend to see what we are focused on and miss the things we aren’t looking for. Let’s face it. When we are too busy or too stressed, we often get focused on the “un-done,” “the not-working” and the negative aspects of our life. It’s an unpleasant, energy-depleting cycle. We don’t tend to see what we’ve crossed off our to-do list as clearly as we see the things we didn’t get to. Increasing the focus on gratitude shifts our focus. When we start to look more closely for the things that we appreciate, we start to notice more of them. Looking for, noticing, and expressing thankfulness can create a mindshift which leads to an increasingly positive feedback loop of identifying and creating more gratifying experiences.

Here’s a tip about gratitude—leverage it. As you identify what you are thankful for, don’t simply acknowledge it. Find ways to lean into your gratitude. Are you spending enough time with the people who you really truly feel grateful for having in your life? Do you share your appreciation? Are you savoring the things or the qualities of your life that fill you up and leave you thankful? Are you allowing yourself to thoroughly soak up the experiences that make up your “things I am grateful for” list each day? Allowing yourself to be present with your gratitude is one of the most inspiring gifts you can give yourself.

I love this article! I believe people needed to be reminded about what wonderful blessings they have in their life. I know sometimes I do, but after reading this article I will not need to be reminded again.

I hope this has helped you with some aspect of your life.

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Tips For Starting A Business

2011-03-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

We know what it’s like. You have a great idea and are ready to begin building your business, but how do you know where to start? What are the first steps that you should take? Below are a few tips to get you started in the right direction.

Have a Plan & Work That Plan
The first step toward starting a business is to have a plan in place. Most successful businesses take the time to make sure they have a blueprint to success, a plan. When you have a blueprint and a direction to go, you will be so much more successful. There are many free resources across the Internet that can aid you in structuring and thinking through the writing of your business plan. Once you get the plan in place, follow it!

Don’t Try To Do It All Yourself
A wise business owner knows that they can’t do it alone. Even if you have a small budget to begin with, you can enlist the help of a virtual assistant or possibly volunteers or mentors. Get more on board who have experience that can help you in your business.

Know Your Audience (and why they would be interested in your products or services)
Who are you trying to reach? Who needs your product or information? Take the time to do market research and list out who you are selling to and where you can find them – both online and offline. This will help you both when creating the product/service and in your marketing efforts. Also, make sure you keep in touch with your audience and find out how they feel. You can easily create surveys and find out valuable information about what they really think.

Be Clear On Your Rates
You must be clear not only with potential clients, but you must know for yourself what you need to earn. Be brutally honest with yourself about how much you need to earn to keep your business afloat. Now set realistic goals and figure out how to make that happen. Remember in setting your rates that often times you are selling the value of your services or products, and not necessarily the service or product itself.

You Gotta Want It
Someone asked me once why I thought some entrepreneurs succeeded while others, just as talented, failed. My answer? Those that succeeded wanted it bad enough to do whatever it took to make it happen. Running a business isn’t easy, especially in the beginning. There will be long hours, tough critics and disappointments that can’t be prepared for. The entrepreneur who works through the tough times is the one who succeeds in the end.

Get Busy
Don’t wait until you “have it all together” to take that first step – it will never happen. If you have a great idea and have done enough planning to know where you’re headed, go for it. Be prepared to learn some lessons. Be prepared to make changes along the way. But, if you never take the first step you’ll never know the joy of the journey.

———–
Jill Hart of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. and Diana Ennen of VirtualWordPublishing.com are the co-authors of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom. For more tips visit http://SoYouWantToBeaWAHM.com.

I love this article from Jill Hart and Diana Ennen. They give such great advice and it is very realistic, as well as honest advice. Check out their website for more great information, www.cwahm.com. I listen to their tips!

To your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com!

What are you putting on your body?

2011-03-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products, and save money!

What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)

By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola

Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.

We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.

Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.

Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.

These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.

The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.

Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).

Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.

Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.

In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?

Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.

The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.

You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.

I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Great Advice For Anyone Who Wants To Start A Home Business!

2011-03-08T17:26:00.001-08:00

Law of the Garbage Truck

2011-02-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.
My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.
As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
so ... Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a garbage-free day!

"Faith is not believing God can, it is knowing that God will."

This was sent to me wih no author. I love this and it is so true. My hope is that this has inspired you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Would you agree that owning your own business is the best way to get ahead?

2011-02-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

The truth is, most people that are in business for themselves are the people who have built the biggest fortunes and have created financial security for their families.

Sadly most don't have the means, entrepreneurial spirit or know-how to do it.
Think about it for a second. Suppose you wanted to start your own business, let's say a retail store. What do you need to have in place to do it?
• Huge Investment of Cash
• Money for building and/or rent.
• Money for inventory/product.
• Employees
• Payroll Staff
• Management Staff
• Ordering Staff
• Computers
• Racks etc. to hold products
• Cash Registers/Debit Machines
• Legal Department
• And the list goes on...
What if you could start your own successful business for $29 and everything was already in place for you.

What if:
• You had access to hundreds of consumable products backed by 25 years of research and patents that were better and less expensive than the competition?
• You had access to millions of square feet of manufacturing and distribution facilities?
• You had access to millions of dollars worth of computers to handle payroll, orders, taxes etc?
• You had access to a legal team ?
• You had access to hundreds of employees to take orders and service your customers?
• You had access to a research and development team and sales literature?
• Your customers purchased every month? They came back and shopped month after month after month?
• Everything was guaranteed?
• You could build your business to the size of thousands of dollars of residual income each month?
• You could see the average annual incomes of current business owners as well as the average time it takes business owners to achieve them?
• All you had to do to build your business was to promote the products/company and set up customer accounts?
• You had all of that, and your only investment was some of your time and $29 (that was guaranteed) ?
It amazes me why anyone that really wants to make some positive changes wouldn't jump in with both feet and create a great life! Or at the very least learn everything they could about to make an educated, informed decision.

Shhhhh...do you hear the door of opportunity opening?

Some Do, Some Don't.

Which one are you?

To your success,

Donna Stewart
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families to Achieve Their Goals since 1999!

Donna is so right this is the best way to get ahead! I love the freedom to work from home and be able to stay with my son. It is the best thing in the world and I am so grateful to have found the Internet Ceo Moms.

For more information visit my website at www.momsforgreen.com

On This Day Poem

2011-02-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

To some people February 14th is just another day.
For me this is a day to take time and say... I love you.
Stop, and think what we've been through and how much are love as grew.
Yes, we fight,
And I've lied,
But never forget for you I would die.
Everyday I see your beautiful, smiling face,
And there are moments that I stare and you take my breath away,
and leave me with nothing to say,
On this special day,
I ask myself how it is possible to love a person so much.
My heart has been permanently touched.
All the tears and pain seem to go away.
The pieces of my heart that were chiseled away, you make them ok.
Once there was a deep dark hole nobody could touch,
Until you came and filled it with all your love.
On this special day I want you to know,
I love you,
More than I could write down, tell, explain or even try to show,
In this life or the next.
I've done things I regret,
And they hurt you inside and made you cry,
But let those things die,
Not you and I.
I want to be with you the rest of my life,
Until the day I say good-bye.
So on this Valentines Day I want to say,
I love you and will always be with you.

Read More: On This Day, Romantic Valentines Day Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/valentine/poetry.asp?poem=6466#ixzz1DyZdHeYq

I love this poem, it really says it all! I hope everyone has a great Valetines Day!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999

Simple Things That Can Make You Feel Happy and Reduce Stress

2011-02-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Smile

Laugh

Go For A Walk In The Park

Order Ice Cream

Laugh

Sing

Pray

Extend Forgiveness

Whistle

Eat Your Favorite Food

Listen To Music

Exercise On A Consistent Basis

Play A Clean Practical Joke On Someone

Get More Exercise

Jump Or Skip Like A Child

Delegate Projects To Capable People

Set Goals

Plan Early For Deadlines

Get Enough Sleep

Take A Vacation

Leave 15 Minutes Earlier To Avoid Rushing

Continue To Grow Spiritually

Minimize Complaining

Hug Everyone You Know

Volunteer For Community Service Projects

I hope this helps you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Posture - Do you feel you are capable to do what you are doing?

2011-02-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

The Internet Ceo Mom has weekly training calls with the entire team. These calls are amazing! This weeks call is all about having posture and two of our leaders gave us the following information.

You need every 10 ingredients for Posture! It will not work with leaving one of these ingredients out.

1. Why - Everyone needs a strong Why in this business. It will keep you on track. Where do you see yourself in a year? It is deeper than money. Pin it up in your computer so you see it day in and day out. Keep in mind that your why may change throughout your business and be open to it.
2. Trust – A person on whom or a thing in which one is able to rely. Rely on yourself. Your decision to build this business. It effects on how you build your business. Trust in the company and team.
3. Conviction – Is a strong belief in what you are doing and having a compass. It directs where you what to go in life.
4. Belief – They all reflect in believing in yourself, you have to be capable on making your dreams come true. It affects your momentum. You must believe in your mojo!
5. Confidence – Having confidence in yourself and your ability to succeed. Don’t say things to your self like I can’t, you should say How can I? Be confident in what you do know.
6. Certainty - You trust your decisions and you can figure out any obstacle. Have no doubts in what you are sharing with others and feel you are in the right place, at the right time and with the right team.
7. Passion – Wow! We can never get enough passion! You need to have it and have excitement and enthusiasm for what you are doing! Sound like you have passion and love what you are doing. You have to love what you are doing when you get up in the morning. There is nothing else you would rather be doing. If I am having success then everyone around me should have success. Make others happy and in return you will be happy. People join you, not Internet Ceo Moms! You should not have to work for passion, it comes out naturally. Gaining knowledge will give you passion.
8. Sincerity – Be Real! That is all you have to do! Be yourself with all of the above ingredients! Use your own tone of voice! Find your own words! Be professional and be genuine and have integrity. Do what you say you are going to do and be who you say you are.
9. Knowledge – You should know what you are doing and representing. Knowledge means getting a career/value pack, so you know the company you are representing. You need to be a product of the product. Learn about the other companies out there like, Mary Kay so you can talk about the differences intelligently. Knowledge gives you the best results. I would not spend all of your day trying to research other companies. Doing the activities you should be doing. It hurts your business if you do not get the value pack right away. It comes with a big old bag of belief.
10. Honesty - If you do not know the answer, find it out. Do not make something up. Being honest with you and complete training. What can I approve on? What do I need to do better today? Honest inventory you know where you need to go so what are you going to do? Go to your enroller to help keep you honest. Make sure you are being completely honest with you. The truth is good enough – Frank Vandersloot.

You need posture to have success in this business and you must have all of the ingredients. Figure out which ingredients you are missing and go get it! You need them all for success. What happens if you were a Senior Director today how would you talk to people? Have that mindset that you are a Senior Director. Think big even if only one person is listening.

This was an incredible training call! It is all true, you must have these attributes to be successful in any business.

I hope this information has helped you and it can be applied to any aspect of your life.

For more information on the Internet Ceo Moms see my website at www.momsforgreen.com.

Have a great day!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
www.MomsForGreen.com!

10 Quotes for Moms by Erika Carrillo

2011-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Being a Stay at Home Mom is the most rewarding job, but it’s not always an easy task. As a Mother to my 3 ½ year old Son and 2 year old Daughter, things may get a bit hectic. Apparently three is the new two. My 2 year old daughter seems to be following her brother’s footsteps. Who knows what I’m in for next???

Between the never ending laundry and dirty diapers, some days are harder than others. While being a Stay at Home Mom to my two kids can be a handful, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. At the end of the day I like to sit back, and think of a couple sweet moments my kids and I shared!

I’ve found these 10 Great Quotes for Moms that show the value of being a Mother. They have helped me realize what a blessing it is to be a Mom! I hope you enjoy, just as much as I do!

1. I know how to do anything – I’m a Mom. ~Roseanne Barr

2. Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B.

3. Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

4. Make a memory with your children, spend some time to show you care, toys and trinkets can’t replace those precious moments that you share. ~Elaine Hardt

5. Making the decision to have a child-it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

6. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother. ~Lin Yutang

7. When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren

8. Only mothers can think of the future – because they give birth to it in their children. ~Maxim Gorky

9. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln

10. The phrase “working mother” is redundant. ~Jane Sellman

Until next time… Enjoy Life, every day is a blessing!

Thanks so much Erika! Great Quotes! She is a member of Internet Ceo Moms!

I hope you enjoyed!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Working From Home Since 1999!

Would You Agree that Owning a Business is the Best Way to Get Ahead?

2011-01-26T05:07:00.000-08:00

The truth is, most people that are in business for themselves are the people who have built the biggest fortunes and have created financial security for their families.

Sadly most don't have the means, entrepreneurial spirit or know-how to do it.
Think about it for a second. Suppose you wanted to start your own business, let's say a retail store. What do you need to have in place to do it?
• Huge Investment of Cash
• Money for building and/or rent.
• Money for inventory/product.
• Employees
• Payroll Staff
• Management Staff
• Ordering Staff
• Computers
• Racks etc. to hold products
• Cash Registers/Debit Machines
• Legal Department
• And the list goes on...
What if you could start your own successful business for $29 and everything was already in place for you.

What if:
• You had access to hundreds of consumable products backed by 25 years of research and patents that were better and less expensive than the competition?
• You had access to millions of square feet of manufacturing and distribution facilities?
• You had access to millions of dollars worth of computers to handle payroll, orders, taxes etc?
• You had access to a legal team ?
• You had access to hundreds of employees to take orders and service your customers?
• You had access to a research and development team and sales literature?
• Your customers purchased every month? They came back and shopped month after month after month?
• Everything was guaranteed?
• You could build your business to the size of thousands of dollars of residual income each month?
• You could see the average annual incomes of current business owners as well as the average time it takes business owners to achieve them?
• All you had to do to build your business was to promote the products/company and set up customer accounts?
• You had all of that, and your only investment was some of your time and $29 (that was guaranteed) ?
It amazes me why anyone that really wants to make some positive changes wouldn't jump in with both feet and create a great life! Or at the very least learn everything they could about to make an educated, informed decision.

Shhhhh...do you hear the door of opportunity opening?

Some Do, Some Don't.

Which one are you?

Donna Stewart
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families to Achieve Their Goals since 1999!

Donna is so right this is the best way to get ahead! I love the freedom to work from home and be able to stay with my son. It is the best thing in the world and I am so grateful to have found the Internet Ceo Moms.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families To Achieve Their Goals Since 1999!

The "IT" Factor" by Donna Stewart

2011-01-24T18:32:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "The 'IT' Factor" pertaining to successful people. They have " IT ".

The "It" factor is one of those undefined and subjective attributes that you either have or you don't. And for those who don't have "It," this undeniable "It" factor is more than just an attractive quality... it's also a hallmark of success. And 'It' falls into the category of you-know-it-when-you-see-it.

The plain truth is that those who have 'It' are just like you. The difference is that they are aware of and have practiced and mastered the fundamental skills of engagement to accomplish whatever it is they want to accomplish. In a nutshell, this is something you can learn. If you want to achieve something bad enough, you will find a way to do it.

With that being said, it's your reason or your "Why" that will keep you on task. But your reason MUST be strong enough.

Here are 5 "Must Do"s" to creating a strong "Why", to help you stay on task with and to accomplish your goals. MAKE SURE YOU WRITE YOUR ANSWERS OUT. IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

Ask yourself:

Why do you want to accomplish XYZ??

Next, expand on your why: When I accomplish this, it will mean this .....(fill in)............. to me.

3rd, expand further: When I accomplish this, it will mean this .....(fill in)............ to those I love.

4th, expand again:When I accomplish this I will feel ......(include at least 5 emotions)................ .

5th.....SHARE it in the written form with someone.

Donna Stewart
Founder, Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Achieve their goals since 1999!

Donna is so right! I believe everyone has a strong Why! I know my Why keeps me going! I am saving for my sons education and I have been able to put a substantial amount of money in his education fund every month thanks to Internet Ceo Moms. Just figure out your Why that will motivate you to keep moving forward because it is worth it!

To Your Success,

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home Since 1999!

The Paradoxical Commandments

2011-01-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

These are great pieces of wisdom we should all live by in our lives and building our businesses. I know I love the fact that I am able to help so many families in my business. I know it is important for my husband and I to show these qualities in order to be a role model for our son.

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Families Work From Home Since 1999!

Our Quest For Happiness by Frank Vandersloot

2011-01-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

I believe that a factor that is often overlooked in our search for happiness is the tremendous impact that our own moral compass has on our happiness. We all seem to have a moral compass--something inside of us that tells us what is morally "right" and what is morally "wrong". It's something that is inside each of us. When we live and act within the boundaries of our moral compass, we have peace of mind. When we find ourselves living or acting outside the boundaries of our moral compass, we don't like ourselves. And when we don't like ourselves we can never be happy. I suspect that this phenomenon has the greatest impact on our happiness. Liking who we are is, I believe, the most important aspect of finding happiness. I have often imagined a man standing in front of a mirror when he is 90 years old and saying to the person in the mirror, "I know you. I know everything about you. I know everything you've ever done. I know every thought you've ever had. I know every mistake you've ever made. And I know what you have done to try to correct those things. And therefore I like you. And I trust you!" I think that would be the ultimate test of our lives. If we can pass that test, we will have passed the test of life. We will like ourselves. And we will have lived a happy life.

I agree with Frank, it is so important to live by our values and morals. I am so thankful and blessed to find a company that has the same morals as I do, as well as having an ethical CEO like Frank Vandersloot. Frank Vandersloot has been the CEO of Melaleuca for 25 years. Melaleuca has grown every year since 1985 and in 2010 it grew to over 900 Million. Frank has stayed true to his morals and values which has contributed to the success of Melaleuca! I know I am proud to to have Frank as our CEO.

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home Since 1999!

Simple Ways To Save Money In 2011

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Simple Ways To Save $$$$$$$$

-Develop A Workable Budget / Monthly Spending Plan

-Avoid Eating Out (Cook Dinner At Home or Take Your Lunch To Work)

-Pay Your Bills On Time To Avoid Late Fees

-Avoid Buying Items Out Of Vending Machines

-Avoid Buying Coffee at Coffee Shops

-Avoid Impulse Buying

-Buy Online And Avoid Going To Stores, It Helps Avoiding Impulse Buying

-Keep Your Car As Long As Possible (Avoid Car Payments)

-Pay Cash

-Cut Up All Credit Cards Except Have One Credit Car For Emergencies (If You Are Using Credit Cards, You Are Probably Over Spending)

-Shop At Thrift Stores/Consignment Stores

-Sell Items At Consignment Stores, Craigs List, Etc.

-Avoid ATM Fees From Other Banks

-Make A List Before Going To The Grocery Store

-Shop At A Grocery Store Where You Can Save Money At The Pump

-Buy Concentrated Products, They Last Longer And Saves You Money In The Long Run (It Saves The Environment)

-Buy Generic Products Whenever Possible

-Develop A Workable Budget

-Avoid Check Cashing / Pay Day Loan Places

-Seek Higher Insurance Deductibles

-Save 6 to 9 Months Of Income For Emergencies

-Buy Term Life Insurance And Invest The Difference

-Stop Trying To Keep Up With The Jones Family

-Enroll In A Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class

-Find An Online Financial Calculator That Will Help You Save Money For Your Future

Just doing these simple items above, has helped our family save money for our future and for our sons future. I hope this has given you some ideas!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Familes Work From Home Since 1999!

Business Vision - Think Big!

2011-01-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our success is a work in progress and the definition changes and grows as we do. From where you stand right now what is the grandest vision that you can imagine for your future? What does it really look like and what are all the details that make up that vision? This is the fun part, allow yourself to really think big. Don't worry that you will disappoint yourself, don't judge if it is possible, just take a few minutes to ponder and ask yourself, "what do I really really want, what would be absolutely amazing to have?"

Think with a pad of paper and jot down all your ideas, look over the ideas and write down additional thoughts that come up. I know some ideas will seem pretty far out in the future, while others will seem very near and totally doable. Highlight one thing that is a part of your vision for business success and set out to make it happen right now. What will it take? What resources are necessary, who can you ask for help or support? Who do you know, or have read about that has made something similar happen and what are some of the steps and mindsets that made it possible for them?

Our vision can become our reality if we put it out there and dare to acknowledge that we want it. Then we take small steps every day to move toward that vision. Just start with small wins to build your confidence and your momentum and continue to push yourself for bigger and bigger goals that make up the ideal future. It can be scary, I know. But would you rather be scared and moving toward an exciting possibility or would you rather sit safely back and talk about what you could do, or could have done if you had really really wanted to? Now is the time to take action and create your business success anyway you can dream, don't let another day go by were you sit and think about it, do it!!

Helen Raptoplous has been called a Muse Mentor by her clients and the premier catalyst for business owners to grow and keep moving their business forward.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Raptoplous

I hope you enjoyed by Helen Raptoplous! It is very true you must think big with your vision otherwise, it may not happen!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home Since 1999!

Are you in Love With Your Business?

2011-01-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

This is a great article by Jayn Warrilow. She is right to be successful in your business you must by love what you do!

Jayne Warrilow is the President and Founder of MAX Executive Coaching and the MAX Coaching Academy. Max Executive Coaching - She has over 15 years ... Article Word Count: 1626 [View Summary] Comments (0)

As an entrepreneur you have a tremendous opportunity to embrace what you do with passion. You have an entire business landscape before you to accomplish whatever it is you desire. You are truly without limits. There are no earning caps or time clocks or people to tell you what to do and what not to do - the only limits are those you place upon yourself. If you are like most business owners you probably became self-employed because you were attracted to the idea of more personal freedom. You wanted to be your own boss and had some great ideas you wanted to try. You were passionate about those ideas. In the early days, I bet you were full of passion and excitement, like the first days of a new romance. All you could think about or talk about was your business - it was an exciting time. However since then, you will have been through a lot. You've worked hard and will have received some level of rewards. Your love of the business will have ebbed and flowed. Ask yourself now, are you in love with your business still? or has it merely turned into a long-term partner, a reliable companion?

If you answered the latter then it is time for you to rekindle the flame. Desire is key. It is desire that acts as the rocket fuel to success and propels individuals who would otherwise slip into mediocrity to the top of their field. In the words of Will Rogers "If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you're doing, love what you're doing and believe in what you're doing."

Here are some suggestions for you to reconnect with your original passion:

1. Get present You are unlikely to achieve success if you lose yourself within your business. Too many entrepreneurs work so hard and such long hours that they forget to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor. They are so busy working in their business that they forget to work on their business. It is really easy to lose sight of everything you have achieved since you first began, as many of us are already focusing our sights on what is happening next week, next month and next year. Get present. Bring yourself into the now and realise everything you have accomplished as an entrepreneur. Consider all of your customers, whose lives you have not only touched but improved with your product or service. Think about your employees and how you support them and their families. Think about your business, your products and services, the feedback you have received on why people buy from you. Think about what you do well and everything you have learned along the way. Think about yourself as a business leader and how your confidence has grown alongside your business. Enhance the positive and notice how you feel. There is a lot to appreciate and we don't do it often enough. So make sure you take the time to get present and realise how far you have come since the day you first began.

2. Know your why Remind yourself why you went into business in the first place, what were your original dreams? What was important to you back then? How do your business goals fit in with your personal goals and life purpose? Get back in touch with your initial motivations to remind you of the bigger reasons behind what you are trying to achieve.

3. Think big Let go of your limiting beliefs and expand your belief system. Most people who are stuck in a rut suffer from limited thinking, the nagging doubts that set in when we question whether we deserve the success we strive for. Fear and apathy are the greatest obstacles to success and need to be banished from your life. Give yourself permission to succeed. Think big, believe big and you will achieve big. Everyone who is extremely successful in business today, all started out somewhere and most of them had humble beginnings. Many of the men and women who lead America's Fortune 500 companies started out with nothing but saw beyond the low expectations of those around them. They thought big. They continuously expanded their belief systems and stepped onto their learning edge, pushing themselves beyond what others around them may have believed possible until their dreams became a reality. You have the same power. All of us do. If you set your goals with true passion you will believe in the potential of what is possible for you. So what are you waiting for? Expand your horizons, even if at first you find it challenging. Affirm all that you are and all that you want to be. See what happens to your life if you act as if anything were possible, if you open yourself to the opportunities around you - the results will amaze you.

4. Follow your bliss Everybody has certain things which they love to do within their business, those things that we have a natural talent for and which feed our energy. Then there are the other things, those that drain the very life force from us, which we usually try not to do. Find what you love to do and do more of it. Where possible delegate the energy drains to other people. This will help to support your passion and keep your personal energy high, to drive your business to success. Also every market has certain people you naturally feel connected to and like to be around. When the energy is right you have a tremendous opportunity to go beyond the normal business relationships and develop true friendships. Finding your "people" will energize and invigorate you in ways you never thought possible. So take the time to consider your niche, find the people you want to work with, who share your passion and you enjoy spending time with and aim your business in their direction.

5. Find the fun Whoever said that work should be "hard work" was wrong! The more fun you have within your business the more time and energy you will be prepared to invest in it. So work out what you love to do and find a way to get paid for it. Be creative! If you love socializing find a way to do more of it. Invite your clients to an "I love my clients picnic" and enjoy getting to know them a little better. Find creative, out of the box ideas to break up the routines of daily business life to make your business and your life, just a little more fun.

6. Discover the magic of flow Think about the energy you bring to your business. Everything is made up of energy and we are giving off certain messages via our energy whether we realize this or not. Your personal energy is fuel for your business. Your potential clients will pick up on your business energy and will make decisions whether they want to work with you or not, so it pays to ensure that you are in flow. Ask any athlete about being in flow or "in the zone" - these are those magic moments when everything comes together with a forward momentum that puts you at the top of your game. Embody and memorize that feeling as you can use this to propel yourself forwards at times when you need it most. Magic happens when you use all of your senses to envision shifting into your high performance zone. If you can imagine it, you can move into flow and then there is nothing to stop it from becoming a reality.

7. Be authentic Build a strong relationship with yourself, get to know yourself in all your glory so you can show up with your whole self to your business. Nothing stops flow faster than you being out of alignment with your authentic self and your core values. You need to know with unwavering certainty, who and what you are. Too many entrepreneurs make the mistake of being who they think they "should" be, or who they think their customers want them to be rather than being who they really are. You need to ignore those people who try to get you to compromise yourself. Don't allow anyone or anything get in the way of you being who you know you can be. This is your life you need to live it. Don't waste time impersonating yourself - if you are not going to be yourself who will be?

Set your performance meter to high and focus on the quality and value that not only serves you and your family, but also enables your best self to show up to your business. Great quality of service, impeccable integrity and a caring attitude towards your customers will always attract referrals and repeat business. If you follow these suggestions your clients will notice and they will begin to reflect your passion back to you. If you do this right you won't be the only one to fall in love with your business, your customers will too.

If you would like to know if you are blocking your business, take our free 3 min quiz http://www.iequiz.com

Jayne Warrilow is CEO of three international brands:
1. Max Executive Coaching, a collaborative coaching company working with senior executives across the globe
2. Max Coaching Academy, specializing in Intuitive Energy development with coaches and individuals, helping them to achieve accelerated results using energy and flow http://www.maxcoachingacademy.com
3. Max Intuitive Entrepreneur, introducing entrepreneurs to the power of energy to prepare them for explosive business growth

Working internationally, Jayne has gained a reputation for exceptional coaching; combining a flair for strategic thinking with a passion for harnessing the client's own intuitive power. Her unique skills have brought the transformational power of energy into the C-Suites of leading global corporations impacting not only the individuals, but also the energetic flow of business through the organization. As author of the Intuitive Energy Model, she is passionate about using energy to drive change. She enjoys guiding individuals towards their learning edge so that when they step into energetic awareness they can shift themselves, their clients and their business into alignment and flow.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayne_Warrilow

© 2011 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

I this was helpful to you!

To Your Success!

Lori
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Advertising Your Business

2011-01-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

The following is a great article by Marilee Parrish. It contains great information.

Today we’re going to discuss the remaining avenues you can utilize to advertise your business.

Newspaper Advertising

Advertising in the newspaper may be a good avenue for your business if your target market is in a certain age-range (40+).

Cons: Newspaper subscriptions are down all over the country. Most young families read their news online instead of leafing through a paper. It is also generally very expensive to run an ad in the paper.

Google and Facebook Ads

In my opinion, the top 2 places to advertise online are through Google and Facebook Ads. I have used both successfully, but I prefer Facebook ads over Google ads because Facebook setup is much more user-friendly and I also believe that the Facebook ads generate more long-term interest. In both cases, you can select your target market by using keywords that apply to your audience. In my case, I always prefer to post my ads on sites that “Christian Moms” visit, so I use those keywords. If you run these ads for a few days at a time, you can make a great impact on your market at a low cost.

Cons: Running the ads for long periods of time can get pricey. Make sure you read all the directions before you begin (especially with Google!) and set a daily price limit and run dates, otherwise you’ll end up paying a lot more than you think!

Ads on Prominent Sites

Many active websites sell ad space on their sites. The going rate varies but usually runs between $25-$100 a month. You will have a 125×125 “button” created and sent to the website. Sometimes the website owner offers to create the button ad for you at an additional fee. A few sites that I recommend for women to advertise their business on are: CWAHM.com, Market Mommy, The Work at Home Woman, Mommy Perks, SITS, and Living My Moment.

Cons: You may get clicks and you may not. You want to make sure that your “button ad” stands out from the rest to get maximum exposure.

PR Firms

As opposed to have just a button ad that sits on a website, which may or may not generate any interest, you can hire a PR firm to create content about your business and your products. Content draws interest much better than button ads. Ads on websites are often ignored whereas if a subject is interesting and an entire article is created about it, you’ll get readers excited about your product. PR Firms will often run a giveaway for you as well which helps generate even more buzz about your business.

Cons: Good PR can be expensive! Finding the right PR firm who will do a good job for you and is affordable can be a costly nightmare.

My recommendation: I have used these firms before and have found that Mommy Perks offers the absolute best service and has many affordable options. Mommy Perks is owned by Shara Lawrence-Weiss and I have never met another person who works harder to see her clients succeed.

Free Advertising

You want to make sure that you get your business out there on as many free sites as possible so that your brand and business becomes recognizable and its great for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Place ads on Craigslist, Backpage, Living My Moment, you can post about your business in appropriate places on sites like CafeMom and SocialMoms, too. Never underestimate the power of a Facebook Fan page and a twitter account either. There are lots of free options out there to help you take your business to the next level.

Cons: Posting about your business online is very time consuming. Make sure you are updating your info regularly or it will get ignored.

MariLee Parrish is a Christian author of over 10 books and the founder and CEO of Mommy Bag Marketing, Inc. where their vision is to spread joy and Christian resources to moms across the country…one bag at a time! Please visit her website at www.mommybagmarketing.com to learn more.

I hope this information has helped you!

To Your Success!

Lori

Lori McDowell
Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work from home since 1999!

The Need for Social Networking Sites

2011-01-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

This is a great article by Alice Coaxum which was posted on Direct Sales. Alice has a lot of great points! If you have a business, you importance of focusing on Social Networking Sites. Thanks for the great article.

You understand that network marketing is a people business not a sales business. You know that it is one being mentored and taught and then doing the same for the next person properly training them to help the next person.

You have done your research and you have found the perfect company. The compensation plan is excellent and you do not need a million referrals to achieve it. Success is so near you can smell it.

Only one thing is stopping you. No downline. Sure you may be making money already all by yourself but you know that in order to get the big numbers your pay plan talks about you need people under you and people under them. Everyone working together as a team to achieve a common goal.

Social Networks are great for meeting people. There are many sites like Facebook, Myspace, Ning, Side Tick and a host of others. The list could go on an on but you get my point.

Of course there are differences, some of the sites pay you for your usage or have restrictions on free members and some of them do not. However they all have one thing in common. People.

If you were a fisherman you would go where the sea creatures are. You wouldn't stand in the middle of a busy street and expect the fish to come to you. That makes sense. Right?

Social networking can achieve what ads cannot do. It can help you to actually meet and get to know others. Many times people join and purchase from those they know and like and while advertising certainly has it's place you want other to get to know and trust you.

Since networking is a relationship business you need to go where people are. You can meet people from all over the world. People you might not have ever met were it not for social networks. You can get to know them and let them know you.

Hopefully, this was great information for you!

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

60 tips For s Stunningly GREAT LIFE ! ~Robin Sharma

2011-01-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

These are awesome Tips! This was posted on my business partners blog Michelle Elizer. Thanks, Michelle for sharing!

1. Exercise daily.

2. Get serious about gratitude.

3. See your work as a craft.

4. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.

5. Keep a journal.

6. Read “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”.

7. Plan a schedule for your week.

8. Know the 5 highest priorities of your life.

9. Say no to distractions.

10. Drink a lot of water.

11. Improve your work every single day.

12. Get a mentor.

13. Hire a coach.

14. Get up at 5 am each day.

15. Eat less food.

16. Find more heroes.

17. Be a hero to someone.

18. Smile at strangers.

19. Be the most ethical person you know.

20. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.

21. Savor life’s simplest pleasures.

22. Save 10% of your income each month.

23. Spend time at art galleries.

24. Walk in the woods.

25. Write thank you letters to those who’ve helped you.

26. Forgive those who’ve wronged you.

27. Remember that leadership is about influence and impact, not title and accolades.

28. Create unforgettable moments with those you love.

29. Have 5 great friends.

30. Become stunningly polite.

31. Unplug your TV.

32. Sell your TV.

33. Read daily.

34. Avoid the news.

35. Be content with what you have.

36. Pursue your dreams.

37. Be authentic.

38. Be passionate.

39. Say sorry when you know you should.

40. Never miss a moment to celebrate another.

41. Have a vision for your life.

42. Know your strengths.

43. Focus your mind on the good versus the lack.

44. Be patient.

45. Don’t give up.

46. Clean up your messes.

47. Use impeccable words.

48. Travel more.

49. Read “As You Think”.

50. Honor your parents.

51. Tip taxi drivers well.

52. Be a great teammate.

53. Give no energy to critics.

54. Spent time in the mountains.

55. Know your top 5 values.

56. Shift from being busy to achieving results.

57. Innovate and iterate.

58. Speak less. Listen more.

59. Be the best person you know.

60. Make your life matter.

I hope this makes a difference in your day and life!

To your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

My story

2011-01-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive husband and a wonderful son. I have been working from home with Internet Ceo Moms since August 2008.

My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.

I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. Internet Ceo Moms has partnered with a wellness company that have been around for over 25 years. The company has very impressive credentials, to name just one is they won the 2008 Torch Award of the Year from the Better Business Bureau. That award tells me all I need to know about he company, as well as they have grown every year since 1985. They reached over 900 million in sales last year. Not many companies are growing in this current economy.

I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways. I love helping others reach thier goals whatever they may be. I know in 2011 I will be advancing my business no matter what while helping others do the same no matter what! The sky is the limit. I have my plan B in place, do you have yours?

Let us help you achieve your goals.

To Your Success!

Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com

Establishing and Accomplishing Your 2011 Goals

2011-01-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Establishing and Accomplishing Your 2011 Goals
by Linda Sasser on December 6, 2010

Okay. You know it’s coming, so let’s just get it out in the open and talk about it.

Your 2011 goals and budget.

It’s time (well, actually past time) to set them, but before you start sharpening your pencil, let’s review three things we need to know before moving forward.

Vision – What is the vision of your company? What is the mission of your department?
Goals – How do your goals align with the vision of your company?
Initiatives/Plan – What initiatives are you going to commit to and support that will be key to hitting your 2011 goals?
Thinking through each of these three items will help you clarify your focus for the coming year. Not thinking through them may result in goals that are unrealistic or uninspiring, and there’s nothing worse for a team than tossing out a poorly thought out goal.

I’ve set many goals and initiatives in my career, and I’ve learned what works best during different conditions. Here are four tips as you establish your focus for the coming year:

Be realistic but not cheap.
I think there are three types of goal-setting mindsets.

The optimist sets goals that are unattainable, but they sure do get excited and pepped up about making them! The problem is that after about three months into the new year, the team realizes there is no way they’ll achieve the goals. So, the leader spends the remainder of the year trying to keep the team motivated.

The pessimist sets goals with a glass-half-empty attitude, never wanting to promise anything. In turn, their team is usually lost and unattached to the vision.

Then you have the realist. The realist is a good combination of the previous two mindsets. The realist has a handle on the guts of the organization, so they quickly connect key initiatives to the goals. It’s these initiatives that excite the troops. The realist applies a strategy and action steps to the initiatives. The result is a realistic and exciting goal that both inspires and challenges the team.

Make it a team-oriented approach.
Do you approach your goals and initiatives as a dreaded task or a team project? I don’t think I should make goals by myself. Gather your team together. Have your opinion ready to share, and be prepared to inspire your team, but facilitate and organize the team to strategize on our goals.

Establish benchmarks.
Know where you want to be throughout the year so you can stay on track with your goals. Where do we need to be by the end of the first quarter? Where should our goals be tracking by halftime (at the end of the second quarter)?

Know the score.
When I was a basketball player, I always wanted to know the score. It’s no different in business. Make sure your scoreboard is available for everyone to see and make sure it’s easy to understand. Then, make sure you’re measuring what’s important to your business.

Once you’ve brainstormed your goals, think of three key initiatives that you need to create, enhance, or focus on that will be the determining factors for achieving your 2011 goals and determine who will own those initiatives. Plan now for where you want to be at the end of 2011 and how you plan to get there. The results will be well worth your time and effort.

This is a great article to help you at least start thinking about your 2011 Goals! I know it has helped me.

To your success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

The Last 8 Resolutions for 2011!

2011-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here are the last 8 New Year's Resolutions for 2011 by Hunch! Good Stuff!

21. Recycle More! What if everybody threw away old bottles and newspapers, littering the world with glass and plastic and tin cans that should be recycled and made into new products? Set a good example for kids by separating trash for recycling.

22. Find a Better Job! A new year provides a sense of getting a free do-over, so you can try again and get it right. Many people resolve to find better jobs or to take a new approach to the jobs they've already got. A home business is even better!

23. Work Harder! "Work Hard, Play Harder" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American country artist Gretchen Wilson. It was released in October 2009 as the lead-off single for her fourth studio album, I Got Your Country Right Here, which is due out sometime in 2010. Additionally, "Work Hard, Play Harder" serves as the first single release from Wilson's own Redneck Records. Wilson co-wrote the song.

24. Take a Big Break! Everyone needs a break once in a while!

25. Quit Smoking! If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

26. Find a Soul Mate! Romance is alive and well as more and more people are looking for that special someone, their soul mate who lights their fire, the ONE whom they love unequivocally and who shares their worldview.

27. Be a Better Person! I think we can all find ways to be a better person!

28. Quit Drinking! While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

I hope at least a few of these resolutions help many us to start 2011 out the right way!

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

The Next Ten Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Here are the ten great New Year's Resolutions by Hunch! I will have the final eight listed tomorrow!

11. Reduce Stress! While some stress is necessary to help one perform to the best of the ability, too much stress can take it’s toll both mentally and physically. Stress has a big impact on the lives, from the way one treat others, to the way one treat himself. Too much stress can actually makes one more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques or identifying and modifying stressors will benefit the bodies in many ways, including a better functioning immune system, lower blood pressure, and a more balanced emotional state.

12. Give More Love! Love is any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection and attachment. The word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my husband"). This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

13. Fit in Fitness! The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular.

14. Tame the Bulge! Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

15. Stop Sweating the Small Stuff! There is really no reason to run around and worry about every little thing.

16. Spend more time with Family & Friends! Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of comaraderie at a favorite restaurant or take the family to places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first!

17. Recommit to a Hobby! It's easy to let things you love fall by the wayside when life gets busy. Now is the perfect time to dust off old supplies and get back to something you really enjoy doing. Take the time to write, use up leftover art supplies, finish projects, or start using your tennis racket again. You'll either remember why you loved it so much or figure out why you let it slide.

18. Get out of Debt! Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

19. Get Organized! On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life. Find a professional organizers who can help you reduce the clutter in your life and find peace in your home.

20. Try to be more Tactful! Try thinking before you speak. A bit obvious, admittedly, but will work wonders for your social life.

I hope these give you some great ideas!

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

The First Ten Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

I am posting the first 10 out of 30 New Years Resolutions posted on Hunch Website. These are great and very easy for everyone to do!

1. Learn something new every day. Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to ... Learn more

2. Enjoy Life! Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of Pittsburgh's holistic healing centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the locals. Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids.
By Mayo Clinic staff

3. Drink more Water! How much water should you drink each day? A simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

4. Be Healthy! Planned dieting teamed with the regular exercising is the key to shed those extra calories and to be in perfect health throughout the year. Take the New Year resolution to be healthy and feel the difference of glowing health.

5. Simplify! Simple living (also referred to as voluntary simplicity) is a lifestyle characterized by minimizing the "more is better" pursuit of wealth and consumption. Adherents may choose simple living for a variety of personal reasons, such as spirituality, health, increase in 'quality time' for family and friends, reducing their personal ecological footprint, stress reduction, personal taste or frugality. E. F. Schumacher summarized it by saying, "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction."[cite this quote] more on en.wikipedia.org

6. Help Others! A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb.

7. More Sleep! Give your body the time it needs to rest and recover. Find out how much do you need at more on hunch.com.

8. Be a better Human Being! If enough people chose to be better human beings society would be bettered. While lofty nebulous goals are more unattainable, decide how you would behave if you were already a better human being, then take small steps to reach that vision. Choose anything: be nicer to your fellow man, help society flourish, treat others with respect and kindness first, do more to help the environment. It's up to you!

9. Take more pictures! Life is passing you by. Wouldn't it be nice to preserve some memories of the every day? With today's digital cameras, camera phones, and online storage it's easier than ever to capture moments and share them with others.

10. Fight Procrastination! Procrastination is the bane of people everywhere and admonitions to "Just do it!" aren't enough to help. Let this year be the year you follow a real plan to stop putting off things. Use Hunch or other helpful resources to choose the best way for you to fight your procrastination habit!

How do you like them so far? I think these resolutions are right on target!

Look for tomorrows!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

New Year's Quotes

2011-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam. ~Charles Lamb

New Year's Day is every man's birthday. ~Charles Lamb

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. ~John Selden

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland

The merry year is born
Like the bright berry from the naked thorn.
~Hartley Coleridge

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months! ~Edward Payson Powell

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to. ~P.J. O'Rourke

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain

The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows. ~George William Curtis

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. ~Mark Twain

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown

And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,
And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.
~Thomas Hood

Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. ~Brooks Atkinson

Each age has deemed the new-born year
The fittest time for festal cheer.
~Walter Scott

Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account. ~Oscar Wilde

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther

A new oath holds pretty well; but... when it is become old, and frayed out, and damaged by a dozen annual retryings of its remains, it ceases to be serviceable; any little strain will snap it. ~Mark Twain, speech in New York City, 31 March 1885

But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits. ~Andre Gide

When then is lost, as time is by,
we look upon the yearly wine
to see our substance in the lees.
Did tribe and purse most pleasing leave?
To look for clear and faithful sense,
that gives a bodied stance bouquet,
then see the vat at mirror's face
and find in it, the yearly pace.
~E. Marshall, Vintner Epilogue (Happy Old Year)

Many years ago I resolved never to bother with New Year's resolutions, and I've stuck with it ever since. ~Dave Beard

I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second. ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

New Year's Eve, where auld acquaintance be forgot. Unless, of course, those tests come back positive. ~Jay Leno

We meet today
To thank Thee for the era done,
And Thee for the opening one.
~John Greenleaf Whittier

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs

Of all sound of all bells... most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year. ~Charles Lamb

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

It wouldn't be New Year's if I didn't have regrets. ~William Thomas

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. ~Joey Adams

He who breaks a resolution is a weakling;
He who makes one is a fool.
~F.M. Knowles

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. ~G.K. Chesterton

I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's. ~Henry Moore

Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols. ~Thomas Mann

I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me. ~Anaïs Nin

Why won't they let a year die without bringing in a new one on the instant, can't they use birth control on time? I want an interregnum. The stupid years patter on with unrelenting feet, never stopping - rising to little monotonous peaks in our imaginations at festivals like New Year's and Easter and Christmas - But, goodness, why need they do it? ~John Dos Passos, 1917

New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions. ~Mark Twain

Every man regards his own life as the New Year's Eve of time. ~Jean Paul Richter

The only way to spend New Year's Eve is either quietly with friends or in a brothel. Otherwise when the evening ends and people pair off, someone is bound to be left in tears. ~W.H. Auden

Great quotes! I hope you enjoyed! Happy New Year! I with everyone good health, peace, faith, love and joy for 2011!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

The Secret — Choose a Goal and Stay on Path

2010-12-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, I saw a movie that altered the course of my life– it was called The Secret. I then read the book, which essentially sets forth that you must visualize where you are going in order to get there.

A famous book quoted in The Secret is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which I proceeded to read, and which also sets forth the importance of visualizing your goals. Anthony Robbins and many other motivational gurus often talk about these same topics and inspirational ideas.

There is a lot to be said about clearly visualizing where you are going. You have to know where you want your life to go, and then set a path to get there.

But before you choose that path, you need to know where you are going. What’s your final destination? What you are striving for each day determines where you are going to end up. Whatever you plan to achieve, you will eventually achieve. Do you have no plans…? Are you planning for nothing at all right now…? If so, you’ll probably end up with a lot of nothing…

Looking back through my career, and looking at the current people I’m surrounded by, I can clearly see that what makes the successful people so successful, ultimately, is their burning desire to achieve their dreams.

In order to succeed, you need to visualize where you are going and you must stay on path. The further you visualize your business going, the more success you are likely to have.

There are several things I’ve noticed which really do seem to work when you visualize yourself succeeding.

The first is surrounding yourself with people who are likely to assist you in reaching your goals. It is not easy to rise up when those around you are not also rising. I have seen this happen countless times. If you are truly trying to better yourself, your business and your life, you need to ensure that you do not let others hold you back. This is crucial. You need to have the power to really become the person you want to be, and this needs to come from inside, without any external distractions.

You must try to avoid feeling down or becoming negative, even in the face of adversity or missed opportunities. Hold on to your dreams and stay positive. When it comes to your business, do everything in your power to ensure that you do not give up on your dreams. Continue to focus on what you want to become until you become it.

Do you know where you want to go?

Thanks Christine Ross for posting. Another great team member on Internet Ceo Moms

Merry Christmas!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Great Advice for anyone interested in a Home Business

2010-12-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

The story behind Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

2010-12-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

This is a great story! Very inspirational! We can all learn from this story!

The True Story of Rudolph

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

I hope you have enjoyed this and has brighten your day in some way!

Merry Christmas 2010!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Internet Ceo Moms Conference Call - 12/13/10

2010-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

One of our leaders Amber shared with us information about the book Leader Without a Title by Robin Sharma

The more you own the power to make choices the more important your choices become.

Robin Sharma talked about the word IMAGE and what it stands for in leaderhip.

I – Innovation

You have to make this day better than yesterday! Important to be a visionary and avoid being average before it creeps up on you so, do not get comfortable. Do small moves every day and it will make a difference over time. Do not regret! Be grateful for what you do have and it helps you move forward. The more hungry you become, the successful you become.

What if you had a team member call to say it is really hard this month? It does not have to be hard and it does not need to be mediocre this month. Break it down and mentor them on all of the positive things you can do to grow your business.

Your past does not determine your future! Hyrum Smith

M- Mastery

Who is the best in your business? Did you write your own name down? You have to be the best business builder in your business! When you protect yourself you destroy yourself. The only economy that matters is what is between your ears. You have control in your own household.

A - Authenticity

It is your ability to make an impact by the authority you receive than your status. You must be trustworthy! Feeling safe in your own skin! Be consistent is reflective of you on the inside.

G – Guts

You have to be unrealistically persistent and wildly courageous. Success is a numbers game and failure is not an option. We are doing something different! We are going to be different. Look at what I want to do with my life and do it!
It has more to do with them than you! Criticism is the defense mechanism that people put on. We all have the power to make a change.

E – Ethics

Be consistent with your values. Say what you mean and do what you say. Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. Use your inner leader skills that inhabits you to not only to lift your life but to elevate the lives of others. That is what it is all about, helping others!

Whenever you think something is impossible, it really means that you have not explored all of the possibilities.

Check out more information on Robinsharma.com!

Thanks Internet Ceo Moms for another incredible training call!

To your succees!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

What are you putting on your body?

2010-12-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

This was posted by my business partner Kathy Fisher! Thanks, Kathy great article!

David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products, and save money!

What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)

By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola

Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.

We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.

Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.

Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.

These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.

The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.

Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).

Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.

Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.

In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?

Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.

The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.

You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.

I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Internet Ceo Moms Conference Call on December 6, 2010

2010-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks Gina Pilara Neef for sharing on our biz call last night from the book, "The Mentor Leader" by Tony Dungy.

"Blessed be the leader who seeks the best for those he serves."

Engage - teamwork doesn't tolerate the inconvenience of distance.

Educate - good teachers help every student earn an A.

Equip - Our job as leaders is to show you what to do and how to do it. Your job is to do it consistently."

Empower – Leaders will be those who inspire others!

Energize - Create energy for your team, be a role model!

Elevate – Teamwork – Less me and more we!

Great information on our conference call. I feel so lucky to be part of a team that shares valuable information and insight every Monday evening. Thanks Internet Ceo Moms!

To your success!

Lori

A prayer that might help

2010-12-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

Almighty God,
help me to remember that
You alone are perfect.

You alone possess infinite patience.

When I expect perfection from
myself, teach me humility.
When I seek perfection in others,
give me patience.

Help me to treat others as I would
have them treat me, knowing
that we are all imperfect mortals.
Rid my mind of pride and power
this day and always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Submitted By: Jack Henry

I hope this helps you everyday!

Lori

Our Quest for Happiness by Frank Vandersloot

2010-12-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Building a Business

2010-11-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

I talk to several people every day, who are dissatisfied with the direction their lives are heading. They have become slaves to their circumstances and are trapped in jobs that are not rewarding;
emotionally, spiritually, or financially.

Most of the moms I meet, are struggling to find balance between the desire to raise their families, be present in their kids’ lives, and the need to earn additional monthly income. They are spread thin,
exhausted, and overwhelmed.

But through the chaos of daily life, I see a flicker of hope quietly glowing inside of all of us.

A Hope that we can create a better life for ourselves and our children.

A Hope that we can make a difference for others.

A Hope that life will get easier someday.

Please don’t let the draft caused by self doubt quickly extinguish that flicker of HOPE inside of you.

You can create a better life for yourself and your children, you can make a difference for others, and life can be easier.

As soon as you recognize that flicker of hope inside of you, and you start to pursue the better life you dream about, your perspective changes, the flame inside of you grows, and you see opportunity
everywhere!

I bet if you stop and assess your inner qualities, you will realize that you are ambitious.

You are dissatisfied with the way things are and you want to do something more with your life. You are caring.

You’re energetic when it comes to things you feel passionate about.

And I’ll bet that raising your kids has helped you to become decisive and developed your leadership and communication skills.

Those are the main qualities it takes to succeed in a home based business opportunity.

Building a home based business has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Has it been easy, No, nothing that takes hard work is ever easy.

Yes, it’s given my family a better life and allowed me to stay home with my kids, but more importantly, it’s turned that flicker of HOPE into a fire within me, to
help others succeed everyday as well.

I would be honored to introduce you to the possibility of building a home based business that uses your gifts and strengths to help others.

If you have an interest in making money online and offline while working from home and you would like more information about how you can partner with me call me and
let’s schedule a time to speak and get to know one another better.

I want to learn more about YOU!

Lori

A Leader always sets the trail for others to follow

2010-11-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most exciting parts of your home business will be building and leading a team. When I first started in my company, I had zero experience. My home business was my very first at home anything I had ever done so I had A LOT to learn. It has been such an incredible journey going from someone who had no experience at leading a team to someone who has grown an organization of thousands. I'm SO excited to share with you how I did just that!!

My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:

L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.

E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:

* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.

* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team

* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.

A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???

D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.

E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!

R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.

* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!

* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.

* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."

S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!

H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.

I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.

P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.

Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!

GAME ON!!!!

Thanks Kristie Wooten for such a great article!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Lori

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:

2010-11-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
( Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
( Matt hew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
( John 3:16 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
( II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

I hope this helps you in some way!

Have a great day!

Lori
www.momsforgreen

Christian Work At Home Moms Article

2010-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

An Amazing Story from All God's Children International Newsletter

2010-11-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I can still remember telling my mother one day, "When I grow up, I will adopt a child." I don't know if she believed me or not, because I was just a child myself! However, I knew God had birthed that desire in my heart and I believed He would bring it to pass. My life continued to unfold. I grew up, got married, and eventually did become the mother of four beautiful children. The faith-filled statement I had made to my mother that day so many years earlier did turn out to be more than just a childhood memory. It had been a divine call, God's personal promise—and He brought it to pass. We adopted two of our children, a son domestically, and a daughter joined our family from Korea. My passion to help children find a family was realized and lived out daily in my own home. I was content raising our family and felt so blessed. My life was full of school and church activities and I loved being a wife and mother! Then, in a moment, my life changed…
ALL THINGS…

In the year 2000, my life dramatically changed. My husband who had finally achieved his goal of becoming a CEO, announced that he was leaving our family to start a new life in New York. In an instant everything in our world was turned upside down. I was devastated. After raising four children and just sending the last one off on her own, I found myself alone. Heartbroken and needing time to heal, I moved back to Kansas City to be close to friends and regroup. I found a wonderful church that allowed me to work in their office, and I was surrounded with love and a healing environment. I clung daily in faith to another promise God gave me through His word, a promise He gives to us all:

"We are assured and know that…ALL THINGS…work together and are fitting into a plan FOR GOOD
to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose." Romans 8:28(AMP)

I prayed diligently that God would, despite my heartbreak, help me to believe with all my heart that He would bring something GOOD out of ALL THE THINGS that had happened in my life.
HIS DESIGN AND PURPOSE…

In 2004, as much as I loved the work and the people at the church, there was restlessness in my soul. I felt God wanted me to give my life to something more. Since I had always been drawn to children in need of finding families, I researched children's organizations, thinking I might find a direction there; I found myself on AGCI's Web site. Since I was 53 at the time, I felt certain I would not be a candidate for adoption, so I decided to simply ignore what I had read. But God continued to put His orphaned children on my heart. Finally, I dared to entertain the possibility of doing something and decided to write for more information about AGCI's programs, thinking perhaps there might be other ways to help orphaned children through their ministry. By the time the information arrived, I had come to my senses and saw how ridiculous that idea was; I came up with a multitude of excuses, so I put the information away on a top shelf. Several weeks later, my courage returned and I thought perhaps it wouldn't hurt to just read it. A few days later I sent off for further information; I figured it wouldn't hurt! Much to my surprise, just three days later, I received a call from AGCI to talk with me about the possibility of adopting, despite my apology for wasting their time and sharing the fact that I was older and single. Could this be God? Was He clearly opening another door?
STOP SIGNS OR OPEN DOORS?

I immediately began to pray about this seemingly "divine development," asking God to show me "stop signs" along the way if adoption was not what He wanted me to pursue. I knew that AGCI had other ways I could help and serve the orphans I loved, but the doors kept opening. I was both delighted (and a bit scared) at the possibility! Although there were those who reminded me how difficult it would be to raise children alone, and others who told me how important it was for children to have a father, I kept trying to listen for God's voice above other people's opinions. The process just seemed to keep moving forward. One moment I was full of faith, and the next I entertained the inevitable questions that came with taking a leap of faith. Could I do this alone at my age? What was I thinking? But if I didn't—what if I missed what God had intended? I spent many nights praying and assuring God that if He chose to close this door, I would totally understand. I kept thinking if there were thousands of children living in orphanages, wouldn't it be better for them to have a mother, extended family, and a loving home, than remain in an orphanage for the rest of their lives? So I simply kept praying and asking fervently for direction and guidance. Yet miraculously, against all odds, the doors kept swinging open, one after another. I turned in my dossier to AGCI, requesting to adopt a little girl from Russia. Shortly after that red letter day, while driving to an appointment, I simply heard God speak to my heart and say, "I don't want you to just adopt one child; I want you to adopt two!" I was stunned to say the least. But I knew His voice. It was the same voice that had assured my heart as a little girl that I would adopt a child someday. Now I knew He was asking me to begin again, and spend my life loving and caring for two orphan children unknown to me, but He already knew them by name. So I called AGCI and my dossier was changed with some additional paperwork. Now I was praying for two!
MY JOURNEY BEGINS…

In November 2004, the pictures and referral arrived from Russia. I knew the moment I saw them I was supposed to keep going forward. Two precious little faces were smiling at me—two sisters, ages three and almost five, living in an orphanage in northern Russia. I made travel plans and in early December, my sister accompanied me to meet the girls for the first time. We found them waiting behind their orphanage door in the middle of Siberia. It was cold and snow was on the ground. I was kept warm by the deep love burning in my heart for these little ones who God had loved so much. He had, in His mercy, led me to their side halfway around the world. It was hard to kiss them goodbye, but I knew I would be back soon, so I left them in the Father's care. I arrived home just in time to celebrate Christmas at my house with my older children. They knew where I had been, but I don't think the reality of my pending adoptions became a reality to them until they realized those two little Russian girls had faces, and those faces were now on Mom's refrigerator door! We all had a heart to heart talk that Christmas. They shared their fears and I did my best to understand. They had all spent five years working through the fact of their dad leaving and life not being the same. In the end, however, just as all parents have to trust God with their children, my children had to do the same for me: trust God and believe He was leading me to walk in the light of His truth, what He had spoken to my heart.
FACING THE UNEXPECTED…

As the new year approached, I was busy preparing for the arrival of my new daughters. Unexpectedly, I received a phone call from AGCI with news that Russia was on the verge of shutting down its adoption program for an unknown length of time. My heart turned upside down. Was this the stop sign I had asked God to put up in case I had missed His will? Once again I prayed that God would help me walk the path He had put before me. AGCI worked diligently to expedite everything they could. They stood with me in faith and vowed to do all they could to get my girls home before the deadline. My admiration and appreciation is without measure! The urgency I felt in my heart, they also shared as well, and miraculously I realized that God had not put up a stop sign through the impending closure, but had instead mercifully opened up the highways of heaven to bring His girls home before the closure. In February 2005, I prepared to travel once again, this time with a friend, back to Siberia to pick up my daughters. Our translator never left our side, and the process went perfectly. On March 3, 2005, I brought Anna Grace and Emily Joy home! It was a new beginning for all of us. I thanked God for helping me be obedient to His call, and for being so faithful to me and my girls. I realized then that they were His hidden treasure, "THE GOOD" that He promised to bring out of the devastating "ALL THINGS" that had happened years earlier in my life. They were living reality of His promise in Romans 8:28. My daughter's middle names reflect the GRACE that God gave me to endure and believe my life was not over during that time, and the JOY He filled my heart with as He revived once again His purpose and call in my life.
FIVE YEARS LATER!

Now that I have had Anna Grace and Emily Joy for over five years, I can only say how grateful I am that God has allowed me to have them as my daughters. Anna is vivacious and eager to try everything from ice skating to horseback riding. Emily is so sweet and loves church, bowling, and swimming. They are great travelers, so we just returned from our annual beach week with their older siblings and my five grandchildren. They are and continue to be the most awesome gifts from God. I know that God in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what was needed by all of us, and He made us a family. Do they have some struggles? Yes, as most children do. We deal with some delays and learning challenges, but really just normal things that many parents encounter along the way. On the more difficult days, I find myself singing the same song I sang when I came across struggles with my older children. His strength is perfect when our strength is gone, and He will carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in his power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect. I am daily amazed that God would choose this older, often insecure, single woman to be the mother to these dear little girls. There are times that I wish I were ten years younger and had more time on this earth. There are so many children who need to experience God's mercy through a family.
TO EVERY GENERATION…

My story doesn't stop here! My son and his wife have recently applied to adopt an Ethiopian child through AGCI as well, so I will, hopefully, be welcoming a new grandchild soon. I hear they are praying for twins! I am so blessed! Our family resembles our own united nations: Korea, the U.S., Russia, and now Ethiopia. Throughout my life, I have seen God's mercy right in front of me, even in the difficult times I have experienced. Yet He has always graciously allowed me to walk in His path of truth and guided me forward each step of the way. I can confidently speak with David the words he wrote in the Psalms: "His mercy endures forever. His faithfulness endures throughout every generation." Psalm 100:5 (GWT)
His mercy does endure forever. He has been faithful to my family. I am now watching that same faithfulness and mercy being passed down and lived out in the lives of my children. God's mercy is remembered every day in our family. I see it in the faces of my older children, my younger children, and my grandchildren.
ONE LAST THOUGHT…

November is national adoption month. I just want to encourage all who read my story to stop for a moment and ask the Lord if there is something He wants you to do for orphan children around the world. Age doesn't seem to matter to God. If He wants you to do something, He will open the doors. All you have to do is be willing to walk through it. You never want to look back and wonder what might have been, if you ignore the open door He lays before you.

This article hits close to home since my husband and I adopted our son from Guatemala and looking to possibly adopt again. I have been waiting for God's sign. I think I need to really open my eyes and my heart to really hear what God is really saying to me.

I hope this was inspirational for you as well.

Lori

Proverbs 3:13-18

2010-11-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed

I hope you are blessed by these verses. Wisdom is a big key to spiritual maturity. It is more important than wealth or success. Wisdom is the application of knowledge

To Your Spiritual Success!

Lori

How 30 Minutes of Meal Planning Can Save You Hours of Frustration

2010-11-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling Mom’s Blog
Michelle Schaeffer,
WordPress Expert, Entrepreneur & Business Owner

“What’s for breakfast, mom?” “What’s for dinner, honey?” “We’re hungry!”

How many times do you hear those questions in a typical week? How many times do you wonder, yourself, what to cook for the next meal?

Do you run to the grocery store at the last minute to pick up a missing dinner ingredient? Or drive through and pick up that less-than-ideal meal because you were in a rush?

Sometimes cooking dinner is the last thing I feel like doing at the end of a busy day! And I know I’m not alone.

The good news is that you can tame the meal time chaos and end all the questions by taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the week to plan out your meals. Think of all the time you’ll save when you don’t have to figure out what to make for dinner, make those last minute trips to the grocery store, or run out for deli or fast food!

Here are some tips to help you plan a week’s worth of meals:

1) Start with a menu page.
Create a weekly menu form that you can fill in each week and post it on your refrigerator. This way it’s easy for everyone to see what’s planned for each meal.

I use a grid style plan with 8 rows, labeled down the left side:

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
And 5 columns and across the top label them:

Day / Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

Armed with your menu form ready to fill in, proceed to step 2.

2) Plan your meals.
Start with what you’ve got. Do you have any specific foods you need to remember to cook this week? Veggies you want to prepare while they’re still fresh? Add meals using those ingredients to your plan.

Next look at what you’ve got in the pantry that you can cook this week. Add those meals to your plan.

Tip: Ask your kids or spouse what meals they’d like during the week. You might find that planning a weekly pizza night every Friday, Mexican lunch every Tuesday, or other regular meal events makes the family happy and your meal planning easier!

Continue adding meals until your calendar is filled. Then add some snack ideas to the far right column (popcorn, yogurt, whatever your kids typically eat for an afternoon or after-school snack).

3) Create your grocery list.
Once you’ve got your meals planned the next step is to create your grocery list. Look over the meals you’ve planned and create your grocery list of any items you don’t already have at home.

Now you can shop and buy just the items on your list, knowing that you’ll have everything you need for a complete week’s worth of meals!

(Weekly and Monthly Meal Planning templates are available for download.)
***Would you like a free email course about meal planning, crock pot cooking, or freezer cooking? Visit http://michelleshaeffer.com/help-for-work-at-home-moms/ now and let me send you helpful tips and ideas that will make it easier for you to balance homemaking, homeschooling, and working from home. ***

________________
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.

You might also like:
10 Meal Planning Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Meals
How to Get Everything Done
How To Make Homemade Cornbread For Thanksgiving Meals
LinkWithin

These are great tips. I hope this helps you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori

Faith, Hope and Love

2010-11-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

Faith makes all things possible.
Hope makes all things work.
Love makes all things beautiful.
May you have all of the three.

This really says it all!

Have a great day!

Lori

My Bio

2010-11-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive husband and a wonderful son. I have been working from home with Internet Ceo Moms since 2008.

My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.

I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways.

Let us help you achieve your goals.

Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!

Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com

Only One Thing Matters

2010-11-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if maybe God miscalculated the number of hours needed in a day? Have you ever questioned His understanding of what it takes to live this life? We can submerge ourselves into His Word, but at the end of the day, we can’t understand how that time spent will get the bills paid, the house cleaned, the grocery shopping done, the yard work finished, the family fed, or the kids ready for bed. Maybe God just didn’t think far enough ahead into our fast paced, schedule driven, technology powered world. Maybe He’s not being reasonable by allowing us to spend a little less time with Him, so that we could get things done. And what about when the holidays come around? Did He not anticipate the decorations that have to be put up, the parties that need thrown, or the extra jobs that must be worked to pay for it all? Maybe God missed it.

Or maybe we have.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Am I a Mary or a Martha?” (Maybe we have multiple personalities that include the two. LOL) In Luke 10: 38-42, we find two women named Martha and Mary entertaining Jesus, only to end up at the brunt of one of His many unorthodox teachings. In those days, the women were to prepare the meals etc. The men were to be at the feet of a rabbi or teacher of the torah. There was no exception. So, Martha took her place in this world. And obviously, Martha was feeling as though she had more to do than she could handle on her own. (We can relate!) But, Mary recognized that her Lord was in the next room and there was nothing that was going to keep her from sitting at His feet.

The bottom line is, we all have a Mary heart . . . but we’re living in a Martha world. There’s things to be done. So, we can’t help but live our lives in the footsteps of Martha. But, in this account in Luke, Jesus beckons the “Mary heart” in all of us. As Martha politely, yet forcefully, demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her with the preparations, Jesus shocks us all with His response:

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke:10:38-42 (NIV)

Don’t you care? It’s a question we ask God a lot . . . if we’re honest. His answers sometimes come in the form of questions, but this answer was straight to the point. In essence, He says, “Stop worrying. Quit being upset. Just come into My presence. Just spend time with Me. I’ll give you peace and rest from your burdens.” But, Martha, like so many of us, had gotten “distracted by all the preparations.” We can’t fault Martha. After all, she was the one who invited Jesus into her home in the first place. She had opened her life up to Him— she just “missed it.” And Jesus sees us “missing it.” Jesus is helping us keep things in perspective. The things of this life that cause us so much worry and confusion suddenly become irrelevant when we’re in the presence of the Lord. You see, what Martha was doing was “essential” . . . what Mary was doing was “eternal.” That time Mary would spend with Jesus could never be taken from her. Martha’s efforts would be consumed and forgotten within hours.

Jesus wasn’t scolding Martha and He isn’t scolding us over this issue . . . He’s simply saying, “I don’t need you to do anything for Me, but simply let Me be here for you.” He’s saying, “Only one thing matters . . . and that’s being here, at My feet, in My presence.” The message is loud and clear. We can’t allow ourselves to be weighed down and distracted by many things

If you’re finding yourself stressed out; if you’re finding yourself angry with others for not doing their share; when you wake up in the middle of the night to despair about whether “things” will ever get done . . . don’t continue to neglect yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stop and sit in the presence of God. Take a moment to re-examine why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember that there is simplicity in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Ask yourself if you’re spending your time on the things that will last? . . . the things that “cannot be taken away from you?” If you’re consumed with serving the Lord . . . don’t forget who it is you’re serving. Keep your eyes on Him. Keep Him first in all that you do. It doesn’t matter to Jesus if you prepare a seven course meal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. What matters to Him is that you take the time to simply enjoy His presence. When daily life is frantic and out of control, when worry consumes you and you’re struggling just to make it through, Jesus says, “There’s only one thing that matters . . .

and I’m right here in front of you.”

About the Author:
Cherie Hill is the author of Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms, and an Amazon.com Shorts Bestselling author in the Christian genre. She has a BA in Psychology, a Biblical Counseling Certificate through the AACC, and is continuing studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the founder of ScriptureNow.com Ministry that brings the Word of God and prayer, into over 30 countries around the world everyday. (reaching over 100,000 people every year)
Cherie brings instructive and uplifting teaching of the Word of God across the world through the “SpiritWaves™” audio ministry on EzraWebRadio.com and GloryStar Satellite Radio, with a subscriber base of 11 million people.
Cherie’s podcast, “FaithSteps” ranks consistently in the top 100 Christian podcasts in the world on GodCast 1000.

My Prayer to my WonderFul Parents on their 61st Wedding Anniversary.

2010-10-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

Serenity Prayer

God, grant us the...

Serenity to accept things we cannot change,

Courage to change the things we can, and the

Wisdom to know the difference

Patience for the things that take time

Appreciation for all that we have, and

Tolerance for those with different struggles

Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the

Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the

Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.

Thank you God for my parents and my family. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful parents!

God Bless Everyone!

Lori

Tips for Working at Home

2010-10-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Church One-liners

2010-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you.
If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Artrell Harris
VP of Mission Services / Chaplain
YMCA of Greater Kansas City

These are so funny and unfortunately can be true! I hope they have brighten your day in some way.

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

5 Crucial Numbers

2010-10-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

To begin taking charge of your own health, there are 5 crucial numbers Dr. Oz wants you to know. Make knowing them your mantra, and you’ll be on the road to a healthier, longer life.

1. Blood Pressure

Over 50 million American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension; within this range,1 out of every 3 isn’t even aware they have this serious medical condition. High blood pressure can cause a host medical problems including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and stroke, which can strike suddenly.

Your blood pressure can be tested in several places like your doctor’s office or at a pharmacy. Learn how to test your own blood pressure and invest in a device you can use at home.
Get in the habit of testing your blood pressure once a month. Make sure each time to test it at the same point in the day, when you’re most relaxed. For accuracy, take 3 readings and figure out the average number between them.
Pay attention to the top number – the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood – the best lifelong measurement for hypertension. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor.

2. Waist Size

If you’re sporting a large waistline, your risk of dying prematurely is nearly double. The reason is because belly fat, often fondly referred to as a spare tire or a beer gut – sends out a toxic stream of chemicals impacting the whole body.

Take your waist size once each month with a measuring tape.
Measure at your natural waistline, which is above your hipbone and below the ribcage – not where your belt lies or around your hips. Be mindful of your posture and suck in your stomach since the fat you’re measuring is deep inside the belly.
A waist size over 35 inches in women and over 40 inches in men greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and more.
The ideal waist size for women is 32 ½ inches and 35 inches for men. Click here to learn your body mass index, or BMI, to see how your waist size can impact your overall health.

3. Weight

Stepping on a scale and finding out your body weight is one of the easiest numbers to calculate and an excellent indicator of your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 out of 3 Americans are considered obese, which can cause a slew of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gout, hypertension, high blood pressure and cancer.

The average American woman stands approximately 5’4” tall. At this height, you should weight less than 175 pounds, the cut off point for obesity.
The average American man is about 5’9” tall and should weigh less than 196, his cut off for obesity.
Taller folks can add 5 pounds per inch; if you’re shorter, subtract 5 pounds per inch.
Write your weight down monthly. Studies show that by tracking this number, you’ll do a better job keeping it down.

4. Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

To test your cholesterol levels, you need to see a doctor or someone in the health care field who can administer a simple blood test.
Don’t worry about memorizing your total cholesterol number, which can be misleading. Instead, memorize the 2 forms it’s carried in: HDL and LDL. Your HDL, the healthy cholesterol, needs to be 50 or better; your LDL, the unhealthy cholesterol, should be under 100. If you’re numbers do not fall in this range, discuss strategies for lowering your LDL and increasing your HDL with a health care professional. Click here for more on cholesterol.

5. Fasting Blood Sugar

Testing your fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures your risk for diabetes, a chronic disease that can lead to blindness, cardiac disease, kidney failure, nerve problems and an impaired immune system. Diabetes is particularly high in the African American community.

Your fasting blood sugar number must be measured after an 8-hour fast. Fasting is key since ingesting food—say, a banana an hour beforehand—would raise blood sugar levels and could create a false pre-diabetic or diabetic reading. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test.
A fasting blood sugar number above 100 is considered pre-diabetic; treatment measures should be discussed with a physician.
By knowing and staying on top of Dr. Oz’s 5 numbers, you’ll minus the threat of major chronic diseases and multiply your odds for health and longevity.

I hope this information has helped you in some way. I know it has for me!

To your health,

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Hurry, Scurry and Worry

2010-10-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Many of us have read or heard the story of Mary and Martha – the two sisters in Luke chapter 10.

Mary chooses to sit and listen to Jesus teach. Martha, on the other hand, scurries around taking care of what she deems important tasks. Luke 10:38 says that Jesus was a guest at their house, so I’m sure Martha felt that she needed to play the part of the hostess, making sure food was being prepared and floors were being scrubbed. She is busy hurrying, scurrying and worrying while Mary simply sits.
In her frustration, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary has left her to do all the work by herself. And do you know how Jesus replies?
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” (v. 41-42)

Lately I’ve found myself hurrying, scurrying and worrying like Martha. There seem to be so many things to worry about each day – my kids, my husband, my business. And if I’m not worrying about them, who will? And if no one worries about them … well, surely something would go wrong, right?
When I came across this story a few days ago I saw myself in Martha, but I long to be Mary. Mary knew that there is only one important thing in life. Hear me on this: One. Thing. And that one thing? Knowing Christ. Nothing compares and nothing else matters eternally.

The bills won’t follow us into eternity (thank goodness!). The laundry will get done. The floors will eventually be scrubbed. But to know Him is the “better thing.”
Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that [He is] God.” To know Him we must quiet ourselves. We have to make the time to sit at His feet as Mary did all those years ago and listen to Him speak to us – through His Word, time in prayer and by simply listening.

So, this week I’m doing just that – making sure my quiet time with the Lord happens every day – and that it’s actually QUIET time. And making sure that my focus is on the ONE THING that eternally matters, laying the rest at His feet.

How about you? Have you been hurrying, scurrying and worrying? Will you lay it all aside today and sit with Him?

Great article I found posted on the CWAHM web page. This is so true. We all do this hurrying around trying to get things done and worrying when they are not done When the only thing that we really need is to surrender it all to God. It is so simple but sometimes we choose to make it difficult. I know my day does not go as I plan, when I do not spend time with God.

I hope this helps!

To your success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

The Importance of Finding a Good Mentor!

2010-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Miners in Chile

2010-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

I just have to post how amazing this story really is. How brave all of the miners, their families and rescuers are going through this ordeal. The question is would everyone be able to go through this ordeal as heroic as these men did? The bravest person to me is the rescuer that volunteered to go down to help each man. That is the person that is also amazing. This story has captured the world and rightfully so.

I think most of us can say are problems are minor compared to what these men went through for the last couple months. To make 2 days worth of food last 2 weeks is incredible to me. What teamwork they must have had to keep each other strong. The faith and hope is another aspect of this as well. Because without it, who knows what would of happened. I prayed for the miners, their families and the rescuers. I surrendered it to God to give them strength. I know there were so many people across the world doing the same thing. It really does make a difference. Prayer is so powerful and my prayer is that everyone knows it.

To your success,

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Spiritual Survival Kit

2010-10-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

1. The toothpick is to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others
Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2. Rubber Band - The rubber band reminds you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3. Band-aid - The band aid is to remind you to heal hurt feelings whether they are yours or someone else's.
Colossians 3: 12-14
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

4. Pencil - The pencil is to remind you to list your blessings every day.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

5. Eraser- The eraser is to remind you that everyone makes mistakes and it's O.K.
Genesis 50:15-21
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

6. Chewing Gum - The chewing gum is to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

7. Mint - The mint is to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

8. Candy Kiss - The candy kiss is to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or hug every day.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

9. Tea Bag - The tea bag reminds you to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I love these and they are so true. We should all try these and I know they will enhance our lives. This was sent to me by Artrell Harris.

To Your Success,

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Dr. Oz's Pesticide Wash Solution

2010-10-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

Doctor Oz did a segment called “Dr Oz’s Most Wanted” to list the top 4 fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with pesticides. One of the most valuable portions of today’s show, to me at least, was Dr Oz’s Recipe for a Home Solution to remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables. The USDA measures the pesticides found on produce every year, according to Dr Oz’s guest Urvashi Rangan. Farmers use pesticides for many reasons, and it was really after World War 2 that we had developed chemicals for killing humans and figured out that if we diluted them and put them on our crops, we would be able to kill bugs… that sure does not sound appetizing to me. Organic farmers have found plenty of alternatives to pesticides and the more we support organic farmers by buying their produce, the cheaper organic products will become. It is up to us, the public, to demand that farmers stop using pesticides, or we will stop eating their produce. But that is my personal opinion, I wonder if Dr Oz would agree. Dr Oz said that when you go to the grocery, you should not look for perfect fruits and vegetables because those are less natural and not as good for you. Dr Oz showed how the pesticides on a strawberry gets into your system and can effect your auto-pilot system and cause blurry vision, it can make you have lung spasms similar to asthma, as well as a whole bunch of other negative effects.

Dr Oz’s Dirtiest Fruits & Vegetables
1. Strawberries
The USDA found over 50 pesticide residues on strawberries that range from carcinogens to chemical that cause reproductive and developmental damage. Urvashi Rangan said that we do not understand the harm caused by combining multiple pesticide residues, but it cannot be a good thing. Dr Oz suggested soaking your strawberries for two minutes in a bowl of water and then rinsing them well before eating them.

2. Apples
Over 40 pesticide residues were found on apples and most varieties of apples have them. Also, most apples are waxed, which does not help when you are trying to wash them off. One solution is to peel an apple, or if it is unwaxed, take a good brush and scrub it. Dr Oz said that you should be able to smell the apple, and if not, then it is likely covered in wax.

3. Spinach
Over 40 pesticide residues are found on spinach, but its too soft to brush it. You can soak it, but it sits in dirt in the ground and is very close to the pesticides. Dr Oz suggested buying frozen spinach, because he said that when they wash and blanch the spinach, it takes off around 90% of the pesticides. My question though is why can’t we just wash and blanch fresh spinach if that is the case???

4. Peaches
Dr Oz can eat around 12 peaches at a time, but he said that in that quantity, the peaches cause gas. Too much information Dr Oz haha! Peaches are very soft skinned, and in general, soft skinned fruits are tougher to wash and pesticides can absorb through the skin. Produce like avocados or bananas are safer options if you don’t go organic.

Dr Oz’s Pesticide Wash Solution Recipe
Dr Oz said that if you are going to eat non-organic fruits and vegetables, you can help to wash your produce off by mixing together the following ingredients:

- 1 cup water

- 1 cup white vinegar

- 1 TB baking soda

- 1/2 lemon

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray your produce. Let the solution sit on your fruits and veggies for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Vinegar is anti-bacterial and lemon is a natural astringent. Fabulous home remedy Dr Oz!!!

I love Dr. OZ and this is great information! Quite Alarming!

I hope this helps you!

Lori

Lori McDowell
www.momsforgreen.com

Spiritual Ways to Reduce Stress

2010-10-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a The Good Book with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you God.”

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

Source - Internet: Jim Gentil’s Positive Spiritual Living News Letter.

I hope this helps you in some way!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

A Simple Hug

2010-10-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

She was eighty years young and still very active. In this small town in southwest Virginia, not much happened. It was just another empty day for a senior citizen who lived by herself. Although she has four children, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren, she was often alone.

In need of a few small things at the grocery and a desire to just get out of the house and be among people, she took a trip to the local Kroger's. Since there were
only her own needs to satisfy, she walked up and down the aisles with a small cart. With just six items, she headed to the checkout.

He wandered the store. He'd come for a cup of hot soup and perhaps someone
to talk to. The soup was good, it always was, but no one wanted to talk to an old man. Disappointed, he was about to leave when he saw her. She headed to the checkout with only a few items.

"Good morning, Ma'am." He smiled, "You can't leave yet?"

She turned toward the voice. A well dressed man smiled at her. "Excuse me?" she asked. He pointed to the six items she'd selected. "Your basket is not full."
"There's no need to buy a lot." she replied. "There's no one to eat it."
He stared at her for a moment and said, "I'm so lonely!" "I know what that's like."

In the middle of an aisle, in a large grocery store, at 11:30 AM, they
stood and talked. "My wife and daughter died." he said. "They died too
young." His eyes softened as he spoke briefly of them and then added, "
I just recently, I lost my little Pomeranian. She was all I had left.
Now I'm alone." "I'm so sorry." She felt her own eyes moisten. He was as alone as she was.

"It's OK." he said bravely. "I hope I can find another dog like her. She was
such a joy. At least someone needed me. She gave me purpose. Now I have none. Perhaps I'll get another, but at my age, I don't want to leave her alone when my time comes. Then again, I have this big house. A dog would be happy there. I've lived in it for fifty years. It has big rooms." "Oh, the homes were built big back then. It was a time when people had large families." She smiled and wondered where the conversation was going.

"They sure did. This old place has four bedrooms. Three of them are empty.
It's just me now." He sighed. "There's not much to do. My days are empty. I do get out as often as I can. In fact, every morning I go to McDonald's for breakfast."

"Good for you!" she said. "I try to get out as much as I can myself."

"Those kids at McDonald's are very nice to me. They always greet me with a smile and make such a fuss over me. They're almost like having grand kids. And you know what?"

"What?"

He leaned close and whispered. "They let me have my coffee for free. What do you think of that?"

"That's wonderful!" She knew the joy it must give him to feel welcomed.

They chatted for perhaps twenty minutes. "Well," she looked into his eyes, which now sparkled with pride over the family he had at McDonald's. "I must be getting home."

"I understand." The sparkle faded. "It was nice talking to you."

"It was nice talking to you too." She touched his hand. "I mean it."

He looked back at her and asked softly, "Can I give you a hug?"

A bit taken by his request, but fully understanding his need, she said, "Yes!"

There they stood, in a warm embrace, in the middle of a busy grocery, on a normal day, that was made special by a simple hug.

That evening, she reflected on her encounter with the man. She felt like he did, alone in the world. How many others her age felt the same loneliness? How many seniors just need a kind ear and perhaps a simple hug?

Michael T. Smith

This is a true story from one of Michael's readers. When she heard we were using the story she said, "Oh Mike! That is wonderful - not because it is our story but because the subject is being brought to the fore in such a manner!

Michael lives with his lovely wife, Ginny, in Caldwell, Idaho. He works as a project manager in Telecommunications and in his spare time writes inspiration stories. He has recently been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul Books (All in the Family and Things I Learned from My Cat), in "Thin Threads - Life Changing
Moments" and in Catholic Digest. To sign up for Michael's stories go
to: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi
To read more of his stories, go to: http://ourecho.com/biography-353-Michael-Timothy-Smith.shtml#stories.

I love this story. It is amazing what a hug can do for someone. Try to remember that! I hope this story has touched you as it has me.

To Your Success,

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Things To Be Thankful For......

2010-10-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

1. Be thankful for growing older. Not everyone gets this opportunity. Aging with health and grace is a rare and beautiful gift.

2. Be thankful that you can read these words. It is a very sad thing that many people do not have the ability to read.

3. If you have to wait in line at the supermarket, be thankful that you can afford what you want to eat and have a convenient place to buy it. We are all aware of the many people waiting in line to have a meal at the local homeless shelter.

4. Be thankful for the ability to pay your bills, even if it means that you have to give up some things that you want. Remember that having basic needs met is a luxury for many people.

5. If you have to get up before dawn to get to work, be thankful that you get to see another sunrise and have a job to go to.

6. When you're stuck in traffic, be thankful you have a car to get where you need to go and money to buy gas. Standing in the rain while waiting for a bus is, at the very least, uncomfortable.

7. When the kids are screaming at each other, be thankful that you have children to love and who love you, and remember that at least some of the time, they do get along. There will always be bumps in the road, but they are usually followed by easier times.

8. When your spouse is acting grumpy or giving you a hard time, be thankful for having love in your life and someone to grow old with.

9. When your parents are telling you how to run your life, be thankful that you still have them around. If they are no longer with you, take a moment to be thankful for the time you had with them.

10. When you sit down with your loved ones for dinner, be thankful for everyone and everything that makes it possible. Look your family and friends in the eye and express to them your gratitude for sharing this time together.

Source Adapted From: (Psychology Today)

I think this is a great reminder of what we all have to be thankful for. Sometimes it is easy to forget and I think we need to be reminded once in awhile. I hope this was a great reminder.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Wreckers or Builders

2010-10-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

I watched them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,
They swung a beam and a sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled,
As the men you'd hire if you had to build?"
He gave me a laugh and said, "No indeed!
Just common labor is all I need.
I can easily wreck in a day or two
What builders have taken a year to do."
And I tho't to myself as I went my way,
Which of these two roles have I tried to play?
Am I a builder who works with care,
Measuring life by the rule and square?
Am I shaping my deeds by a well-made plan,
Patiently doing the best I can?
Or am I a wrecker who walks the town,
Content with the labor of tearing down?

-- Unknown

I know I am a Builder! It is my passion to be a builder and I love it! What do you think you are? I hope this helps you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com