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The Power of Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone – Living in Your Comfort Zone (Part 1)

February 9, 2012 By

Isn’t it nice to live in your comfort zone: feel confident in what you do, never have any surprises, and always know what to expect? Yes it feels good, however I would attest that if you want to reach the levels of success you desire in your business, the answer is no.

By staying in our comfort zone we continue to do what we’ve always done and don’t push ourselves to our maximum capacity for excellence!

What makes you comfortable in your business?

  • A certain type of client
  • Working only with people who you know and like
  • Doing what you know best

What makes you uncomfortable in your business?

  • Cold calling
  • Learning new skills
  • Public speaking
  • Networking
  • Phone calls

We’re all experts on the production aspect of our jobs.

  • if we have a bakery, we are excellent bakers
  • if we have a dance studio, we are excellent dancers
  • if we have a photography studio, we are excellent photographers

But, what about the other aspects of our small businesses that must be accomplished such as:

  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Accounting
  • Information Technology
  • Graphical Design
  • ….

Are you comfortable doing all of these things? As small business owners we must wear many hats and sometimes one or many of these are way outside of our comfort zone.

Image what it would be like if we always stayed in our comfort zone.

Stay tuned to discover how stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you reach your full potential!!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

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10 Career Goals for The New Year: Increase the Success of Your Business in 2012 (7-10)

January 25, 2012 By

We’re half way through January, how is it going? Are your on track with your career goals? In the last 2 blogs I discussed the first 6 goals: 1) Assess where you are now in your career, 2) Set your priorities, 3) Be your brand, 4) Have a plan, 5) Improve yourself, and 6)Network where it counts.

Here are 4 more strategies to assist you with goal setting for your career and business.

7) Grow your support team

None of us is an island. We need others to support us, be our champions, sounding boards, alliances, and referral partners. Through relationships with those who want to help us reach our career goals we become well known and trusted in our profession.

8) Embrace positive change

The world around us is changing very quickly. Those who can embrace the changes which are affecting their careers and are proactive will have higher success. Knowing what’s happening in our area of expertise is the best way to stay ahead of the competition. Making a change can be difficult however it is necessary in order to reap the rewards of an ever changing technological world.

9) Trust your instincts

You know what you are capable of and what your passion is. Sometimes, even though well meaning, our colleagues will shoot down our ideas fearing that we might get hurt or fail. Trust your instincts which will lead you towards your success.

10) Separate business and personal life

In this multi-tasking totally connected world, it is very easy to always be working. We can work from home, while traveling, even during church, social or sports events. While this may make you look very important to others, you are putting your health at risk by not taking some downtime.

Pick the career goals you are interested in and work on them one step at a time. Don’t expect immediate results. By planning your execution of a goal you are setting yourself up for long term success. Enjoy the process!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

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10 Career Goals for The New Year: Increase the Success of Your Business in 2012 (4-6)

January 18, 2012 By

We’re half way through January, how is it going? Are your on track with your career goals? In the last blog I discussed the first 3 goals: 1) Assess where you are now in your career, 2) Set your priorities, and  3) Be your brand.
Here are 3 more strategies to assist you with goal setting for your career and business.

4) Have a plan

Those who know me, know that I love lists and plans. Putting a plan in writing is the best way to be successful and see where your career is heading. We are accustomed to completing business, marketing, strategy, and infrastructure plans. What about thinking of you personally and doing a career plan? This plan contains measurable activities to get you to those career goals. This plan will help you stay accountable to your career goals and help you know where you are on your journey at any particular time.

5) Improve yourself

Now is the time to plan for a new degree, certification, or skill which will help differentiate you from others in your field. Step outside of the box and see what skills you might need in the future or try something new which you really have a passion for.

6) Network where it counts

Networking is a necessity to build relationships, become known for your expertise, and market your brand. Networking can become a full time job if you’re not careful. There are unlimited numbers of networking opportunities. Try different networking venues and test which ones work best for you. Then decide on the networking group which fits your schedule and gives you the most greatest Return on Investment (ROI). You might want to find one group for each area where you would like to build relationships such as: people in your industry, potential clients, or like-minded individuals.

Go out and try these out! Stay tuned for my next article which will discuss the last 4 strategies for career success!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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10 Career Goals for The New Year: Increase the Success of Your Business in 2012 (1-3)

January 5, 2012 By

Happy New Year!!

Is it a new year’s resolution or goal you want for your career? A resolution is usually short lived and not well thought out. A goal is the end result of a desire which is achievable, planned out and executed using small steps each leading closer to your success.

The beginning of the year is a great time to focus on the goals which can make your business and career more successful! Everything seems fresh and new and this feeling helps us stay in the present and optimistic about the future. Here are some strategies to assist you with goal setting for your career and business.

1) Assess where you are now

Are you happy with where you are currently in your career or business?

* Do you have the balance you would like between your business and personal life?
* Do you love what you do?
* Are you using your expertise or education?
* Do you have a vision and mission for your business or career?
* Are you maximizing your talents and skills?

2) Set your priorities

Are you a people pleaser? Do you have trouble saying no when asked to take on more responsibilities? The more activities you commit to do, the more you are jeopardizing life balance. By prioritizing what is most important, you can decide which activities fit and which activities do not fit your goals. Brainstorming your activities and prioritizing them will help you see which activities can be eliminated thus giving you time for what is truly important.

3) Be your brand

Did you know that you are your brand? A logo and slogan can represent your brand, however everything you do reflects your brand. This includes your picture, social media updates, articles, websites, blogs etcetera. Make sure you are at your best representing your brand and what makes you unique in your industry.

Next week’s blog – Goal 4-6

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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YOUR MINDSET MAKEOVER: TAMING YOUR INNER VOICE – EXPERIMENTING WITH CHANGE (part 3)

January 29, 2010 By

Your Mindset Makeover – Taming Your Inner Voice – (Part 3) Experimenting with Change

Now that you understand your inner voice, and have learned how to simply take notice, let’s take the next step to taming those negative thoughts!!


Second Step – Have Fun Experimenting with Change

How can you enjoy the process of change? We all know that change is difficult and often takes us out of our comfort zone. Just the idea of changing a habit, whether it is a healthy or unhealthy habit, can put us into a tailspin! Habits can become our defense mechanism to shield us from issues in our life. Just think of some examples:

  • Why do we overeat or eat unhealthy foods
    • Action: emotional eating
    • “when I get home from work I can eat the house”
    • Issue could be – loneliness, feelings of failure…
  • Why do we have trouble expressing our feelings to others
    • Action: stuffing emotions
    • “no matter what I say or do, no-one listens”
    • Issue could be – feelings of inadequacy, low self esteem…

The words “should”, “ought”, and “must” are inner voice terms which dampen your spirit. Get them out of your vocabulary!! Don’t smother your feelings – feel your true emotions.

How many people have picked a major in college or chosen a job because they were always told that they “should be a doctor, lawyer, nurse…) (you fill in the rest). Living through others expectations will make others happy – but perhaps not YOU!

It’s time to make a change in the way you react to negative thoughts. Have fun finding the antiquated notions and beliefs in your head and see how absurd they are.

My inner thought was that I could never own a business and it wasn’t a REAL job – I “should” have a stable job working for an established business. Well, we all know that there is no such thing as a stable job. So, for the period of time we devote to any job or business – why not make it what we are passionate about and live OUR dreams!!

Those whose lives are filled with love, contentment and success are those who like themselves, and believe in their hearts that they deserve the best. That belief results in their success.
Stay tuned for my next blog post where I will explain the 3rd of 3 simple steps to Taming Your Inner Voice – Living the Change!!

To Your Vibrant Health

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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Your Mindset Makeover – Taming Your Inner Voice – (Part 4) Live Your Authentic Life!!

January 27, 2010 By

Now that you understand your inner voice, have learned how to simply take notice, and have experimented with making change, let’s take the next step to taming those negative thoughts!!


Third Step – Live Your Authentic Life

Now comes the fun part where you put all of your hard work into action! Imagine all you can do without the negative thoughts. Adopt a spirit of adventure along your journey by trying new activities and looking at your life with a positive attitude for success. Maybe you have always wanted to:

  • start your own business
  • learn a new dance step
  • venture into online dating
  • leave a destructive relationship
  • go back to school for that degree you always dreamed of
  • write a book
  • change your style
  • ………

Now is the time to take the next step, to live your passion, and do what others and your inner voice have told you was impossible. There is no right or wrong way, no finish line, however with practice you will get better and better at taming your inner voice and LIVING the way you were meant to live – in the present. This way of living could become your new habit. Living your authentic life is an attitude. Your life will be forever unfolding: the past in behind you and your future is always unknown. Isn’t that exciting! Think of all the possibilities. So, you now have a choice: either heed the words of your inner voice or be in harmony with who you really are – your authentic self! The choice is yours!!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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DOG ON THE NAIL: WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION TO CHANGE?

January 25, 2010 By

We all have habits we would like to break….goals we would like to reach.


What gets in our way to reaching our life aspirations? Why is it so difficult to change our ways?




Dog on the Nail


There was an old man who had a dog. His friend came to visit and noticed the dog was groaning and groaning. The friend asked “Why is your dog groaning?”
The old man answered that his dog was sitting on a nail. “Well, why is your dog sitting on the nail if it hurts him so? Why doesn’t he just move?”


The old man answered “Because it doesn’t hurt him enough.”


And so it is with our motivation to change. Change can be very difficult and uncomfortable. Our habits, good or bad, become our best friends and our defense mechanisms against outside forces. They are our comfort and what we know.  Stepping into the unknown and outside of our comfort zone can be very painful and frightening.

Think of the change equation as:


 Successful Change = pain of what we want to change IS GREATER THAN pain of making the change

A good example is a smoker who knows they must stop smoking on advice given by their doctor. They know smoking is detrimental to their health and a very expensive habit. They also know that quitting will be difficult and have some adverse results (perhaps weight gain, nervousness, sleeplessness, etc.). But, they also know there will be advantages (better health, more disposable income, feeling of accomplishment, etc.). Change can only occur when the pain of the smoking habit is greater than the pain of quitting.

Change is a process which can go through cycles as we move along the change continuum. It isn’t always a straight line. Stay tuned to my next blog post, where I will explain the steps necessary for successful change to take place.


To the Vibrant Health of You and Your Business!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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Understanding The Change Process: The Spiral of Change (Part 1)

January 21, 2010 By

HOW DO WE MAKE A CHANGE?





“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein.


  • Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to change unhealthly habits?
  • Why do some people make dramatic changes while others seem to muddle through their lives fixated on their problems…perhaps blaming others…but not changing anything?
  • What makes people successful in reaching their goals?



 

THE SPIRAL OF CHANGE



Successful change is a process. Some people go through change without realizing they are going through the actual stages…it just comes naturally to them. Others try to jump into action before they have gone through the preparation steps and understand the root causes for the issue they want to change.

 

 

Every year, on New Year’s Eve, we are taunted by the media to make our New Year’s resolutions. Somehow we are told this is the best time to lose weight, make new friends, change careers, become a success ….on and on. Do New Year’s resolutions ever work when someone else tells us what we need to change?




According to James Prochaska in Changing for Good the six stages of change Are:



1. Precontemplation – Resisting Change

2. Contemplation – Change on the Horizon

3. Preparation – Getting Ready

4. Action – Time to Move

5. Maintenance – Staying There

(Recycling) – Learning from Relapse

6. Termination – Exiting the Cycle of Change



Sounds easy, doesn’t it?



We all want to jump into Action to get speedy results NOW! It sure isn’t sexy or exciting to prepare for change. Without going through the preparation steps it will be much harder to succeed.



The stage of change we are in is critical to the our success in making the change permanent.



Next blog: Are you ready to make the change?



To the Vibrant Health of You and Your Business!

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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Your Mindset Makeover – Taming Your Inner Voice (Part 1) by Lauren Paparone

January 18, 2010 By

Ever wonder why you feel trapped and have trouble reaching your goals? Is there a voice inside your head telling you not to take a risks and venture out of your comfort zone? We all have this inner voice which is with us always…believe me, it’s not your friend!


Style and Mindset – Taming Your Inner Voice (Part 1)

 

Lauren Paparone, The Life & “Health” Coach

Personal Empowerment – The Caregiver Coach
Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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CONTEMPLATION … CHANGE AHEAD? – The Spiral of Change (Part 3)

January 17, 2010 By

HOW DO WE MAKE A CHANGE?

Have you started to get thoughts in your head about wanting to try something new, make a significant change, drop a pesky old habit?

Others have been telling you what THEY want you to do. You’ve barely listened, until now. Now you are thinking it might be a great idea to lose those extra pounds before your next doctor’s appointment, to quite that job which is causing you so much stress, to go back to school…

For me, the biggest change I wrestled with was leaving a very lucrative corporate job (which was very stressful with very long hours) to start my own business. The security of a steady salary and the comfort of doing what I knew, kept me trapped in a unhealthy and unfulfilling job. I was experiencing a fear of the unknown!

Why did I fear change and feel trapped?

  • Was I unsure of my abilities?
  • Was I waiting for the perfect time to make the change?
  • Was I being a perfectionist and not able to act because I didn’t have all the answers?
  • Was I asking for the approval of others?

I’m sure this sounds familiar to you…we’ve all experienced the fear of change from time to time. What triggers us to overcome the fear, is the emotional need to change. Maybe an ominous medical report or loss of a job shocks us into our awareness that change is needed. Once our conscious mind realizes this, the image we have of ourselves changes…and we can see what life would be like once the change is made.

Once we have this realization, we are in the Contemplation stage of change where we DESIRE to make the change.

This desire to change will lead us into the next step in the spiral of change!

Next blog: Preparation….getting ready to Change

Lauren Paparone’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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