When you own your own business, you're always thinking about it but you really don't mind. But I've noticed that about every 7-10 days, I get overwhelmed with all the to-dos that I freeze up and get paralysis of analysis. Or I find myself focusing all of my attention on one particularly brainless thing like Facebook or Twitter which is probably a coping mechanism until my brain unravels.
To-do lists are a great help. I keep one on my Outlook calendar that works nicely, and it's great to see the tasks completed, although I'm noticing that my list never shrinks. If anything, the more items I complete, the more my list grows, which certainly seems counter-intuitive. It's because there's always more to be done in the small business world of wearing multiple hats.
I had forgotten how invigorating owning a business can be. It fills you up. You are filled with passion and so glad to be moving forward doing your own thing. Yet, I'd forgotten about how other emotions come into play...emotions I don't really want to have in my life. Fear. Uncertainty. Anxiety.
I hate to second-guess myself, but I find myself doing that more now that I'm a small business owner. Co-workers don't exist to bounce ideas off of, and you probably care a lot more now that it's your own gig. So I rely on my vendors, my mentors, my family, my friends to pick me up when I get scared and overwhelmed. And they do!
Just when you hear the last bit of negativity or hit a lull or think you can't go any further, you get a beautiful and heartfelt facebook post like this from a close friend:
"WOW - I just tooled around HMA and was super impressed! You are doing an awesome job!! Stay focused on your divine ability to attract all that's great! All the very warmest love to you..."
That's what keeps me going. Those perfect moments that inspire. I love my friends and family and facebook fans. Thank you for all your support that really means the world to me.
I can't imagine doing this trek all alone. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and blessed by the people in my life.
Oh...and massages help too, as always. ;)
July 31, 2010
July 29, 2010
Beautiful Day at Sundeck - top of Ajax
I decided to escape to get creative, at least for a moment. These past 24-48 hours have been intense with promoting the business, and I need to catch my breath.
What better way to do so than to take a gondola ride to the top of Ajax and breathe in the beauty. This view never disappoints. The clouds today really bring out the reds/purples/greens in the mountain range across the way. For those who are not locals, here's a glimpse of the view from The Sundeck.
I'm reminded of my first oil painting I painted. My ex-husband and I had come here in 1999, if I recall correctly, and ventured up here. There was a great picture of him standing in front of the gorgeous mountain range. I used that picture as inspiration in my divorce. As a nod to my future which most definitely included Aspen, I painted him out of it, signed it in my maiden name, and asked for a divorce. Sounds cruel, I know. I probably wouldn't be so cruel now that I'm older, but it is what it is. Plus, now that I'm older, I don't beat myself up about about past indiscretions as much either. Now I have one of my most favorite possessions: an oil painting of Aspen hanging in my home in MN.
I am remembering that lovely lady who used to give 10-15 minute chair massages up here. I always got one when I was here, and I could use one now. She passed away last year, but she's missed and in my thoughts today!
I'm also grateful for the wifi they installed here last year. It sure is a nice treat..now, if only they'd get cell phone coverage. Actually, that may not be such a great idea. I just wish the Sundeck didn't close down at 4:30. The clouds are really moving in now and it's SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
I'm going to take the gondola down, head over to The Aspen Club for a good long workout and then maybe hit the Jazz Festival in Snowmass tonight if the weather holds up. Ciao.
What better way to do so than to take a gondola ride to the top of Ajax and breathe in the beauty. This view never disappoints. The clouds today really bring out the reds/purples/greens in the mountain range across the way. For those who are not locals, here's a glimpse of the view from The Sundeck.
I'm reminded of my first oil painting I painted. My ex-husband and I had come here in 1999, if I recall correctly, and ventured up here. There was a great picture of him standing in front of the gorgeous mountain range. I used that picture as inspiration in my divorce. As a nod to my future which most definitely included Aspen, I painted him out of it, signed it in my maiden name, and asked for a divorce. Sounds cruel, I know. I probably wouldn't be so cruel now that I'm older, but it is what it is. Plus, now that I'm older, I don't beat myself up about about past indiscretions as much either. Now I have one of my most favorite possessions: an oil painting of Aspen hanging in my home in MN.
I am remembering that lovely lady who used to give 10-15 minute chair massages up here. I always got one when I was here, and I could use one now. She passed away last year, but she's missed and in my thoughts today!
I'm also grateful for the wifi they installed here last year. It sure is a nice treat..now, if only they'd get cell phone coverage. Actually, that may not be such a great idea. I just wish the Sundeck didn't close down at 4:30. The clouds are really moving in now and it's SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
I'm going to take the gondola down, head over to The Aspen Club for a good long workout and then maybe hit the Jazz Festival in Snowmass tonight if the weather holds up. Ciao.
July 27, 2010
Divine Intervention - another great story
So, during this morning's meditation, I asked for the right people to come into my life at the right time. I told that dreaded bully named FEAR to step aside, b/c I'll have none of it. I'm driving this HireMeAspen train, and I will reach my destination with TRUST and SURRENDER as my co-pilots.
I decided to head up to one of my favorite work spots: Saxy's in Basalt, to really crank out some work b/c I have tons to do. With coffee in hand and laptop up and running, I started in. No more than 5 minutes had passed before some nice woman, who had observed my huge logo strategically placed on the back of my laptop screen for all to see, came up and asked "are you affiliated wtih HireMeAspen?"
I said, "Yes, I'm the owner, how can I help you? Do you want a free profile?"
She introduced herself as Lynn Aliya, the host of "Buzz on 82" grassroots tv program. It appears that one of her guests for this Friday had just cancelled and she was looking for a new interview, and she wants to interview me and my business this Friday morning. So, I'm officially booked for my first publicity gig this week, and the press releases just went out yesterday! Coincidentally, or not, she'd just asked for Divine guidance re: finding someone to interview.
I explained the site, and I think we'll also be partnering together on my Gold Partner Program...another value ad (tv advertising discount) coming to my "goldies" I hope.
I'm really excited to see the snowball starting to roll. I'm even more excited about meeting a super nice, new friend: Lynn Aliya!
And I'm thrilled that I'm staying in the now vs. fretting over the future; otherwise, opportunities like this may just pass me by.
I decided to head up to one of my favorite work spots: Saxy's in Basalt, to really crank out some work b/c I have tons to do. With coffee in hand and laptop up and running, I started in. No more than 5 minutes had passed before some nice woman, who had observed my huge logo strategically placed on the back of my laptop screen for all to see, came up and asked "are you affiliated wtih HireMeAspen?"
I said, "Yes, I'm the owner, how can I help you? Do you want a free profile?"
She introduced herself as Lynn Aliya, the host of "Buzz on 82" grassroots tv program. It appears that one of her guests for this Friday had just cancelled and she was looking for a new interview, and she wants to interview me and my business this Friday morning. So, I'm officially booked for my first publicity gig this week, and the press releases just went out yesterday! Coincidentally, or not, she'd just asked for Divine guidance re: finding someone to interview.
I explained the site, and I think we'll also be partnering together on my Gold Partner Program...another value ad (tv advertising discount) coming to my "goldies" I hope.
I'm really excited to see the snowball starting to roll. I'm even more excited about meeting a super nice, new friend: Lynn Aliya!
And I'm thrilled that I'm staying in the now vs. fretting over the future; otherwise, opportunities like this may just pass me by.
July 25, 2010
Three Week Update
It's been three weeks now since HireMeAspen officially launched, and I hit the town promoting it. Boy, have I already learned a lot about website launches!
Gameplan: Phase 1 ~ Filling Up Database of Workers
To date, we have about 55 unique profiles equalling 700+ cross-referenced profiles in our database. My goal is to get to 100 uniques by the end of the month. Agressive? Yes. But doable if I really hustle! I've got to keep the momentum going, and hopefully with 1. our launch press release being distributed tomorrow, 2, friends of friends finding out about the site, and 3. your continued support...we'll get there with ease.
For a FREE profile, register here using code: CH01100. This code will be valid for a few more weeks only, so take advantage of it now!
Gameplan: Phase 2 ~Targeting Partners
Once I reach the first goal of 100 unique profiles in my database (or roughly 1250 profiles appearing in over 165 job categories), I can begin to focus new efforts on Phase 2 which is targeting Silver and Gold partners. You can view details about our Partner Program here. We've signed up about 20 silver partners thus far which is better than awesome! Once The Hive (the worker bee / members-only area of the website) is launched at the end of July, members will be able to see the Silver partner offers listed in The Honeycomb section. First week of August, I'll start sending out membership cards so our worker bees can take advantage of these partner offers and start saving money!
I've formulated an exciting gameplan for the Gold partners: creating an irresistable and valuable promotional package consisting of not only a business profile for all website visitors to see (including hirers), but unique promotional opportunities with other businesses in the valley like Qittle's Local Deals. Plus, Gold Partners will receive display advertising opportunities on the site, preferred partner mentions on the site (ie. Partner Spotlight), social media marketing, and much, much more. Stay tuned. I've got more exciting things on the horizon for the Gold Partners.
And I've already met so many wonderful, interesting and supportive locals! I'm finding that Facebook is a great way to generate brand awareness, so I've been playing around with several versions of targeted ads -- It's fun to see the results! Lots of people come up to me indicating that they've seen my logo around town....from our gorilla marketing efforts of blanketing parking lots with info cards to community board flyers to hats and signage. This feedback is great considering no press, no advertising, yet.
Spread the Word
Become a fan on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, if you're reading this post via FB/Twitter, please retreet/resend it to your friends. Help me spread the word so I can help the hard-working locals. Tell your friends/business partners we're looking for sponsors. HireMeAspen is just what the Roaring Fork Valley locals need!
I'm jazzed for success, and I define success as: "locals ... getting hired, making money, saving money, being connected and having fun doing work they love!"
Thanks for being a part of the HireMeAspen community. Let's get this snowball rolling!
Gameplan: Phase 1 ~ Filling Up Database of Workers
To date, we have about 55 unique profiles equalling 700+ cross-referenced profiles in our database. My goal is to get to 100 uniques by the end of the month. Agressive? Yes. But doable if I really hustle! I've got to keep the momentum going, and hopefully with 1. our launch press release being distributed tomorrow, 2, friends of friends finding out about the site, and 3. your continued support...we'll get there with ease.
For a FREE profile, register here using code: CH01100. This code will be valid for a few more weeks only, so take advantage of it now!
Gameplan: Phase 2 ~Targeting Partners
Once I reach the first goal of 100 unique profiles in my database (or roughly 1250 profiles appearing in over 165 job categories), I can begin to focus new efforts on Phase 2 which is targeting Silver and Gold partners. You can view details about our Partner Program here. We've signed up about 20 silver partners thus far which is better than awesome! Once The Hive (the worker bee / members-only area of the website) is launched at the end of July, members will be able to see the Silver partner offers listed in The Honeycomb section. First week of August, I'll start sending out membership cards so our worker bees can take advantage of these partner offers and start saving money!
I've formulated an exciting gameplan for the Gold partners: creating an irresistable and valuable promotional package consisting of not only a business profile for all website visitors to see (including hirers), but unique promotional opportunities with other businesses in the valley like Qittle's Local Deals. Plus, Gold Partners will receive display advertising opportunities on the site, preferred partner mentions on the site (ie. Partner Spotlight), social media marketing, and much, much more. Stay tuned. I've got more exciting things on the horizon for the Gold Partners.
And I've already met so many wonderful, interesting and supportive locals! I'm finding that Facebook is a great way to generate brand awareness, so I've been playing around with several versions of targeted ads -- It's fun to see the results! Lots of people come up to me indicating that they've seen my logo around town....from our gorilla marketing efforts of blanketing parking lots with info cards to community board flyers to hats and signage. This feedback is great considering no press, no advertising, yet.
Spread the Word
Become a fan on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, if you're reading this post via FB/Twitter, please retreet/resend it to your friends. Help me spread the word so I can help the hard-working locals. Tell your friends/business partners we're looking for sponsors. HireMeAspen is just what the Roaring Fork Valley locals need!
I'm jazzed for success, and I define success as: "locals ... getting hired, making money, saving money, being connected and having fun doing work they love!"
Thanks for being a part of the HireMeAspen community. Let's get this snowball rolling!
July 10, 2010
It's a Sign of Good Things To Come?
When I returned to Aspen to start rolling out the site, I received an incredible treat from one of my most generous friends. I consider it my $100,000 treat....
I was afforded the opportunity to stay 5 nights in a beautiful chalet in Aspen which just sold for $15 million. All I could keep thinking was: is this a sign of good things to come? Some very famous people spend $20,000 per night over the Christmas holiday to stay there, so I consider myself very fortunate to have this opportunity, especially considering the serendipitous timing.
What better way to officially launch a business than staying in a zen like setting of bedroom fireplaces, meditation waterfalls, exotic fish tanks, vibrant flowers, chef kitchen, downstairs pub, surround sound theatre, relaxing jacuzzi, steam showers, and of course, an incredible view of the mountains. Ahhhhh...
My site is now launched and I've returned down valley, but the "uptown" experience was incredible. Experiencing this lifestyle for even a few nights was magical...and I must admit, I now have another goal in site. Maybe it's not a $15,000,000 goal, but the dream definitely consists of a home in the mountains that recreates a similar zen-like experience...that peaceful environment where I thrive.
I was afforded the opportunity to stay 5 nights in a beautiful chalet in Aspen which just sold for $15 million. All I could keep thinking was: is this a sign of good things to come? Some very famous people spend $20,000 per night over the Christmas holiday to stay there, so I consider myself very fortunate to have this opportunity, especially considering the serendipitous timing.
What better way to officially launch a business than staying in a zen like setting of bedroom fireplaces, meditation waterfalls, exotic fish tanks, vibrant flowers, chef kitchen, downstairs pub, surround sound theatre, relaxing jacuzzi, steam showers, and of course, an incredible view of the mountains. Ahhhhh...
My site is now launched and I've returned down valley, but the "uptown" experience was incredible. Experiencing this lifestyle for even a few nights was magical...and I must admit, I now have another goal in site. Maybe it's not a $15,000,000 goal, but the dream definitely consists of a home in the mountains that recreates a similar zen-like experience...that peaceful environment where I thrive.
July 1, 2010
Today, HireMeAspen is live!
The beta period is over. And a new phase begins...
The website has been tested. Changes have been made. And now comes what will be the easiest part...selling HireMeAspen to the locals!
Why easy? Because I believe in my site. I've worked hard to put myself in each user's situation, and offer an ROI that is irresistable to all 3 groups of users (workers, hirers and partners).
WORKERS
(View our Profile Example here.)
Workers can display their detailed profile in up to 15 job categories for only $7.50/month at launch (that's .50 per category -- per MONTH -- to showcase your talents to potential hirers. We over over 150 job categories to choose from. On top of that, they can actually save money once they become a member by taking advantage of all the local partner discounts offered to the membership. They can join a crew. They can connect with other locals. They can rate/recommend workers and hirers, they can access the Resource Center. They can attend membership events. They can and will SUCCEED when they join forces with HireMeAspen.
HIRERS
(View our Job Categories and find a worker here.)
Hirers have it made on our site! They not only can search for workers and view the profiles for FREE, they can also access their contact information! No charge. For a limited time, hirers can easily post a job for all the members to view. Hireres can send a quick email blast to a category of workers to let them know they're hiring when pressed for time. They can hire a crew. They can rate and recommend workers. And coming soon, they can manage their projects by maintaining a list of workers, schedule work and manage all their pending and completed projects (this feature will be great for property managers!).
PARTNERS
(View our Partner Program here.)
We offer 3 different levels of partners: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver partners receive a listing in The Hive (the members area of the website) when they offer our members a discount for patronizing their restaurant, retail store or service business. This Silver level is FREE. What better way to drive traffic to your business to increase your sales! For $300/year or $25/month at launch, the Gold partners get "preferred partner" status and receive other benefits such as display advertising, appearing in the partner spotlight, recognition in local advertising, social media mentions, and much much more. The Platinum partner level is for sponsors. This level is customizable to meet the needs of both parties; thus costs are variable.
Our ultimate goal at HireMeAspen is to ensure that we meet the needs of the local community. Many resort locals need to work three jobs to maintain a life in the resort they love.
HireMeAspen is here to help those passionate and driven locals not just survive, but thrive.
The website has been tested. Changes have been made. And now comes what will be the easiest part...selling HireMeAspen to the locals!
Why easy? Because I believe in my site. I've worked hard to put myself in each user's situation, and offer an ROI that is irresistable to all 3 groups of users (workers, hirers and partners).
WORKERS
(View our Profile Example here.)
Workers can display their detailed profile in up to 15 job categories for only $7.50/month at launch (that's .50 per category -- per MONTH -- to showcase your talents to potential hirers. We over over 150 job categories to choose from. On top of that, they can actually save money once they become a member by taking advantage of all the local partner discounts offered to the membership. They can join a crew. They can connect with other locals. They can rate/recommend workers and hirers, they can access the Resource Center. They can attend membership events. They can and will SUCCEED when they join forces with HireMeAspen.
HIRERS
(View our Job Categories and find a worker here.)
Hirers have it made on our site! They not only can search for workers and view the profiles for FREE, they can also access their contact information! No charge. For a limited time, hirers can easily post a job for all the members to view. Hireres can send a quick email blast to a category of workers to let them know they're hiring when pressed for time. They can hire a crew. They can rate and recommend workers. And coming soon, they can manage their projects by maintaining a list of workers, schedule work and manage all their pending and completed projects (this feature will be great for property managers!).
PARTNERS
(View our Partner Program here.)
We offer 3 different levels of partners: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver partners receive a listing in The Hive (the members area of the website) when they offer our members a discount for patronizing their restaurant, retail store or service business. This Silver level is FREE. What better way to drive traffic to your business to increase your sales! For $300/year or $25/month at launch, the Gold partners get "preferred partner" status and receive other benefits such as display advertising, appearing in the partner spotlight, recognition in local advertising, social media mentions, and much much more. The Platinum partner level is for sponsors. This level is customizable to meet the needs of both parties; thus costs are variable.
Our ultimate goal at HireMeAspen is to ensure that we meet the needs of the local community. Many resort locals need to work three jobs to maintain a life in the resort they love.
HireMeAspen is here to help those passionate and driven locals not just survive, but thrive.
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