HireMeAspen

When You Get the Wind Knocked Out of You...Breathe.

2010-11-16T14:11:00.002-07:00

by: Connie Hammond

The other night, I got the wind knocked out of me. And I literally lost my breath.

I had the excruciating pleasure of falling down a flight of stairs. It wasn’t a rolling tumble by any means. It was the type of fall that hurt. I stepped on the edge of the carpeted stair, my feet flew out from under me and my back crashed with a forceful thump against the treads. I slid down the rest of the stairs, caught my breath, checked myself, and cried.

Actually, I sobbed.

Granted, it was 2 am, I was tired from being on the computer all day long, and mostly I was scared. I was hurrying down the stairs (and not paying attention) to lock up before hitting the hay. I was scared because it reminded me that if I fell and did indeed get hurt, no one would even know. Everyone in Minnesota always thinks I’m in Aspen, and everyone in Aspen always thinks I’m in Minnesota. Its times like these that make me miss my ex-husband. Or maybe I just need a “just-in-case” plan: the “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” alert pendant.

The tears flowed. And they were needed, because those tears represented a big, giant exhale.

I keep telling myself I’m getting good at being present and checking in…so much so that I can tell when I’m headed for one of these build-ups. I start feeling antsy. I start feeling rushed. I’m indecisive and sick of the computer. I’m stressed out and delay or postpone my workouts, and I certainly don’t have time for meditation or a massage.

What I’m really feeling at these times is a craving for mental rejuvenation. But, instead of paying attention to the stress build-up, I just kept pushing through.

There’s a reason I do this. It’s because I’m trying to beat this really big imaginary clock that keeps ticking and tocking louder and louder. I’m racing against some imaginary time machine, yet I know that race is never a formula for success.

“If I can just do this, I can move on to that and then that will be done, which means I can do this.”

What a cruel joke doing this and that is. It never ends. And I should know better. Striving for the end game is the wrong approach; it means you are not enjoying the process. But it’s easy to get caught up in the madness. I am human after all (as clearly demonstrated by my fall).

I know I am never going to beat the clock. I know I have to let go of self-imposed deadlines. I know I need to stay in the moment. Because every single time that I do, serendipity visits.

After I fell and cried that night, I exhaled. Then I took 3 pain relievers and went to bed. The next day, I woke up sore, but renewed.

And that's when serendipity kicked back in.

Before starting my day, I “happened” upon a random article that revealed how a good sob is as important to your mental well being and stress relief as is a good laugh.

My first phone call of the day had to do with an exciting new fundraising opportunity for Sharing Profiles, and the conversation was interesting and successful. I was given the opportunity to be one of their first 20 small businesses taking part in their beta program. They even waived the fee b/c they like what I’m doing and want me to participate, but I’m still unsure about fundraising. Some little birdie in the back of my head keeps telling me to grow organically with lots of sweat equity.

My next conference call with a HireMeAspen affiliate resulted in an RFP opportunity that could lead to lots of other opportunities. My third call with a prospect resulted in a new consulting gig. My fourth call with an existing client resulted in a 50% increase in the monthly retainer I receive.

My fifth call was with my brother. For once we weren’t rushed. We enjoyed reconnecting and brainstormed some exciting marketing ideas for both of our businesses.

As I write this post, my inbox just beeped. After taking a sneak peak, I saw that I received an email introduction from an old college friend referring me to a complete-stranger-soon-to-be-new-friend who just launched an investment company. He thinks it’s worthwhile we talk.

The point of all of these interactions is that they all produced new opportunities or ideas that did not even exist at this time yesterday.

You see, when you cry, you exhale. When you exhale, you say “I give.” When you give up and let go, you trust.

And when you finally trust, you breathe.

The Hokey Pokey.

2010-11-05T20:07:00.000-06:00

“You put your left foot in. You put your left foot out. You put your left foot in…and you shake it all about.”

This childhood favorite pretty much sums up my entrepreneur life these days at HireMeAspen. Make a decision. Change that decision. Remake that decision. And then shake it all about. Do the hokey pokey while I turn myself around...

And I’m not indecisive.

It sure does seem like I’m shaking it all about these days though. But then again, these are crazy times.

There really are too many options to decide, too many to-dos to complete, and too many directions to head. Should I get an intern? Should I seek a VC? Should I launch another town or master the one I’m in now? Should I test a freemium model or stay firm? Should I change my registration form? Should I add video?

And that just leads to more woulda, shoulda, couldas.

It’s great being a sole-proprietor because you get to make all the decisions. It’s also not great being a sole-proprietor because you get to make all the decisions.

What’s even more bizarre is that I fantasize sometimes about having a mediocre job, making a mediocre salary, so I can have my mediocre weekends back. It’s just a fantasy, though, because I know if I really did that, I’d grow crazy with boredom.

The past seven years have been ones of such incredible growth, but I’ve been on a work treadmill, living in two places constantly with Minneapolis being my base. Back and forth to NYC. Back and forth to San Francisco. Back and forth to Aspen. (I know, I know…tough life, huh?). These past seven years have been anything but boring, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I just long for more weekends away from the computer and work, and more weekends spent doing mindless tasks.

For example, I can’t remember the last time I got fired up about a sports team winning the World Series, playoffs or Super Bowl because I don’t remember the last time I had 3-4 hours to actually sit down and watch a game. Or, I can’t recall the last time I took a painting class, a cooking class, or any class for that matter. I’m not really craving doing those things again right now. I’m just craving having the option.

I guess as individuals, we always have options to create whatever life we want.

My choice right now is to keep moving forward as an entrepreneur, working hard to achieve the ultimate life of freedom I desire.

I'm also choosing the option of humming childhood songs during coffee breaks because “that’s what I'm all about!”

HireMeAspen Unplugged.

2010-10-31T23:08:00.003-06:00

21 months ago, I started running, not walking, down the entrepreneurial path. A hilly path filled with ups and downs, brainstorms and lulls, grand successes and admitted failures, but it’s been an incredible journey nonetheless.

Before I set out, I did set some life goals. Mostly those goals were stepping stones to a broader vision I have for my life: freedom.

Financial freedom, of course. But also freedom to come and go as I please. Freedom to start and end my day when I please. Freedom to live and breathe wherever I please. Freedom to just do as I please.

Isn’t freedom what everyone truly desires?

With my vision in place, I set out to create an internet startup called Sharing Profiles so that I can “afford” a life where I come and go, start and end, live and breathe…and just do as I please.

What I didn’t realize at the outset was that this road to freedom also would lead to hot pants. Not because I wear hot pants or think I’m hot pants.

I’ve got hot pants because I’ve got a hot laptop.

It’s been running way too long for too many consecutive days. Every day for the past 21 months (except for a few days in May when I found myself signal-less in Mississippi), I’ve not only powered on, but I’ve stayed on for hours and hours and hours.

This last month, I think it’s started to catch up with me. I’ve been finding it difficult to write. I love to write, so it’s not for lack of passion. What I realize was that the the well of life was empty. It’s hard to tell a story when you don’t have any stories to recall. It was becoming difficult to focus, concentrate, make decisions, and get things done.

I was being so indecisive. There were too many options b/c I was on information overload.

I’ve been extremely busy working and achieving which is fine because I see this stage of my life as laying the foundation to my freedom house. But working and achieving and going, going, going leaves little time, if any, for simple living.

So, this weekend I decided to simply live. And I knew the only way to really do that was to totally unplug. No logging in. No facebook. No twitter. No blogs. (I did check my iphone a few times).

It was hard at first, but I survived.

I also got many more things off that long to-do list of mine. I put away my deck furniture. I cleaned out my closets. I organized my drawers, changed my sheets, grocery shopped, walked around a few lakes, called Comcast, cleaned out the garage and the shed, donated to Goodwill, paid bills, read a book, got my nails done, windexed my windows, went thru ALL my magazines, threw away all the stale ones, and cooked from scratch. I still haven’t vacuumed.

I also watched a fascinating PBS special called “Art & Copy: the social and cultural influence of advertising” and another fascinating show on penguins. Did you know that the momma penguin lays her egg, rolls it over to the daddy penguin to keep warm while she goes away for 4 months to find food, comes back with regurgitated food for the baby penguin, and resumes the parenting from the dad? And if she doesn't make it back in time, the daddy and baby die of starvation. You really can learn something new every day.

I truly had forgotten how great it feels to take a weekend off and simply live.

I plugged back in to write this post. And it feels right to have done so now that I’ve renewed my spirit, reconnected with nature, and enjoyed my home. I’ve also made a new promise: to unplug more often because I know it makes things better.

Unplug yourself. You, and your pants, will be glad you did.

Customer Training?

2010-09-11T21:37:00.011-06:00

I went to Kinkos today. Oops, I mean “FedEx Kinkos.” I had to fax something, and I can never figure out my fax machine at home. So, off to FedEx I went.

I approached the counter and cleared my throat. The young (as in mid-20s) clerk magically appeared, so I presented my one page fax enthusiastically, thinking he’d be all excited to see it wasn’t a huge print job that involved collating.

Instead, I heard: “Oh no. What you need is right behind you.”

Hmm….Really? I whipped around looking to find that hot young stud with my winning lottery ticket. Instead, I stared down a fax machine on the other side of the store. It didn’t look happy to see me.

Could someone please tell me when and why every single thing is self service nowadays? Where oh where have all the friendly greeters gone? I just wanted to run in and out of there, get my fax faxed, and get on with my day.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not lazy, and sometimes I actually prefer self service. But what I prefer even more is having a choice.

So, I huff and puff my way over to the angry machine, knowing that this was going to turn into an ordeal. And I also noticed that Joe Kinko was following sheepishly behind, as I'm sure he could tell I was less than thrilled.

First, he said I needed to insert my card. I thought he meant my FedEx Kinkos Business Account card which he encouraged me to sign up for during my last not-so-short visit to FEK. After digging through every nook and cranny of my wallet, I finally find it. Swipe it. And naturally, it's no go.

Oh, he meant my credit card. I guess customer service reps don't even have to ring you up anymore.

So I find that, swipe that, and then dial the fax number. This is the point when he chimes in that I’m one of the few customers who knows to dial a one. Hmmmmm, I think to myself, I guess those customers must need some customer service.

We wait for a good three minutes while he goes on to explain that this fax machine is a weird one, it doesn’t make any noise whatsoever and that silence confuses all of his customers. Hmmmmm, I think to myself again. He then reads a message on the machine that my fax apparently didn’t go through.

Surprise. Surprise.

“It’s probably just busy, try again.” I oblige and listen to him go on about how faxing to law firms usually doesn’t work on the weekends b/c they turn their machines off. One, I’m not faxing to a lawyer. Two, can we listen to the mute fax machine please?

My patience is really starting to wane now that I'm going on about 12 minutes in the FEK store. Under my breath, I blurt, “For crying out loud, why does something so easy have to be so hard? I just wanted you to fax my fax.”

“It’s called customer training,” he says.

Are you kidding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

“I don’t need customer training. You need customer service.”

I’ve always hated fax machines. And I still do.

Especially ones that require "customer training" to function properly.

The 24 Hour Cycle: "Doom and Gloom" to "Hip Hip Hooray"

2010-08-23T15:44:00.003-06:00

Ahhh...the thrill of entrepreneurism. It's just like a roller coaster ride. It can be so fun, so scary and sometimes it just makes you sick to your stomach.

I have to keep reminding myself that these extreme emotional cycles are all part of the game. A game I chose to play.

This past Saturday morning, I awoke with cold sweats. Partly because I have been working 'round the clock and felt a flu coming on that could have easily been averted with a day watching old movies in bed.

Honestly, though, this episode of cold sweats was due mostly in part to that old dreaded word: FEAR.

I've learned a few things this past year, especially regarding money. I've learned that you can easily (and I do mean easily) go through a nest egg in the blink of an eye. I'm not talking about $5000 or even $25,000. I'm talking a great deal more...that nest egg you've been saving diligently for the past 15 years, grinding away in corporate America. You know, that nest egg that was meant to fund your mid-life ~~crisis~~ dream.

Needless to say, I ate the egg. It was a quick and tasty meal.

But I have to admit, after woofing it down, I have indigestion. Yep, this indigestion is reminding me that no matter how much you think you need, it's never enough. And my food hangover is leading me to have the dreaded "what ifs."

What if I'm just a fool? What if I had been more diligent with that business plan to start, saving me from walking down a few of those dead-end paths? What if I had not rented that incredibly expensive, "SOHO meets the mountains" loft in Basalt for two years, when a room without a view would have sufficed? What if I had kept working a bit longer in corporate America? What if I married a sugar daddy?

But then, I prayed. And although the what-ifs didn't disappear, they did miraculously change.

What if all the incredibly synchronistic, glorious things that happen daily (and I mean daily) are little sparkling gems lighting my way? What if I needed to walk down a dead end path or two to gain the experience about what doesn't work so that I can recognize what does? What if my nest egg provided just enough nourishment to help me get creative, yet kept me hungry enough so I don't get lazy and rest on my laurels? What if I trust and surrender and know that I am OK today as I will be tomorrow. I will be just fine.

What if I focus on all the good instead?

I had my first "hirer" testimonial come through this week.
I have been told repeatedly by locals that my ads are working, my marketing is working and they see HireMeAspen whever they go.
I have started receiving referrals.
I have started partnering with some incredible people and organizations.
I am happy.

It's all starting to come together. Last night while attending a BBQ at this most incredible estate, a friend pulled me aside. This, by the way, is the same wonderful friend who I shunned six weeks ago when she tried to offer friendly advice. (I wrote about that less-than-my-best encounter here.)

Last night, I am proud to report, I was in a better place. I listened and learned. I told her about my "cold sweats" and she patiently and kindly reminded me of all the progress I've been making (and it's only been 6 weeks).

It's hard to see the big picture when you're in the thick of things. But, she's right. So far, I have made a great deal of progress. I am actually kind of proud of it.

Hip Hip Hooray!

RERO or REDRUM?

2010-08-13T20:00:00.001-06:00

Now that I'm familiar with the lingo, I'm all for RERO.
RERO stands for "Release Early; Release Often." But this whole RERO idea is starting to make me crazy with anticipation. Mad with anxiety. Wild with desire...for perfection. RERO is starting to remind me of REDRUM because it's beginning to feel a bit like MURDER.

When playing this internet game, you can't afford to wait for perfection to occur. Instead, you crank out lots of ideas, implement a few, hope for the best, then start all over again.

It's exhilerating. It's exhausting.

It's amazing how fast this game is. I can't catch my breath for even a second before POOF...it's time to change direction again. You know the things you need to stay on top of, but there's never enough hours in the day. For example, you know you need to monitor the competition, but who has time? You're tired, so you settle for just trying to stay in the game. Forget about getting ahead of the pack!

At some level, you sense the competition is just as exhausted, overwhelmed and blurry-eyed as you. You sense that those "Jacks-of-all-trades" are saying REDRUM too.

This panic-driven, always looking over your shoulder, lifestyle is unsustainable.

I feel comforted when reminded of the story of the tortoise and the hare. Can the tortoise win at this game....really? I don't think so. But I do think there's a happy medium, a mixed breed of sorts.

A "Hare-y Turtle," if you will.

I'm envisioning a rabbit with a tortoise shell on it's back, hopping awkwardly along, side-stepping dangerous land mines to avoid blow ups, and periodically leaping towards the elusive finish line. You not only need speed in this internet competition. You need protection from all those dangerous, flying ideas that take you off track and jeopardize the race.

Actually, can it really be a race if the finish line doesn't exist? I'm not sure. But I do know that whether I win or lose, I tried.

I entered the race. So in all reality, I win.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

2010-08-13T05:18:00.002-06:00

THE GOOD: Making Decisions.

As a small business owner, you have to make decisions every step of the way. There's no time for being wishy-washy. I have to admit, I'm pretty good at making a final decision swiftly and moving forward with confidence. I believe that any decision, good or bad, is better than no decision, at least most of the time.

Since my HireMeAspen website launched a little over a month ago, I am amazed at all the questions that needed answers. I'm amazed at all the decisions I've made.

What color should the logo be? Where should the first website be launched? What image do I want to portray? What partners should I have? How should I market the site? Where should I do my banking? When should I launch? Where should I advertise? Who should be on my team? How do I get friends involved? When should I try a new approach? What is my growth strategy? Where should I place the photo credit? How do I cross-promote? How long should I focus on the first launch before moving on to the next? Which credit card merchant should I use? What is my pricing model? Should I buy giveaways? Which email marketing program should I use? How will this widget function? What do I wear to my TV interview? What are the use cases? How transparent should I be to the media?

It's nice to be the boss and not having to answer to anyone (except your customers). But, with that luxury comes jeopardy.

THE BAD: Google Analytics

My first (admitted and blogged about) mistake has to do with priorities. For one, we should have started using Basecamp Project Management Software earlier, but better late than never, I suppose. This software is great for managing a website development project. You enter tasks, you assign them, you check them off. It's really fantastic.

The problem has to do with not only prioritizing all those items, but me being the designated prioritizer.

In the beginning, I felt so bad about adding items because it seems like for every one item we checked off, 4-5 more tasks were added. This is certainly not the way to build rapport with your already hard-working, over-extended developer. So, I'd send an email instead. Or call. Or subtly plant the idea to incite excitement where he'd want to add it himself and jump right on it.

I'd do anything but enter a task. Because that means it's another "to do" that needs prioritizing by me. How do you choose the top priority when everything has a critical consequence?

And that's where my bad decision making skills reared its ugly head.

All along, I knew how important Google Analytics was. But it consistently stayed around task #14 even as items were removed and added.

My entire business is made up of websites, and websites need user stats. But I didn't realize how critical those stats were until today. Heed my warning: don't make this same mistake. Move analytics to the top of the list (like I just did today)...above all those other critical items.

A month into my site launch, I need those stats. Should I print more flyers? Should I renew my ad spend? What traffic numbers can I pitch to potential business partners. How many users are local? How many come from Facebook? Do they depart during registration? I have no clue, because I have no stats.

THE UGLY: Lesson Learned The Hard Way.

So, I must start building those stats now. It's not a pretty picture, but it is what it is. Google Analytics will be installed this weekend. And my stats will start rolling in.

The ugly truth is that I still look at the task list, and it still overwhelms me. I'm afraid there are many more mistakes on the way caused by poor prioritization.

Regardless, it's all still worth it. I love the luxury of calling the shots, even when those calls are wrong.

I love it all: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

My Bio via Lady GaGa

2010-08-06T23:28:00.008-06:00

I'm 46. Actually, let me clarify. I just turned 46 last month, so I'm "newly" 46. No need to age myself since the mirror has that job cornered.

I guess this is the year when all that career experience and those work connections start to come together in a meaningful way. I may be late to the game. Or I may be early. Who knows? What I do know is that people keep asking me for my bio.

My publicist was the first to request my bio. Hmmmmmm......I think I'll google the word "bio." Low and behold, I find myself reading Lady Gaga's bio.

Interesting. She's only 24. I guess I'm late to the game. And she has "trade marks" such as her hair bow, futuristic outfits, and fans called "monsters."

Let's see. My trademarks would be my ponytail (who has time for a haircut?), my jeans (corporate exec turned resort local), and an old friend called "Monster Child" (sworn to secrecy on that one). My trademarks aren't very GaGa-esque.

She also learned how to play the piano at age 4. I learned how to play with crayons at age 4, does that count?

Something tells me I need to keep searching. I did glean a few interesting tidbits from GaGa about having a few interesting tidbits.

I was invited to be on Erik Skarvan's "The Local's Show" (Grassroots TV) next Tuesday to promote my business. He wants a bio. And recently I was invited to serve on the University of Denver’s Arts, Humanities and Social Studies Alumni Advisory Task Force. They requested a bio today.

So for all you would be entrepreneurs, task forcers and/or tv guests, I hope this helps get you started. I created a short and a long bio. Here's the short bio plus the "interesting tidbits" from my long bio.

My (almost 100 words) Bio:

Constance E. Hammond, 46, is the founder and CEO of Sharing Profiles, an internet startup where users post profiles to meet specific needs. This business consists of resort-based websites, such as the recently launched HireMeAspen.com. Other websites planned include MentorMeAlumni.com and HireMeAlumni.com.

A self-proclaimed “Idea Woman,” Connie loves all things creative: brainstorming (with friends or clients), writing (an avid blogger and journalist), and art (graduating in 2002 from NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies - Fine and Decorative Arts Program as well as studying art in NYC, Chicago, Minneapolis and Aspen).

Prior to Sharing Profiles, Connie was Director of Media Sales at Dow Jones where she received the 2007 Pinnacle Award for Sales Excellence.

Interesting Tidbits:

- Her first dog, Sandy, “talked.” Her last dog, a black lab named Scarlett, now lives with her ex. Her next dog is coming soon!

- Her favorite travel destination is the Villa Mangiacane Resort outside of Florence, Italy in Tuscany.

- She followed the Tour de France, by car, for her 40th birthday.

- She eloped for only $299 in 1994 in Gatlinburg, TN. Her amicable divorce cost the same amount 9 years later.

- She recently bought a guitar and is looking forward to finding her rhythm.

- Her favorite museum is a tie between the Musee D’Orsay in Paris or The Met in NYC.

- She is a big fan of integrity.

- Her nieces and nephews and all her friends’ kids call her Aunt CoCo.

- The person who most influenced her life is her dad, who has an amazingly positive spirit in spite of his paralysis when he was 20.

- She lives by the motto (at least most of the time): “Let Go and Let God.”

- Her best feature, in her opinion, is her square-mouthed smile because it means she’s laughing.

- Her personal motto? “I may not be the ideal woman, but I am an “idea woman.”

- In spite of outward appearances, she meditates.

- Her incredible friendships and family are what she cherishes most in life.

My Friends Give Me A Headache!

2010-08-04T23:57:00.003-06:00

It's not what you think.

I love my friends. I actually have the best friends in the world. They are my biggest supporters and such a joy to be around. They are smart. They are kind. They are funny. They are thoughtful and considerate.

The problem isn't their personalites. The problem is that they challenge me.

My friends ask the tough questions. They expect more from me because they know I can deliver. They care about me and want me to succeed. They want me to be the best I can be.

Because of that, I love them. But my head hurts sometimes after one of these loving encounters. And I am glad it does.

When I returned to Aspen in early July to launch HireMeAspen, one of my sweetest friends asked some tough questions about my new business and my marketing approach. Unbeknownst to her, I was extremely tired from a long drive from Minnesota and was having other personal issues. Mostly, I was just scared shitless because the time had come to put all my hard work these past two years out on the table for all to see.

I imagine I was like one of those moms who had just birthed a baby ~ she thinks her newborn is the most beautiful baby in the world, and the baby is beautiful even though outward appearances indicate otherwise. In other words, the baby's head is a tiny bit squooshed.

I was in no mood to hear about reality from her. Instead, I took her constructive criticism wrong, acted poorly, tried to apologize, and ended up with a headache. My head hurt not because of what she suggested, but it hurt because I didn't rise to my best self.

Last night, I had the pleasure of having dinner with one of my longtime friends from NYC. I wrote about our friendship three years ago in an old blog post here. He's now renting a place in Snowmass for the month with his lovely, pregnant wife, and it was great catching up.

Charles always challenges me, and I value his opinion a lot. At the end of the evening, our conversation continued as he walked with me to my car. He asked some pointed questions about my business plan. My business model. My budget. My marketing approach. My financing options.

He had ideas I hadn't even thought of yet!

So my head starts spinning.

There I stood, after 18 months of living and breathing HireMeAspen nonstop, listening to Charles with my jaw wide open and a glazed-over stare. I was dumbfounded. In one casual conversation, my good friend not only thinks of a brand new approach, but this approach is a great biz-dev idea that is kind of obvious and really brilliant! I must be an idiot.

My head hurts.

Now that I've birthed my baby with the squooshed head, the hard work continues: raising this beautifully ugly newborn. Motherhood's hard work, but I wouldn't change a thing.

It takes a village to raise a child. And aspirin!

Who Can You "Kudo"?

2010-08-03T17:03:00.001-06:00

After I awoke this morning, I meditated to one of my guided meditation tapes to start my day off right. I always intend to do this, but I'm not always successful. Today's guided meditation was my favorite one called "trust and surrender" composed by Jedda Mali (I can't recommend the Seeds of Enlightenment meditation tapes highly enough, btw). The meditation is completely appropriate and much needed during my business launch period.

After my meditation, I repeat my daily prayer that goes something like this: "Please have me meet the people You'd like me to meet today, and please have me do the things You'd have me do today so that Your will, not mine, is done." Then I check my iphone for updates.

Two emails caught my attention and proved particularly interesting to me today. I'm going to write about one of those emails now.

This email was from a complete stranger (a reminder to me that strangers, as well as friends, can impact your life when you pay attention), complimenting me on my prior post "Too Busy To Slow Down? Doubt It." Randall's email read in part: "Really a great thought expressed in your blog. Thanks for the contribution and for your insight."

I took his email as a sign. For all I know, this guy could have been hired by Aspen.com to auto-respond to blog posts in order to encourage more blogging, but my ego begs to differ. It felt good...a new friend not only reading...but taking the time to respond...to my written thoughts!

Regardless, my point is that whether he's a human or a computer, I'll take any and all kudos that come my way these days. Especially when you feel so exposed as a new business owner.

We don't sincerely compliment friends, nevertheless strangers, nearly enough. I am going to make a concerted effort to do that more, starting today.

I've started to blog again, and it feels good. I'm going to commit to it daily. I'm not going to try and commit, I'm going to commit. I used to blog quite a bit when I was living in NYC, and I received lots of positive feedback from friends. You can view some of my old, funny posts about living in the Big Apple here.

Friends would even berate me if I skipped a post. That's obviously a sign that I should write more, huh? When I was a pre-teen, GrandmaTookey used to always tell me that she thought I was a great writer and loved to receive my letters. My first job out of college, I was a newspaper reporter. My first stint in Aspen in the late 80's, I started writing a movie script with a friend. My recent boyfriend said he loved my letters and wished he had that "natural ability" (and I wish he did too, since I love love letters!). Yesterday, my dear friend of 23 years said about my blog post that "she loves it when I write." And now, the email from a stranger today.

I feel giddy.

I think I need to finally pay attention to the praises for once and for all. I will find a way to intertwine my new business and my writing more. One way is with this blog. But I'll find others. I'm going to start reporting on living on a dime and other job-related trials locals face living in resort towns.

Receiving kudos feels great. Who can you "kudo"?

The Call of Redstone

2010-08-02T21:47:00.002-06:00

Today was a great day when it comes to promoting my website HireMeAspen.com. I awoke to the news that my business had a pretty big write up in the Aspen Daily News; you can view the article here. Between this article and my Buzz on 82 show appearance last Friday, I feel like the snowball has finally started rolling. And, the best news? Sales are starting to trickle in.

But I'm not resting on my laurels by any means. Today, I kept true to my plan to start promoting the business and my Partner Program to potential partners. After all, my hard-working locals will need to save money too!

My gameplan led me to Redstone, CO, the "Ruby of the Rockies." Ahhhhhh...you gotta love the meandering drive to Redstone!

It's important that I reiterate the fact that HireMeAspen.com is for all Roaring Fork Valley locals, not just Aspenites. So, although I already have 23 partners signed up to date, I decided to start my sales pitches to businesses located in the outskirts. Of course, it's not hard to sell a silver partner program that lets a business support the hard-working locals and get more business traffic at the same time...all for free ;) ! I also want to make sure I take great photos from all over this valley. Photos for future reference in future blogs. Photos to help promote my partner businessess. Photos just for me.

So, with each stop I made on foot, I also took pics of the business I was pitching.

Here's a sneak peek of some cool sights to see (of course, you'll notice the first pic is of the Redstone museum that was just so big, I just couldn't make my way through the entire thing!):

It was quite a successful day in Redstone. It was such a delight meeting all the local businesses in Redstone ~ introducing myself and spreading the word.

I plan to start announcing all of my partners with a bunch of fanfare in my blog/email/facebook/twitter updates once The Hive goes live this week and all my new profiled members have their membership card in hand.

In the meantime, I suggest you plan a day trip to Redstone. It's a great escape from the daily grind!

Too Busy To Slow Down? Doubt it.

2010-08-01T21:13:00.005-06:00

by: Connie Hammond - Sharing Profiles

I’ve been taking it really easy since all my hoopin’ and hollerin’ Friday night at the Michael Franti concert. This is definitely a good thing. I’ve been cranking out some work, and admittedly, I’ve been recuperating from the over-indulgence.

There’s definitely something to be said for stopping. Just stopping whatever you’re doing and getting present. I received an email from a friend and potential business partner this afternoon that screamed overwhelmed to me. I’ve been there so many times, so I know. You could just tell from her writing…the anxiety and hurried wording in just her first paragraph. It certainly made me take pause to send peace her way.

Sometimes nature makes you take pause. Like right now.

Although I’ve arrived at my destination, it’s raining pretty hard outside. So, I’ve turned off the engine, turned off the lights, turned off the radio, turned off the iphone. And for the past 10 minutes, I‘ve just listened to the sound of the raindrops on the roof. It’s awesome to take the time to observe, really observe, those happy, dancing raindrops trickle and burst down the window pane.

This moment of bliss was so inspirational that I decided to write about it and share it with you, just in case you’re too busy to slow down yourself. Hopefully you can close your eyes and at least imagine it...or you can just look at this picture:

It also feels like I’m in a cocoon of sorts, observing the outer world. My false perception is that no one can observe me back. I just watched a guy in a bright red raincoat and flip flops leisurely walk his yellow lab. The rain doesn’t bother him a bit. A few minutes past that, I observed a full-blown argument taking place between a stressed out couple in their car. The rain must bother them a lot.

It seems like we don’t have time, but we can make time if we really want to, especially time for ourselves. Just steal some moments like I’m doing now. I believe it’s important to take a pause out of the hectic and come back to the peace.

The ten minutes of raindrops have been music to my ears. I’m glad I’m learning to stay present.

The street lights just came on. My roommate just came home. And I gotta pee. So with my spirit renewed, I’m ready to dash to the door.

But at least for the past few minutes, I exhaled. And it was nice.

Paralysis of Analysis

2010-07-31T23:39:00.000-06:00

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. ;)

Beautiful Day at Sundeck - top of Ajax

2010-07-29T16:11:00.004-06:00

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.

Flickr

2010-07-29T15:51:00.001-06:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Divine Intervention - another great story

2010-07-27T12:06:00.001-06:00

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.

Three Week Update

2010-07-25T13:14:00.005-06:00

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!

It's a Sign of Good Things To Come?

2010-07-10T20:33:00.000-06:00

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.

Today, HireMeAspen is live!

2010-07-01T12:31:00.003-06:00

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 HireMeAspen Beta Website Launched Today!

2010-05-26T16:45:00.001-06:00

After a little more than a year of extremely hard work, I am thrilled to announce that today marks the day that my website comes to life.

It's amazing to think of all the events that transpired in order to get to this point, and I'm extremely proud that my team and I stayed the course and created a worthwhile website for the Aspen locals.

A Little History...

The idea came to life a little over a year ago...when the perfect storm occured. I had been dating a guy who needed to promote his independent contractor business, but how could he get the word out on a limited budget? With the economy tanking, commissions from my corporate job dried up so how could I earn extra money on the side? And Craigslist had just announced earnings of $100,000,000. I thought "wow" b/c that site sure is ugly, but functional.

As a former Director of Media Sales at a Fortune 500 company, I'd called on all the top media companies ranging from The New York Times to USA Today to CNN Money, licensing content which could be monetized. I learned a lot during this gig. Mostly, I learned that local content is king.

I was fortunate enough to experience a work from home situation in that position, so I moved from NYC back to Aspen where I always was happiest. At that time, I knew I wanted to bring my knowledge and expertise to the local community, but just needed to find the perfect opportunity. So after many late nights, creative brainstorms and lots of laughs, my company, Sharing Profiles, was born.

HireMeAspen is the first of many local websites planned, so stay tuned!

I intend to stay true to my vision of offering websites that connect and help resort-town locals.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor to date. I am eternally grateful.

10 Reasons for Becoming Part of the HireMeAspen Community

2010-05-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

Top 10 features and benefits

View more presentations from HireMeAspen.

2010-05-10T16:55:00.002-06:00

10 Reasons Why Partners Love Us

View more presentations from HireMeAspen.

The Lemonade Movie

2010-03-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have :35 minutes to spare, I highly recommend spending that time watching this movie about being laid off in America. Use this unemployment opportunity to follow your dreams...go for it and make that lemonade...get back to doing what you love...start being creative again...start loving life again!

Being laid off can be a wonderful opportunity if you embrace it and use it to it's full advantage.

The Lemonade Movie

Enjoy!

HireMeAspen discussion boards are up and running!

2010-02-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that our discussion boards are up and running at MeetUp!

HireMeAspen is all about YOU, the local worker, so please join in the discussion. Share your ideas. What works when it comes to making money in the valley? What's not working? What drives you nuts? How do you deal with awful bosses? How do you scrimp to get by? Are you considering ditching your full time job and just doing part time work? How many side jobs do you have? Are you ready to take charge of your life and your financial future?

Listen up...the side job is the new 401k!

That's why HireMeAspen wants to share what's working and what's not with the local workforce in the discussion forums at MeetUp. Please don't just check it out....join in the discussion and contribute to the conversation.

Your comments matter...your voice counts. So, discuss...share....brainstorm....and THRIVE!

10 Reasons Why Hirers Are Going To Love HireMeAspen.com

2010-02-15T22:37:00.001-07:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

10 Reasons Why Hirers Love Us

View more presentations from HireMeAspen.

HireMeAspen.com - Profile Example

2010-02-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

In an effort to start getting you fired up about the site, I'm sending another screen shot so you can get a glimpse of what's in store. In just a few weeks, local part-time workers will be able to post a profile to earn extra money on the side. And local hirers will be able to find the perfect worker for the job.

So here's a preview of what the profiles will look like. I think you'll agree it's a great way to market your services to local hirers. Some other features include: star rating, availability calendar, join a crew, references, connections, and so much more. Hope you like it!

10 Reasons Why Workers Are Going To Love HireMeAspen.com

2010-02-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

10 Reasons Why Workers Love Us

View more presentations from HireMeAspen.

What's Our Site All About?

2010-02-07T14:51:00.002-07:00

We've all heard the old adage about resort towns: "You either own three homes or you work three jobs."

Well, HireMeAspen is here to help cross that divide by connecting local hirers with part-time workers.

Do you need to make extra money on the side, but just don't know how to spread the word?
Do you need a worker to get a job done, but just don't know who to call?

HireMeAspen.com will help.

When a part-time worker posts their profile on HireMeAspen.com, they will have the opportunity to promote themselves in multiple job categories (we have over 150 job categories to choose from), increasing their chances of not only getting hired doing work they love, but earning lots of extra money on the side.

There will be many more bells and whistles and tools and functionality that come with the site, but the main focus is connecting locals. Other features and benefits include:

Hirers can search for free!
Workers can post a profile in multiple job categories!
Workers can connect with other workers, and even join a crew!
Workers can track their jobs!
Hirers can rate a worker!
Workers can rate a boss!
Workers set their fees, and their availability!
Hirers can view worker references!
Hirers and workers can track their projects!
Workers gain access to The Hive and lots of other advantages of being a member!

And we won't stop in Aspen. We'll be launching other Colorado resort town websites in the coming months.

So stay tuned....there's lots more on the horizon as we start turning on these sites!

HireMeAspen.com - Home Page Teaser

2010-02-03T22:55:00.003-07:00

In an effort to start getting you fired up about the site, I thought I'd start sending some screen shots so you can get a glimpse of what's in store. Pretty soon, local part-time workers will be able to post a profile to earn extra money on the side. And local hirers will be able to find the perfect worker for the job.

First up: Home Page. Hope you like it!

Getting Close to Launching the Site...

2010-01-28T19:52:00.002-07:00

HireMeAspen is about to be born!

We've been working on the site for over a year now, and the time is finally nearing for the launch. Soon, local workers in Aspen will be able to post their profile and showcase their skills in order to earn extra money doing work they love. Soon, local hirers in Aspen will be able to find the right person for the job, whether that's a bartender for their party, a guitar instructor for their children or an interior painter for their home.

With over 150 specific job categories to choose from, we've got you covered. The main categories include:

Home Repair
Household Services
Personal Services
Professional Services
Lawn Services
Entertainment
Automotive
Pets
Instructors

We can't wait to start really spreading the word and helping locals. Stay tuned....there's lots more info to come!