Learning Curves and Saying YES

Today was a special day of climbing a large learning curve that felt sky-high at the start of the day ;-).

I am no adept in the art of creating documents, flyers, or any other sort of media. I have never been proficient in any office program, just winging it with word processing for all these years.

Today felt kind of like when I was exploring this world of blogging---which we're used to much more now, however, the hows and whys and strategies are still hazy!

Today I learned about finding clip art on the Internet, specifically by searching through images on Google. How? By doing a search for free clip art. Put in the search box what type of clip art you wish to find, then when the search results come up, click on the "Images" link and all documents with images will come up in the search. Pretty cool.

I spent about an hour or so exploring and finding the clips I wanted to use to make a flyer for the brochures for business owners and for the table tomorrow.

Then, I got busy in Office 2007 --- mind you, this is a brand new program for me. Just downloaded it a few days ago and it's transformed my documents and made them feel like a foreign language!

And with that, the better part of my day was spent creating flyers by exploring features of Word and figuring out how to use them ;-). From figuring out how to use a watermark to figuring out how to even find my clip art (for some reason, it never showed up in the search box for it--- I had to go through the picture link and do a search from my hard drive to find the files where I placed them), to figuring out how to wrap text around objects, etc. I finally felt a sigh of relief when I knew I pretty much had my documents done.

Now, the true test: They are being reviewed by Ginny and she'll get back to me in the morning about them.

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Today's Update had something cool in it: AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFT CARDS!

Double Commissions through August

No Card Fees--No Shipping Fees

Here's an email from Barbara Harding, a Founding Member about purchasing her new AMEX Gift Cards:

Hello Ginny,

I just ordered American Express cards for Christmas. There is no per card fee and 2nd day delivery is also free.

I purchased 18 cards and only paid the face value. This is the time to swamp American Express with orders. If they see what MPM can do, maybe they will be more willing to work with us. Besides, this month the commission is 2.10%!

Shop for Christmas NOW and save!

Barbara Harding

WOW! This is fantastic ~~~

AMEX is on MY LIST for Shopping this Month!!!! ;-)

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Other notable news in the Update was regarding the Operation World Changer:

Helping Hearts Partnership Program – Team Lead: Tess Hustead

This program is actually a brand new division of My Power Mall, with Tess Hustead chosen as the Director! This is also the only Operation World Changer choice that allows you to make money immediately as you build your business! Yep - Tess will be heading up a team of people who will be setting up tables at local grocery stores, gas stations, etc. - selling certificates to customers.

You will earn $5 from each certificate sold! On an average you should be able to sell about 40 certificates a weekend - generating $200. That's cool, but the most important thing is that you'll also be following up with these people to share My Power Mall with them.

Let's be conservative and say only 2 people a week become a World Changer - I think MOST will at least get a Personal Mall. What would your business be like if you were adding 2 World Changers a week (100 a year)? The potential here is amazing.

I would encourage you to be one of the first in your area to get involved - possibly positioning yourself for a Regional Managers position in this new division. :) The weekend income will be nice - the long-term residual income will change your life!

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Now you know why I've been talking about the strategies I've been talking about this week ;-). We are so excited to be setting up our first table certificate fundraising sale tomorrow and Sunday for the Happy Hearts Partnership Program. YEAH!

I set an intention after Ginny's request to find a location for this weekend that we would find a business owner who had the same TWCCTW heart and vision as we do. We found her! And, we're able to fund not only the Solar Oven Factory but we're able to help her fund the library expansion that she and the entire community has been working on for 6 years! They have raised an incredible amount of money thus far, and they are needing to raise the last $20K dollars. How thrilling to be able to be a part of this process this weekend. And, how wonderful it will be to meet many more members of our community.

I am so humbled and filled with joy and gratitude to be asked to be the Director of the Helping Hearts Partnership Program by Ginny. Thank you for your belief in me, Ginny, Jacki, and the entire M-Team. I appreciate you and I am happy to join with you in furthering TWCCTW's vision.

We're going to have a lot of fun, while doing activities that may or may not be our strengths. Activities like I did today --- creating flyers with a deadline and not having the skills as the day began! Activities like getting on the phone and calling business owners, introducing who I am and TWCCTW, and asking them to partner with us in a fundraising experience. Being able to focus on the goal and visualize the business owners and people who "catch the vision" and not be detoured when you happen to speak to someone who says, "No" or they have their guard up and are asking questions that you may or may not have the answers to.

Each and every time we commit to something new, we will grow and stretch. We will face unknowns and need to trust that we will be given what we need as it appears to do the best possible job while also bringing about the best results possible for everyone involved.

As you read this, and you consider where you are in your My Power Mall business, I encourage you to take the risk to step out of your comfort zone and do the activities that will move you forward toward your own success.

Take a look at the new options for Operation World Changer. Choose the best option for you. Or better yet, choose the option that is most uncomfortable for you.

Bottom line: Choose an option. Say, "YES!" to your opportunity. Go for it! Stretch and grow! And, I'll be meeting you joyfully along your path to your freedom--- of you being able to live your passionate life, and giving to others along the way.

Lastly, I wish to say, "Congratulations, Shannon!!!" I'm so happy you'll be heading up the Flyers, Invitation Cards and Business Cards Team. YEAH!! You're going to do a great job! Whoo-hoo.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Enjoy!

Moving Forward

Today I gave a call to our store owner to ask a few clarifying questions, and to see if she had already created a flyer that supported the local library. She did have a flyer, however, her computer has crashed in the last few days and she's awaiting support to get it fixed ;-).

We added another day to our time at the market. We'll be there Saturday and Sunday to sell certificates.

As we're supporting this local library, I did some research about the county library system and learned a lot. In the process, I spoke to the Friends of the Library group's president for this branch; and I spoke with the Community Outreach Coordinator for the county library. I had a great reception with the Coordinator, and she is going to help make introductions to the library's foundation. I had a cool reception from the President. All and all, I'm positive about the information I've gathered and the steps taken to move our project forward.

It was most interesting to learn that though the Friends and the County work together to support the libraries, they are very different entities and their are laws and other factors that keep them separate in terms of creating literature and brochures to get the word out about their fund-raising needs. The Friends President didn't feel comfortable sharing literature and logos from their Friends group without it going before the board. And the Coordinator felt very happy to share their brochures, however, we agreed we would await a meeting with the Foundation so as to honor the effort of this particular store on behalf of the Friends.

So, we will promote the library itself, rather than the Friends entity. This should alleviate any concern about it. And, we shall support the Solar Oven Factory. And, we shall support the customer while the customer supports a local business. It's a win-win-win-win! Together We Can Change The World is really pretty special.

As the Coordinator said to me today, "It sounds just too good to be true!"

I replied with a chuckle, "It really is, isn't it? But that's our company philosophy. TWCCTW really wants everyone to win."

Wednesday Coaching Call

In an amazing bit of news this evening from Jacki, I learned I missed the coaching call ;-).

I'm still off this week on my days ;-). Today was like Tuesday, even though I knew at various times of the day it was Wednesday! By Coaching Call time, I didn't have a clue ;-). All sorts of things converged at that point and I even called Jacki. Even when I didn't get her, I still didn't realize my error. I'm sorry to have missed both calls this week. I'd say I'm out of rhythm with my schedule --

Today I made more calls to local merchants. I have one business owner I thought of a few weeks ago as a choice for the Solar Oven Project. When I went to his website today and read about his business history, his philosophy and who he supports, I was very pleased. He has the TWCCTW heart. Though I didn't reach him in today, I hope to reach him tomorrow.

I did find another manager who was very intrigued and willing to send information along to his regional manager, and we'll speak again in a few weeks once he returns from vacation.

And, I spoke to another manager who said I'd need to speak to the owner, so I will give another call tomorrow.

I had a great success today speaking with an owner directly for another smaller store out in the county. They are the largest grocer in that area of our county, and she's quite used to fund-raising efforts, including her own. This summer they have raised between $200-$300 dollars for their local charity of choice, the library, and are helping pay for its new addition. Though she was a bit tentative trusting who we are and our motives, her desire to give outweighed her concern and she's willing to have tables set up out in front of her market this Saturday to "give it a try".

This is exciting news . . . Surely, we will find business folks in our local areas who have the TWCCTW philosophy and heart, and they will enjoy partnering with us in fund-raising endeavors. This first store is an example of it. And more will follow.

Keep your heads held high, and continue to reach for your dreams. They are within reach. Consistency and perseverance, and doing what others are sometimes unwilling to do over and over and over, however simple, are the keys to many a successful person who's walked before us. Now is our turn to put these principles into play.

Tuesday Feels Like Monday ;-)

Awakened to a beautiful morning after a wonderful night of rest. And, yes, the day has felt like a Monday, not because of the "grind" but because of taking the day off yesterday! ;-)

We caught up on a some follow-up calls after getting the morning under way and after a trip to the post office. Today I had that feeling of having so many directions I could take that are productive, that I wasn't sure which one to take. The walk to the USPS helped calm me down and help me focus. I also tidied papers on my desk, caught my calendar up, and once I made follow-up calls, I could feel myself returning into a groove that has become so comfortable the last few months.

I called the woman I met at a larger pharmacy hoping to catch her in to discuss Solar Oven sales; she was out, this for the 2nd time in a few weeks.

I returned calls to another pharmacy and a hardware store and updated them on our project, and then later had another return call from a larger wholesale warehouse, and updated him. This felt good.

I decided to write out the script I'm formulating as I talk with them and learn more about what is working when approaching these folks to partner with in supporting our Solar Oven Project.

Many of them want to support a local organization either by cash or by product donation or discounts for silent auctions, etc. I wonder how we can have this work for us, but I haven't come up with a viable idea about that as yet. My best thought is being able to take the product they give/donate, sell it and use the funds to buy a certificate to give to a local charity.

By this time, Big Z was chomping for more personal time with Mom, so we hopped on our bikes at 5:15 and made a huge loop around our area and got back at 7:15. It was a fun ride, and just the right temperatures.

Amazingly, the sun has gone down, and it's already dark. The days are getting shorter . . .

Oh, and the news of the day:

Operation World Changer has been put off a week due to a technical situation. Perhaps we'll have an update tomorrow that will illuminate more.

Until then, as Red Green once said to his followers, "Keep your stick on the ice." And, keep nourishing your goals and your vision for your ever-increasing bright future.

This reminds me, too, of another call I made today. To the Mom at the fair yesterday --- I called to tell her how fun it was to run into her washing the BIG horse and we had a nice visit. She mentioned having friends in town and how her boy just loved having available an extra bike for his 9 year old friend to ride. They had a famous time! So, we spoke of how wonderful it was to have unexpected connections, and how, at this point, perhaps we'll continue to keep in touch.

We never know when we're going to meet someone that will impact our lives in such a way as it will never be the same again. I cannot know about this woman, and what it will mean, but in the back of my head, I'm curious. Ground is fertile to re-approach her at some point with TWCCTW as it has already been mentioned, and she has a card. Knowing her next few weeks are full caring for the horses at our local fair, and another fair south of where we live, she's got her mind on other things. But I can't help but wonder if she'll be one of those unexpected business partners we all hope for, ask for, and then, shows up in our lives. It will be fun to have it all unfold and find out ;-).

Day 37 ----------Day Off at the Local Fair

Today Big Z and I took off to share the day at the opening day of our local fair as his Dad had set up the time to share with a friend of Big Z's and their family. As it turned out, Big Z's Dad worked while I got to scoop Big Z up for the fun before Operation World Changer begins.

We had a wonderful time!!!

So, no work was done today, only sharing good time with friends.

However, our work did come up in conversation. And, we got to share what we've been up to.

And, as it would happen, while we were looking at the magnificent horses, and were outside while Z's friend's Mom was on the line to his Dad, we were watching a huge draft horse being washed. As we stood there, low and behold was the woman who had come to get Big Z's bikes earlier this week with her boys and husband. She was about to lose her cell phone from the place she'd safely placed it to keep it dry, and from falling into the wet suds below this huge creature, so I went up behind her, tapped her on the shoulder, and told her about the phone. We visited for a very short bit before wishing her well. Her boys were home with Dad. Somehow, she's been able to get the full week off to tend to the horses at the fair -- wow! Getting them washed, prettied up and dressed for their performances is her annual mission at the fair. Pretty cool.

We arrived home a few minutes tardy to the Family Chat, but I got a majority of Ginny's special message to all of us this evening. I look forward to hearing the beginning of the call. I'm so glad I got most of it. As Forest Gump says, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know which one you're going to get." So, too is Family Chat calls with Ginny. You never quite know what is going to happen, or what message we'll receive, but you can be assured Family Chats are as good as the best chocolate.

Dream well, everyone.

Day 34 -------Seeking a Store Location

The Customer Service Line was very busy with folks asking how to get their back office log in information after receiving Ginny's voice blast yesterday. It was a fast few hours and good to help so many members reconnect with MPM and Together We Can Change The World.

A few hours of our day was spent researching information and numbers for store locations where we can have tables for the Solar Oven Factory Certificate Sales. I called local stores, pharmacies and hardware stores and left voice messages, spoke to people, and then had calls back. Will look forward to following up with them next week. We have some folks who are willing to see information via email before they decide; and another store that needs a written form sent into their Corporate office. Still others I will have to speak with directly.

Had more time with Big Z today ----His sleep-over went really well and the boys ended the week in camp feeling wonderful about the scrimmage and their certificates. Big Z and I celebrated by going to the movies with his Dad and having banana splits upon our arrival home ;-).

Happy weekend to everyone!
Sleep well and enjoy!

Day 33 ----- Preparation

Today was an interesting day on Customer Service due to the conversations had. Usually, we always have a reward in some form or another. Today's special nature of CS was related to our team. We have a great team and connecting happens and enriches our lives. Thanks to each of you who bring goodness to an already good experience in My Power Mall.

I caught up on Operation World Changer requirements, called some team members and left voice messages, sent team emails, and had a conversation with Phillip before heading off to meet the boys after basketball camp.

We went to the market for supplies, and on our way out, lo and behold, we met one of our contacts from Miracle Team Boot Camp . . . clearly he had not viewed the video yet! However, we had a few minutes' exchange on a topic dear to his heart. We bit each other good-bye and I will call/email him anyhow ;-).

Upon our arrival home, the boys got right to work on watermelon, Pokemon, play and fun.

I got absorbed in checking email and then, got caught up in Face book.

I spend a bit of time trying to figure out how to post my Ugandan American Global Initiatives Flyer in there and found I wasn't sure how to post the .pdf file. I caught up on posting and then learned that certain video types are not allowed to be uploaded to Face book. I also noted that some MPM videos that were there were taken off by the owner.

Eventually, I just decide it was time to create a YouTube account. So I did. Named it "BigZandMom" and then set about uploading our two Lost Marble videos for Big Z's Enterprise.

Then, I went back to Face book and got one of the YouTube videos uploaded.

Now that I think of that, I need to call 1&1 Internet and make sure our domain is still active for him because a recent email alerts me that it may be time for renewal --- and these videos have Big Z's domain on them, not his Foundation Mall domains ;-).

Then, I went back to YouTube and viewed all the videos on GinnyDye channel, subscribed and asked to be a friend.

We're making progress in social networking ;-). And, it feels like today was a day in preparation for Operation World Changer.

I got a call from Ginny today, as she promised! It was fun to answer and hear her message about www.mypowermallchanges.com and know that every single member who has a current phone number will get this message, too! YEAH!

I am so amazed the day is coming to a close.

Already???

We're going to have a walk and help digest our dinner, come back for dessert, and then hop to bed.

No contacts made today, or follow-ups with leads.

Have a wonderful night's rest everyone! Happy Friday a few hours early to YOU!

May your hearts be full and may you be optimistic about your ever-increasing wealth in all areas of your life.