Natalie Sisson, the Mastermind behind The Suitcase Entrepreneur popped me a note on Twitter last night to find out how my start to 2011 had been. When I replied:

2011 start has been ridiculously amazing. Life and ‘work’ are blending beautifully #livingthedream & #lovingthemoments

she messaged me back to find out why and furthermore she asked for the top 3 things that have made this a #livingthedream year.

I don’t think I need three, as in my mind there is one main reason, one major difference from 2010 and that is:

Partnerships

For years I did my life alone. And even though I’m an incredibly social person I still lived mostly inside my head, convinced that if it was to be, then it was up to me. 2010 was a transformational year, in that I opened myself up to being supported by others. Looking back, it all happened serendipitously and it was staggered throughout the year, but, to begin 2011 surrounded and supported by the most amazing team is certainly the #1 reason I’m living the dream!

My Team:

Personal Coach – Willie Carter

Willie was not a 2010 addition to the team as I’ve been working with her since 2007, however, it is because of Willie that any of the ‘team’ thing even happened. Willie, who I more commonly refer to as my ‘Psychic Surgeon’ has been the most incredible partner in my personal and professional development journeys. She has the most innate way to be curious and ask questions that are so pointed they drill instantly the the heart of the matter, while having this gentle and nurturing aura that would make even the most terrified of people feel safe. She is a guiding force in my life and I couldn’t nor do I want to, imagine life without her.

Personal Assistant – Stephanie Lee

Stephanie is an absolute dream come true! A dream that I actually didn’t think was possible, this time last year, and now a reality I would never live without. She is the most organized person I’ve ever met, she thinks even quicker than I do (and for those that know me, that’s no small feat). She knows exactly what I need before I even know I need it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her and we’ve never even met in person. She’s completely virtual and yet, I feel her by my side each and everyday!

Personal Trainer – Hannah Fletcher

Last spring I started working with my trainer Hannah when I wanted to get back in to the gym, recover from plaguing injuries and strengthen my body. Never in a million years did I expect to form the partnership and bond that I did. For many years I did fitness on my own. Even when I did lots of aerobics and group fitness, I still felt isolated. With Hannah that has all changed. I feel supported and in partnership with someone who wants the best for me in my physical fitness and in my life. She knows exactly how to bend (not break) me, when to push me harder, and when to let me off the hook. I look forward to seeing her even though I know she’s about to kick my ass. Her knowledge, and expertise combined with her authentic passion for fitness (and life) makes her a tremendous asset and partner. I know for sure, I wouldn’t have gotten here without her.

Housekeeper – Nina

Nina is an absolute godsend. My place is full of windows and the first time she was here (she’s maybe 5′ tall) she cleaned each and every window in this place. I have NO idea how she did it. I’m 5’9″ and I can’t even reach the top of some of these windows. I cannot even begin to describe the changes I’ve experienced in the way I feel, the activities I’m able to accomplish, the excitement I have to come home and/or just to hang out at home, now that I have Nina on board. I never would have predicted that making this kind of change in my life would have had the kind of impact that it did. In a word: incredible.

Biz Partner – Chris Flett

Chris Flett is also not a 2010 addition, but I just wouldn’t feel right without including him on this list. Chris is really the reason I have the means to employ the team I’ve listed above. Chris has taught me so much about business (and life) I would need a book to go in to it all. The common theme however in working with Chris has been mindset. Chris walks his talk so meticulously, that being in his presence over the past 3 years, I couldn’t help but follow his path. Because of Chris I have a thriving business, shares in a couple other thriving businesses, a cross-section of incredible clients, and opportunities out the wazoola. I’m excited everyday when I get out of bed, and look forward, with energetic anticipation, to what lies ahead.

Life Partner – CB

Absolutely NONE  of the above would be possible without the support I get from my incredible partner. Since that first day, 10 years ago, when I saw him, and later moved in with him (YES! It all happened on the same day!) he has been supporting and loving me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. 3 years ago, I’ll never forget walking out on the patio to announce that I was quitting my job and starting a business with a guy he’d never met. He looked over to me and said “Heather, it’s you, you’ll be good at whatever you choose, I’m behind you 100%”. OMG I LOVE him!

Besides these key people I’ve formally listed above, I also have the most amazing friends and family – AND the most amazing network of tremendously talented, intelligent and inspiring colleagues. I’m blessed beyond belief and I truly feel as though I’m living out my fairytale dreams everyday! Here’s to an incredible 2011 and beyond!

Heather

2009 International Emerging Leader of the Year Finalists and their Managing Directors

Too often in my life I have worked incredibly hard to reach a goal or get to a certain place, only to have somewhat of a surreal experience that I was not wholly present for. This time, I set a clear intention of being there, in the moment, able to feel the sensations in my body as I reached this incredible goal. This small shift in consciousness left me feeling so incredibly full – exactly what I wanted and needed!

Though I was not named the Winner of this International award, and at the risk of sounding cliché, I feel like this experience was more of a ‘win’ than I could have ever expected. Amongst all the amazing women that I met and all the gifted speakers that I saw present throughout the week, I was given a very special gift: that of friendship with the other 11 stunningly amazing women that shared the honour of making this list of finalists for this prestigious award. Each one was incredibly bright, beautiful on the inside and out, gifted and talented, so much so, that as we got to know one another I couldn’t help but question my deservingness (is that a word?) of winning.  In the end, I know in my heart we all deserved to win and each won in our own special way.

This experience strengthened me and allowed me to grow in so many ways.  But, the greatest gift was in confirming my faith in the fact that in order to “see” our goals and desires become real in our life, we must first believe. Believe in ourselves, believe in our abilities, believe in our talents, believe in our ability to learn and grow and believe that we deserve. We deserve to live the life that we once only imagined as we drifted off to sleep at night.  The life we admired (and may have even been jealous of) when we saw someone else living it. The life our mothers and fathers told us we were capable of. The life we came here to live.

As a result of this past week I am even more committed to my dreams and goals than I have ever been in my life. I am so grateful to all the people who have supported up until now and whom I know will continue to support me in times to come.  And as a tribute to all my supporters, I will continue to walk my talk, dream big dreams and take action everyday to bring them in to reality in my life.  Thank you all!!

With love,

Heather

I was doing a bunch of prospecting for a Trade Mission project that I’m working on and it required me to make a lot of cold calls. I won’t lie and say I LOVE COLD CALLING, because LOVE is a strong word. I love my family, friends, skiing, red wine, chocolate, things like that. I don’t love cold calling. But, I do love making money and in order to continue to make money I will continue to cold call. So there I was, back in the trenches, equipped with the most important asset to cold calling success:

The ANSWER to my prospects  question “why do I care?”

And not some long winded paragraph of b.s. about why my product is so amazing and wonderful and will revolutionize their business. Instead, a short, sweet, articulate and well thought out answer. One that Chris Flett would be proud of. One that I am proud of. Otherwise, why call? Do you think I really want to get my ass handed to me???

One guy that I chatted with reminded me of the 2nd most important asset to cold calling success:

Knowing how and why to take ‘no’ as graciously as ‘yes’

Because he had decided, before we even began the conversation, that whatever I was asking, he was going to say ‘no’ to, the conversation was over almost as quickly as it began. He came on the phone very abrupt and cold in his tone. I did my thing and turned it back to him. He softened a bit when he realized I wasn’t calling to harass him, nor did I want to have to convince him or pursuade him of anything. I was simply curious as to whether I was on the mark with why I thought he would give a shit about what I was presenting him with. He wasn’t. Call over. Simple. As I was thanking him for the 32 seconds of his time and getting ready to hang up, there was a tone of desperation in his voice as he said “thanks so much for understanding!! I hope you know this isn’t because I’m a bad guy or anything…..” NO, I don’t think you’re a bad guy! I think you’re a great guy, because I have a list of 100 of you that I have to call today and you just told me what I needed to know:

You don’t see a fit between what I have to offer and what you are wanting/needing or see value in, at this present moment in time.

When you are cold calling, you can’t get attached to which prospects will say ‘yes, tell me more’ and which ones will say ‘I don’t see the fit’. You simply need to identify more than enough opportunity (a long list of them), of which you believe your odds are great, that a proportion of them (not ALL of them, although that would be awesome!) will agree with your pitch and want to take the next step with you. Take ‘no’ as graciously as ‘yes’ and work your whole list. Stick to your message, be authentic, honest and engaging and you will rock the day of cold calls.

Good luck!

Mastermind groups are one of the most effective and efficient ways to use synergy to propel your life to the next level, regardless of the area.  The number one reason that clients come to me for coaching is for accountability.  People who are serious about making changes in their life – quickly – understand the importance of accountability.  The mastermind group does this in a very inexpensive and productive way.

What is a mastermind group you ask?

A mastermind group is simply a group of like minded people coming together, supporting and encouraging one another as individuals work towards specific and measurable results.  There are, however, key elements to establishing and executing an effective and successful mastermind group.  I’ve listed the most important points below.  If you are interested in joining a mastermind group – email me – heather@2020communications.ca and I’ll let you know when the next group is starting.

Mastermind you way to Success:

- Mastermind groups should have 6-8 people
- They can be conducted live in person, or, over teleconferece
- You must have an established leader who is able to direct the call/meeting efficiently
- Stay on time (if your call is 60 minutes long end it at the top of the hour)
- Set your call up by having each member share their biggest “wins” or “successes” since your last meeting
- Open the floor for each member to share any needs/wants/brainstorming to accomplish certain goals

Good luck and have fun!

I was recently interviewed for an upcoming article about female entrepreneurship, here’s one of their stellar questions and my response. I’d love to use this as a starting off point for a much needed conversation. Add your thoughts and comments please!

What is the best way for women to support each other?

My response:

Stop competing and start collaborating.  Throw age, race, looks, experience etc. out the window – it doesn’t matter. The most important way to support each other is show up as your whole self, look to add value in an enthusiastic and passionate way and synergize with the other women (and men) in your life.  Gone are the days of having to ‘know it all’ (not that I’m sure that ever existed) and now we must be clear on what we have to offer and find others who offer complimentary knowledge, skill and service.  This is how we will grow to the next level. No more one upping each other, it’s about joining forces.

Thanks to Lizzy Karp,Campus CEO and YWIB for this great question!!

I live just across the bridge from downtown in South Granville and although we’re only 20 minutes away (walking) from the action, the games are clearly not happening over here. I’ve been able to drive, park, get Starbucks, groceries, get to and from my office, meet with clients etc. with no major issues. And then, when I’ve crossed over into the super mario land of downtown with my Canada Jersey on and cow bell in hand I’ve been able to get in to the true spirit of this Nation and it’s love and it’s celebration of these times.

Speaking of celebration I was profoundly struck by something when we (and by we, I mean Canada’s Jenn Heil) won the first medal, a silver in the ladies moguls. Karen Bharke from the USA was the winner of the bronze medal and I don’t think it will come as a shock to anyone who watched the race or the awards ceremony to hear me say, she was a bit over the top with her celebration. I wasn’t sure if she was also a dancer or maybe a gymnast as I watched her pirouetting and jumping around awaiting the ceremony portion of the evening. But it got me to thinking….

Before the games started, our Prime Minister, Steven Happer,  urged Canadians to allow “uncharacteristic outburst of patriotism” and to “feel bashful about waving the flag”. I remember thinking – what’s that all about – we’re Patriotic! Then as I watched the celebration portion of the night play out on Cypress Mountain as Canada accepted it’s first medal of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games – I realized what he meant. Karen Bharke was celebrating, big time, where as Jenn Heil and even the Gold Medalist Hannah Kearney were far more reserved. My initial reaction was one of annoyance with Karen, thinking “tone it down chick” and in that moment I realized something profound. When we are modest in our celebration, when we aren’t over the top, when we don’t express our emotions to the enth degree, do we miss out on the true experience?

It’s an interesting concept to ponder and I don’t think either way is right, nor wrong. I just wonder on an energetic level if by holding back our emotions and being less expressive, do we hinder ourselves us from experiencing the potential feelings that come with celebrations on this scale. I wonder…..

So, like any good Canadian pondering such a big question, I went out and celebrated in my own ‘over the top’ way. To see and feel what it was like to engage in such a big way. And let me tell you, it felt good!

Whether studying under Bob Proctor or listening to Biggie Smalls and Kanye West, it’s important to remember that life begins in your imagination. As you quietly ponder what it is that you really want your life to look like you begin to plant seeds of potential that with steps of action become reality. It doesn’t matter what your present circumstances are – it only matters whether you’re able to “close your eyes and imagine – the good life”.

If you are not living the life of your dreams, or at least working towards it everyday – then you are not living up to your potential. Sit down today and imagine what your life would look like if you could have anything? Where would you live, what would you do everyday, what car do you drive, what clothes do you wear?

“The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
- Benjamin Mays

What does your “good life” look like?

Changing simple inspiration into collaborative understanding designed to develop the foundation of sustainable global communities…

Since I can remember, I have felt inspired to seek a career in the humanitarian relief work that I feel is so desperately needed throughout our global community. In grade 11 at Shawnigan Lake School I participated in the EDGE Leadership Program along with 10 other students. We travelled to Ban Ruk Phandin, Thailand to construct a Learning Center for the local people—this solidified my desire to contribute to sustainable communities in areas of our world without the necessary avenues to fully develop their goals. I believe that merging cultural, social, and economic differences can provide solid foundations for sustainable educated communities.

This spring term, I am travelling to Costa Rica to work for their Humanitarian Foundation for 3 months with my best friend, Claire Linn. During this trip, Claire and I will be working in different areas around Costa Rica, on projects such as La Carpio, a daycare and educational facility for children living in the slums around San José, La Promesa, a community for women who have suffered extreme abuse and poverty, and the Cabecar project which aims to establish a more solid relationship between the Foundation and the Indigenous Community and to provide them with the educational, health, and agricultural facilities they need. We will be participating in other smaller projects as well and travelling as much as we can fit in between work!

During this trip, I would like to build networks with people looking to further develop the humanitarian cause. In this way, I hope to create the foundations for a relationship between the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation and my networks here in Canada—most prominently, Shawnigan Lake School—which will enable me to fulfill my vision for future projects.

This trip is also giving me the opportunity to further develop my experience with Humanitarian/Relief work. The blogging work I plan to commit to, at least on a personal level, will provide me with future points of reference, as well as the foundation for what I hope may lead to a future career in journalism. I also hope that this blogging will create awareness and offer a vehicle for conversation about the needs of the humanitarian community in Costa Rica.

My goal is to post a blog each week recording the moments of inspiration I have encountered along the way. Maybe these will also inspire you!

I will post again when I get my feet settled in San José. See you on the other side!

-Sarah Kingstone

In the 2nd semester of her 3rd year at UBC, Sarah Kingstone is traveling to Costa Rica in honour of her humanitarian heart. She has given me permission to post her blog entries as she embarks on what will undoubtedly a life changing experience. Come along for the ride!

Listening to Kim speak about the day of the napalm, the burning of her skin, the 14 months she spent in hospital and the 17 surgeries to repair her badly burned skin was stomach churning.

But, in the end, Kim’s message is one of forgiveness. She uses a cup of coffee to describe her heart, once full of darkness and anger. She speaks of her long journey to forgiveness as time she used to pour out the dark coffee from her heart. Once gone, the dark coffee (feelings of anger, despair and blame) was replaced with clear, refreshing water. Kim’s heart is now full of peace, hope, happiness, love and joy.

Kim’s story was extrodinary and her message was clear. Forgiveness is necessary in order to be free of the dark coffee in our hearts. First, we must pour it out. Then, we are ready to accept all the good that life has to offer us.

I had lunch with a client today who was laid off from her job on Monday.  A lot of people in her situation would have gone home, got into bed and stayed there in a state of ‘poor-me’, ‘how could this happen’ -but not her.  Today is Thursday and as I stood in her new office, at the new corporation she’s now working for, looking out of her 360 degree views of the downtown core – I couldn’t help but get excited.  

A lot of clients have trouble formulating a Plan B because they feel like it’s copping out on their Plan A. What I often say to them is “no one expects their house to burn down, but, we buy insurance, just in case”. Formulating a Plan B is like buying insurance for your house.  It gives you the piece of mind to work your Plan A for the simple fact that you know you have a solid back up plan, should any unexpected hiccups get in your way.

Closure is an opportunity.  An opportunity to deploy your Plan B.  The moment you get laid off is not the moment to start formulating a Plan B.  Today, sit down and start to map out a Plan B, just in case.  That way, closure will never be a bad thing.