Live Each Day--Accidents Happen
So where have I been since March? Life can change in an instant and mine did. We were in MI on March 25th for a Surprise party for my sister. I got to a relative's home and opened a door that I thought was the bathroom. The door opened in and I had stepped into a stairwell to a basement. My last memory was “Oh my God,what can I hold unto”.
Family heard what sounded like a 20 lb. sack of potatoes going down the 14 stairs, no utterance from me. They immediately came down to find me knocked out in an increasing pool of blood from a head wound. (As my niece descibed it--A CSI moment).
I was whisked off by ambulance to a great hospital (so thankful for that) where I spent 2 solid weeks, with 10 rib breaks, a shattered left wrist and forearm, head laceration and a dislocated and fractured clavicle. Head was stitched during surgery to operate on wrist/arm. A fixator was put on my wrist with pins down into my wrist. 2nd surgery was a chest tube for fluid in the lung. I had much therapy. You never go to a hospital for rest as someone is checking you every hour or 2, even at night.
Here is the miracle---neither knee replacement was damaged, my neck was not broken and my spinal fusion from my teen years, remained intact.
We remained in MI for 1 month and returned home to CO on 4/21. I was back in hospital here for Vertigo on 4/23-24.
Things can happen in life that change our focus and slow us down—obviously there was no business done on my part, for the month of April. I am starting slowly to get back to business in May. I have one more surgery to remove the fixator and pins from my wrist. I will remain on oxygen for a few weeks--remember this is higher altitude.
Never take Life for Granted! Following are a couple of quotes worth thinking about!
If you have a life changing event, please share it with us!
Being alive is loving being alive! Judith Alligim
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
Art Linkletter
Your outcome has much to do with your attitude.
Life is made up of many changes; and no state, be it bright or clouded , will always continue. Spurgeon
OK –now it is back to business. Don’t forget those Lawn Displays for Graduation.
Have a Good Spring!
Marty Miller, business owner, author, artist
http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Weekly and Daily Goals
WEEKLY and DAILY GOALS:
DAILY GOALS: (Personally, I find these to be the most effective. I also do what I call " Project" lists which are more like Weekly or Monthly Goals)
DO:
*Each morning make a list of things you would like to accomplish that day.
*Put them in order of importance or prioritize
*As you complete a task--cross it off.
*At the end of the day--move the things to the next day's list that have not been done.
*Remember yourself: exercise, meditate, pray, read or just sit down for 10 minutes each day.
*Reward yourself if you have REALLY had a good day
*Pick a certain day of the week to always do the same thing
(ie. office work, make calls, market your business, network, excercise, etc.)
* Mon. mornings is when I to do my weekly goals, I then send notes to friends, family or business associates.
A personal note, actually sent through the mail, has a bit more meaning to the recipient, so I pick 2 or 3 people to write each Monday.
" Although no one can go back in time and make a brand-new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending."
"Strive for Progress, not Perfection."
Be back in April. Get going on your Goals! Your thoughts and comments are always welcome!
Marty Miller, http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
DAILY GOALS: (Personally, I find these to be the most effective. I also do what I call " Project" lists which are more like Weekly or Monthly Goals)
DO:
*Each morning make a list of things you would like to accomplish that day.
*Put them in order of importance or prioritize
*As you complete a task--cross it off.
*At the end of the day--move the things to the next day's list that have not been done.
*Remember yourself: exercise, meditate, pray, read or just sit down for 10 minutes each day.
*Reward yourself if you have REALLY had a good day
*Pick a certain day of the week to always do the same thing
(ie. office work, make calls, market your business, network, excercise, etc.)
* Mon. mornings is when I to do my weekly goals, I then send notes to friends, family or business associates.
A personal note, actually sent through the mail, has a bit more meaning to the recipient, so I pick 2 or 3 people to write each Monday.
" Although no one can go back in time and make a brand-new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending."
"Strive for Progress, not Perfection."
Be back in April. Get going on your Goals! Your thoughts and comments are always welcome!
Marty Miller, http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
Friday, March 19, 2010
Internet Directories for your Business
Now is the time to start planning your Spring Business Goals. People are ready to "start fresh" and celebrate life. For those of us in the Yard Card and Lawn Display business; Spring offers many opportunities. There are the Stork signs for newborns and Birthdays but also Mother's Day and Graduations.
It is time to start marketing and planning for these events. I recommend sending post cards to current customers or advertising in a small local periodical, such as neighborhood Newspapers. Also Join all of the available Directories that list Yard Cards. There are many Free ones--but as is always said "you get what you pay for".
Most of those charging fees such as www.yardcarddirectory.com/ are updating often and keeping the Directory higher on the search engines. It is a good idea to be on as many Directories as possible & realize that if you pay a fee it will proably pay for itself with the first couple of rentals that come from it.
Even during tough financial times you must invest some money to make money. Business rarely just falls into your lap. Make some Goals for yourself, your family and your business! Goals will be the next blog!
"Doing business without advertising is like winking at a someone in the dark. YOU know what you are doing, but no one else does." Stewart Britt
Sincerely,
Marty Miller
It is time to start marketing and planning for these events. I recommend sending post cards to current customers or advertising in a small local periodical, such as neighborhood Newspapers. Also Join all of the available Directories that list Yard Cards. There are many Free ones--but as is always said "you get what you pay for".
Most of those charging fees such as www.yardcarddirectory.com/ are updating often and keeping the Directory higher on the search engines. It is a good idea to be on as many Directories as possible & realize that if you pay a fee it will proably pay for itself with the first couple of rentals that come from it.
Even during tough financial times you must invest some money to make money. Business rarely just falls into your lap. Make some Goals for yourself, your family and your business! Goals will be the next blog!
"Doing business without advertising is like winking at a someone in the dark. YOU know what you are doing, but no one else does." Stewart Britt
Sincerely,
Marty Miller
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
CELL PHONE COURTESY BLOG
"Do you Hear what I Hear?" By Marty Miller
This is from an article I wrote in 2002 that was printed in two business magazines. Because of the length of the article and the change in cell phone activity, I will only summarize and "tone down" some of the contents as cell phone useage is standard communication in 2010.
Almost everyone has a cell phone these days and I am sure that we have all experienced an uncomfortable feeling when either our cell phone or someone else's goes off at an inappropriate time or place. What prompted me to write the article was during a business meeting with a captivating speaker, the ring of a cell phone could be heard at which time the "thoughts" of the speaker were interrupted, along with much scuffling through purses and briefcases of people trying to find if their phone was the offender. It was embarrassing for ALL of us and very rude to the Speaker.
I remember a personal situation where I entered a bathroom and someone said "Hi, how are you?" Not seeing anyone right there, I thought out of courtesy I would answer and said "Fine, Thanks" at which time a person in a stall said "Just a moment"---"Lady I'm not talking to you". I was embarrassed, but "who woulda thunk it--in the bathroom stall?" At that time it seemed unusual, but now it seems to be the norm. Talk about "multi-tasking!"
Places that I find cell phones offensive (remember I am a bit old fashioned)
#1 Church I heard cell phones go off in 2 funerals---not good!
#2 Nice restaurants---people don't go to listen to someone else's loud cell phone conversation--step outside.
#3 Museums, Stores and places of business--unless you are in an aisle by yourself
#4 Sitting at a table with other people-- (ie., meeting, luncheon, out for a meal with friends or others) It looks like those we are with aren't as important as the person on the phone.
#5 DRIVING! It is scary how many people you see driving with a phone to their ear.
There are Always exceptions--if someone is "on call" then they probably need to have their phone on vibrate and leave the area to talk when necessary.
SAFETY: Lack of courtesy is not the only problem when it comes to cell phone use. Many people give out personal information. In Portland, OR a woman talking over her cell phone while eating in a chain restaurant was talking about her upcoming vacation for the next week. An unscrupulous person nearby overheard the conversation, and followed the woman home. When she left for her vacation he burglarized her home. A neighbor took down the unfamiliar car's license number. The burglar came clean on how he knew she was not at home. Consider the information that others may overhear while we are absorbed in our phone call, giving out addresses, credit card and personal situations.
Communication is certainly not as much "face to face" anymore, but courtesy and safety should still be a consideration for each of us, even with the increasing use of changing technologies.
"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."
Have a Great week!
Marty Miller , writer, artist, business owner www.yardcarddirectory.com/
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
This is from an article I wrote in 2002 that was printed in two business magazines. Because of the length of the article and the change in cell phone activity, I will only summarize and "tone down" some of the contents as cell phone useage is standard communication in 2010.
Almost everyone has a cell phone these days and I am sure that we have all experienced an uncomfortable feeling when either our cell phone or someone else's goes off at an inappropriate time or place. What prompted me to write the article was during a business meeting with a captivating speaker, the ring of a cell phone could be heard at which time the "thoughts" of the speaker were interrupted, along with much scuffling through purses and briefcases of people trying to find if their phone was the offender. It was embarrassing for ALL of us and very rude to the Speaker.
I remember a personal situation where I entered a bathroom and someone said "Hi, how are you?" Not seeing anyone right there, I thought out of courtesy I would answer and said "Fine, Thanks" at which time a person in a stall said "Just a moment"---"Lady I'm not talking to you". I was embarrassed, but "who woulda thunk it--in the bathroom stall?" At that time it seemed unusual, but now it seems to be the norm. Talk about "multi-tasking!"
Places that I find cell phones offensive (remember I am a bit old fashioned)
#1 Church I heard cell phones go off in 2 funerals---not good!
#2 Nice restaurants---people don't go to listen to someone else's loud cell phone conversation--step outside.
#3 Museums, Stores and places of business--unless you are in an aisle by yourself
#4 Sitting at a table with other people-- (ie., meeting, luncheon, out for a meal with friends or others) It looks like those we are with aren't as important as the person on the phone.
#5 DRIVING! It is scary how many people you see driving with a phone to their ear.
There are Always exceptions--if someone is "on call" then they probably need to have their phone on vibrate and leave the area to talk when necessary.
SAFETY: Lack of courtesy is not the only problem when it comes to cell phone use. Many people give out personal information. In Portland, OR a woman talking over her cell phone while eating in a chain restaurant was talking about her upcoming vacation for the next week. An unscrupulous person nearby overheard the conversation, and followed the woman home. When she left for her vacation he burglarized her home. A neighbor took down the unfamiliar car's license number. The burglar came clean on how he knew she was not at home. Consider the information that others may overhear while we are absorbed in our phone call, giving out addresses, credit card and personal situations.
Communication is certainly not as much "face to face" anymore, but courtesy and safety should still be a consideration for each of us, even with the increasing use of changing technologies.
"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."
Have a Great week!
Marty Miller , writer, artist, business owner www.yardcarddirectory.com/
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ATTITUDE IN LIFE & IN BUSINESS
As mentioned in 2/18 blog ATTITUDE has much to do with our success in life and business. We cannot change some of the circumstances, but we can change the way we think about them and how we react. Just having a good laugh with friends or family can boost your attitude. Sometimes forcing yourself to smile at others,when you really don't feel like it, can also change your mood.
"Laughter is an instant vacation".
We are in some difficult times for many and businesses are suffering. Start something new like an Advisory Board 12/31. Add something to your business that you think will help the business. Don't wait for things to happen, make them happen!
ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll ( thought this was a nice piece)
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company....a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude"
Please make comments! See you in March!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Laughter is an instant vacation".
We are in some difficult times for many and businesses are suffering. Start something new like an Advisory Board 12/31. Add something to your business that you think will help the business. Don't wait for things to happen, make them happen!
ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll ( thought this was a nice piece)
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company....a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude"
Please make comments! See you in March!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Start a Yard Card Business
Spring is a popular time for Yard Cards & Lawn Displays, particularily in the States that have had snow, cold and storms during the winter months. People want to do fun, happy things & spring brings out the best in attitudes. I have found that Mother's Day and Graduation are great times for renting signs and displays. Even with the tight economy, people want to celebrate.
If you wish to Start a Lawn Display Business, start looking into some of the various ones that are for Sale. There are companies that provide Kits to make your own signs, ones that are pre-made for you or ones you can design yourself. Make sure you have a Manual to help you get started. Research different types of displays and businesses before making a decision.
Websites I would recommend are www.entrepreneur.com/bizopportunities/categories/svcyard.html or www.yardcards-business.com/
"When Spring is dancing among the hills, one should not stay in a little dark corner" Kahlil Gibran
Marty Miller, http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
If you wish to Start a Lawn Display Business, start looking into some of the various ones that are for Sale. There are companies that provide Kits to make your own signs, ones that are pre-made for you or ones you can design yourself. Make sure you have a Manual to help you get started. Research different types of displays and businesses before making a decision.
Websites I would recommend are www.entrepreneur.com/bizopportunities/categories/svcyard.html or www.yardcards-business.com/
"When Spring is dancing among the hills, one should not stay in a little dark corner" Kahlil Gibran
Marty Miller, http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ www.lawnexpressions.com/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
CREATING A NEW WEBSITE
While perusing the internet a few days ago, I came across a website with U-Tube videos and easy to follow instructions on many topics. Lisa has topics such as; Website Creation Steps, Registering Domains, Adding AdSense, Blogging and several tutorials and U-tube video instructions. http://www.2createawebsite.com/ is the website and the many topics are listed on the left. Her videos are fun, informative and very useful for newbies building websites, along with the more experienced webmaster.
Let me know what you think about this recommended website. I am trying very hard to find things that would be interesting to anyone in business, starting a business or in the targeted Yard Cards and Lawn Display business.
"Hard Work is the Yeast that Raises the Dough."
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, Entrepreneur, Artist, Writer http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
Let me know what you think about this recommended website. I am trying very hard to find things that would be interesting to anyone in business, starting a business or in the targeted Yard Cards and Lawn Display business.
"Hard Work is the Yeast that Raises the Dough."
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, Entrepreneur, Artist, Writer http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/ http://www.lawnexpressions.com/
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