Before you make another complaint to a boss, coworker, spouse or friend I encourage you to pick up a copy of Jon Gordon’s “The No Complaining Rule”. It’s been awhile since I’ve completed a book that has left me so challenged to evaluate the negativity that can float around in my own thoughts and then fly right out of my mouth without being conscious of it. Is it safe to say that we’ve all been guilty of that a time or two? Complaining can sometimes seem like such an effective solution at times, but Gordon states that people complain “(1) because they were fearful and helpless and (2) because it had become a habit” (39)

Complaining can sneak up on us whether at home, at work or even at church. Gordon encourages specifically in his introduction, “one of the most important things we can do in business and life is to stay positive with strategies that turn negative energy into positive solutions” (xvii) and he shows us just how to by composing these truths into a story creating a very identifiable setting for the readers.

The story begins with Hope, a recently divorced mother of two, who is Vice President of Human Resources at EZ-Tech. Hope, already worn down with the complaining she faces day after day from fellow employees walks in early one morning to discover that her company is in severe jeopardy. The computer batteries that EZ-Tech produces have been catching on fire and the media has picked up on blogs created by EZ-Tech employees complaining of management. The company is now in a fight for it’s life to regain the credibility that is slipping away. As Hope not only struggles with the fear of an arising health issue she must also put together a plan to save the company at the request of the CEO. At a doctor’s appointment Hope is then introduced to her nurse who in turn inspires Hope with a radiant plan to save the company and renew Hope’s look on life, The No Complaining Rule.

Even before addressing ways in which we can go about fixing the negativity in our lives, Gordon reminds us of the damage that it can cause such as,

1. “Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (28).

2. “Negativity affects the morale, performance, and productivity of our teams” (29).

3. “Negative emotions are associated with the following:

* Decreased life span and longevity
* Increased risk of heart attack
* Increased risk of stroke
* Greater stress
* Less energy
* More pain
* Fewer friends
* Less success” (29)

It’s obvious from these stunning facts that to survive a change is in order. What I think can be most be learned from this book is that there is hope and with some determination “you can get off the negative road and hop on the positive road right now” (44). Gordon provides some excellent ideas to jumpstart your positive thinking including a guideline to a No Complaining week that refocuses your attention with activities such as creating gratitude lists and beginning your day with a little exercise focused on the things you are most grateful for in life. In the book Gordon provides the “Three No Complaining Tools” (49) which you can also find and print out on his website at www.nocomplainingrule.com. This is a wonderful resource that even I have printed out to encourage my family during the day.

Gordon’s tips are endless and the best part is that they are not just compatible to the workplace or to adults only. These guidelines can do some wonderful things within the home environment and are unbelievably good habits to instill in young children.

Megan York is a small business owner and writer residing Texas. You can read more at her blog, A Boy, A Girl and A Pug.

Be the first two to comment below for your free copy of “The Complaining Rule” by Jon Gordon!

Here’s a couple of the stops she made on her way throughout the blogosphere: a guest post and detailed interview.

Life has been beyond hectic these days–with my biggest and newest full-time project: Salma K Farid Academy (our new site was launched this week, of course we’re utilizing internet branding with a blog!). Here’s my humble welcome letter as I feel destined for this wonderful new role…

Anyways, as I agreed to be Elizabeth’s last stop…I actually had to fit in reviewing the book myself (something I haven’t done in months!)

How timely it is!

hile I’ve been starting up home-businesses for over a decade (ie, foreclosures/short sales real estate business, freelance writing, becoming an author, etc.)–Heading Salma K Farid Academy is my biggest endeavor yet.

And, I’m it my dear: The Head Administrator–spearheading a grand opening for September with a building presently getting being constructed, hiring an entire teaching staff, and reviewing applications for an entire student body–and that’s just my main duties

As you can imagine, I’m doing thAngs-differently–with my Empowered-womanly-flare!

And, with much more risk involved than any start-up I ventured into before…God willing, the rewards will be well-worth the investment…so, I’m in great need of some advise!

Fortunately, our owners are multi-million-dollar-producing businessmen; so while I’m surrounded with great company–I will always be Me…and I’d love to say “Chic!”

So, here I am with only 2 owners dedicated to our simple mission, and our simple yet altruistic goals...They’re basically supporting me as I make some of my Biggest Dreams come true–while they honor their beloved mother, may God have mercy on her.

So, HOW am I going to forge forward, you may ask?

First and foremost, in pure faith and God will continue to shower me with health and strength if I humbly put Him and Only Him at the forefront in all that I do. Ameen.

Second, Elizabeth’s guidebook to being a Chic Entrepreneur by my side–as I network like crazy of course.

No lie–girl!

Elizabeth writes with spunk, authority, humor, and gives detailed tips, outlines and breaks things up one-to-one on an entrepreneur’s level; but reminds you of the big-picture of becoming big-corporation (only if that’s within your goals, she inspires you to reach that goal…but, if you want to remain on a smaller-scale that’s totally cool too).

Being the fashion-chick that I am–yes, I LOVE clothes–Elizabeth kept me chugging along with many Ah-Hah moments and smirks of delight.

She reminded me to stick to processes and systems–but most importantly, to document them.

People thought  I was crazy when I hired an intern during her 3rd-trimester only to loose her when everyone thought I needed her most.

Well, I really DO need her today…but we were well-prepared.Based on her critical experience with other private academies, we spent her last day handwriting out as many Process Maps (p. 134-136) as possible.

Now, I’m getting my FAIR share of criticism for my hiring processes too.

But with Chapter Four’s “The DMV or Google: Attracting and Retaining the Best Employees“–I know in my faith and heart (and thankfully–Elizabeth’s proven business-advice) that soon (possibly not until the end of our 1st year), people will be able to appreciate ALL the time I spent being absolutely nit-picky about the very staff I am hiring.

Because I believe wholeheartedly in our mission & vision, I am doing Everything in my power to have all our staff embrace our grand-goals, and will implement as many if not all the tips Elizabeth offers to retaining them for the long-run too.

Elizabeth had has me racking my brain with Chapter Nine. Everything Financial. #s, $-signs…urgh ;-(

Everything I’ve leaned heavily on hubby to do, upto now!

But, with our numbers SO much greater and Hubby and the girls overseas vacationing (yay, that’s another story)–planning, assessing and projecting our financial status is critical. And, I HAVE to understand everything myself: upfront & personal :-/

Fortunately, Elizabeth breaks things down step-by-step.

Listed above are only a few examples how comprehensive this book is.

To close, I must share that I have marked up this book Something-Silly!

There are folds on the top-corners, bottom-corners, multiple-colors highlighting phrases and sections so “important things” can Pop out the pages–but its nearly impossible to leave any section un-marked.

So, my advise–big or small (start-up or mid-career): Read & Embrace this book! It’s practical and the analogies are just well–Chic!

As for EWN–we’re making many changes, trying different writers and projects; and I’m basically leaving things it to my partner and assistants to lead its way. I’ve obviously removed myself; not out of choice, but by the demand of the limited hours of my day.

Please know that I am forever grateful for your loving support and know that whatever we do here–it’ll be Empowering to All Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: just like Elizabeth Gordon and Leanna Adams!

This summer, take the time to extend your gratitude to the women in your life that help you find the answers to your questions. Treat a colleague you admire to lunch. Send a thank you note to the friend whose ability to juggle toddlers and an impressive career make you believe you can do it too. Thank your sister for believing that you could make a break from the corporate world and succeed as a freelance consultant when you had your doubts.

For a unique twist on tokens of appreciation, you might want to let these women know, You Are My Inspiration. Created by Step Up Women’s Network, You Are My Inspiration provides a meaningful way for women nationwide to gift the women that inspire them, while paying it forward to the next generation. 100% of funds raised will be directed at Step Up’s innovative work with underserved teen girls, the majority of which live below the poverty level.

Not only will your inspiration have a daily reminder of your appreciation (a product from Ulta’s private label collection or a limited edition private necklace), but you’ll have paid it forward to the next generation of girls by directing your purchase price towards the cost of program equipment, like digital cameras for the photography program; a college tour for 10 girls and instructor stipends.

A simple thank you can make a world of difference.

Andrea Zak is an aspiring social change agent.

Step Up Women’s Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women’s health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, we educate and activate our members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future.

It’s a good idea to take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour. Start off making one of those breaks, an Office Chair Workout. Progress to three or four every day. Since the exercises are bodyweight dependent, you can do this routine daily.

Rotate through the following 12 exercises for ten minutes. Are you ready? Let’s take a break from the computer. If you have a chair with rollers, lean it against a wall or the desk when completing the exercises.

1. Chair Squat

• Keep your knees behind your toes
• Back relaxed and straight
• Hands out for balance
• Increase speed for more intensity
• Don’t transfer weight to the chair
• Keep the abdominals tight
• Breathe out when sitting

2. Leaning Leg Extensions

• Lean forward on the chair with back parallel to floor
• Extend Right leg back to make a straight line from shoulders to heels
• Repeat 15 on right leg
• Switch to left leg and repeat 15 more times

3. Chair Dips

• Place arms on seat of chair with palms on cushion
• Shift weight forward with bent knees (straight legs are more challenging)
• Dip about 85 degrees down with upper arm not quite parallel to the floor
• Do not dip upper arms to a point where they are directed more toward the floor
• Complete 15 repetitions

4. High Knee Toe Taps

• Stand upright, face chair
• Alternate toes on top of chair seat
• Speed up for greater intensity
• Complete 30 repetitions

5. Hip Rotation

• Extend body out from chair
• Place palms on arm rests or seat of chair
• Shift body weight from one hip to the other
• Focus on using the abdominals and obliques to move the hips
• Complete 30 repetitions

6. Knee Presses

• Lean slightly back in the chair
• Lift knees toward the chest
• Return to outstretched position
• Complete 15 repetitions

7. Leaning Side Leg Extensions

• Lean forward on the chair with back parallel to floor
• Extend Right leg to the side
• Repeat 15 on right leg
• Switch to left leg and repeat 15 more times

8. Rear Incline Push Ups

• Place feet in the seat of chair
• Walk hands out until body is in one straight line from shoulders to heels
• Complete push up with upper arm parallel to floor
• Complete 15 repetitions

9. Bicycle

• Lean slightly back in chair
• Crunch one knee in toward the chest with one leg extended
• Alternate movement
• Complete 30 repetitions

10. One-Legged Lunges

• Place one foot on chair
• Lunge without extending knee over toes
• Complete 15 repetitions with one leg
• Switch legs and repeat

11. Punches

• Sit up in chair
• Keep abdominals tight
• Alternate fast, powerful punches
• Complete 30 repetitions

12. Military Presses

• With or without weight
• Place arms to side and lift overhead
• Complete 15 repetitions

Repeat the cycle until the 10 to 15 minutes are up. Without a major change to your routines, incorporating exercise into the day can be fun and invigorating.

How did you do? What other moves do you throw into your regular working routine?

Cindy Posey, CI-CPT, is a physical trainer and author of Go Workout Mom, a blog designed to motivate moms to prioritize physical fitness. She is married to a wonderful man with two toddlers serving as her inspiration. She juggles life, tutoring, mystery shopping and a part time personal training job at a gym near home. For a dose of motivation, check out her Motivator Newsletter and free Mom’s Journal in Fitness to begin your journey in fitness.

In this day of work-from-home technology-infused business opportunities, we’re all in the same boat. No one (that I know of) addresses the problem of what to do at the end of the day when you feel terrible from sitting and staring all day long. If typing burned calories, I’d be 20 pounds lighter rather than my spread a couple inches wider. Over the years, I’ve come up with a couple ways to avoid this unwanted side affect from too much technology:

1. Create a reminder or an appointment to get up and walk around. Sad but true, we now have to purposely schedule this kind of time into our calendars. At least I haven’t had to schedule in bathroom time…yet!
2. Pace while you’re on the phone. If you’re lucky enough to have contact with the outside world, even if by phone, then get moving while you’re talking! Invest in a hands-free headset for your phone so you can take your talk time as walk time too.
3. Splurge on a Treadmill Desk. That’s right - someone (A doctor at the Mayo Clinic!) invented a desk that is integrated with a treadmill. If you can afford the cool $6,500 for it, go for it and let me know how it works for you. I tried one at a conference recently and although it only goes up to 2 mph (I guess that’s all you can do and accurately type at the same time), over an 8 hour day they say you can burn an average of 100 extra calories per hour. The nice part is, there is a version that you can rotate so you can also sit down when you want to. Costs more, it’s less effective, but I guess if you’re a true couch potato you’ll need that out.
4. Just say no. Take a day or at least an afternoon of unplugged time. Pretend that your internet is out (OK you guys, stop hyperventilating!). Really…what’s the worst that can happen? You can take a walk through the woods or have lunch with a friend. Find a reason to step away from the screen and no one will get hurt.

I am curious – does anyone else have this problem? I am SURE it isn’t just entrepreneurs that experience this and I know I’m not the only one. What do you do to either avoid or get over your Technology Hang-Over?

Julie Lenzer Kirk is a serial entrepreneur, author, and mom. She is the founder of Path Forward International, which provides companies and individuals a “Boot in the Butt(TM)” to launch new ideas, grow existing ventures, find their work/life balance and fine tune their leadership skills. Her book, “The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business” (Wiley) is available online wherever books are sold.

If there is one thing that defines the age we live in, it is technology.

We are simply inundated with it. Whether you love it or hate it, your business is going to involve technology.

One of the first strategies is a presence on the internet. Whether a blog, landing page or website, you must have some representation on the web.

And, there are many options available to you with a variety of price points.

Like most anything, the key factors will be: What do you want? How much do you want to spend? How much do you want to do yourself?

The latter is an area where many entrepreneurs balk. Their strengths and talents do not include the technical arena. And, that is okay.

Nobody can be expected to be skilled in all avenues. If your budget permits you to hire out all your technology needs, and it is compatible with your strategy, go for it.

If your revenue is not quite where you want it to be, you don’t have to go without. Or settle for mediocre.

If you want a visually stunning web masterpiece, you will probably pay a graphic designer several thousand dollars. And, when you need changes, you will be paying high rates for those. Trust me – you will need changes. One of the benefits of the internet is the dynamic nature of information. Yours will shift also.

There are several hosting solutions that offer integrated web builders. Essentially, websites in a box. They are pretty intuitive to use once you get in there and start doing.

A key point to remember is that you must have a clear idea of what you want your website to do for you. Just like you would not build a house without a blueprint, you don’t want to start constructing a website without a guideline of how your site will appear and work.

Don’t let this part bother you – you do not need to know anything technical to design your site. You will always have a home page and pages such as About, Contact, etc. Take a blank piece of paper and draw a box at the top. This is your home page. Underneath that, draw a row of additional boxes. These represent the pages you will navigate to from your home page. Note that navigation will be consistent and each page will have the same look & feel.

If you require additional options for a given page, simply draw more boxes underneath the box for the page.

When you get this hierarchy defined, you have just defined the organization and layout of your website. Wasn’t that easy?

The next step is to design how you want your website to look. Look for websites that you like, and that connect with you. You are not going to be duplicating anybody’s work, just getting a clear idea of what you want.

You can then create your template. This will be a base page that will be used to create all other pages from. If you are using your internet provides tools, you will get to select one of their pre-defined templates. Although simpler, you may not get a template that is quite ‘you’.

Presuming you are going for a more custom solution, you will be designing your own template. Again, you don’ need to know anything technical – you are just drawing how you want it to look.
Take the time to get the template looking exactly the way that you want it before you create any pages. If you don’t do this and you need any changes, you will need to change every page that you have created.

Creating the html page is actually fairly straightforward with the right software tools. There are many great html editor programs out there – many of which are free.

If your preference is still to have someone else build the page, consider having them just do the template. Once that is built, you simply copy it for each page you want. This will be much cheaper than paying someone to do all the pages for your site.

I highly recommend you look into either learning how to make simple changes to your web page, or find a resource that is readily available to you. When you do need changes, chances are you will need them quickly, and you won’t want to wait.

Tip: Before you change a page, take a backup copy first.

Whether you do your own changes, or retain someone else, ensure that you receive all the components – html, images, etc. – that comprise your site.

A good technical resource will support you in whatever level you desire. If you want them to do everything and leave you in peace, they will do that. If you want to know how to do some changes yourself, they should be able to give you some pointers on how to do it. You may even get some limited support, dependent upon the arrangements and their fees. More importantly, a good resource will communicate with you in an effective, engaging manner and not baffle you with techno-speak.

Although a good plan now is better than a perfect plan later, take the time to choose wisely. If you are going to use an autoresponder, some have more features, some have better deliverability rates. You want to ensure you have the right choice before you start building your list. Yes, you can transfer them to a new provider if you opt to change albeit everyone will need to opt-in again.

In summary – you don’t need to know how everything works in order to get yourself or your business on the web. You simply need to be clear on what you want and how you want it to look. Obviously, focus your talents & passions where they will serve you the best. Consider learning some of the basic concepts to enable you to make quick changes with minimal expense. Choose your designers, developers and software carefully. Ensure you know what you are getting and that they will support you when you need them. If you’re not sure where to start, check in with those you know and find out what they recommend.

Mark Semple is a Certified Comprehensive Coach, Founder of Successful Together Coaching and the 2007 International Coach of the Year. As a recovering IT guy, Mark enjoys assisting others with their technology needs, in addition to making a difference with his unique coaching perspective, speaking & writing. Click here for details on the web services Mark provides.

Analyze my target market, build connections, create consistency….what are you talking about Teresa?

Well, let’s take it one piece at a time. Analyze your target market. That phrase still seems to overwhelm people and it can be a bit intimating. But once you identify and analyze your target market, it is much easier to promote your services, products, brand productively.

When asked the question, “Who is your target market?”, would you reply by answering, “Well, all women.” or perhaps, you think the answer to the question is, “Well, mostly everyone could use my products (or services)?”

In order to narrow the parameters, think about ideal client (i.e. individual of your target market).

Ask yourself these types of questions:

Male or Female?

How old are they? This range should be only 10-15 years range (35-50)

Single or Married?

Kids?

How many kids?

Any pets?

What kind of pets?

How many pets?

Hobbies?

Those are only a few of the questions to “target” your market. Basically, the more exactly you can identify what your ideal client looks like, the better you are at getting to able to promote to them effectively.

Next, let’s examine building connections. Creating, making and building connections is one of the keys of online promotion to be successful. Now, this doesn’t mean you just go and put yourself on everyone’s list and start immediately selling to everyone you meet. It does mean you can start conversation with others whom are in your target market, join a few networking groups where your ideal client is a member and be there as a resource for others.

And then be consistent while you maintain your online promotional efforts. It seems as if consistency is key to many things in our lives. In order for us to maintain an ideal weight, we need to be consistent with our balanced diet and exercise program. In order for us to have a vehicle operating properly, we need to keep up the maintenance on oil changes, fuel type, tire pressure, engine performance. The same thing needs to happen with your business.

One way to create consistency is schedule time each week for your online promotional efforts. You will be in front of your target market and building connections to allow you to build a successful online promotion plan.

Teresa Morrow is on Board of Advisors with The WECAI Network ™ (http://www.wecai.org) and Editor at Large at WE Magazine for Women ™ (http://www.wemagazineforwomen). She has over 15 years working with various industries to include property management, landscape architecture and financial planning firms in executive administrative positions. In 2007, Teresa started Key Business Partners, a virtual assistance & online promotional company for coaches, speakers and writers. She cares about her clients and is available for 20 minute free consultation. You can contact her via email at keybusinesspartners@verizon.net or visit her website at http://www.keybusinesspartners.com .

Why? You’re less likely to overindulge with snacks throughout the day and more likely, to eat smaller portions during meal time.

Let the size be your motivation to focus on healthy living. With comfortable clothing, you can take breaks and exercise in small bursts. Drop and do a few sit ups and push ups. Throw in a few lunges and squats.

Clothing is a way for us to express ourselves and being comfortable in snug clothing will help remind you of your health goals. Baggy clothes make everyone look bigger. It’s time to drop those extra 15 to 20 lbs!

What did you do today to be healthy and fit?

Cindy Posey, CI-CPT, is a physical trainer and author of Go Workout Mom, a blog designed to motivate moms to prioritize physical fitness. She is married to a wonderful man with two toddlers serving as her inspiration. She juggles life, tutoring, mystery shopping and a part time personal training job at a gym near home. For a dose of motivation, check out her Motivator Newsletter and free Mom’s Journal in Fitness to begin your journey in fitness.

Part VI – Sharing the Journey

In part V, I set the stage for the key piece: Us. Although success is a personal concept, sharing the journey is what we’re all about.

Each day is a new beginning.

A fresh start toward that which you desire. If you view your life as a journey unfolding before you, where you are at right now, in this moment, is simply that – the point you are at.

It is the point that you will be moving forward from, toward that which you desire. It does not matter how you got to this point, nor does it matter whether you like being at this point – it’s just a starting point.

The journey is, of course, your life. Your business, relationships, etc. are the components that comprise your life. When you shift your focus to the life you want to be living, and away from any of the individual components, you allow yourself to be in a different space, and more in tune with the opportunities that are available to you.

The single most important aspect of your life is how you are showing up and who you are being. The same is true for your significant other. When you are both being your true authentic selves, you are optimally positioned for that which you both desire to come about.

Regardless of whether your other half is at the same point as you, it is imperative that you be fully yourself. This is the key to everything that you desire in your life.

As you focus on the life that you want to be living, both your personal life and your life together, you will be establishing the direction for the next part of your journey to unfold.

While it is a fact that you have no power over other people, having clarity on your purpose will help create the space that you want your partner to share with you.

It is, of course, not just about what you want. Your significant other’s goals, dreams, passions, etc. are an essential part of the mix.

Your shared life together is like a large paint-by-numbers canvas. There are some colors that you hold, some that he holds and there are some that you both hold together.

The only way to complete the painting is for you both to do your individual parts, and then paint the rest together.

As you are fully being you in the moment – and allowing your partner to be fully themselves, you are able to fully enjoy this space together. Although you are on a journey, it is not so much about the destination as it is the journey itself. After all, if you are really not enjoying the trip, how will you enjoy where you are going to?

As you are unique, individual, powerful beings, you both will – and should – continue to expand in your personal experience. If you maintain the importance of ‘us’ – your shared space together, you will find your relationship evolves and expands in conjunction with your personal awareness.

When you allow your focus to shift away from your relationship, you can easily find yourself in a space where you aren’t connected to each other. At which point, you must then focus on reestablishing the connection.

Continuing our journey analogy, it is akin to you both taking separate paths when the road forks and then needing to back up to meet each other again. When you are talking about your life, backing up is not always an easy thing to do.

It is so much easier to maintain your focus on all aspects of the life that you want and then allow the journey to bring you to all that you desire.

In summary: The journey is your life. Yours and your shared life together. It is all about living the life that you want to be living. If you are not in that space, then something needs to shift. Remember always that the place to look for your answers is within you, for that is the only place where you have any power to change.

If this series of articles has connected with you, and you would like to learn more about how my coaching can guide you in making the shifts you seek, please contact me for more information on the various coaching programs I have available for you and your significant other.

Living the best life possible is your birthright. Why settle for less?

Mark Semple is a Certified Comprehensive Coach and the 2007 International Coach of the Year. Most importantly, Mark is the dedicated supporter of his wife in her business. For Mark’s insights on gaining the support of your partner, and on Success Together, visit: www.successfultogethercoaching.com

Here I am running off the gasoline in my generator. A nasty storm came through that left thousands, including us, without power. It made me thankful that I was prepared – are you? Can a bad storm or other glitch in your service take your business down? Following are some things to think about:

1. Are your desktop PC’s or servers on a battery backup? Windows doesn’t like to be shut down unexpectedly and has been known to corrupt files and drives when that happens. Thankfully we had all our computers (that weren’t laptops) on a Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS) so I had time to run around and shut them down when the lights went out. You can ever get software that closes down your computer automatically when it runs off the UPS for a certain amount of time. The disk you save could be your own!
2. Do you know where the closest Wi-Fi Hotspot is? Mine is the little coffee shop in town. It’s free, so when the power is out they get a lot of business from the folks in my neighborhood.
   
   
3. Do you have an old-fashioned phone that doesn’t require power? I am amazed at how many people have FORGOTTEN what a regular phone is. Keep at least one in your house (they’re dirt cheap!) for those black out times.
   
   
4. Have you considered a generator? We lose power quite often and I can’t afford to stop working every time, and I CERTAINLY can’t afford to restock my freezer either when my meat spoils. We invested in a fairly-moderate generator a few years back that my husband was able to connect in through the circuit break panel so it runs most of the house. Don’t ask me how he did it, but it works great when we need it!
   
   
5. Last but not least, do you have an off-site backup of your critical data? I know this is nothing new, but I know a lot of people who don’t do this. Do me a favor: don’t wait to lose everything to start backing up your files. I’ve had too many hard drive crashes (don’t buy a Toshiba laptop!) to not be diligent about backing up. Don’t get caught with your without your data duplicated somewhere.

Don’t wait until a hurricane, thunderstorm, or rolling blackout interrupts your business. Take some proactive steps NOW to make sure you’re ready when the lights go out in Georgia (or wherever you’re located)…

Julie Lenzer Kirk, an award-winning entrepreneur and mother of two, grew her business to multi-millions in revenues while raising her family. She cashed out of her company and now teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland while providing workshops, consulting, and keynotes as the President & CEO of Path Forward International. She is the author of The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business. Sign up for her monthly “Boot in the Butt”(TM) e-newsletter at www.JulieLenzerKirk.com