Keep It Simple Series Blog

Build your life vision - a simple key to success!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Mornin!
Its a wonderful morning here on the beach! Im listening to Bach on my ipod, enjoying the cool ocean breeze while I am working on this blog on success. Why am I telling you this?
This is my dream of success and I am acknowledging my ability to experience it right now!
Sometimes we loose our ability to realize what we are doing right now.... So I tell you... WAKE UP!
If you don't see and enjoy life when you get what you want - you will loose it quickly! Its like a jealous lover.... You need to pay attention!
If you have not done this yet - do it now - Build your life vision - it is a simple key to success!
Here are the steps we suggest:
1- Spiritual
Start here (on go)... What is your deepest desire or what creates your biggest dose of satisfaction from your spiritual life? What do you want. Write it down - don't judge it, yourself or where you are. Just do it now. Have you created a life that allows you time to connect with your source, your inspiration?
2 - Mental
Next in line is analyzing what your life gives back to in the way of mental stimulation and development. Do you take time to read? Are you a lifelong learner? What specific steps can you take today (and everyday) to develop your mental capacity? Write it down now. What is your plan? How quickly can you implement it?
3 - Emotional
Where are your emotions now? Do they support you or run you? Do they bring you energy or deplete your reserves leaving you drained? Better get them in lineage now! Your emotions are your guides... If they are running amuck you will get nowhere! Listen to them and handle any things that are loose ends so they don't tie you up later!
4 - Physical
This is always a fun one! This is only one part of our amazing lives yet it dominates our experience! Get over it! You're fat... You're skinny... You're never satisfied! What will I take for you to fall in love with yourself again... Like when you were a little kid? Take a break - find your favorite piece of music - dream your self as you want to be... Feel it... Write it down. NOW....
5 - Financial
Where do you want to be financially? Make a series of plans - 1 yr., 5 years, 10 years. Don't worry about how you'll get there... Just write it down. Just remember... You may get what you want... It takes huge energy to run a huge company... Choose carefully cause I want you to get what you want!
Now stop and take a look at your life outline. What common thread runs through it? Does it thrill you? Or make you sad? Scared can be misplaced excitement so its ok to be scared!
Build your life vision - a simple key to success!
Let me know how it goes...
Till next time - Be Frickin Amazing!

Live Events in NYC - Give us suggestions - for fun, inspiration and networking!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Hey there! Lou from Keep It Simple!

I'm looking for fun (or crazy) ideas to hold some live, spontaneous and fun events in NYC... But I need your help! I want to develop the themes YOU would like!

These events are Live Events in NYC - for Fun, Inspiration and Networking!

How about a green business get together in Central Park?... Or a sunrise swim at jones beach? Or a dog walkaton through Soho!

Let us know and we will get the word out on twitter! (hope you all have accounts and are following us ---» @KeepItSimpleLLC «--- on twitter).

Lets see what can happen - if nothing else lets have some fun! Leave your suggestion in "comments" below!

Till then, be FRICKIN' Amazing!

A new look for the Keep It Simple Series website

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Hey there folks - Lou Here! Just got finished uploading the changes to the Keep It Simple Series website!

Hope I got the KINKS out!... I know my back has some kinks in it right now after sittin' here for a while! OW!

I didnt do it all by myself - as you can see in the picture here some little green men helped me! They've been fun and kept me motivated.

So please go check it out and let me know what you think! If you find some some glitches - go easy on my little green friends, its a work in progress! I'm looking forward to developing some new stuff to put on there especially in the video section - Right now I have some James Ray videos and some by our resident TPE Guy.... Mike Michalowicz! - he'll have you ROLLIN'!

Can't wait to get your comments - let me know what you want to see more of also! I'm here for ya! More Videos? Inspirational Content? Food? Health? Money? (We can always find a use for more of that!) Challenge me!

Till next time - Be Frickin' Amazing! .........I'm goin to BED!

Tragedy, Sadness vs Wake-up Call

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:40:00 +0000

We've all been there... In the midst if a difficult heart wrenching - don't know if I'll survive situation. No doubt about it, it's rough. I've had lots of practice and found the best way I can deal with it is to discover the place inside me that needs to come more alive.

I've named that my "Wake-up Call"!

I gotta tell you I get them almost every day. And even though they may bring sadness to myself, family or friends; I am thankful because I fall asleep into the chaos of my own crap and they wake me up to the sweetness of what is really present, outside my mind!

So use what is present - bring the feeling of loving into your life, wherever you are. And above all - Wake Up!

Make your life Frickin Amazing! LOU

National Stress Awareness Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Here is an email a friend forwarded to me - I felt we should all share it.

Did you know that today is National Stress Awareness day?

Stress is one of the major causes of illness. On the day after income taxes are due, we need a reminder to take a break from the stress.
So breath deep and relax!

An inspirational quote

"Worry alittle bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years.
If sometging is wrong, fix it if you can.
But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anyrhing."

--Mary Hemmingway

3 Reasons Why Johnny (or Jane) Fail at Business?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Hi y'all!
Here I am, working mobile again! It is great! I am able to relax, run a few errands and stop for a waffle at Bonte's with my daughter!

Sooo... Why Does Johnny (or Jane) Fail at Business?
Why do most new businesses fail in the first two years?
I have some theories, based on my observations of people and my own successful (and failed) business ventures, that you will probably not hear anywhere else. Hopefully you will see part of yourself here and receive some insights to avoid becoming a nasty statistic!

This is why Johnny (or Jane) fail at business!
You gotta get this straight... right out of the box.. Running a business takes work! Sometimes grueling, heart wrenching work! That's ok though... You are going to work hard anyway if you work for someone else .... So you may as well work hard for yourself and reap the bigger benefits available to the owner (that are only a dream for the employee). That said, work is easy... ONLY IF .... YOU LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

Key 1:
Passion is required to get things done - especially if you tied one on last night and don't feel like getting out of bed! Your passion will keep you going when you need it.

Key 2
An amazing reason to succeed. You need a reason to keep going, flying in the face of screaming crazy odds! Search long and hard for a reason that really floats your boat or don't bother!

Lets face it - people don't fail because they want to, lack of energy, lack of trying or commitment.

Key 3
They fail because they were too frickin' scared to be open and free with information and most likely their profits.
They were not properly socialized...
they were hung up on I! Me! Mine!
I can do this on my own and I don't need nobody's help! This screw you, your and mine attitude is a common attitude
Damn Wrong!
This is a misplaced use of the independence mindset!
Success becomes possible when you realize that business is a social arena.
You cant do it all on your own... you cant do everything!
Most people, myself included, approached business with the attitude that - its my idea, this is my baby! I cant let anyone else muck it up! So I mucked things up royally on my own!
When In fact I stifled it without knowing the problem or how to solve it.
I needed a network of support to succeed quickly - luckily I was aware enough to learn this (finally).
Starting out you would do well to find a strong network and use it for everything you can.
Never start alone. Look around and build your network first. Most starting businesses do not do that and this is a key reason Johnny and Jane fail at Business!
One solution
Start with the network first. There are many packaged business types that you can start with minimal up-front expense.
Research everything! There are thousands of Multi level marketing groups and franchises available for different products and personalities. Check em out and pick one that fits for you!
They have a system and a network that is established and ready out of the box, all you do is provide the manpower. Be wary though... If you don't drink their type of "kool aid", you may have a hard time fitting in! Otherwise it is a great boost when you reap the riches of all the valuable, amazing people around you. Make a list - who do ya know? You will be pleasantly surprised!
That's all for now! Let me know what you think!
Till next time - Wake Up and Be Frickin' Amazing!
LOU

Angels among us! Who are yours?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:39:00 +0000

As I work through my life every day I get opportunities to observe blessings around me and I am thankful for those times. What I am most grateful for today are those people who are present in our lives, who enrich it with no expectation of reward. It is their life in service. I call them:

Angels Among Us!

I would like to recognise that service in my own way - right here, right now. This just presented for our collective inspiration. If you have an Angel you would like to acknowledge, let us know or post it here.

My Angel today is my sister. Over the past year we have had family work that needs daily attention, the care of our dad who has been recovering form surgery and various medical problems.

Anyone with elderly parents knows that this is just the beginning of the story. We definitely need to bring our "A game" to the table when planning for our later years - or hope we have an Angel waiting to guide and care for us with unconditional love and respect no matter how cranky we get.

My whole family lovingly calls her a Saint as we see her take care of the smallest details in my dads life. It does not stop with him - the other patients there will always find her a patient, loving hand or listening ear. She is my dad's advocate ensuring the nursing home staff treat him (and anyone else in her presence) with dignity and grace. She knows all the nursing aides and patients ... And they know her!

My dad may not always be clear on who is with him or what's going on but he does know if his guardian Angel is not there. He may not always treat her with the same respect that she ensures for him either, but her service continues on regardless of environment or circumstance.

So... my hat goes off to an Angel Among Us. Please send me your stories of an Angel you know and I will gladly post them here!

Till next time, Be Frickin Amazing!
Lou

Three Secrets to Making Life Simple!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:35:00 +0000

Life is many things... but most people would'ne call it Simple! But I believe it is. It was designed that way. Life is varied, Elegent, imbalanced yet harmonious... and simple.

Firstly, You can write your own rules - NOBODY decides how your life is going to go except you. You either create, promote or allow every event. Sometimes I don't like that idea.... because it makes me squarely reasponsible for my life and whats going on. Reaponsibility may be better understood when you write it as - Response-able! I am able to respond to a situation. Being responsible also means I have a duty to respond if I am able (ouch!). I never liked the word responsibility when I was growing up! It was an adult words that always meant I was doing something wrong! I found the definition of being able to respond really made responsibility OK!

Secondly, for you to do something wrong in your life - YOU must judge it that way. Events are neutral... they just are... we place a judgement on them (another hard thing to swallow). Both of these points cancel out the ability to blame others for whats going on. Complaining, Blaming and Justifying things that you don't like is what makes life seem complex. You are putting the responsibility "out there" instead of with you!

Here are 3 things (lets call em secrets - 'cause most people don't use em!) I have found that works for me:

THREE SECRETS TO KEEPING LIFE SIMPLE

1. To truly guide anything I have to be AWAKE. 90 percent of people are asleep all the time, reacting to things around of them instead of being conscious of their choices. So WAKE UP!
2. If I am awake I can CHOOSE what I want to do. Like your parents say MAKE GOOD CHOICES (for you!)
3. Make choices from a place of LOVING yourself and those around you (mostly LOVE YOURSELF - you deserve it! ... and hell, if you don't who will?)

That's it for now! Till next time - Be Frickin' Amazing!
LOU

Are you on the Road to Success? Or in the Gutter? The Three Step Process!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Hey all you KISSers out there, I was thinking about some of the quotes I love today and it brought to mind elements of SUCCESS and I am putting them out - right here!

I broke it into 3 steps! Simple EH? And it starts with a quote I heard from one of the contributors to "The Secret", James Ray! (If you want to check him out, click HERE! He is a wild man! And you'll have a great time!

Step 1 - James said take "Consistent, Persistent, Immediate and Intelligent Action". This works with almost anything... lets talk about a HOT button for most of us! Weight! Now come on, no ones looking! How is your weight? Is it where you want it to be? Well take some time and look at what you do on a regular basis. Does what you do, involve yourself in, where you hang most of the time.... does it support your most OPTIMUM weight? Are you CONSISTENTLY, PERSISTENTLY, IMMEDIATELY and INTELLIGENTLY doing what it takes to support yourself? If not... your BUSTED! There isn't any way in HELL you'll get what you want! Just remember... how you do things affects the outcome of your goals.

Step 2 - Do you complete at least one relevant action in support of your Dream EVERY DAY? Now hold on a minute here.... you mean to say I have to do something every day to get where I want to go? Well ... Yep! Damn Straight Bucky! You can always do other things, that is up to you... but if you don't at least do one thing a day, even if it is small, it will take you a long time to achieve results you want (if at all!). Now I am not encouraging you to stress about this. Make it easy... make it fun... if it is really worth getting, why not enjoy the ride??!

That brings us right into...

Step 3 - DO you THRILL yourself? No, not that way... (thought who knows... it might help!). All gutter thoughts aside... Are you SOOOO in LOVEEEE with your dream that the THOUGHT OF IT ALONE will keep you going through tough times? And guess what! It makes the good times better also! The act of ENTHUSIASM is the one critical key element most people forget. Joy is the energy of the universe, the energy of creation! Choosing to use it will bring you SUCCESS every time! I guarantee it!

SO those are my Simple steps to Success... remember to ACT.

Till Next Time... Be Frickin' Amazing! LOU

Women in Business - Change that is a long time coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Every day our world changes alittle faster - and for me, that is one of the wonderful parts of being alive now. Change!

Change affects us constantly, in every way and in every aspect of our lives.

Spiritually - the invisible, creative fabric of our lives is actually how change enters our experience.

Emotionally - does this need explanation - our emotions can change in a nano-second!

Mentally - as we experience, we learn. New information brings new ideas and development.

Physically - we watch our bodies change, age, grow, regenerate or deteriorate.

Financially - change in this arena has demanded our attention in the last few years.

Change... especially financial change, can be unsettling but should never be feared. The fear generated in our survival based mind is what actually causes us the most pain. Fear causes the resistance to change that holds us back... all the while undermining and hurting us more. The answer is to be open, relax and move into the change so you can grow with it!

Any part of us that does not grow and change... dies, PERIOD. So change in all its forms can be a blessing. We just may not be able to see it till it is either past us or part of us.

Government has not always supported the entrepreneurial spirit. Lets face it, entrepreneurs can be loose cannons, unpredictable, and headstrong. Government likes the status quo and things to remain the same... opposite to change. What makes entrepreneurs great, also makes them nonconformist and most times inappropriate to the masses. Not usually a good match for the status quo!he entrepreneurial world has always been a bit more testosterone based and men have held the spotlight for quite a while (no matter how much support was given by the family in the background!). The change away from a male dominated business arena has been a long time coming and looks like it is almost here.

Just poking around the web I discovered Obama administration is offering support to women entrepreneurs in an active manner - you should check out this post on the White House Blog:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/11/Opportunities-their-mothers-and-grandmothers-and-great-grandmothers-never-dreamed-of/

I was impressed! And hopeful since I believe entrepreneurs, men and women alike will be the adrenalin behind, kindling, swelling and maintaining the economic recovery we want to create.

Change is good! I say Bring It On.

Til Next Time, Be Frickin' Amazing! LOU

5 reasons why it's GREAT TO BE IN A RECESSION!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Wake up K.I.S.S.ers! It is NEVER a good time to be asleep at the wheel! That's why I wanted to throw out to y'all:
5 reasons why it's GREAT TO BE IN A RECESSION!

Didn't think you'd be hearing that today - did ya!? Well its true. And here's the poop on that!

1. Change breeds OPPORTUNITY!

When would you be more open to change? I'd say never! You are never more open to changes in your comfy life than when things are slidin' out from under your feet. Some people hate change and some people tolerate it.... then others look for the change! They are ones who know where the juice is! People who embrace change and use it as their opportunity GET RICH! That is the simple truth! Hell, If nothing else... its a great ride! SIMPLE HINT - Stop whining and start thriving!

2. It's a FIRE SALE!

Everything you've ever wanted is available for less. In fact they're just GIVING It AWAY. Look around, if you manage your money wisely, you can get some GREAT bargains. Just don't be a little piggy! Train yourself to spend wisely and live within your means - when you get there you can then take the overflow to get the fun stuff. There was a famous Canadian family that took the population flight from NYC in the 60's to buy as much real estate as possible... and became a leading financial power there for about 30 years. They aren't as active anymore, but I would venture to say they ain't hurtin' either! SIMPLE HINT - Manage your money not the other way around.

3. The playing field is CLEAR!

Businesses and people start to withdraw. BAD choice! Now is the time to expand! If not physically (no... I am not telling you to gain weight!), I am suggesting to open yourself mentally and spiritually. Contraction is DEATH. Expansion is LIFE! Emotional expansion lets you breathe. Let's try an experiment.... tighten up all of your muscles in your stomach... tighter...tighter... curl up in a little ball... Does that feel good?!!! Of COURSE NOT!!!! Now relax, sit back and breathe........... AHHHHH. How does that compare to being a shriveled up ball of shmutz? Open is how we are supposed to live. SIMPLE HINT - Try one new thing a day.

4. The cream RISES to the TOP!

Not for nuthin' but a good spring cleaning can really change the atmosphere in the workplace. Dead wood is removed and procedures are reevaluated, adjusted and corrected! If you keep your head you can shine. I like that... don't whine.... just shine! Stop taking things for granted and enjoy what you have! You will be happier and the people around you will wonder how they ever could get along without you! If nothing else, stop being afraid to speak your mind. Your employer... especially if you are self employed (secret - we are all self employed, we just don't know it!) wants someone who will add value to the place, not be a drain on resources. SIMPLE HINT - Show people you care.

5. Life gets SIMPLER!

When your ass is on the line, you can cut to the chase! You aren't so concerned with the frills... but those basics.... hmmmm; they can really satisfy! Sure it is nice to have the frills. But do you really need em? Ahhhhh, nope! Just give me a sunny day and a cool breeze! From there on out things just get better. Look at your life... are there tings that you just don't need anymore? EVERYTHING is ENERGY! When you carry around alot of stuff, you have to maintain it! That takes some of your energy! Whether you look at your money as energy or your time as energy, you have a commitment to maintain your stuff. If you can lighten up your load, just think of what might happen with the energy you've free'd up? SIMPLE HINT - Simplify!

In case you were wondering - I aint no Pollyanna! I know what it feels like to loose your job and have a family depending on you to make things work. It can be tough. But the fact is, the toughest place is INSIDE. The more you shut down and curl up, the worse it gets for you - no one else! Outside... things - just - are. The only consistency you may have in a changing world is who you are, inside.

Work with what is and ignore the part of you that wants to go kicking and screaming about how unfair things are! Tell yourself - hey dude, I'll be back later when you've calmed down! Meanwhile, I'm gonna make it my job to look for the good in everything. If it ain't there... then I accept myself as the good in the situation and I'll do my frickin' best to make things better!

Thats about it for tonight! So, till next time... Be Frickin' Amazing! LOU

How do we get what we want?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Hi There! Happy Sunday to ya'll.

Just wanted to let you know I started a new GROUP on Facebook and figured I'd tell you all to join.

It is called "Keep It Simple" - DUH and it is open to everyone to join and post. I want it to be an active site - so if you are on Facebook, check it out.

If you are not on Facebook - I suggest you JOIN! It is a great way to get in touch with people.

Using it has made me rethink how I do my business communications! It is easy to use and lots of fun when people start finding you!

So lets get back to my topic that I just added on my group in Facebook:

Step 1 - Figure out what you want!I think EVERYONE falls into this trap... they don't usually know what they want. Or if they have an inkling, they wimp ouit by not going for it, or they take themselves out before they get there... Is that you?

Step 2 - Be honest with yourself.Believe you deserve it. I dont think there is anything in the world you can think of that you dont deserve! You are here, you had an inpiration or desire... It is Your God given (did I just drop the "G" word? hope that doesnt take you out either!) right to have it. If you can't dream it - you cant have it! Conversely - If you can dream it, you can have it... you just have to do what it takes to get it!

So, here's your job for this evening! Go to Facebook - sign up for an account - and JOIN my Keep It Simple Group! Simple!

Messages from YOUR UNIVERSE

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Hi All - LOU here! I hope today has found you Healthy, Wealthy and Wise!

What more can we wish for!

Well, today I came face to face with how "shit happens" and life or the universe reminds you that it has a plan for you.... whether you want it or not!

I was rushing to get to a meeting and slipped, fell and sprained my ankle! That SUCKED! I wasnt ready for the pain or what it did to my schedule.

After I recovered from the initial pain that FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO DIE! I opened my eyes and thought well .... what do I do now? Here I am, flat on my back in my back yard... middle of the day, no one within earshot (If they had been they would have come running after I let out a yell from the pain), wondering if I could still walk and how was I going to collect my stuff that went all directions on my way down.

Of course, being a man's man... I sucked it up, hobbled inside picked up what I needed and left to continue on to my meeting - which I needed to drive to. How bad could it be? It didnt feel that bad walking...

Well needless to say, I didnt get far when I felt my foot starting to swell up - I took a look and decided the grapefruit on my ankle had not been there this morning! I guess I should go get it checked out!

All this got me to thinking, what is my universe telling me?

Slow DOwn - sssssssssssssssllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooowwwwwwwwww down. Slow Down! I didnt need to run to pick up my phone.Walking would have done.

I feel that something this complete (not broken - just sprained) is a clear direction to stop and re-assess what I am doing and make some adjustments. I have no choice right now and I choose to take this as a blessing to improve my life!

So I ask - can you look at the unwanted circumstances in your life as directions in discuse? Can you step back to find the message within.

Try it out for a while - you will be glad you did! Blessings come in every shape and size... it is up to us to notice and take advantage of them when they hit us over the head!

Cheers - LOU

Lou was a guest "poster" on the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Just came back from looking at comments I recieved when I did a guest post on the TPE site!
It is really nice to get feedback from people.

That is one curse of the entrepreneur - in all small businesses, you can be isolated so much of the time, you dont take advantage of information that is available all around you.

My goal and suggestion is - when you find yourself isolated and closed.... that is the time to open up. When it hurts the most... is when you need it most.

My post on TPE (http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/) talks about"loosing your mind". Very appropriate here! Our mind tells us we should be doing a million and one things... but we really dont KNOW what the most important action is.

HAve you ever started prioritizing things, selected what you thought was important, then halfway through felt that a million other things were more important? That is how the mind works. It analyses and creates questions. The starts the search for answers.

The problem is, there are at least two answers for every question! Damn! Why isnt this simple?

IT CAN BE!

I'll say it again, IT CAN BE!

You just need to let go of knowing the answer. There are a million paths and they all go somewhere. NO ONE is better then THE OTHER. They are all just paths and any one can be a valid choice for you. The beauty is only you get to choose!

Here is your guide... listen close, cause I'll only say it once...

Choose the path with "heart". The one that makes you sing! ALL OTHERS ARE A WASTE OF TIME - simple.

Keep It Simple, LOU

Enter the mobile age!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Hi Lou here
This is exciting for me since I am trying an experiment today.
I am writing from my favorite office Starbucks!
So PLEASE forgive any misspellings as I am getting used to the keyboard!
Ta for now - more to come!

Gotta go see Bill Bartman!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:26:00 +0000

Check this out! immediately, before it is closed out!

Bill Bartman, an amazing story all on his own, just keeps doing more to help people out. this is the time you need to act, when things get rough, that is when money can be made!

If you need some guidance, Bill has put it all on the table! Just go to:

http://www.billionaireu.com/go.aspx?AID=1408

If you didnt get that it is Billionaire U.

Thanks and have a great week.

Cheers,

LOU

Bathroom Grafitti and Business! Clear the Air with a Fresh View.

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Hi there everyone, Lou here!

I just checked out the recent blog post on DIGG from the Toilet Paper Enterpreneur! Advice for business owners... interpreted from bathroom grafitti!

Hmmmm talk about inspiration from strange places! I LOVE IT!

This advice is graphic - but appropriate - SO... if you can't take the heat... get out of the bathroom! :-) But I find it really cool - so go check it out

My favorite is NUMBER 10:

“No matter how much you wiggle and dance, the last two drops always goes down your pants.”
The Entrepreneurial Lesson – Nobody is perfect, so don’t be worried about the mishaps. Instead of spending a load of time trying to fix the unfixable, let the small problems sort themselves (or air themselves) out… they will go away on their own, with barely a stain left behind.

In my opinion, sage advice! And its not bad to rhyme also!

Most people (entrepreneurs included) worry things to death! Success in any activity comes from clear, consistant and persistant ACTION. If you don't move yourself forward... surprise.... nothing will happen.

Take a chance, live on the edge (of your seat), you will be surprised at how quickly things shape up and start aligning with the direction you wanted. I have personal experience in this arena - when I was younger, I thought about all of the great things I would do with my life. SOme of my judgments about my abilities were "I'm too young to do that" or " I am not ready...", over time those turned into "I'm too old for that".... you get the idea. When does it stop.... ?

It stops RIGHT NOW - WHEN YOU WANT IT TO!

You make the choice of when you have had enough of watching other people acheiving their dreams... or just watching your own passion slide down the chute!

80% percent of Success is just showing up so take stock of yourself RIGHT NOW and GET STARTED... RIGHT NOW!

I Mean it! RIGHT NOW - GET OFF THE POT!

If you like the grafitti image up top, its available as a FREE wallpaper on the TPE site www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com!

LOVE YA..... LOU

Entrepreneur's Alert - some Toilet humor to "Cut the Crap"!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:14:00 +0000

I've called this an Entrepreneur's Alert because there is alway room for great information - we need it and want it! SO here it is! Have you wanted to find some simple tools that can help you get started in or improve your business? Have you ever wondered why you do all the right things but success is just out of reach? Well... I have good news for you that can help you "CUT THE CRAP" or "GET OFF THE POT"!

I've always had fun with toilet humor and now I have a bigger excuse! I have had the pleasure of reading a book (to be released on September 30th, 2007) by Mike Michalowicz - and let me kow if you can GUESS the title!

It has something to do with Toilets, Paper and Entrepreneurs! Sounds like an odd mix, eh?

If you want it you are going to have to do alittle work on your own.... because that is what it takes... GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND WORK ALITTLE!

The Big M (nobody calls Mike that - I just felt like it) is a frequent contributer to CNBC's Big Idea - with Donny Deutsch. Irreverent, edgy, fun and focused, this guy embodies what he preaches! I've been dropping by to see what his team is up to and gotta tell you there is something good in his Koolaid!

Here are some of the rules he runs his business on:

NO DICKS ALLOWED! (a great one - I've adopted that at my own business Keep It Simple - and I suggest you do to!)
Nothing is so detrimental to a business, your self esteem and the bottom line as a person with a nasty attitude! You know who they are.... they just want to push everyone around, just to show they can. Even though you think their contribution to your business is valuable, they are sucking your energy DRY! Weather they are a client or an employee - unload them.... you'll be glad you did!

GIVE TO GIVE
Self explanatory! You dont give just to recieve, another energy thing happends when you're tied up in the results of your giving. You want to GIVE with capital letters! Just Give for the fun of it and the Good it brings to the world! ALl that stuff comes back to you and will translate into better returns at your business without making a big deal out of it!

BLOOD MONEY
No, its not what it sounds like.... But then maybe it is.... your blood is CRITICAL to the general health of your body right! Well, MONEY is to business what BLOOD is to the body. TREAT IT THAT WAY! Keep an eye on it! Don't waste it foolishly! Work it like your life depends on it... your business life does!

Well this was just a short blurb about what I have learned so far. Mike Michalowicz book, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur has much more to offer and I encourage anyone who is interested in starting their business, improving their business or just reading about business - to go grab a copy of their own for your tile reading room!

The book is not for sale yet.... (available on Sept 30th) and my understanding is that it will not in stores... so I suggest you check out their website http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur/ or call 800-918-5880 to see whats what, and how to get your copy!

Check out his site and let me know what you find! There's alot more to say here!

I'll be back with more - till then, keep your nose clean!

Cheers,

LOU

Bulletin--The Rarest Achievement

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:56:00 +0000

Hi this is Lou from Keep it Simple

It's pretty rare to get an Olympic Gold Medal, wouldn't you say? Only 1,210 Americans have received one. It's unusual to climb Mt. Everest, too: Just 2,300 people have done that. But there's an even rarer category: The number of billionaires. No more than 1,125 people in the world can claim that distinction.

My friend, Bill Bartmann, did just that. Now keep in mind that this group of 1,125 people includes people who had major help along the way: Many were born with it, inherited it, or had every advantage while growing up.

In the history of billionaires, Bill Bartmann stands alone. He's the ONLY former homeless person and gang member ever to have made a billion dollars. That's right, Bill went from eating out of dumpsters and living under a bridge viaduct, to having after-tax, take-home pay in a single year of more than $100 million and being listed as the 25th richest person in America.

Here's where it gets extremely interesting: Bill is willing to coach YOU on how to succeed in business.

After all, what can you learn from someone whose daddy died and left him a billion? But it's totally different with Bill Bartmann: He worked in a slaughterhouse. He was an alcoholic at age 17. And at one point Bill was paralyzed from the waist down. Yet Bill discovered a DIFFERENT way of thinking and acting that enabled him to overcome all of that, and become a self-made billionaire.

After scaling the highest peaks in the business world and getting his fill of toys like $25 million aircraft, what's Bill up to now? He has one current passion: Showing others his special techniques for overcoming any challenge and being as successful as they want to be.

Do you think Bill might know a few things YOU could use to overcome your own challenges? What if you could get his thoughts on dozens of business topics?

Now you can. Bill is launching a one-of-a-kind online service, called his "Billionaire Business System". This is not some one-size-fits-all deal. Instead, Bill has built a mentoring tool that provides you with laser-targeted advice on many individual topics.

Are you already running a business but not sure what's the best way to secure financing for your next stage of growth? Bill covers that topic. Not even sure if business is right for you? Bill has a video session just about that.

In fact, the Billionaire Business System currently has almost two dozen topics, and is constantly growing.
I strongly recommend that you take a look at Bill's system and see for yourself how it can remove whatever roadblocks are in your way to greater business success. You can find it by going to: http://www.billionaireu.com/go.aspx?AID=1408

Weight Loss and Healthy Living Case Study - Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:21:00 +0000

Hello again - your Keep It Simple correspondent!

I survived the weekend with only minor blows to my new eating habits. I have not had time to get on-line so this post will be quick!

Current stats: 172.5 lbs, 37.5" waist - Current loss of 6 lbs and 1".... and still rockin.

I've have almost been doing this for a week and I have not had much trouble overall. My energy level has improved. I feel better and I have seen results. WHat more can we want... ahhh to make this sustainable is the point.

I intend to continue for a few more days (10 to be exact) and I'll update on the way. See you in a few!

I also updated some items on the website - so take some time and check it out at www.keepitsimpleseries.com .

Live well and be happy, LOU

Weight Loss and Healthy Living - Case Study - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:51:00 +0000

Hey there, Lou here from Keep It Simple. Hello to everyone who is eagerly awaiting the next installment in my personal experiment with Weight Loss and Healthy Living.

As you can tell in the title it is Day 3 of my Weight Loss and Healthy Living Case Study.

Im feeling FINE. Its an adjustment to my thought process that is not very hard. I'm pretty thirsty most of the time, but thats good because I drink alot of water all day anyway and it is suggested as part of this program.

I have noticed an increase in my energy, possibly alittle edgy feeling, although I have not found myself thinking about food all day. That may be due to the amount of work I am trying to get done. I've been sleeping well and have not woken up with that bloated felling I hate. Actually mornings have been pretty good (I am a morning person)

Preplanning helps as I want to stick to the program (or what would be the use of the case study). However, I did go out to a restaurant last night, Mexican, ordered a standard dish off the menu and adjusted my eating to fit the program - so it can be done with little trouble.

I don't exercise much, just a 1/2 hour in the morning of Yoga to stretch and a few pushups (20 if you had to know) and off I go. I think exercise is a critical potion of any healty lifestyle and I am pretty active during the day (lots of walking, gardening) but I can use alittle more strenuous workout... but for now I am not going to introduce anything new.

Here's the news:

Current stats: 175 lbs, 38" waist - Current loss of 3 lbs and 1/2".... hmmmm not bad.

Right now, I see things as going well.... but I have 7 days to go and the weekend is on the horizon - lets see if I stick with it!

Thats it for today, leave me your comments or questons and I will answer as best as I can. Ifn you are interested in our other educational pursuits, check out the Keep It Simple website. I am creating a few new teleseminar programs and want to know if you have an interest in them... such as Do you need to Brand Your Business and Web Basics for Business if youre interested, register for our Newsletter/Email here.

Till then, Cheers!

Revolutionary New Computer Design! Check out the XOXO

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:55:00 +0000

WOW, this blew me away! A Truly Revolutionary New Computer Design! (I'm alittle bit of a computer nerd). And a funding idea I found inspirational.

Once you think you've seen everything, they come up with something new! A cool computer design and a forward thinking company rolling it out with inspirational intentions!

Not only is the cost of this new computer (that will be available in 5 years) low... $100 +/-. But the intention is to help needy children around the world by providing them with laptops for educational purposes... and... the design is outstanding! I read further that Nicholas Negroponte (the driving force behind this PC concept) will be in Mumbai during the first week August, for the OLPC India Day (One Laptop Per Child).

How can I get my hands on one of these? LOL. Check out the TED Blog - XO redesign pics - CLICK HERE

I have not heard any buzz about this computer, have you? Let me know if there is anything else similar.

Here is a snippit taken directly from the post on the TED Blog:

Designer Yves Behar said, "With the XO (1.0), we pushed the boundaries of what a laptop could be by lowering the cost dramatically, being green (no heavy metals, lowest energy consumption ever), and a human-driven unique design approach.

Now, with XOXO (2.0), we are challenging what a truly collaborative and creative computing experience could be ... a true departure from the traditional keyboard and screen layout, a new way to interface and play with data, information and communication:

- imagine if your learning machine was an un-interrupted screen one could interface with from any direction

- imagine if it was a reading experience just like a book, and at the same time a seamless large visual tablet

- imagine if children could play board games sitting across from each other (or computer games). ..."

Its feel is described as similar to a durable piece of luggage - with a rubberized texture on all sides. Clean... I guess there are not many places for externals unless they are wireless, but for students or a lightweight alternative for the road... I'd like more room on my PDA to do actual work and a laptop is still kind of bulky to carry everywhere. The size of this looks in between, smaller than a laptop, but with the screen open in tablet mode it looks almost as large as a standard PC screen (I did not see the size specs listed anywhere).

There is no keyboard or mouse! who'd a thunk?... it is all ALL screen, top and bottom. The keyboard can be made visible for use on the touchscreen or it can be all screen depending on what you are doing (usable in one person, two person or tablet mode). I'm glad to see the attention to green materials, overall design and intention to fund this project based on need (full price sales are meant to subsidize purchases for needy children around the world).

As I said, go check out the TED blog for more information and some great screen shots.

Cheers, LOU

Weight Loss and Healthy Living - Case Study

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

I was inspired today by some people I have met and will possibly be working with. A doctor with a contorversial new program which is not generally available to the public...just yet, so stay tuned....

Through this contact, Keep It Simple is investigating an amazing new lifestyle program which will teach basic step by step actions and provide ongoing support for living a healthy lifestyle, re-balancing your internal chemistry (by eating right) and maintaining a healthy weight (individually determined). If you're interested in recieving information from Keep It Simple when the program is released go to our sign up page and register for our newsletter/mailing list.

So today is the first day of my personal investigative experiment into this project, as I call it above - my Weight Loss and Healthy Living - Case Study! I figure, if I am going to promote this program, I should get alittle personal with it!

I am alittle overweight... and I like to eat healthy, though I have a weakness for sweets (who doesn't). I want to release some weight and get into better shape (I am not getting any younger!).

Current stats: 178 lbs, 38.5" waist - OMG! I can tell you there is much room for improvement there!

SO, I am going to follow the initial week of this doctors program to see how I do. This will be a "low tech" weight loss experiment, just checking my weight each day, waist dimensions and general comments on how I feel. OK? OK!

Stay in touch, as I will continue posting during the next week on my progress.

Till then... stay healthy, happy and keep it simple!

LOU

New Ultimate Leadership Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:39:00 +0000

HI everyone, Lou here

I just heard about a great new leadership camp to be held in both California and NY.

For those of you in NY who have not been there (I have been to the site), it is a beautiful wooded area about 1 1/2 hours (by car) away from Manhattan. Are you interested?

How are you? Enjoying our summer? We certainly waited long enough for it!
Anyhow, I wanted to let you know about this really interesting camp that I’m going to try and attend this summer with Peak Potentials. It’s called Ultimate Leadership Camp and it focuses on building peoples’ abilities to run a team, make pinch decisions, plan strategies, and tons of other leadership skills. It’s different than a lot of other courses or seminars in that it’s very much focused on skills that are particularly useful in business and leadership; and held out of the urban grind in nature so you’re more open to new ways of thinking.

Plus, unlike most business development courses, this one is set outside! You get to be challenged in a fun and outdoor environment that will change your perspective so you can change your leadership style.

There are two Camps coming up on Sept 28th in California, and September 14th in NYC, plus there’s an added value deal going on right now as well. For $3,595.00; you get the five day camp, full meals, accommodations and for a very limited time…

Six 30 minute coaching sessions afterwards. The coaching sessions help ensure you successfully implement everything you learned at camp. They’re a huge benefit, and not typically offered with this course.

If you’d like to hear a bit more about camp details and dates, click here. Or give me a shout if you have any questions.

If you’re ready to register now, call 1-888-868-8883 and when you’re registering be sure to give them the reference number (457571) to make sure you get this special deal.

I really hope you can make it to one of the camps. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up in the same one.

Take care,
LOU

Time and Energy Management

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:53:00 +0000

Time-Energy Management or How to Manage your time, Living the Life you Want.

Just look at the following questions and think about them for yourself...
How many of us are extremely busy at work and home?
How many of us ever experience a sense stress and overwhelm at work or home?
How many of us would like to learn how to focus on what’s important and still have time to fit in everything else?

If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions you are in the right place! Over the last last three years I have paid special attention to how I create my schedule and the techniques I've used to keep me on track. If you don’t think a schedule is a transformational tool…. Think again. Time and Energy Management is a unique look into you life and what is important to you….. and my guess is you most people never look at it like that!

In fact I think that most people feel scheduling is confining and limiting to their freedom. On the contrary! I believe that Time and Energy Management with your schedule can be your most freeing tool! Face it, most of us are asleep, living our lives by default, letting life events pull from our time and attention, this way and that.

That type of living is the LAZY way. Any wet paper bagger can do that! You know what I mean. If you exercise your choice, your power; you can enable yourself to do so much more. But you say, “ I just want a break… I haven’t taken a vacation in two years, yadda, yadda, yadda…” Oh, come on! A long time ago, I was told something important by someone I worked for, when I was just out of college and I never forgot it. I was complaining that I was overwhelmed and did not have enough time to get everything done the way he wanted it to be done. He just said stop! Don’t whine about not having enough time…. That only points to the fact that you are not working smart enough. So look for ways to work smarter, not harder!

Most people who complain and don’t take the time to work smarter are just LAZY. And anyone who wastes time complaining, blaming and justifying the reasons for not getting things done only drain YOUR energy and the energy of all those around them... .They can be a real downer! As I said, we are talking about energy management and you should never let those VAMPIRES suck away your energy.

You know them. Hanging out around the water cooler…. Never having enough time to finish assignments, but always having enough time to talk about it ad-nauseum! I have three words for them (taught to me by James Ray) – for all you energy VAMPIRES out there - Get OVER IT! Just suck it up princess! And get to work! Working on yourself and watching how you handle things.

Understanding that it is up to you to watch and be responsible for your own energy. Are you doing what’s important to you? What are you focusing on when you work? Is this the thing that really brings you passion and excitement? Ahhhh, that’s another subject altogether! One reason YOU MAY NOT GET THINGS DONE, IS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO IT! You are doing things because you think you SHOULD be doing somnething. This can be a version of letting other people run your life! (BLAMING)… You just cant make enough money doing what you want (JUSTIFYING)… “I don’t know what to do! (COMPLAINING) – GET OVER IT!

And some people will say…. Well I don’t like to schedule things, I don’t want to be married to a piece of paper. Time and Energy Management is not important to them... Loser! You are on a schedule whether you like it or not. The question is managing that schedule, getting in charge of it, instead of letting it dictate your life to you.

We all have choices, one of them is to choose what to do or what not to do. Each is a choice... and how you look at it is choice. I look at it as creating freedom in my life. This process will give you freedom in your life. A sense of accomplishment as you review your days activities and see what you have accomplished.

I feel that Multitasking is the bane of our generation. We have cursed the world with the idea that it is a good thing to split our focus. Computers have helped encourage this type of activity. Wrong! Ask your IT people at work. "How do Computers multitask?" Have you ever noticed when you computewr slows down? Have you ever looked into how the RAM (Random Access Memory) is being allocated? When your computer has been given too many tasks it starts to slow down.

We are so much more than that... but you couls also say we are similar... It is our attention. Ever notice how you start to feel wired when your attention is drawn in too many places at once? Your stress levels go up, You get irritable, snappy, not nice to be around. If it is worthy of your attention, then it is worthy of your full attention. When you stop splitting your attention and give tasks your full attention and care. you will get it done faster and better I get it I need a break to.

But you say Lou, I feel so tired, I hate my job, my family is so demanding…. We will address not directing your life in a satisfying manner, with an exciting career (one that you are passionate about) at another time. Now I just want to go further into scheduling, which is ultimately what I call Time and Energy Management

Big Rocks and Little Rocks.

The reason I say BIG Rocks and LITTLE rocks is using them as an example of the Big and Little items in your life that we need to deal with all the time. Picture this, you take a container and fill it with big rocks. It usually only takes a few, right? But is the container full? Maybe at first glance, but, if you take smaller rocks you can fit them in the spaces around the big rocks. Even then it is not fill since you can take smaller rocks and fit them in the spaces left.... and so on, gravel will fit in the space left, then pebbles, then sand then when you think there is no space left... ou can always pour in the water!

If you start with the smallest items first (sand or water) you will never have room in your schedule to do the most important things (big rocks) because they will not fit! SO ALWAYS start with the BIG rocks first!

1. You decide what’s important
2. Schedule it
3. Do it... no matter what.

First of all relegate all of the things that are not high level needs to the back burner. You will see that things get done once you create the energy around the large important thing. Make a list all in one place. Work that list.

Once you have the list - select the things that you cannot live without - or things that GREATLY affect your life (ie: spouse, health, family - BIG ROCKS) and schedule the time required for those things. Next schedule those things that are important, but that do not affect the ultimate quality of your life (LARGE ROCKS). Then schedule things of less priority, and so on.

If you have an important multistep project to complete, then you want to make a list of that also. Prioritize it according to Big Rocks and Little Rocks then take the first 6 items that will produce the biggest effect and only work on those... to completion. It may take you all day, or all week to complete the first one, thats OK... when it is done add the next priority to the 6 item list so you always only have 6 things to do, until it is totally completed. It is a rotating schedule.

Remember, Big Rocks/Little Rocks/Gravel/Pebbles/Sand/Water If it is important enough to place on your schedule, then it deserves attention.

Another great scheduling tool is just saying NO to new assignments, if you are booked.

HMMMM, just saying NO? that’s a novel idea!

Let me know your thoughts on this topic. Either scheduling or just saying NO. I would love to hear from you.