How To Begin Networking When Starting a Business

If you want to be successful in running your business you must work your butt off and never stop trying to make your dream a reality. The beginning will always seem like a never ending money pit,  stressful and extremely time consuming but that is what it means to make a dream reality. So unless you have a ton of cash or a helping hand in some way you must begin taking these steps with me.

I have a dream of creating an exciting world of reading for kids of all ages. I want to become a household name when kids think of fun ways to learn to read. I am just barely getting into the test stage of my product and attempting to build a business out of thin air but I know I can do it. 

What is networking and how do I do it? Among many other skills and steps needed to run a business networking is one of the most important. Networking is something we do everyday but never take full advantage of it. Networking can be summed up as making connections with future customers and finding out how to get your product in their hands. 

You don't need to know tons of people to begin with, you just need to begin nurturing the connections you have and grow them. Get the word out to your friends and family that you have this dream and what your intentions are. People will help, the world can be a giving place when it has the right opportunity. 

Get over your fear of rejection or being shot down because your never going to get anywhere if you don't power through the negativity. Not everyone is going to love your idea. Get over it and move on, time is everything.

Make your dream visible and easy to see. If you have a friend or acquaintance offering to introduce you to a new connection make sure you do everything in your power to provide an easy visual or explanation so there is no confusion or difficulty in securing that connection. This can be as simple as an email that can be forwarded or as complex as a power point introduction. Either way make it simple, direct, and straight to the point.

Show appreciation to the connectors. If your friend got you there, give thanks! Make it a point to fill them in on what went down and let it be known that you appreciate the help. Every relationship is important no matter how small.

Product Launch - Reading Adventure Treasure Hunt

Today is the day I have my product launched and ready for purchase. I am very excited to introduce to you Reading Adventures! Reading Adventures consists of instructional flashcards instructing your child to complete an adventure. The first test adventure I have available is Reading Adventure Treasure Hunt, which is by far one of the best ways I have gotten my son excited to read. 

Your child will have a blast reading the cards and following directions to find their hidden treasure. The kit comes with everything you need, flashcards, instructions, prizes, and a treasure box. Everything is put together by my own two hands for your family to enjoy. 

Depending on how well received Reading Adventures Treasure Hunt is I have plans to add additional versions such as, The Artist Reading Adventure, The Baker Reading Adventure, Nature Reading Adventure, The Traveler Reading Adventure, and many more. Each adventure will include instructional flashcards, themed items (measuring cups, dry erase board, bug collector, etc.) as well as a nifty box to hold all their goodies. 

Please go and take a look at my new product page Reading Adventures

I currently ship to Canada & U.S. and will have your package ready to go within 2 days. If you have any questions or comments about the product please don't hesitate to ask. 

Keep Your Rooster, No More Crowing!

Roosters are certainly an interesting addition to any flock. I know from experience that chickens will live just fine without one and still lay beautiful eggs. But what are the benefits of keeping a rooster around? 

• They protect the hens, no questions asked
• Fertilize eggs so you can have chicks
• Keeps the hens in check
• Finds hens food
• Look really cool

So what are the downsides of having a rooster?

• They can be aggressive, depending on breed
• You may not want fertilized eggs
• Roosters can injure hens during mating
• Having more then one rooster can cause severe fights
• And last but not least they crow all the time

But wait, what if you chose a docile breed of rooster or raised him from a tiny chick. He would be a lot less aggressive. Fertilized eggs are the same as non fertilized if your going to eat them, there is no difference. You can remove the roosters spurs to eliminate some injury to your hens. And if you have one rooster there will be no rooster fights. Now about the crowing, did you know there is such a thing as a NO CROW Rooster Collar?

I had no idea this thing even existed until I was given the gift of chicks. I was thinking I would keep a rooster but I am not allowed a rooster here because they crow too much. So I stumbled on this creative product. If you are contemplating having a rooster with your flock but can't stand the crowing here is the answer. 

Visit http://nocrowroostercollars.com/collections/all for more information and to buy your own.

Last Minute Birthday Gift

Have you ever suddenly looked at the date and realized it was a family members birthday? This happened to me today and I was just on my way out the door. I could have very easily put some money in an envelope and been done with it, but I am not the kind of person who does things that simple.

Being my quirky self, and the fact that this birthday was for a tween girl I knew cash was a quick fix. But how to present it in a neat way?

Bingo! Stuff the bills in a balloon and attach to a pretty weight. It took less then five minutes and cost nothing more then the two five dollar bills I had given her. 

This could also fit in with an Alice in Wonderland themed party or gift if you were to fill the balloons with small items, coins, etc. and have a whole bunch for the birthday recipient or even the guests at a party. You could even invent new ways to get the gift out, such as writing sit on me, squeeze me, stomp on me, and many other fun and silly ways. 

So next time your in a rush or want a new creative way to deliver a gift just place something in a balloon and have a popping good time!

Alice In Wonderland Themed Garden

I have been super busy this past four weeks designing, building, and decorating my garden. I absolutely love the wonder, mystery, and true extraordinary foolishness of Alice in Wonderland. Everything about it makes me smile, I remember watching the 1950's version when I was a kid and still love it today and the new one that came out in 2010 is so amazing I knew I just had to use it as inspiration towards my garden. 

I am not quite finished yet but here is what I have done so far.

The signs were made using old plywood I had laying around when my chicken run and duck house were being made.

I found an old tea set at a thrift shop for less than $2 that I thought was perfect.

 I drew and painted this wonderful portrait of Cheshire Cat from the 1950's version of Alice in Wonderland. 

Everything you see I have made with my own two hands. The fence and arch were made using sticks, branches and logs that were in my side yard and some of it came from a dead tree I had to chop down in my backyard. I have a few more things I want to do yet, but so far I think it is wonderful. What do you think?

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Ting - a - ling Cookies AKA Beaver Lodges

Last year I had written this post about one of my favorite no bake cookies. This weekend I was invited to a party and it was potluck but I never even thought about what an awesome idea it would have been to bring these cookies. It was a fishing themed party so you know what I could have done?!? Made these and a sign that says "Beaver Lodges"!

They are a no-bake drop cookie absolutely perfect for making any time of year and leaving the batch in your fridge to snack on as you please. Leaving them in the fridge keeps them from getting stale, and from melting. These cookies freeze wonderfully for months as long as they are tightly sealed. 3 simple and cheap ingredients and you can do it all in the microwave!

Ting a Ling Cookies

That's right all you need is chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chow mein noodles! All you do is:

•  Use a large microwavable bowl and dump in both bags of chocolate and butterscotch chips. Begin microwaving for 30 seconds, then take them out and stir do another 30 and take them out and stir again, continue doing this until all of your chips are melted, you need to do it this way so you don't burn them. 

• When everything is melted dump in the entire bag of chow mein noodles. Fold everything together and make sure everything is well combined and all the noodles are coated. Take a tablespoon and begin dropping little stacks of noodles onto wax or parchment lined baking sheets and then place them in the fridge until they harden. 

• Once they harden remove them from the sheets and place them in a large air tight container and store them in your fridge. 

Makes about 25-30 cookies depending how big you make them.

Prepare Your Child For Good Oral Health

Ask your child about the dentist. What do they tell you? 60% of kids tell you that going to the dentist hurts and is scary. Why do you think this is? My guess is the fact that every dentist ever portrayed even in a cartoon tends to be a scary person causing people pain. Take the movie Finding Nemo for example, take a look at the pain the dentist causes his patient and the way the fish talk about his work. Nothing said about the dentist is positive.

I have begun a routine with my kids where we play a type of dentist game. The point of this is to introduce your child to someone poking around in their mouth, and teaches them to let someone look at their teeth. 

I begin with a small mirror and let my kids look in their mouth and try to count their teeth, they notice it is not very easy to do just by looking. You can now introduce an object like a small spoon, toothpick, chopsticks, straw, etc. to try and tap each tooth and count. Small ones will only let you look momentarily but every second helps.

You should introduce floss at a small age. These are the best:

They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, etc. and can be found at your local dollar store for next to nothing. These also make a fantastic tool for the first step of my dentist game where you count and tap the teeth. 

You would not believe how many kids skip brushing and flossing everyday, it is surprising. If you have an older child who is just lazy, solve this problem by showing them these pics. 

What a beautiful smile. Did you know that if you live in B.C. there is a program available for low income families for kids to care for their teeth. It is called Healthy Kids. It is available for dependents under the age of 19! If you don't live in B.C. then call around to some dentists or government offices to get information on low income dental programs, there is always something available. 

If you cannot find a program to help cover the costs or are not considered low income but still don't have the money on hand to pay for your child's dental care call the dentists in your area and explain your situation, dentists are more then likely willing to work out a payment plan to get your child the help they need. 

Now for an experiment to show kids how teeth rot. This is a super easy experiment that will show kids the effects of using a cavity protection toothpaste. 

Crest Kids Eggsperiment

Small Business Ideas Outside The Box

I have so many dreams in my head that I want to make reality to try and make my mark in the world and gain success as an entrepreneur. I have begun small by bringing to life the idea of a product which I will be launching soon. I am excited to be taking this step and getting over the contemplation is the hardest part.

That is one of my dreams, but what other things can you do as a small business venture? There are so many new businesses popping up everywhere it's hard to stand out of the crowd and create something unique that will pay the bills. Here are a few ideas that are outside of the box.

• Become a humane animal breeder (ducks, chickens, quail, sheep, dogs, horse, etc.) This only works if you have a ton of land, unless your breeding quail.
• Love animals? Be a dog walker, a cat groomer, or pet sitter. 
• Begin a garden large enough to sustain your family and sell off the extra. 
• Do you have a green thumb? Start seedlings and sell them when they become big enough. People spend tons of money in garden centers, just be competitive and organic.
• If you have an artsy side hop on that bus and check out Etsy for inspiration. 
• Do you have a drivers license? Tons of people need things done and need to be driven around. 
• Are you bubbly and positive with enough personality to make people happy? Become a life coach. 

Those are just a few out of the ordinary business ideas I have thought of recently. I have a dream of one day opening an arcade/bowling alley here in West Kelowna after I get my product off the ground. 

The most important thing to remember is: If you can dream it, you can do it! - Walt Disney

Abigail and The Tropical Island Adventure Review

I love reading to my kids anytime of day. It is such a great way to bond and relax together and it is always nice to read a book with a positive message or great life lesson. That is what the books written by Tali Carmi do, they all seem to share such heart warming and helpful lessons that we all want our kids to learn.

This particular book teaches kids to embrace adventure and discovery. It helps kids to accept new cultures and people in a foreign place.

NEW book by international best selling children author Tali Carmi

Want your kids to be familiar with exotic locations?

Want them to meet cultures and widen their horizons?

This is a wonderful book about a girl named Abigail, that goes on adventures around the world using her magical bicycle.

Who will she meet there? What will she discover?

This beginner reader’s eBook will inspire your kids to be open to new cultures, and be more curious and enthusiastic about exploring various places.

Your kids will enjoy full-color illustrations of Abigail and the tropical island.

Your kids will be inspired to be:

• Open to new people & cultures
  More curious
  Enthusiastic about exploring new things

Abigail and the Tropical Island Adventure is a sweet children's book written especially for you and your ages 2- 8 children.

With simple text and 16 colorful illustrations.

The story is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for beginner readers.

To get your copy visit Amazon.com