Natural Weight Loss Using BiosLife Slim

The 6 Major Signs Of A Stroke

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in America. The window of opportunity to treat a stroke and prevent death and disability is only 3 hours long, so it is critical for everyone to recognize when a stroke may be happening and to respond immediately and appropriately.

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, or when a artery in the brain breaks. Either of these circumstances interrupts the flow of blood to the cells of the brain, and they die.

Areas of the brain affected by loss of blood flow then lose their ability to funtion. The loss of these abilities are demonstrated in the signs and symptoms of people may recognize as they are having a stroke.

Stroke Symptoms

1. Difficulty Speaking

       You may suddenly find yourself slurring your speech, having difficulty finding the right words to speak, or completely unable to speak.

2. Difficulty Understanding Others

       You may not completely understand what is being said to you, or you not understand any of the words spoken to you.

3. Visual Changes

       Vision may be blurred or you may lose parts or all of your vision. You may find yourself bumping to walls, doors, or furniture. You may have trouble focusing on objects or people.

4. Changes in Coordination

       Typically, you may experience difficulty with movements on one side of your body, or you may completly lose movement on one side. Coordinated movements may be difficult.

5. An Excruciating Headache

       Headaches of this type are unusual, severe, and seem to come out of nowhere. It is usually discribes as "the worst headache of your life".

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, immediately call "911". Do not waste time calling your doctor. The faster help can get to you, the less damage a stroke will do.

Assess the risk factors for stroke in yourself and in your loved ones. Some risk factors cannot be changed, but many can be treated or modified.

Risk Factors that can't be changed include:

> Age

After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 yrs.

> Heredity

Risk of stroke is higher if a close family member has had a stroke. African Americans have a higher risk than Caucasians do because of a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

> Sex

The occurance of stroke is more common in men, however more women than men die from stroke. Special risk factors in women include pregnancy and the use of birth control pills.

> Prior TIA or Stroke

The occurance of a prior stroke increases the risk of another stroke many times over. TIA's or "mini-strokes" do not normally leave any lasting damage, however they are a strong predictor of the occurance of a major stroke. TIA's increase your risk of stroke by 10 times, thus TIA's should also be considered an emergency , and if suspected, "911" should be called.

Risk Factors that can be changed:

> Smoking

Cigarette smoke causes damage to the cardiovascular system in multiple ways. Studies continue to show that smoking is an important risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

> High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled is the number 1 risk factor for the development of stroke. More aggressive treatment of high blood pressure by medical practitioners has significantly reduced death from stroke.

> Diabetes and High Cholesterol

Diabetes is a risk factor for stroke , but that risk is increased by the risk factors that often accompany diabetes; namely high blood pressure, obesity and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Aggressive  treatment of diabetes will reduce the damage to the cardiovascular system that accelerates the risk of stroke.

> Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular uncontrolled rapid beating of the heart. This ineffective pumping of the blood from the heart significantly increases blood clot formation, and thus increases the risk of stroke. This heart rhythm problem is usually treated with Coumadin, which will prevent blood clot formation.

> Unhealthy Diet

Excessive amount of saturated fats, salt and sugar increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, all of which are significant risk factors for stroke. Studies have proven that eating 4-5 fruit and vegetable serving a day will decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.

> Obesity

Being overweight, obese and inactive will increase the risk of developing all of the diseases that increase the risk of stroke. A daily walk of 30 minutes or other physical activity a day will decrease the development of diseases and decrease your risk of stroke.

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke, and knowing what to do when these signs develop may one day save your life or the life of a loved one.

Take steps now to prevent the development of stroke in your life by following these simple steps.

How Can I Control Hot Flashes?

Many women nearing the age of 50 have experienced uncomfortable changes in their bodies as the menopausal period begins. Some women experience these changes as early as 40 years old and all women will experience them after a hysterectomy.

Menopause occurs because of a series of changes in the body's hormones. During the menopausal changes, the number of funtioning eggs within the ovaries begin to decrease and the ovaries dramatically decrease their production of estrogen.

At birth, most females have between 1-3 million eggs. By the time of the first menstrual period, there are approximately 400,000 eggs. At menopause there are fewer than 10,00 eggs. Most eggs are reabsorbed by the body as they die off.

Estrogen affects every part of the body, including heart, skin, blood vessles, urinary tract, uterus, breasts, bone and brain. Another hormone, testosterone, is also reduced at the time of menopause, and can cause a reduction in libido.

One of the major symptoms women will experience is Hot Flashes. A hot flash is an uncomfortable sense of warmth which spreads throughout the body causing flushed, red skin, sweating, and palpitations. They can lead to difficulty concentrating and sleeplessness.

Hot flashes usually last 2-3 years, but some women may experience them for 5 or more years.

The menopausal time also causes changes in the urinary tract which can cause incontinence of urine. More frquent episodes of burning with urination can occur as well.

Bone loss, or osteoporosis , is another important change that begins in the perimenopausal time, or the years preceding menopause. Peak bone density occurs between 25 and 30 years of age. After this time, bone loss occurs at a rate of 0.13% per year. Later , it increases to 2% per year.

Osteoporosis increases the risk for bone fractures, which can be intensely painful and can interfer with daily activities. The risk for death also increases with bone fractures in menopause.

Menopause increases the risk of heart disease . Some of this increased risk is probably due to aging, and part is due to the hormonal changes that occur around the menopausal time.

Associated with the increased risk of heart disease is the fact that cholesterol significantly increases at the menopausal time. Total cholesterol as well as the 'bad' cholesterol or LDL increases and 'good' cholesterol or HDL decreases.

Women will also notice an increase in weight during the menopausal time.

The Women's Health Study was a 15 yr study that addressed the most common causes of death, disability, and poor quality of life in post menopausal women -- cardiovascular or heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

The two arms of the hormone clinical trials -- the estrogen only and the estrogen plus progestin studies were stopped prematurely because of increased risk noted to the cardiovascular system from the prescription hormone replacement therapy. After the release of this information, there was a dramatic decrease in the use of prescription hormone replacement therapy.

Natural forms of hormones however, have been used for many years, and provide a safe method of treating the menopausal symptoms. Natural forms of progesterone, in particular, offer an effective and safe treatment. Many medical and holistic providers now regularly offer their patients progesterone replacement in menopause.

Wild Yam Cream is one of the products offered by Unicity International to help curb menopausal symptoms. This soothing, fragrant product provides a steady stream of wild yam and soy extracts, both of which have been used by women for decades to support feminine health and control symptoms. This product effectively delivers these nutrients through the skin.

No woman needs to suffer with the discomforts of the menopausal changes. For more information on natural menopausal treatments, contact me @ pgoode1@mac.com.

Has Your Business Arrived?

My inspiration to write today came while listening to the Alan Jackson song "Itty Bitty".

Sometimes when we are growing our own businesses, we are so focused on making it big, that we lose the ability to enjoy and appreciate each step of the journey. I know for myself that I become anxious about the results of my efforts, and if they don't bring me the results I anticipate, I tend to be dissatisfied with my efforts.

There's probably nothing wrong with my efforts or the direction I am moving. I am just impatient to "Arrive"; to have the clients I want; to have the income I want...

Business progress and success occur one step at a time and one day at a time. While long term business goals are essential, they are not the tools to use to evaluate daily progress. There is a reason why we are only given 24 hrs. at a time to live. What transpires in that 24 hrs. is all that we can handle or manage.

I prefer to measure my progress by keeping a daily calendar of business actions and activities. Reviewing this calendar allows me to measure more accurately my progress for that day. I keep a separate calendar that contains weekly goals and activities as well so that I do not take a detour on a side road.

I keep monthly and yearly goals on the wall in front of my desk. These keep the general direction of my business on track.

I find it more and more important as my business grows to stop each day and enjoy where I am at this moment in time. And I remember and reflect on just how far I have actually come in my life, both personally and professionally.

The reality is, tomorrow may not come, and I do not want to miss or enjoy all the wonderful people and things that exist in my life now. If I do not stop to enjoy my life along the way, what was all that effort and worry for??

"You know you've got a job and a little bitty chick
  Six-pack of beer and a television set
  Little bitty world goes around and around
  Little bit of silence and little bit of sound"

While we are all working hard to make our businesses grow and succeed, let's keep focused on our Big Vision. Remember what is important to you, what you value most, and enjoy the gifts and treasures that each day brings as the sun comes up.

"Well it's alright to be little bitty
  Little hometown or a big ol' city
  Might as well share, might as well smile
  life goes on for a little bitty while"

How To Set Up A Business Website

Welcome To Business Marketing Success

Welcome to my Business Marketing Sucess blog. Today I want to share with you the first thing I learned that set my business on the road to great success. I learned the difference between Marketing as it has been done in the past and Marketing that a new generation of business owners employ.

This new marketing is called Attraction Marketing. I learned about this style of Marketing from Ann Sieg and her book, The Renegade Network Marketer. This book changed my perspective forever. No more cold calls, hunting down prospects, sales pitches to friends and family, talking about my my business every where I went. Sound familiar?

Well, now a new day has dawned, and with it comes a world of marketing that is creative, fun and less time consuming. Marketing now employs a whole range of technologies and easily accessed on-line techniques. These new techniques bring the World to your doorstep, eager to learn about you and your business.

Attraction Marketing is a system that allows you to adapt to the needs of would-be prospects by sharing important information with them that help them be successful in their own businesses. As they come to know you, you can then connect with them on a deeper level, and through this ongoing relationship, offer them the products, services and opportunities you have to offer through your business ventures. This "relationship" marketing reflects back to the time when ordinary people in your community; your friends and neighbors, where the people you did business with because you knew and trusted them.

The concepts of "Knowing" and Trusting" are key to any lasting business success. The more people know about you, the easier it is, not only for them to do business with you, but to refer others to you as well.

If you are ready to become the successful entepreneur you imaged when you first dreamed your business vision, become familiar wth Attraction Marketing.

Don’t Fall Apart

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12:9  Come apart and spend some time with God before you come apart. No matter how strong and healthy you are, no matter what your age is, no matter what you think you know, without God you are going to get weary and tired. God doesn’t get tired, and the Word says He gives power to the faint and weary, and increases strength to those who have no might. But those who wait for the Lord, who expect, look for, and hope in Him, will be renewed (See Isaiah 40:29–31). God is willing to increase your strength. Get alone with Him anytime you need to be strengthened.     From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer.

Business Marketing Using Facebook Fan Pages

One of the most popular social marketing sites is Facebook. Many businesses are now utilizing social networking sites like Facebook to connect with a global population. Expanding your company and your brand to the Web 2.0 world is possible utilizing a Facebook Fan page.

Facebook Fan pages allow more communication and interaction between customers and your company. As many as 5000 people can become fans of your business. The number of connections on a normal Facebook page is much more limited.

People who join a Fan page want that business information posted to their Facebook page. The viral marketing process begins with one person. Any other connections to that person on Facebook will see information from Fan pages as well.

Fan pages also allow almost immediate updates to the world, as opposed to the time it might take for your blog to hit the search engines.

Like a web page, you can post company information, contact information, twitter and linkedin updates, and carry on interactive conversations with your fans. All of the other applications on facebook are available as well; posting to a wall, video and picture uploads, and postings of events. Events are then sent to fans profile and events page.

Communications from and about your business are easier than from a blog. Just log into your fan page, post a note and click "update". Your information is immediately posted to all your friens and fans.

Bringing your business up to speed in the marketing world includes utilization of the many social networking sites that are now available. A Facebook Fan Page is a great way to expose your business and your brand to an exponential number of people on a daily basis.

Please share your experiences with Facebook Fan Pages in the comment section below.

For more information, contact me at pgoode1@mac.com

Tips on Lowering Your Blood Pressure

It is almost inevitable that as we age our blood pressure will increase. It is a natural part of the aging process. But most of would like to maintain a normal blood pressure throughout our lives without the help of prescription medication.

Let's look at some of the natural ways that we can accomplish this goal.

1. Lose Weight.

     Excessive weight is a major contributor to the development of many disease states, one of which is high blood pressure. Slow, steady weight loss is the most successful for long term weight control. 1-2 lbs a month is generally recommended.

     Losing as little as 5- 8 lbs. can lower your systolic BP 3-10mm and lower your diastolic BP 1-6mm. These small changes can mean the difference between normal and abnormal blood pressure.

     Excessive weight can contribute to the development of Diabetes, Stroke and Heart Disease, all of which will evidence increase blood pressure as a consequence.

2. Stop Smoking

     Did you know that smoking and heart disease are related? Or that smoking increases blood pressure? Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But people who smoke are more also likely to develop hypertension and heart disease.

     About 30% of all deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. That's because smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease especially in younger people.There are several products on the market that will help you stop smoking.

     Craving to smoke typically last only 3-5 minutes. Natural ways to curb these cravings include eating sunflower seeds, going for a walk, and drinking a glass of water. Take a few minutes and review the reasons you chose to stop smoking. Changing your activity, either mentally or physically causes the craving to lose it's power over you.

3. Exercise Daily

     Taking a walk or a run for a half an hour a day can have a significant affect on your health and your blood pressure. Routine exercise will help you lose weight or maintain your weight if you are at goal. it helps lower blood pressure and lowers your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

     Daily exercise also maintains increased serotonin levels, which will in turn elevate the mood, clear the mind, and allow you to sleep better.

4. Lower your Cholesterol Profile

     Lowering your cholesterol levels and increasing the 'good' cholesterol will help prevent clogging of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Plaque formation in the arteries is the #1 cause of heart disease and stroke. As the arteries narrow with cholesterol deposits, the blood pressure increases.

     The most significant reductions of the occurrences of heart attack and stroke will be found in people who begin to monitor and control their cholesterol from an early age. The example set in the home for eating well and exercising is a strong factor in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease in the next generation. It is now recommended that teenagers be screened for elevated cholesterol profiles.

5. Lower your Salt Intake.

     Most Americans are accustomed to high salt content in their food. However the recommended amount of daily salt intake is 6 Grams/day, or approximately 1 teaspoon. Salt is added to almost all processed and packaged foods, so it is important to read all package labels, and choose the products with the least amount of salt.

      As much as possible, eat fresh, unprocessed foods. Preparing and cooking your food at home is a great way to control how much salt is in your food. It also gives you an opportunity to learn how to use other spices and flavoring in your food.

6. Decrease Alcohol Intake

     While small amounts of wine or alcohol may be beneficial, overuse of alcohol has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. Less than 2 drinks a day has been recommended to maintain cardiovascular health.

The long term risks of excessive alcohol intake include alcoholism, heart disease, stroke, mal absorption, chronic pancreatitis, liver disease and cancer.

7. Increase your dietary sources of Antioxidants

     Antioxidants are natural substances that exist as vitamins, minerals, and other compounds in foods. They are believed to help prevent disease by fighting substances called "free radicals" that are produced when your body uses oxygen, as when breathing or when exposed to substances such as cigarette smoke. Without adequate amounts of antioxidants, free radicals travel throughout the body, damaging cells. This cellular damage leads to the development of cardiovascular disease.

     Foods with a high concentration of such compounds should definitely be part of your regular diet. Some of the most common examples are carrots, cabbage, dark leafy greens, apricots, winter squash and sweet potatoes.

     Antioxidant supplements have not been found to be as effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, therefore dietary choices are still your strongest defense. Beta carotene supplements are actually discouraged as scientific data shows detrimental effects on the blood vessels.

While elevations in the blood pressure are a normal part of aging, there are many things that we can do throughout our lifetime that will prevent excessive elevations and the need for prescription medication. The suggestions in this article will help you take the simple but necessary steps to avoid the development of cardiovascular disease and othe chronic diseases.

Home Business Breakthrough

As a new year begins, all of us are anticipating a year of 'breakthroughs' in our businesses and our personal lives. But what exactly does 'breakthrough' mean in the context of business and family?

Webster's dictionary defines 'breakthrough' in these terms:

" A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development"; "a significant and dramatic overcoming of a perceived obstacle, allowing the completion of a process"

The Thesaurus even includes the word "Revolution"!

Let's look at these terms and see how we can apply them to dramatic increase in business success.

Discovery

The process of discovery invites us to begin to unearth or uncover areas within ourselves and our businesses that lie unseen or below the surface most of the time.

In business, this might mean a thorough re-examination of the core ideals and structure of the business. Begin with primary purpose of your business. How can you narrow down the core focus or 'niche' market. The more narrow your 'niche' market', the more successful you will be.

Look closely at the "pillars", or supporting systems within your business. Each "pillar" supports a certain aspect of your business, and together they provide the foundation of a sussessful business.

Examples of "pillars" include Financial, Marketing, Operations, Personnel and Supporting Documents.

Realization

The process of discovery will make you aware of weaknesses or flaws within your current business. You will also discover areas of your business that have contributed to your current success. Fully recognizing the areas of strength will boost your confidence and provide energy for further discovery and the creativity to improve areas of weakness.

Innovation

What are the obstacles that are blocking 'breakthrough' for you? Identifying your obstacles to success may take a little searching.

Some of the internal obstacles include:

• Fear
• Resistance to change
• Unidentified personal needs
• Lack of direction
• Unidentifed passions
• past business or personal performance
• lack of initiative

 External obstacles hindering breakthrough include:

• Economic changes
• Market shifts
• Competive markets
• Outside obligations
• Customers

Once you have identified your obstacles to success, you will notice that the creative process has been triggered. It's time now to open your mind to the greater possibilities available in this universe and begin to organize new strategies and activites that will ensure great success in your business and personal vision.

Dedicating the time and energy toward creating the 'breakthrough' process will be time well invested. And only you can discover that "dramatic idea or development" which will take your business to a whole new level of success.

For more ideas about discovering your breakthrough strategy, contact me at pgoode1@mac.com

Becoming A Legal Nurse Consultant

I have received many questions from fellow nurses about becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant. Many of you ask for information on the various programs available and about the quality of education provided by these programs. Many wonder about the wide variety of costs involved in these programs. And all of you wonder if you can make a successful business transition as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Let me begin by sharing with you why I chose to become a Legal Nurse Consultant.

I have been an actively practicing Nurse and Nurse Practitioner for the past 30 years. For at least 10 years, I had contemplated thoughts of going to Law School after my children were older. I have always had a passion for the law and how to combine my love of the nursing and the law.

7 years ago I began actively investigating law school admission. In my search I also noticed a few universities were offering Nurse Paralegal programs, and this peaked my interest as well. I also sent for information from the AALNC and the Vicki Milazzo Institute.

After 2 years of continuing research I decided to participate in the Vicki Milazzo Institute Program. I did an at home study program and also attended the 6 day seminar program. I successfully completed this program and received my certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

In short, I continued to work full time while I developed a business plan and marketing strategies for my new business. I currently own a successful Nurse Consulting business which includes, among other things, Legal Nurse Consulting services.

I advise nurses to look at all the programs available in detail and choose that program that suits them the best. Many university setting now include LNC education within their nursing programs. Personally, I feel this is the best setting for any level of nursing education, including LNC's.  Standardization of the LNC education programs is an important aspect of assuring easily definable quality services provided by LNC's to the arena of Medical- Legal case law. 

Provisions for the  internship aspect of Legal Nurse Consulting is sorely lacking at this stage of development. Eventually, I am hopeful that internships will be a routine part of LNC  education.  There are a few internship opportunities available, but most of these are at a prohibitive price.

Ongoing education for the LNC is also an important aspect of providing and assuring improved quality of the nursing services provided.

Advertising and marketing strategies from LNC programs have unfortunately led many nurses to believe that high income business success is a given. This is not the case for most LNC's.

Starting a business, no matter what the business is, is a difficult process and must be viewed long term. The business failure rate among LNC's is similar to any other new business; most will fail within the first 2 years.

This is precisely why I recommend that nurses incorporate medical legal education into their existing nursing career rather than replacing their current careers with the quest for full time LNC work.

I have incorporated my LNC background and education into a more broad nursing business venture, which was almost immediately successful. I offer a more broad array of nursing services, all of which are contract based. These include, but are not limited to LNC and expert witness work.

This business approach has brought me many LNC's cases when I was not seeking them. It has also opened up other business opportunities and partnerships which I would not have dreamed possible.

If you have further questions or would like help with starting your own nursing business, contact me at directly at  pgoode1@mac.com. I can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

Nursing Home Falls

What Is Your Business Destination?

Take Your Nursing Career to the Next Level

Are you a nurse looking to do something new with your career?

Many nurses have education and experiences that make them a valuable commodity in this current economic environment.

Many nurses are also looking for more control and freedom within their careers.  They are tired of working different shifts, overtime, weekends and enduring the stresses of the current work environments.

Well, there is an answer. In fact, there are as many answers as there are nurses.

Today, I would like to encourage nurses to take control of their lives and their finances, and begin to explore the world of the Nurse Entrepreneur.

Every nurse has special skills that can be readily translated into a business venture. No one can duplicate exactly what you have to offer the world, and with the proper preparation, your business can be successful.

A nursing business venture need not involve a lot of money. Many are run on a "shoestring" budget. If you have a computer, a phone and some business cards, you can begin to build a business.

The process begins with identifying your core passion. Identify what it is that makes you special or unique. What activity within your nursing career do you enjoy the most or do the best.

What is it about those activities that make them so enjoyable for you. 

For example, I have been a nurse for many years. As I think back on my various positions and workplaces, I realize that one of my core passions is helping people reach and maintain optimal health. I also have a passion for children's health and safety. And I have a passion for teaching.

Another passion I have developed over the past 6 years is influencing and educating the justice system as it pertains to medical and nursing care. I feel that nurses can make a dramatic impact on judicial truth and outcomes, something that has limited in the past.

No one can provide the justice system with the information about medical and nursing care and the outcomes that affect patients more than a nurse.

These are the passions that I examined as I began to formulate a business plan. I now successful manage an independent nursing business.

The adventure of owning and operating a nursing business has brought a new level of joy and excitement into my life.  It has provided a level of freedom and financial opportunity that I have never experienced before.

Any nurse with the passion to direct her own life and career can become a Nurse Entrepreneur. Step out of your comfort zone and you will experience life as you never have before.

Contact me for a free 20 min consultation and let the adventure begin!

pgoode1@mac.com 

Home Business Entrepreneurs- Put Your Best Face Forward

I was prompted to write this article as I was running out to Walmart for some cookie ingredients. I didn't think twice about how I looked or what I had on.

And, of course, I ran into someone who wanted to discuss my business. UGH!! I was so embarrassed!

This and several other episodes reminds me that when I walk out of my home:

I represent my business name and brand. 

One of the benefits I enjoy since starting my business from home is that I can set the timing and the pace of my day. No more rushing to get ready in the morning or worrying about being late to work. No more speeding tickets because I was running late.  

I finally understand why retired people drive so slow. They have there own schedules and are not in a rush to get anywhere. They can actually drive the speed limit!

Initially I found myself being lazy about my appearance. If most of my work was done at home, why should I worry about my appearance? There was no man in the home to please either. 

I quickly figured out however, that my health and my attitude started to change, along with my appearance. When I wasn't keeping myself looking and feeling my best, my energy level, focus and ability to accomplish my daily goals went down, compared to when I was working outside the home.

Schedules, whether we are working in Corporate America, at home or retired are so important. I can now set my own schedule, but there must be a "Schedule" to follow. Otherwise, the day drifts by, and nothing is accomplished.

I get up according to my own internal clock now, but once I am up, there is a routine to follow. I have my coffee, walk the dogs, take the kids to school, go to the gym, home to shower. I am usually careful about choosing clothes for the day that reflect who I am and what my brand is all about.

This care to the details really sets the stage for a successful day. I think about the people I will meet today and how my appearance will affect the success of my business today.

I continue to be amazed at the places and times that opportunities for a relationship with someone that can affect or build my business present themselves. I hate being caught off guard, so now, even if I step outside to go to the mailbox or to pick up my children, I try to remember that my next business opportunity is waiting right around the corner.

And I am prepared to present my business to the world, looking and feeling my very best!  

Redefining "Midlife Crisis"

"Midlife crisis is a term coined in 1965 by Elliott Jaques and used in Western societies to describe a period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in the "middle years" of life, as a result of sensing the passing of youth and the imminence of old age. Sometimes, transitions experienced in these years, such as aging in general, extramarital affairs, andropause, menopause, the death of parents, or children leaving home, can trigger such a crisis. The result may be a desire to make significant changes in core aspects of day to day life or situation, such as in career, marriage, or romantic relationships."

I must admit that I have always taken issue with some aspects of this term. Why was this this time period not defined in a more positive vein? Why have we been conditioned to fear any time of life where change is inevitable?

While there may be situations or occurences that are indeed tragic, sad or troublesome, generalizing these indiviual occurences to an entire time of the life cycle is damaging to human experience and existence.

 Fear that accompanies an anticipated event or time changes the body reactions, immune response and chemistry to the point that negative outcomes that may occur are no surprise. The preconditioning of our responses inevitiably leads to failure.

There are many time throughout the life cycle that bring inevitable change;

Childhood to the teen years

Young adult college years to the workplace

Singlehood to married

The birth and raising of children

Children leaving home or the "Empty Nest Syndrome"

Menopause

Aging related onset of medical diseases

Old Age

Death

All of these time periods can be viewed as naturally occuring events. And none of these time periods need to be viewed in a negative manner. Just by changing one's perspective, successful transition can be assured in each stage of life.

Many of us are long term, successful business women. How should we be approaching this expected period of life?

Development psychology points out that there are several responses to change that occur in every transition. Self doubt is the most promient and troublesome of these changes. Self doubt may then lead to depression, anxiety, withdrawl, irritability, lack of focus and loss of drive.

I like to view these times of transition as "Gifts of Opportunity" Viewed as a new and exciting opportunity, life changes and the accompaning emotional and physical changes that may occur can then be grasped with both hands, and an inevitably successful outcome can be anticipated.

Understanding the expected responses to transition, we are then armed with time to formulate a plan of action that will draw into us the best that life has to offer. The "gifts of life" do not stop coming because of age or circumstance; they are available to all those who acknowledge their presence and accept them, anytime, anywhere.

Periods of life transition will affect our businesses. I view this midlife transition as a time to positively re-evaluate my business and my business plans, and seek the new opportunities are just waiting for me to open the door.

This transition is NOT for looking back on what we percieve as missed opportunities or lack of success or progress. Each one of us has experienced multiple times and levels of sucess, some absolutely tremendous, some small. These are the areas to evaluate in retrospect. We need to look back with pride, and lay down plans for further growth and development.

Every successful women has navigated the transitions in life by approaching them with respect for what has been achieved prior to the transition. She is armed with a the strength of these achievements, and anticipates receiving the best that life has to offer her. She educates herself and focuses on building blocks that will lead to the next success. She recommits herself to her vision for her life and her business.

For more information contact me at pgoode1@mac.com



How To Go From "Nurse" to "Nurse Entrepreneur"

I have frequently been asked " How can a nurse start her own business?"

This topic is discussed more and more frequently among nurses as they find that they are tired of working multiple shifts, tired of overtime, and in general, tired of not being able to spend more time with their patients doing "nursing".

Many nurses now find that they spend their working hours doing clerical duties; filling out paperwork, keeping EMR's up to date, writing care plans, etc.  Almost everything but actually providing the hands on nursing care our patients so desperately need.

These nurses begin to think about leaving nursing all together. Many consider going back to school to develope education and skills outside of nursing.

I encourage these nurses to reconsider the vast possibilities open to them within their field of nursing. For many, expensive ongoing education will not even be necessary.

I spend a lot of my time coaching women to find their highest destiny utilizing the education, talents and skills that they have already aquired in their years as nurses. 

Many of their other life skills will also come into play when deciding their next step.

After we have carefully identifies a particular nurse's education and skills, we then explore how to turn these talents into a business.

While creating a business can be a scary thought, it need not be. Small businesses now a days can be created on very small budgets. Taken in a step by step approach, developing a business is a fairly simple process.

Most nurses will continue part time to full time employment outside of the home for a period of time while their business is developing. This is a perfectly logical approach and one that should not cause too much additional stress.

Within most business development structures, there are ways of bringing in almost immediate income while the major components of the business are growing. This will also help to relieve any financial burdens individual nurses may be under. 

Living the type of life that you want to live, setting your own agendas and time clock, and freedom to choose your own destiny are the results of becoming a Nurse Entreprenuer.

If this sounds like a direction you would like to explore, contact me at pgoode1@mac for individual coaching and guidance.

Maintaining Passionate Direction Without Emotional Attachment

Today I viewed a really thought provoking video by Eric Walker.  In this video he asked the viewer to contemplate the phrase "relaxed intensity without emotional attachment". 

This truth is probably experienced by most business entrepreneurs today.

We begin our venture into business filled with a passion and commitment and emotional energy that is undoubtedly necessary for the beginning thrust into a new world.  This drive and emotional intensity fires our creative process, builds our endurance, and makes room for the enormous learning that initially takes place.  

However....

If this initial emotional and physical state is not clearly recognized early in the process,  we are apt to maintain this state for too long a period of time and become overwhelmed, fatigued and "burnt out".

Those we collaborate with, friends and family members then become the focus of our moodiness and inattention.  We may put other necessary activities within our lives and our households on the back shelf, causing eventual instability within the home. Children, in particular, are very sensitive to any changes within the family, and typically react negatively to these changes.

O.K, so how do we prevent this from occurring?

RECOGNITION

Recognizing the existence of this stage of business learning is the beginning of controlling it. It is important to maintain a business schedule that continues to make room for your normal family and outside activites. You will feel a tug back towrd your business, but it will be easier to maintain your schedule.

SEPERATE WORK SPACE

Crave out an area within your home that specifically designed for your business. This is your business office or store front. Here is where you will dedicate your time to growing your business. Again, a business schedule is critically important to the success of balancing home and work.

Here is a small trick I use. The door of my business office has a lock on it. Locking the door when I leave helps me to transition from work to home easier and makes my exit from my business more final.

KEEP A BUSINESS JOURNAL

I noticed that when I first started my business, my mind was always in the creative and processing mode. I found that when interesting thoughts about my business presented themselves, I would write them in a journal. Writing things down created a finality to the thought, and I was able to jump right back into family or other activity.

Then when I was back in my office, I would review my journal writings and work on refining them to add to my business structure.

 ALLOW YOURSELF A LITTLE MORE BUSINESS TIME IN THE BEGINING

Make sure your family and friends have a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish as you begin your business venture. You will be so much more successful if your family and friends are supportive.

Compromise may be in order. Work with your family to make this an enjoyable adventure for everyone. When I started my business, my children were so happy to have me home that they were willing to respect the time I needed to dedicate to my work. Because I was working from home, I was able to do so many more things with my children and still get my business activities done.

EAT WELL, EXERCISE, AND GET ENOUGH REST

One of the most wonderful things for me about setting up my own business was that I was now in charge of my schedule. My new schedule included getting up at 7:30 am (my natural alarm clock), having coffee, dropping off the kids at school, morning exercise or walking the dogs, shower, and a short trip down the stairs to my office.  This was what I always wanted!

CONTEMPLATE YOUR VISION BOARD

Every morning I spend time reviewing my life vision and why I went to business for myself. This helps me to keep everything in balance and focuses my energy and creativity on what I need to accomplish in my business and within my family.

Reminding yourself where you are going will automatically set the tone and structure of your day. Even small accomplishments will gain significance as you work toward your goals.

If you are on a similar journey, and need help or direction, contact me at pgoode1@mac.com.

Attracting Targeted Customers To Your Healthcare Practice.

As you begin to think about the marketing plan for your business, you must first be aware of who it is you want to attract to your business. This is called your Target Audience.  Your target audience are the the people who are researching solutions to a particular problem that your business can provide.

Successful marketing will involve narrowing down your potential customers to one particular group of people  that are not well marketed to by your competitors. This is your Niche Market.

Consider these 3 areas when determining your niche market:

1. Who are your customers or clients?  Make a list of both your current customers and those you would like to attract.

If you are a primary care provider currently seeing a majority of Medicare patients, but you would like to attract younger family groups, that would be a niche group that you would want to focus your marketing efforts on.

Or if you are a Nurse Entrepreneur who primarily sees patients in their homes, but would like to attract families of patients in Nursing Homes as well, this would be niche group for you to focus on.

2. Research what your competition is currently focused on. What services do they advertise? Who do they advertise to?

3. Find a void that your business can fill that is not currently be addressed by your competition.

Who Are MY Clients?

Let's think about your customer in greater detail.

     * Who are the people buying your services?

     * What are their needs?

     * Where do they live?

     * What is their income bracket?

     *What are the reasons that they are turining to your services?

Keep in mind that for every niche that is identified, it is possible  to carve out an even narrower niche  market from that subgroup.

You may be concerned that focusing on such a narrow group of customers may limit your potential customer base overall.  But business research has shown time and time again that the opposite is actually true.

Identifying a niche market raises your business above the crowded landscape of competitors, and will actually attract more clients to you. These clients will be ready to purchase your services immediately because your business is exactly what they are looking for.

Once you have identified what your niche market will be, then it becomes easier to begin the process of attracting that market to your practice or business.

Contact me for a free 20 min. business marketing consultation at pgoode1@mac.com or 321-723-0085

Attraction Marketing For Healthcare Providers

As a professional health care provider, the thought of marketing my business was the scariest part of owning a business. I had no background in marketing and did not know where to start. I initially learned through my own study the traditional marketing methods.

I spent a lot of time, money and effort on strategies that were essentially unsuccessful.

Then I heard about and began to seriously study Attraction Marketing methods. Now I look forward to my everyday marketing efforts because they have yielded such great results for my business success.

I not only enjoy providing the products and services of my business, but  am totally enjoying the adventure of being a business entrepreneur.  I wish I had done this earlier in my career.

 Business success is often dependent on successful marketing strategies. Successful marketing draws an ever widening sphere of people who are interested in what you have to offer into relationship with you. Successful business people accomplish this by providing something of value to people before they "sell" their products and/or services.

The most important piece of value that you can you give to others is information. Giving to another what they are seeking before you expect anything in return is the start of a lasting relationship. An opportunity will then arise within this relationship for you to offer products or services to an individual that will meet their more immediate needs or desire.

This approach to marketing is a complete turn around from the days of the "hard sell" to everyone within our immediate environment. Most of the biggest, most successful companies in the world have figured this out. Think about the companies you are most loyal to. What are the qualities that drew you to them? You want the same to be happening within your own business

People want to do business with someone they can trust. Trust only develops within an ongoing relationship and requires time and experience with someone to develop fully.

Meaningful relationship is what develops loyalty to a person, product or company. This loyalty produces an exponential increase in business growth as people share their good experiences with others.

This is 21st century business marketing at it's finest!

Attraction Marketing of your business allows you to stop chasing customers and clients. Attraction Marketing allows interested customers to easily find you and come to you for their business needs.

If you are a new business owner, or have been in business, but would like to see your business be more successful, develop your marketing strategies using the Attraction Marketing business model.

I can provide the help and information you need to begin this process. Contact me at pgoode1@mac.com or join my Facebook group-  Attraction Internet Marketing for Medical Professional and Nurses