The job: Mom

I guess the job that I chose, and like the best, is still that of being a mother.  My 3 kids and their children give me the greatest pride of all.  And no supervisor to fire you. The pay comes in hugs and smiles and little hands that will hold yours when you cross the street or rock them as babies. 
Mother's Day is just around the corner and they always remember it;  holidays have always been a great tradition for them-- something their dad fostered in them, even more than I.. . And he did his part to help me become a good mom.  They honor him as their dad, too, which also makes me proud.

so. .even though I must admit that I used to want  recognition for the outside-the-home work I did, my best accomplishments are still Monica, Darrin and Andrea.

Today I received a Mother's Day card from someone who cares about me very much.  It is a great feeling when people other than my family recognize that I've been a good mom, and continue to enjoy it.. What more could a mother ask for?

Now what?

Since August 2010, I have been attempting to do what I thought I wanted to do: become a self-employed entrepreneur-- a consultant. .
it has not worked and it's time to wave the white flag.
These attempts have brought me to reality. .but also brought me 'down'. . .and I'm not sure the lessons learned are worth what I had to pay . .
my self worth has taken a beating;
my bank accounts and financial worth have been battered beyond repair. .
I feel that I've been taken for a ride, and worst of all. .I was warned about affiliating with the company I chose, but I thought I was good enough to succeed on my own.
Now I'm feeling the pain of failure, and nursing my wounds.. .looking for the next more positive open door, that I won't have to bang down or beg or pay someone to hire me.
LM

Intervention to prevent business blunders or relationship failures

Still trying to find a good platform for the processes and services of a consultant delivering human relations consulting, diagnostics and training.. .
Collaboration may be something that is understood among organizations, but not necessarily between/among individuals. However, improving communication between two employees--supervisor & subordinate, or between a volunteer leader and the staff member they oversee is also an excellent application for collaboration consulting. By bringing new perspectives to the table, those who are open to improvements or change can be helped through coaching or consulting.

This is beginning to show merit with the clients I am working with. Conflict and defensiveness is so common in our world, many people simply think they much accept it as part of their 'job'. .or that it is inherent in relationships, such as marriage. However, the principles which are presented through A Plus Collaboration coaching or workshops are presented in a pro-active way, rather than a reactive way, such as when people resort to marriage counseling or family therapy. Therapy implies that someone is sick, and thus a medical diagnosis becomes part of their insurance profile. Sadly, this is not necessary.
LM

No one wants a free lunch.. .

That was my conclusion today, since I had invited and given away several complimentary spaces to a workshop I had planned to hold. It would have been a series to show people the significance of keeping loyal customers, compared to just 'satisfied' customers-- and especially trying to always find 'new customers'.

well. . NOT One person showed up. nice restaurant; Wichita Old Town. The waiter assigned to our group and I had some great conversation and I thought first of the New Testament parable of the rich man who held a banquet and no one came. so he went out into the streets and brought in the poor and beggars to his banquet-- and they probably appreciated it.
What did I/can I learn?
a. people are suspicious of free lunch?
b. business people think their busy lives are greater priority than learning more efficient ways to create profits?
c. they don't value training?
d. they are lazy?

I'm baffled.
LM

Starting a new business

Seems to be moving at the pace of a turtle, to find the right fit for customers. After the Chamber Expo (rainy weather) on Thursday, it seemed that men moving into retirement might be good coaching clients, and collections or accounting firms are interested in working on staff attitudes. Also have found that several organizational psychologists are intrigued by the concept that training can accomplish change, even though we may take slightly different approaches.

What is next is yet to be seen.. . stay tuned.
LM