229 days and counting down until I turn 50

In my last post I was talking about how facebook has changed my view of the world and made me realise we are all so much closer as a Global community. When I finished writing the post, I went onto facebook to let my friend Kerrie know that I had mentioned her and her book and noticed she had just updated her status to say her father in law had just passed away.  In that moment I was able to offer some comfort and support and let her know I was thinking of her and her family. I wasn't the only one – many of her online friends have expressed caring and support to Kerrie since then. I know Kerrie is heartened to know she isn't alone and that collectively her global facebook community is there in spirit to help her through this sad time. We really are living in an amazing time in with technology where in an instant of something happening we can communicate an event to a large audience and we can connect to the people who care about us.

It is a public holiday in Adelaide today (Adelaide Cup Day) and I am extremely grateful to have had a three day weekend to recharge my batteries. Last year was an extremely busy and hectic time while I was juggling working in my business, attempting to work on my business and at the same time writing a book about what I do in my business. Needless to say I didn’t have much downtime! In fact I was pretty much working 24/7!

I am sure that a lot of entrepreneurs out there experience the same daily battle of attempting to keep a healthy balance in our lives. When we embrace the technology of internet and social media marketing it is all very exciting. There is always something new to learn, new techniques to keep up with and new people to connect with. It is so easy to get swallowed up by the need to know what is happening every minute of every day and to actually turn off from the constant updates. Every day while I am here at my computer working I get constant updates – facebook messages that pop up, new emails and skype conversations etc that I feel I have to respond to immediately.

This year, 2010, my New Year resolution was to invest more time in myself, get back to basics and focus on my health and well being. I started the year off with good intentions by booking myself into a weekend yoga retreat and made a commitment to spend more time practicing Dru Yoga. I haven’t been as diligent as I hoped with this commitment but I am hoping to do another retreat real soon.

It became more evident this week that I have to try even harder to switch off and relax when I had some routine blood tests that identified I was anemic! So that explains the constant feeling of exhaustion! Having a 3 day weekend was a golden opportunity to potter around the house, catch up with family and friends and watch a movie or two. Yesterday I resolved myself from even turning the computer on and I had a wonderful day out and about. I was tempted to check my emails when I got home but I successfully restrained myself and the world didn’t fall in!  I also spent most of Adelaide Cup Day away from the computer but really had to turn on to write my blog.

Let me know how you cope with the work/leisure time condundrum.

230 Days and counting till I turn 50

I can clearly remember when I was advised by my internet marketing coach to get on Facebook about 18 months ago and start building a profile, as this was going to be a great business strategy.

I originally had no concept of how it worked and initially was very hesitant to get on there and start making friends. I had much, much better things to do and thought it was the biggest waste of time and something for the younger generation!  Over time though I got the hang of just observing what my community of facebook friends were saying and felt that I was getting to know some of them.

Almost a year ago, I travelled to the Gold Coast for a 3 day seminar on “How to Write a Best Seller”.  I had started writing my book at that time but was floundering a bit with the processes and thought this course would be the answer to how I could turn my book into successful business strategy. I went with a friend but didn’t expect to know anyone else in a small conference room on the other side of the country.

Imagine my surprise when I came face to face with one of my facebook friends Kerrie Phipps!  We had communicated a few times, even once had a phone conversation but we had never met. She lived in Dubbo and I was from Adelaide.  It blew my mind that that communicating via facebook could lead to a completely unplanned and random meeting in a distant location.

Kerrie and I became fast (actual) friends from that day on and we were both accepted on the book writing program to write a best seller.  We have supported each other through the challenges of running our own businesses and trying to find the time to write a book. We have had some highs and some lows along the journey but we were always there to cheer each other on. Our relationship reminds me of when I was a young girl and I used to write to pen friends overseas.  Technology is changing at such a rapid pace and it is not always easy for my generation to take on but I am so glad that I have now embraced the global facebook community. Now I have jumped out of my comfort zone even more and started writing a blog – who would have thought!! 

I caught up with Kerrie on the Gold Coast again a couple of weeks ago and was one of the first lucky people to get a personally signed copy of her brilliant book “Lifting the Lid on Quiet Achievers – Success Stories of Regional Entrepreneurs”.

It’s a collection of stories of “everyday Aussies” having a go at what they love doing, creating great businesses and impacting on their community along the way. It is an inspiring read and it is a credit to Kerrie that her passion and dedication in unearthing these stories has resulted in showcasing our sometimes forgotten Regional Entrepreneurs. It is in all good book stores all around the country now and if you can’t find a copy click here.

Congratulations Kerrie. I am so proud of you.

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Charyn Youngson