tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015492367808873162024-03-12T22:14:06.916-07:00TheJaclynOfAllTradesThis entertaining blog is written by Jaclyn Mullen and explores her daily adventures in entrepreneurship, social media, networking across the globe and beyond.Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-37927950191251465022013-06-11T20:39:00.000-07:002013-06-12T08:42:19.722-07:00All My Bags Are Packed, I'm Ready To Go. My Fearful Adventure Awaits. <div class="MsoNormal">
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<b>My birthday is 09/11. </b><br />
<br />
It all started then. It’s kind of
funny for a woman who earned her first wings at the tender age of 8 or 9 to
have anxiety on a plane, especially since I often fly coast to coast.
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Why the fear of flying? </b><br />
Because in the past year, I have
lost the two people I was closest to the most and I almost lost a third. Although I
witnessed death firsthand (and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it’d be), I fear
when my time will come.<br />
<br />
Will all the items on the bucket list be crossed off?<br />
Will I have made an impact?<br />
Will I be alone or surrounded by those I love?<br />
Will
I have seen the Eiffel Tower? </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Because there is “work to be done.”</b><br />
I am a solopreneur and
stepping away from the screen to go on vacation seems like a luxury sometimes. Don’t get me
wrong. I step away to go to yoga class, I definitely get my nails done. Heck,
sometimes, I even drive a car! In all seriousness, I have a fear of failing at my
business because I am needed and depended upon, because I am the only one running it. It's scary and stressful and damn liberating at the same time. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Why the Eiffel Tower? </b><br />
This is where the story gets good.<br />
There are a lot of things I love in
life—my family, my work (did I mention I’m a workaholic), my lifestyle, my
freedom.<br />
<br />
But I have not loved <b>love.</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Not
in the way my maternal grandparents did. 67 years, 3 kids, 5 grandkids. And the
“til death do us part”---that was even true. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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My grandparents were jewelers and as their granddaughter,
they would often say to me in their thick, Armenian accents, “Jaclyn, why you
come with no ring?” “When you are going to get married?” </div>
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<br /></div>
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And all I could say was that I refused to settle. I refused
to grab the next person who came along to satisfy societal pressures or
statistics. I wanted what THEY had. True love, real love, partnership, respect.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I think of Paris, I think of love. And macaroons. And more love.<br />
<br />
Perhaps as I examine it, I wouldn’t go to Paris. Perhaps I’d
go to Bucharest, Romania--the city where my grandfather first laid eyes on my
grandmother, the city where he followed her home after a soccer game to speak
to her parents because he knew, upon first glance, she’d be his wife. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Bucharest was the city where my grandparents once lived
lavishly and had a television. Their parents had immigrated to Bucharest and Constanza, Romania to escape Armenian persecution. Bucharest was the city my mother was born in. It was the city my mother, uncle and grandparents had to leave behind to come to
America because of comunism.<br />
<br />
They left it all, just like their ancestors had done, they started all over again and
again and again. Onto Greece, then Lebanon, then Israel and finally to New York City. They even left their egos behind because survival meant that
much. Well off one day, immigrants the next. It didn't matter that they were lacking in food, clothing or shelter because their love was that abundant. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps as I examine it, that’s my fear. Not taking ENOUGH
risks. Not having ENOUGH faith and not having ENOUGH love. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Through several immigrations, challenges and happy times,
<u><b>love</b></u> was the only constant that helped my grandparents survive. <br />
<br />
<u><b>And love is what we gave them as they departed on the journey to their very last destination. </b></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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I held my grandmother’s hand as she took her very last
breath.<br />
There was no boarding pass, no foreign language to learn.<br />
There was
only love, the most intense love I have ever felt in my life.<br />
I didn't need souvenirs or post cards to remember the memories. I had them all in my heart, forever. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Three and a half weeks later, my grandfather was headed to
the same destination. He wanted to be with her. That’s where he belonged—no
matter what country, what city, what language, what landmark.<br />
<br />
<b>Her heart was his favorite
destination in the world. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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And my fear is that I won’t live up to that, that I won’t get to
carry on their legacy or retrace my roots or explore the city where they fell in love and started their life as husband and wife. My fear is that I won't get to have a family or love someone THAT much....so much so that I couldn't live without them.<br />
<br />
My fear is that this fear of flying
more than 5+ hours will prohibit me from roaming the streets of Paris or
Romania or even Lebanon for that matter.<br />
<br />
I know I can't live my life behind a computer screen. I know I can't be satisfied with Instagram photos or Google images of other people's adventures. My grandparents used to cruise around the world and I have wanderlust just like them! And I need to explore, I need to see what they saw, I need to fall in love with another part of the world, I need to retrace their footsteps and remember why I am even an entrepreneur in the first place, to carry on their legacy. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Inevitably, I will get on a plane in two weeks, I will get on a plane in
6 months. But each and everytime, I will be looking out the window then staring at the interactive map on display, wishing, praying and hoping we get rerouted. I will be
thinking of my grandparents and how no boarding pass in the world can bring us to meet.<br />
<br />
And I will think of LOVE. And that, somewhere roaming the streets of Paris or Bucharest or New York City for that matter, my match is out there. And that they, my grandparents, will have a hand in our worlds colliding. </div>
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<br /></div>
<hr />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1401341950/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_.Y8Irb0CVZ10J" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="Love with a Chance of Drowning – A Memoir by Torre DeRoche" class=" wp-image-9163 alignleft" height="382" src="http://www.fearfuladventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Love_with_a_chance_of_drowning_USA.jpg" width="261" /></a>This post is part of the <a href="http://wp.me/p1gyFD-2oV" target="_blank">My Fearful Adventure series</a>, which is celebrating the launch of Torre DeRoche’s debut book <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1401341950/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_.Y8Irb0CVZ10J" target="_blank" title="Love with a Chance of Drowning"><i>Love with a Chance of Drowning</i></a></b>, a true adventure story about one girl’s leap into the deep end of her fears.
<br />
<b>"Wow, what a book. Exciting. Dramatic. Honest. Torre DeRoche is an author to follow." </b>Australian Associated Press <br />
<b>"… a story about conquering the fears that keep you from living your dreams." </b>Nomadicmatt.com
<br />
<b>"In her debut, DeRoche has penned such a beautiful, thrilling story you’ll have to remind yourself it’s not fiction."</b> Courier Mail
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Chance-Drowning-Torre-DeRoche/dp/1401341950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368097817&sr=8-1&keywords=love+with+a+chance+of+drowning" target="_new">Find out more…</a><br />
<hr />
<br />
<br />Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-14178614834986595152013-05-08T07:35:00.000-07:002013-05-08T07:42:32.124-07:00Business Breakups: How They Help You Develop The Ultimate Hustle Muscle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<b>Business relationships. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Boss to employee. </div>
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Colleague to colleague. </div>
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Entrepreneur to client.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Business relationships can often be as complicated as
romantic relationships especially when it's time to breakup. On the plus side, unlike romantic relationships, business breakups are the kind of breakup where you can often really, truly see that things are no longer meant to be.
Each party has grown and gained the most that they can from the relationship
and staying together won't serve either parties goals. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My first business breakup was with my old boss at an HR consulting company. This boss was a mentor to
me and man oh man, was he tough at times. His famous line was: <b><i>“You’re only as good as your last sale.” </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Back then, at the tender raw age of 23-24, those words were really hard
to manage. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I would often think to myself, "I just busted my rump and jumped through hoops to close this deal. Can't I revel in it for a few moments and celebrate the experience?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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In retrospect now, what he really meant was <b><i>“Keep hustling. Keep
chasing. Don’t ever get too comfortable or settle for less. There is always
another opportunity out there so get off your ass and go grab it.” </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I was so torn at the notion of leaving that company. I had it made in terms of telecommuting, traveling, earning commission but I hit a creativity ceiling. The inner artist in me had died and it was time to bring her back to life. To this day, I remember the lesson and have even reframed it to: "Since your last sale was so good, your next sale can be even better!"</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next business break up that followed nearly crushed me! I
was consulting for a close friend. At the time, I was a
pretty stubborn personality when it came to business since I was so used to doing business a certain way.
What I didn’t realize back then <i>(and my friend totally did)</i> was the power of
the upsell, the power of selling both a product and a service. I also didn't realize that there are a variety of different ways to achieve success in business and rather than maintaining a position that "I knew it all", that I could lose the ego and truly approach each and every business transaction with an air of "how can I learn to do things differently? To do things better? How can I learn to evolve in business?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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That business
break up was by far one of the most difficult. We had mixed business with
friendship and there were a lot of boundaries that were blended, out of care! You start sharing opinions, you get into money stories, other friends get involved in the mix and then things just turn into a pressure cooker! The
one thing I truly treasure about the experience is that she always <i>(and
probably still does to this day)</i> went to work with a smile! She was so good at
what she did, she had such a positive energy about her always. Lesson learned: be open to learning new ways of doing things. YOU DON'T AND WON'T EVER KNOW EVERYTHING! Also, if you aren't waking up with a huge smile on your face everyday when it comes to your job, you need a business breakup pronto! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Professionally, things were great for a few years. The business breakups
were minimized. Then last fall came another one. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an entrepreneur working
with entrepreneurs, you can’t help but get involved and feel like you are a
part of your clients company’s and a part of your clients journey. You can feel their joy and their pain which makes
moving on even more difficult. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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That said, I had never made it a secret to this client, or to anyone for that matter, that I wanted to
launch <a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2012/03/stepping-out-with-startups-and.html" target="_blank">Startups and Stilettos</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2012/03/stepping-out-with-startups-and.html" target="_blank">™</a>, </span>especially as I was completing Marie Forleo's B-school program. My energy shifted, my model was shifting and I no longer wanted to be so consumed
with certain day to day social media tasks. My client needed more from me than I had the bandwith to give. That, and her vision had grown. She was pouring herself into her business and needed people who could do the same. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I looked at her commitment to her brand and company and realized I needed to put that same kind of hustle muscle into my business. The time finally came when my client and I
parted ways amicably at one of the tipping points in their business. I was
ready to move on, to wish her well and to look ahead but I was so shocked by
the tears that came up when we finally said goodbye. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I had genuinely worked as
hard as I could and got things to a point where I had to let go to meet my goals. But it wasn't easy especially when she did thank me for my hard work on taking them to the next level of her brands social media. The journey between us was over and it was very
VERY, VERY bittersweet. I am so thankful for that experience particularly for the fact
that we both understood we wanted and needed two different things. Lesson learned from this business breakup: it's never going to be easy to walk away. But if you want to move onto bigger and better opportunities, if you want to truly find your destiny, you have to listen to that inner guidance telling you to go! Don't ignore it or you may find yourself unhappy, angry, stagnant and just missing out on all that life has in store for you. </div>
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<b><u>Now what does all of this advice have to do with YOU?</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Is there a job you need to move on from? </div>
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Do you have a client that isn't complimenting your business model anymore? </div>
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Are you ready to break up with corporate america and venture out on your own?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Stop putting it off and do it now. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Your business breakups aren’t going to be any better
than real life break ups. But perhaps they can teach us a lesson or two about
love and loss. </div>
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<br /></div>
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There are plenty of fish in the sea. </div>
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There are plenty of oysters
to open and find your pearl. </div>
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Take the beauty in each and every single situation, personal or professional. </div>
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<br /></div>
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As my close friend (and <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanneschwartz" target="_blank">mediator) Suzanne Schwartz</a> says, <u><b>"Don’t
get bitter, get better!" </b></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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Better as a business person, better as an individual,
better as an entrepreneur. Clean slate. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe my old boss was right in saying "You’re only as good as your last sale!" </div>
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<br /></div>
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It's a new day and there are plenty of opportunities worth cultivating. Get that hustle muscle going! And trust that the best has yet to come. Let the past go with a grace and ease knowing that you can't even fathom all the success awaiting you on the horizon. And remember, "Since your last sale was so good, your next sale can be even better!"<br />
<br />
<b><i>Do you need some support to help you through your business breakup? Jump on over to <a href="http://Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a>, say hello and we will gladly offer you any tips or advice as you transition during this time. </i></b></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-67046702092551688852013-04-30T10:15:00.003-07:002013-04-30T11:18:35.915-07:00It’s a "Human" Thing: What We Give We Will Get Back In Business<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<b><u>It was a busy Friday. There was nothing “chillax” about the
end of the week.</u></b> </div>
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<br /></div>
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My to-do list had been surmounting: the resulting of splitting
energy and focus between a personal family matter and my professional
commitments. The week had been a roller coaster. There were moments of complete
satisfaction met with moments of stress—pleading with people on the phone,
pondering futuristic thoughts and trying to dodge my involvement in a matter
that had nothing and yet everything to do with me. My anxiety level was through
the roof. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then, I discovered it. <i>(I often joke that I am a marketing MacGayver but apparently I am any-life-situation-you-can-throw-at-me-MacGyver). </i>There was a transaction that had gone wrong. I had the best of intentions but I made a
slight boo boo and <b>I had to fix it.</b> Only rather than being able to fix it right
away (within a day), it would take me 5 days of stressing and worry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My old boss used to drill in my head, "numbers don’t lie." </div>
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No they don’t, especially if you have
the wrong number’s for a direct deposit. To fix things, I start calling, tracking down the money, trying to redirect it. I'm told to "send a fax" and quip to myself, <i>"who the hell sends a fax anymore?" </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Every single day last week, I was calling, calling, calling someone, somewhere. There were operator number’s, delays, compliance. All this "human to human", phone contact can be overwhelming for an online entrepreneur. I was waiting on someone in all day meeting. Of course I laugh some more. "Who attends ALL DAY meetings anymore? Shouldn't this woman be on her computer screen?"</div>
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Flash forward to snail mail saving the day. I have a check overnighted to me. It comes, and my faith in humanity is restored thanks to USPS. But my excitement is short lived. The check is rendered to
the wrong party. I'm told not to worry, that my big bank will save me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Only I show up after calling customer service <i>(which says I will have no problem)</i>, and the first person I encounter at the branch says they can’t help me. And I panic. And I
plead. And then I meet Sue.* </div>
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I explain, I emphasize, I stress to her that this is my fault which is why
it has to be fixed. <b><u>I don’t screw up ANYTHING for my clients, I refuse to screw up for my
family. </u></b></div>
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Apparently Sue* is a higher level manager than the first woman I encountered. Sue* doesn’t have all the answers yet but she doesn’t turn me away
either. We sit down at her desk. I am in a busy branch of the bank off Sunset Blvd. And all of the sudden, it just comes over me. I start to cry. No sobs, no weeping. Just endless tears rolling down my face followed by my body shaking. A part of me is in shock that I started letting it out in a freaking Bank of America of all places. This was the very place people picketed, it's not a therapist's office--IT'S A BANK! </div>
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Sue* doesn’t look at me like I have three heads,
she doesn’t say, “Get a grip. This is Bank of America and we don't care about YOUR problem. In case you haven't read the news, we have a ton of customers with challenges.” </div>
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Instead, with the most respect and dignity, she
hands me a tissue and says she will be right back. She retrives a bottle of
water for me. And then, she proceeds to solve my problem. Big business with
small business, not big business vs small business. </div>
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She gets it. </div>
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<b>I am a human being. She is a human being. </b></div>
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<b>I am struggling and I need help.</b> </div>
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<b>This is what business is all about--being of service, solving problems, supporting one another in our day to day lives.</b> </div>
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It’s not a business thing, it’s a human thing! I wasn't just a dollar sign, Sue* would not stop, she would not be
satisfied, until I had a solution and felt better. She went far above and
beyond what a damn job training manual instructed her to do. </div>
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I could not stop thanking her
for her compassion. I asked for a supervisor or the name of someone to send a letter of
recognition to and she declined and simply said, “I’m just happy I could help
you.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>We should ALL be so lucky to do the same for our customers. </b></div>
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Do the same for them. Do the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no glory, no big pay
out or a plaque in Sue's* honor. There was one simple gesture bestowed upon me in a
time where I needed it most. And it was enough to remind me that it’s not about
big vs small, or neighbor vs neighbor or return on investment. If you always strive to give and help
and truly pull people up in business, you will get that same respect and honor bestowed
upon you when you least expect it but very much so need it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*name has been changed for the story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Like this story? Feel free to share it! And for more adventures in entrepreneurship, hop on over to <a href="http://Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a> or send me a Tweet <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jaclynmullen" target="_blank">@jaclynmullen</a> You can even join me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jaclynmullen" target="_blank">Instagram. </a></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-8912634065518224392013-04-22T03:33:00.001-07:002013-04-22T03:41:53.981-07:00What's Keeping Your Soul Sewn Together?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The long black dress. </b>Not little. Not formal. Simple, black
cotton. First spotted in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station. I had
been walking for about 40 plus blocks and stopped just beyond the New York Public Library. <i>(The one
where Carrie gets stood up by Big on her wedding day).</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I noticed my reflection in the window first. I looked tired, worn out and yet, energized by the city. Next, I saw the window displays with beautiful clothes--summer outfits adorned with bags worn by mannequins with awkward poses. That's when the long
black dress caught my eye. There was a sign in the window, $12.00. The store
was H&M. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been nearly 5 months since I made the decision to be
bi-coastal. With that decision came two rents, my recurring car payment back in LA, subway
fares, groceries double the price. Living between two cities wasn’t a matter of
budgeting, it was a matter of sacrificing. And that long, black $12.00 dress was
tapping into my temptation bone. I justified all the places I could wear it.
“Black goes with everything.” It wasn’t so much the $12.00 I was resisting. I
had learned a new responsibility about discipline, sacrifice and money and I
didn’t want to throw those lessons down the drain with one impulsive purchase.
Just then, my inner lawyer started another side of the debate. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It’s $12.00.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You have been working SO HARD.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For crying out
loud, you are walking from 14<sup>th</sup> street to 71<sup>st</sup> to save on
subway fare! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You’ve been eating peanut butter and jelly for dinner for a week.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Go ahead, get the dress. You won’t regret it. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in and out of the H&M store in a flash, long black
dress in tow. As my imagination served correct, I would wear the long black
dress the very next day. It made me feel ultra feminine and slight hipster. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A
few months later, I would wear the dress on top of a peak in the British Virgin
Islands for a Goddess Circle with a powerful intuitive and amazing group of
women. I would then wear the dress to Florida to visit my grandparents. And
that’s when my $12.00 treasure almost went to the long black dress graveyard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve all heard the term <u>you pay for what you get</u> so my long
black cotton dress, through it’s physical trips and travels and those trips to
the washing machine, had started to come undone. Actually, it was one of the straps that
held the dress up. It was clearly becoming unattached and I panicked. I already had enough challenges with trying to grow a business and make it in two cities--I certainly didn't need to flash anyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just then, I remembered, “Hey, my grandmother used to sow. I
am here with her now, perhaps she can help me.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My grandmother was 81 years old. Aging had made her very depressed and sad at the loss of her independence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget the smile on her face the morning we
sat at the breakfast table chatting. Inspired by my BVI trip, I was playing UB40's cover of "Can't Help Falling In Love With You." My aunt had come in with the long black dress and asked my grandmother in Armenian to sow it for me. I don’t speak Armenian, and
my grandmother was aware of the fact. Perhaps my aunt asked her in Armenian in
case she declined. Maybe she’d be embarrassed. Within a few minutes, she had
her sewing kit out. That's when the huge smile grew across her face and an even larger smile grew on mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My grandmother wasn’t just sewing my strap back together. She was
leaving me with her touch, always, right there to the left of my heart, always within reach anytime I looked at or would wear my long black
dress. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t believe I had the long black dress packed with me on March 8<sup>th</sup>, 2012, when my grandmother died. It’s hard to recall
that period in time, and what I was wearing. Similar to how I had felt that day on the corner of a busy street in
Manhattan, I knew the time would be another lesson in responsibility, sacrifice
and discipline.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost a year after that, April 19<sup>th</sup>, 2013, I
stared at the long black dress hanging on a door seam. My father had been in
the hospital for over a week and I would wear the dress to feel my grandmother's
spirit with me, to feel her strength, to remember her smile through yet another
difficult time. Only the responsibility and discipline were far
greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fonjivd0_SHrmQyWBwzX_Av7E-29DDUx91s9gz-qsYLTVo0sMTr44_cgmZIekmn-bxgO7n6qp7dc-Mk31UVkI58OaULY5z7od2BxkOPRYANq08UhxYunUQBC2abo6v2YeK-uy6z42a4/s1600/LongBlackDress_JaclynMullenBlog_WhatsKeepingYourSoulSewnTogether_JaclynMullen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fonjivd0_SHrmQyWBwzX_Av7E-29DDUx91s9gz-qsYLTVo0sMTr44_cgmZIekmn-bxgO7n6qp7dc-Mk31UVkI58OaULY5z7od2BxkOPRYANq08UhxYunUQBC2abo6v2YeK-uy6z42a4/s320/LongBlackDress_JaclynMullenBlog_WhatsKeepingYourSoulSewnTogether_JaclynMullen.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would have never known, some 3 years prior, that this darn
$12.00 dress would become a metaphor for life. For learning how to treat
yourself to something you want, for rewarding yourself for defying the need for
daily instant gratification. For remembering that even as people pass, their
imprints on our soul, the lessons they’ve instilled in us, the morals they have
left behind, do not. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I hope every single one of you that reads this finds
that one possession or two in your closet or jewelry box. The one that most
people think or assume serves you on a materialistic level. But it’s that one
piece or possession that reminds you how far you've come and that you deserve to be rewarded. To be strong yet
nurturing. To be able to sacrifice and also learn to acknowledge ourselves in
the same instance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To long black dresses, to little black dresses, to rewarding
discipline, hard work and sacrifice and last but not least, to keeping our
souls sewn together no matter what may happen in life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><u>What's keeping your soul sewn together? </u></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Want to keep up with my adventures in entrepreneurship? Looking for a little advice on marketing, mentorship and making it happen for yourself? Perhaps you just need a little nudge to create content, connections and communications. I welcome one, I welcome all. So come on over and join me at <a href="http://Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-15664428299993896592013-04-09T19:33:00.001-07:002013-04-09T19:33:08.390-07:00The Priority of Pressure
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m tired. It’s only Tuesday. There are 1,000 other things
on my mind aside from blogging. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How many emails do I still have to answer?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I need to revise and update those two reports.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>My throat hurts. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I’m still jet lagged. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this, well this is the loudest “thing” I keep hearing
over and over and over. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Why do I feel like I’ve hit a plateau? Who am I right
now?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because, sometimes in entrepreneurship, other things take
precedence. Because sometimes <b><u>we are doing enough to propel us forward.</u></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because maintenance in entrepreneurship vs “being in full
throttle mode 24/7” is better than burning out, not having any clarity and
closing the doors on your business as fast as they opened. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The pressure is good for you. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s the cliché. And while that may be true to varying
degrees, the pressure can also prevent you from clear, concise actions. The pressure can prevent you from
accepting that every great leader was once where you are today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trying. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tired. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stuck. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Questioning themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learning as they go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Confused on how or if they are ever going to get “there.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when you reach that point of being pulled in 327
directions, that point where you are feeling as though you are in the exorcist
and your head is spinning and you want to walk away from the keyboard and
screen guess what you are supposed to do to survive? <i>The very next item on
your to-do list. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s right. You read correctly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quitting, walking away and stalling won’t serve you any
good. So, even though it may be a challenge, even though you may be in need of
space and a break (things I recommend you give yourself) just look at the next
item on your to-do list—be it blogging, emailing a prospect, finishing a
report, paying a bill—and push yourself to power through. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The pressure is good for you</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> when you know how to push past your resistance and stretch just a few
more feet than you were willing to do before. The pressure is not good for you
when you allow it to shrink you down to size, to compare your path, brand,
messaging, you name it to everyone else’s, to not allow you anytime whatsoever
to process and grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9pZk01L0KjLzO7oLA4fsMjjsTnVU3x2oNHBhzg3cxRX4B6V9WoSrmBQ8IMR0ajXlejTu_4hAC4sdN86lhYaibu6rP0DmpiFjwbROnR6rgYDWpgVA24BbEED9GfCaDhHPKCOvgQXiveE/s1600/BrittneyCastro_Financiallywisewomen_MoneyMantras_Quotesforwomeninbusiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9pZk01L0KjLzO7oLA4fsMjjsTnVU3x2oNHBhzg3cxRX4B6V9WoSrmBQ8IMR0ajXlejTu_4hAC4sdN86lhYaibu6rP0DmpiFjwbROnR6rgYDWpgVA24BbEED9GfCaDhHPKCOvgQXiveE/s320/BrittneyCastro_Financiallywisewomen_MoneyMantras_Quotesforwomeninbusiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Photo credit: Brittney Castro, <a href="http://www.financiallywisewomen.com/" target="_blank">www.financiallywisewomen.com </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No athlete, major or minor league, sets out to maintain the
same record. There is always the pursuit of achieving just a little more than
the prior accomplishment (due to pressure) and then, well then there is rest and
recovery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;">Some weeks, you just gotta stop
pushing, forcing, focusing, examining and worrying that you are never going to
get "there" and really surrender to the idea (although you may not
agree or like it one bit) that you are EXACTLY where you’re supposed to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;">Signing off to practice what I preach this Tuesday night,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;">The Jaclyn of All Trades </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><i>Looking for a little more motivation? Jump on over here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a></i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-6199822781510220402013-03-26T00:08:00.001-07:002013-03-26T00:08:09.855-07:00Back With A Blogging Vengeance
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been at least six months since I last posted to my blog
and for good reason. September of 2012 was one of the busiest months for my
business, <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/" target="_blank">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a>! After nearly two years of hard work, extreme focus and
a passion for digital media, my efforts were starting to pay off. I found my dream office in a
modern building overlooking the Hollywood Hills off Sunset Blvd. I had an
employee and an intern assisting me with my client work load and the clients--they were phenomenal. The creative energy was
flowing and I couldn’t have been happier. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>And that’s when it all came crashing
down like a stack of Jenga blocks. </b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, in early October 2012, I got some pretty crushing
news regarding a personal matter. Don’t worry, it didn’t have to do with me or
my business. Everything there was on the "up and up." For now, I choose to
keep the news I received private. But let’s just say me, my ego and my emotions
learned very quickly that <b>entrepreneurs aren’t super heroes.</b> Although we
entrepreneurs may not like to admit it or think it, we are just like everybody
else when it comes to playing the hand of cards that life will deal us even if that hand backs us into a corner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>For the first time since I launched my business nearly three
years ago, everything and I mean everything shifted.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>I didn’t care about my
sales goals or about blogging. </li>
<li>I had to begin the process of canceling the
office lease. </li>
<li>I put my entrepreneur skills to use, dealing with the situation
at hand. </li>
<li>And I immediately got Life Lesson 101 in entrepreneurship which was
even though your business can be your passion, even though you can have such a
wild love affair with it, you better know when to walk away and take a break
and shift your passion and focus to things that will be there for you whether
you make it in business or not—such as your family and friends.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between November 2012 and January 2013, there were so many moments where I
didn’t know how I’d get my business back on the "dream" track. Other matters took precedent and rightfully so. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The irony in my situation was that I had always hoped
entrepreneurship would yield me luxury, wealth and affluence.
What I learned was I was blessed with luxury, wealth and affluence in my
ability to work remotely, to travel as I needed, to be calm, level headed and
logical. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, 2013 has started off on a much better note. The
Jaclyn Mullen Media client roster is full (<a href="http://Popzazz.com/">Popzazz.com</a>, Sneaky Pete’s Beverage,
Mulberry Street Pizzeria and more), I am going through my second go round of
<b>Marie Forleo’s B-school</b> and I’ve learned so much looking back on the last 5
years of my life that I can’t help but want to flash forward to the future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that’s it. My quick, brief update just to fill you in and
say hello, bon jour, hola. To say, <b><u>sometimes life is going to throw us a
situation that we may perceive to be a curveball.</u></b> And it’s going to be really
difficult to stretch, to run, to contort your body and spirit however you can
to catch the darn thing. Sometimes, unbeknownst to us, we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>just need to rapidly release a lot of the things surrounding us—ideals,
people, even opportunities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it’s totally ok to take your “time out.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To sit back and
say, “How did this just happen and why?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But don’t sit on the sideline for too
long. Look for the lesson in your circumstances, treasure the lesson and then, come back with
a vengeance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My lesson had to do with priorities, with gratitude, with family.
Only you will know the meaning and value of yours. Uncover your hands from your
eyes, stop looking back and wondering why things occurred the way they did in
the past and take whatever action you can today to make your future different. Let Superman keep his kryptonite. The human spirit and it’s resiliency is the
best super power one could ever have and don’t you forget it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Curious to know what blog post I’ve got in store for you
next? Which would you prefer: <b>The Concept of Release and Surrender As It
Pertains to Business</b> OR <b>Facing The Fear of The Solopreneur Ship</b>? Your call.
Post your preference in the comments below. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>AND if you haven’t done so already, feel free to join me
and 343 amazing people in the Jaclyn Mullen Facebook community. We talk marketing,
making it yourself (be it your brand, business, art, you choose) and
mentorship. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia" target="_blank">Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia </a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Or if you’re bored and looking for something fun to do,
join me in my adventures as a solopreneur bootstrapping my business, saving the
world and still making time for the spa. Your boarding pass awaits at
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/jaclynmullenmedia" target="_blank">Instgram.com/JaclynMullen </a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-85723832043166960422012-09-04T07:03:00.000-07:002012-09-04T07:18:48.263-07:00Another "Jac" Of All Trades Joins Jaclyn Mullen Media: Meet Jackie Carbajal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well folks, it's been awhile. As a matter of fact, it's been too long since we last blogged. But there have been a lot of developments in the summer air <i>(and there will be plenty more developments as we breeze into fall)</i>.<br />
<br />
Our client roster is growing, our skill set is expanding, heck--we're even moving into an office November 1st! None of these changes would be possible without our clients.....or you.....or the people who help the moving parts "move along" on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Enter Jackie Carbajal, the new (and very first) Creative Designer at <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/" target="_blank">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a>. Jackie brings her wit, design skills and humor to the team. We're happier, healthier (being less stressed is a good thing) and we want you to get to know a little bit more about the other "Jacqueline of all trades"!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkItwxZ14xvD9xTBlerUBLiO0N7zPWzZ_cVMEQEX_JQ_jTzCc55ZTO3wWY1a1hlUijywJ4a4qSzq18yAMyDD1-v8rYZBDf4qRDThv9rtLwFGOzEFSxfJDa55Eh_NPh93BMj0jWPoFrvc/s1600/JackieCarbajal_JaclynMullenMedia_JackieCarbajalCreativeDesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkItwxZ14xvD9xTBlerUBLiO0N7zPWzZ_cVMEQEX_JQ_jTzCc55ZTO3wWY1a1hlUijywJ4a4qSzq18yAMyDD1-v8rYZBDf4qRDThv9rtLwFGOzEFSxfJDa55Eh_NPh93BMj0jWPoFrvc/s1600/JackieCarbajal_JaclynMullenMedia_JackieCarbajalCreativeDesign.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Name</b>: Jacqueline Carbajal<br />
<b>Age:</b> 23<br />
<b>Hometown:</b> Los Angeles, CA<br />
<b>Astrological Sign:</b> Aquarius<br />
<b>Favorite Color: </b>"Black is such a happy color!"- Morticia Addams<br />
<br />
<b><i>On a daily basis, you can't live without which three brands:</i></b><br />
<br />
1. Apple aka my iPhone, which has grown into my arm.<br />
2. My Michael Kors Purse and the contents which it holds. I give Mary Kate Olsen and other bag ladies a run for their money.<br />
3. Pete's Coffee/Starbucks/Coffee Bean. Anywhere that I can get coffee. I can't live without coffee<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Which social networking platform are you addicted to? Why?</i></b><br />
<br />
Twitter, Twitter and more Twitter. I like having a forum that I can
express my internal dialogue without the commentary from Facebook.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>What excites you about working for Jaclyn Mullen Media?</i></b><br />
<br />
The idea that it is such a current job, meaning that this line of work
didn't exist 15 years ago. I am excited about using social media in
order to spread "word of mouth" about companies and helping them
flourish. It's exciting to work for someone who is living her dream
because she inspires me to pursue mine.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Where do you want to be in 5 years?</i></b><br />
<br />
I would like to be living in New York City as a freelance designer and gallery owner with my dog Teddy.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Which do you prefer: photo posts or text posts? Why?</i></b><br />
<br />
I enjoy photos from artists and designers: they allow me to see their
current work. However, I love a good laugh so twitter posts from
comedians really make my day.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Favorite place on earth:</b></i><br />
Difficult question, I have 3.<br />
1. Yosemite, the most beautiful place on Earth.<br />
2. Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth.<br />
3. MOMA, I could days looking at art and new exhibits.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Goal you are most excited to fulfill in this new role:</i></b><br />
To create an identity for myself and learn the aspects of running a successful business.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Plug for your Twitter and Tumblr.</b></i><br />
<br />
Tumblr:<br />
<a href="http://tuskrealsavagelike.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">http://tuskrealsavagelike.<wbr></wbr>tumblr.com</a><br />
<br />
Twitter/<br />
@jackiecarbajal<br />
<br />
Pintrest:<br />
<a href="http://pintrest.com/jackiecarbajal/" target="_blank">http://pintrest.com/<wbr></wbr>jackiecarbajal/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Alright folks, look for more J and J collaborations including our Startups and Stilettos™ LOGO! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQLG7dqrLxGIvLiswKhQJ8DAQ3wPtfOth6wB-7cHY4B1t62mzaz91V7JV57I7HNHBCrRPPCdoJgJ3Elr1bVVQvywLM1Te8ZiXAx5fh9Lt7zesbF6Ybn5s3ROpdI4_jI3AwS5dt19LNSk/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><u><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQLG7dqrLxGIvLiswKhQJ8DAQ3wPtfOth6wB-7cHY4B1t62mzaz91V7JV57I7HNHBCrRPPCdoJgJ3Elr1bVVQvywLM1Te8ZiXAx5fh9Lt7zesbF6Ybn5s3ROpdI4_jI3AwS5dt19LNSk/s1600/Picture+8.png" /></u></a></div>
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<i>Let us know what you think!</i> <i>You can always comment or connect with us at <a href="http://facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a> </i>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-72354555664986729132012-05-21T23:50:00.000-07:002012-05-21T23:54:59.049-07:00Meet Our Team: Michelle Lock, A Miami Hurricane, Joins Jaclyn Mullen Media From ChinaThere's an old saying, "Ask and you shall receive." Apparently, it's really true because we'd been saying we wanted some extra support and well, we got it when we least expected it! With that said, Jaclyn Mullen Media is international thanks to our team member, <b>Michelle Lock. </b><br />
<br />
Michelle just finished her freshman year at The University of Miami. In her spare time, she has contributed to the school paper and even helped with Facebook strategy for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UniversityOfMiamiMemes" target="_blank">University of Miami Memes. </a><br />
<br />
And in the 2012-2013 school year, Michelle will serve as treasurer for the Public Relations Student Society of America. Here's some additional info on Michelle. She's been with us for one week so far and we appreciate her work and insight into the international use of the Internet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rvslwFIvZFYaEVBrqrk_AZ35nyy_lfQ0ViQ7axObJkKC5CTHJziuraQcyA_RYcuRNHD0XlKlG4zWnJLs58DBQJa9Q_w6KD_10ZY_QLpFVTrSJ4YKKJDIm6KkWCye-hJj7PY408c4rjw/s1600/MichelleLock_UniversityofMiamiStudent_JaclynMullenMediaIntern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rvslwFIvZFYaEVBrqrk_AZ35nyy_lfQ0ViQ7axObJkKC5CTHJziuraQcyA_RYcuRNHD0XlKlG4zWnJLs58DBQJa9Q_w6KD_10ZY_QLpFVTrSJ4YKKJDIm6KkWCye-hJj7PY408c4rjw/s320/MichelleLock_UniversityofMiamiStudent_JaclynMullenMediaIntern.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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1) <b>Name:</b> Michelle Lock<br />
<b>Age:</b> 18<br />
<b> Hometown:</b> Shanghai, China<br />
<b>Astrological Sign:</b> Scorpio<br />
<b>Favorite Color:</b> Sky Blue<br />
<br />
2) <b>On a daily basis, you can't live without which three brands: </b>I cannot live without caribbean passions from Jamba Juice, my Apple Macbook Air, and Frosted Strawberry Poptarts!<br />
<br />
3) <b>What do you love about social networking?</b> I love how I can connect with friends from everywhere all around the
world! Without social media like Facebook, I probably wouldn't be
keeping in touch with old friends and talking to as many people as I do
now.<br />
<br />
4) <b>Why did you want an internship with <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/" target="_blank">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a>?</b> I wanted an internship with Jaclyn Mullen Media because there are an
infinite amount of possibilities. And who better to have my first
internship with then with a fellow 'Cane! :)<br />
<br />
5) <b>Where do you want to be in 5 years?</b> New York City!<br />
<br />
6) <b>How is social media different in China than in US culture?</b> It is so different! The biggest difference is that Facebook and
Twitter are blocked, so I have to use proxies to get around the
censorship. There is a Chinese social media platform like Facebook
though, that people here use. Social media isn't as portable as it is in
the US. Everywhere, people are on Facebook or tweeting about things on
their phones all the time. However, here in China, it has mostly stayed
on computers.<br />
<br />
7) <b>Favorite musician/group. Why?</b> I love Lady Gaga! Because she isn't afraid to be different.<br />
<br />
8) <b>Goal you are most excited about fulfilling through your internship this summer. </b>I am most excited about building my own personal brand and establishing my online presence!<br />
<br />
To keep up with Michelle, and help her build her online presence, please follow her on Twitter @michelleytlockJaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-32967286231789187652012-04-10T21:40:00.002-07:002012-04-10T21:46:50.510-07:00Employment Vs. Entrepreneurship<div class="MsoNormal">
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</style><b> Sleeping in late, working when you feel
like it, less stress. </b>These are not characteristics of entrepreneurship however, they can be common misconceptions about the
self-employed lifestyle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBosvKSHOwPMONYWHFSrfpgERTyhtIfuOcCE76y9VZING7-QjSkeowlwOC8k7CaoDs7l6qKmp-0cIg4044wzW1ukaTNMzFrEXGKslO4QMpJtNkmUo5lHoU2H94Q1PReAXASOdS77bz51c/s1600/JaclynMullenMedia_EmploymentVsEntrepreneurship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBosvKSHOwPMONYWHFSrfpgERTyhtIfuOcCE76y9VZING7-QjSkeowlwOC8k7CaoDs7l6qKmp-0cIg4044wzW1ukaTNMzFrEXGKslO4QMpJtNkmUo5lHoU2H94Q1PReAXASOdS77bz51c/s320/JaclynMullenMedia_EmploymentVsEntrepreneurship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And while entrepreneurship does have perks like <a href="http://under30ceo.com/considering-entrepreneurship-how-to-know-if-you-should-take-the-plunge/" target="_blank"><b>being your own boss</b></a>, it also requires a certain personality type. </div>
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You have to be
<u>organized, self motivated, focused, disciplined and determined to make it!</u> You
also have to be able to sacrifice luxuries and any notion of disposable income in the
formative years of your business. </div>
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As a matter of fact, on a recent trip, I had a very candid
conversation with a friend of mine; a former entrepreneur who has recently found
happiness in the corporate world. And we couldn’t help but chuckle at the
motivations for our distinctive paths--she <u>(professional woman) </u>vs me <u>(entrepreneur).</u> </div>
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<u><b>Professional Woman</b></u></div>
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-Entrepreneurship provided a lot of creativity but it
consumed a lot of creative energy too. How so? There was the creativity of
bootstrapping a business budget, exploring various advertising revenues in addition to religiously growing a consumer base. </div>
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-A steady salary, 401k and health benefits are nice! They
sure beat waiting on money to come in then crossing your fingers that you cover costs. Oh and they sure beat hoping that you have
a little left over to pay yourself. </div>
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-Working for a corporation allows you the budget to be
creative. If there is a necessary expenditure to help meet the end goal, it’s
covered in a synch. </div>
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-It’s nice to have a life and not work, work, work and work
some more. </div>
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On the flip side, here is what I had to say regarding the
benefits of entrepreneurship.</div>
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<u><b>The benefits of Entrepreneurship/Self Employment</b></u></div>
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-Mobility! Hands down this is the number one reason I work
for myself. I need to be able to pick up and go and bring my business with me. Most entrepreneurs would agree. </div>
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-Distaste for micromanagement, self-motivated. Nothing is
more frustrating than having to wait on something or being told that vision may not
work. You don’t know unless you are willing to try, trust and learn in the
process. </div>
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-Breakaway from cubicle confinement. Whether I work out of my home office, also referred to as my <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Advice-For-Female-Entrepreneurs---How-To-Turn-Your-Home-Office-In-To-A-Productivity-Palace&id=6947357" target="_blank">productivity palace</a>, or the local coffee shop, a change in scenery leads to enhanced creativity. And that means I can think for my clients beyond the basic business boundaries. The 99% had a great blog post about this entitled, <a href="http://the99percent.com/tips/6984/Are-You-An-Armchair-Creative" target="_blank">"Are You An Arm Chair Creative?" </a></div>
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-All the risk, all the reward. Yes, entrepreneurs forgo the
initial perks of a steady salary, health benefits and 401k but if the risk
you’ve made pays off, you reap <u><b>all</b></u> the reward! I’d rather bet 100% and yield
200% the get a 10% standard of living increase annually. How about you?</div>
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<u><b>Bottom line. </b></u> Which do you prefer--employment of entrepreneurship?</div>
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What works best......You may try entrepreneurship and discover that it's not for you.<i> (And that's ok)</i>. But if the ideas of building something from scratch and watching it grow, having geographic flexibility and having something to call your own melt your heart, then you may be fit for entrepreneurship. Of course you won't know for certain unless you try. And if all else fails, you're 401k will be waiting for you. </div>
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<i>Got something to say? Feel free to post a comment below. Want more entrepreneurial advice and motivation? Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=371" target="_blank">Photo Credit </a></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-1475441175369340882012-04-07T21:29:00.000-07:002012-04-07T21:37:17.505-07:00D is for Decision Making (And Determination)<i>This is a catch-up post for a month long blog series called "<a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">The A to Z Challenge</a>." D was Thursday's letter and on the <a href="http://www.thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/">Jaclyn Of All Trades blog</a>, D stands for <b>Decision Making </b>(and determination to get caught up on this challenge). </i><br />
<br />
I fell asleep early tonight. Long gone are the Saturday evenings where I stay out until 2:00 am and wake up sleep deprived on Sunday. These days and nights, I'm making decisions based upon what will serve my long term goals, not short-term satisfaction. <i></i><br />
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Decisions: stay in, get at least 8 hours of sleep, drink plenty of water, workout 4-5 times per week, improve my business daily, blog, have a little fun a long the way while learning to lighten up a little. (<i>I also decided to use my time wisely tonight since I woke up two hours after falling asleep and post this overdue blog!)</i><br />
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<b>What about you? What are some of the decisions you are making for yourself? </b><br />
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Personally, the thing I love about decision making is that it's an ongoing process, one we all face. So many decisions, so many outcomes.
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I "decided" to launch a business almost four years ago. I
called it Momentum Marketing and Consulting because I wanted to convey a sense
of urgency and speed around the work I was performing for my clients.</div>
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The only trouble was, I had no plan. I had no competitive
market analysis. I had no help and I certainly had no idea how to make money. I
can admit, I decided that as long as I covered my costs, I was in good shape which, in hindsight, was total
business brain fail and that’s a tough pill to swallow! </div>
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But what I did learn from that particular decision was so valuable, which is why I am
bringing up this topic here. I am frequently approached for advice on decision making especially as it pertains to business. </div>
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<i>How do I build my online presence?</i></div>
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<i>How do I make the most of a minimal budget?</i></div>
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<i>How do I make money?</i></div>
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<i>How do I determine who my customers are?</i></div>
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</b><br />
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<b>And my answer is that decision making in any facet of your life requires research in a
couple of different capacities.</b></div>
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First, for decision making regarding a business, look into the industry you want to have a business
in. Who are your competitors? What are their offerings? What are their prices? </div>
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This research isn’t a matter of replicating any of the
above-mentioned things. It’s a matter of evaluating them to see what choices
there are for the consumers. </div>
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Next, decide on an initial budget for yourself. How much money
are you working with? What are your top three most pressing needs? As an
example, do you need a website? If so, those costs may be graphic design,
website hosting and a copy writer. The same process can apply if you are deciding on a new workout routine or to even take a trip. Your budget is critical so clarify it. </div>
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Perhaps you can invest in a
mastermind or collective group to get input and decision making advice from a diverse array of people. </div>
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Most importantly, you want to develop a plan. </div>
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Are you writing a pros and cons list? </div>
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<u>Ultimately, when will you stop paralysis of analysis and move forward with a decision? </u></div>
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Hold yourself accountable and write these things down on a piece of paper. I’m not saying your plan or approach won’t evolve but the more honest and clear you can be with yourself, the better your decision making process will
be in the present and the future. </div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1000063680"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987">Photo Credit</a>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-28436673627996896542012-04-04T06:18:00.003-07:002012-04-04T06:21:45.121-07:00Is Being Competitive A Good Characteristic Or A Bad One<br />
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C is not for confession (although I am about to share
something rather personal here). Here goes: I am a reality TV junkie. </div>
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Real Housewives of every city, The Voice, Celebrity
Apprentice, <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank">Shark Tank</a>. I’m not sure if it’s the crazy theatrics of the
characters or the way the producers interweave adrenaline-fueled plot lines, but
something has me hooked. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And all this reality TV watching isn’t a complete time
drain, I actually do pick up a lot of helpful business insight from Shark Tank.
Even <u><b>Celebrity Apprentice</b></u> shows me the type of leader I never want to be:
unorganized, unfocused, narcicisstic. </div>
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<br /></div>
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No matter how different each of the shows I mentioned above
may be from one another, there is a common element that they all share: competition!
Who is the best, most dominant, most talented, smartest, wealthiest, most
successful individual crossing the finish line <b>first......everytime. </b></div>
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And I must say, I have turned the other away from competition the vast
majority of my adult life. The only person I have ever been interested in
competing with is myself and that's hard enough thanks to my inner critic. She keeps me moving on to the next, bigger, better challenge constantly. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So I have to ask, is being competitive a good
characteristic or a bad one? </div>
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<br /></div>
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One could argue that the greatest athletes of time are
competitive but they are also team players. True? False? </div>
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<br /></div>
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And if we didn’t have
competition in business or blogging, what would be the motivation to provide
better service, better content and to stand out from the crowd? </div>
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<br /></div>
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I asked and I hope you answer because I’m having a
"competition conflict." On the one hand, I want to be as successful as my life will permit,
I want to win awards and be in the best shape of my life with a profitable
business, loving relationship and gorgeous residence. Could it be that a lack of competitive nature is thwarting that?</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the other hand, I want to be happy and fulfilled, and grateful for all that I have in this very moment. And if you agree, I'd love to know how you think we can utilize competition to be a benefit, and not a detriment to those objectives. </div>
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<br /></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-33128648539497409282012-04-02T21:18:00.004-07:002012-04-02T21:18:57.939-07:00What Were You Born To Do?<div class="MsoNormal">
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-
</style><i>This is the second post for a month-long, alphabet
inspired blog post series entitled <a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2012/03/eve-of-to-z-theres-so-much-anticipation.html">“The A to Z Challenge.”</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>B is For Born: What Were
You Born To Do</b></span>
<i><br /></i></div>
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“How did you become a watchmaker,” I asked my grandfather
nearly three or four years ago. I was curious how someone from his generation,
without having technical school or college at his disposal, pursued a
profession that would eventually allow him to immigrate to 4 different
countries, own two different businesses and fulfill the American Dream. </div>
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“My father owned a convenience store in Costanza, Romania,”
he told me in his thick Armenian accent. “He was able to observe some of his
most successful customers.” As it had turned out, it actually wasn’t a customer that
ended up influencing my great-grandfather with regard to his son’s future
profession; it was a neighbor. </div>
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My grandfather continued, “We had a very wealthy, Jewish
neighbor in Romania, He was a jeweler. And so, my father asked if my brother
and I could apprentice under him. The next day, we did.” </div>
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My grandfather’s future had been determined by one simple
plea, by one simple request that could have easily been turned down! I found
myself in awe of both my great-grandfather and the neighbor. What if my
great-grandfather had never asked him to mentor his sons? What if, out of fear
of the unknown, my grandfather turned down the opportunity to apprentice? </div>
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<br /></div>
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And what if these very things stand true for both your future and
for mine? </div>
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What things am I talking about? </div>
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<i><b>The act of asking, the act of
believing and the act of being open to learning something new. </b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ultimately I can say my grandfather was fortunate enough to
do what he was born to do which extended so far beyond watchmaking. As an
entrepreneur, he worked side by side with my grandmother reinforcing his strong
value in family first. He was born to be a businessman, born to be a loving,
faithful husband. He was born to be a father and a grandfather. He was born to
let me place pink curlers in his hair and to teach me how to ride a bike. As of lately, he was born to be my honorary chairman of the board. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gNN8ULKb0smfPAjWpIZzBiR4tzZBqjwo4fqNHbwidfblhmXE2bJNIknOJax0pV-ngOsXcDSeVEEsWQBtZLPLmjK5kZQVjyD-HVjb_x1LfEzVaRSAzXa8e0H9GgjzzF7HRPWNjQ5bW0Q/s1600/whatwereyouborntodo_JaclynMullenmedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gNN8ULKb0smfPAjWpIZzBiR4tzZBqjwo4fqNHbwidfblhmXE2bJNIknOJax0pV-ngOsXcDSeVEEsWQBtZLPLmjK5kZQVjyD-HVjb_x1LfEzVaRSAzXa8e0H9GgjzzF7HRPWNjQ5bW0Q/s320/whatwereyouborntodo_JaclynMullenmedia.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Today, on his 89<sup>th</sup> birthday, my grandfather was
born in to the next life. I watched him go, I said goodbye and in the 45 minutes
that I held his hand and listened to his breathing finally stop, a new me was
born. One that will no longer bury my talents and passions below the surface,
one that will not sell myself short out of the need to financially support
myself, one that will lighten up and enjoy the journey without stressing that I can't get there fast enough. </div>
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And so I ask you; are you doing what you think <u><b>you</b></u> were
born to do? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if not, what are
you going to do about it? </div>
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<b>
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<b>Ask. Believe. Be willing to learn something new. </b></div>
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Hope that will help you
as much as it’s helping me. Go out there and make your mark because one day,
you will take your last breath and we should all be so lucky to have that
happen on our 89<sup>th</sup> birthday. </div>
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<i>Like this blog post? I share inspirational and entrepreneurial advice M-F on my Facebook page. Feel free to Like <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1742184725">http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a></i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia"> </a></div>
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<br /></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-90946356355918442512012-04-01T11:21:00.003-07:002012-04-01T11:26:26.279-07:00A is for Advice; Are You Following Your Own?<b> </b>
<br />
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I know it may sound like a silly question but how often does is
it ring true. <b><i>Are you following your own advice? </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhojm_Dw_IbEXVjLtmBtFnE6OxeCTs0fFHC-HO1PsdoVOo46IAKZhDK9pFZcyi_ljiYjO1AwT1nckVC3Mvdi00_l-oBb1Ngd92M9trBVViH35j2DMuy6xb2AK-H34BbbcLniqJq1waxGA/s1600/JaclynMullen_AtoZChallenge_Advice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhojm_Dw_IbEXVjLtmBtFnE6OxeCTs0fFHC-HO1PsdoVOo46IAKZhDK9pFZcyi_ljiYjO1AwT1nckVC3Mvdi00_l-oBb1Ngd92M9trBVViH35j2DMuy6xb2AK-H34BbbcLniqJq1waxGA/s320/JaclynMullen_AtoZChallenge_Advice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why ask? Recently I interviewed a friend in HR regarding <a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2012/03/well-hello-blog-its-great-to-meet-again.html">workplace delegation</a> and
integrating additional staff. I had pages upon pages of notes with really sound
tips! I had so much information that I was able to create a blog post article
and share it with the Twitterverse. But a funny thing happened. The very friend
I interviewed tweeted me back with a message of thanks followed by a confession of clarity:
<b>“Perhaps I should take my own advice.”</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I quickly echoed the same sentiments to myself. I have managed a staff of twenty before, I have hired and also fired employees. So, why was it so hard for me to follow my own advice and past experiences regarding building a team?</div>
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Haven't you ever noticed how a friend, co-worker or family
member comes to us with a challenge and we objectively point out the actions
they need to handle it in a matter of minutes? Ok, some scenarios may actually
take a few hours to remedy but the point is we (from the outside) see clear, we
see cause and effect; we see creative resolution. </div>
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Of course, when the tables are turned and we happen to be the ones in
the “advice-seeking seat”, it’s hard for us to step back and apply the same
approach to our challenges. For some reason, be it subconscious or just a
matter of habit, we doubt our own guidance! </div>
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Instinctively we come up with a conclusion right away but
then, the inner dialog kicks in. “No," we say to ourselves, "that couldn’t be
right. Let’s see what Johnny says, what Cathy says, what Oprah says.” <i>(I
will admit, Oprah’s advice is usually pretty spot on!)</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></div>
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This can be said for business, exercise, relationships,
eating right, following our goals. Then, we go on to collect so many opinions and perspectives that we either come back to <u><b>our </b></u>original conclusion or apply a hodge-podge solution derived from everyone else's ideas. But everyone else isn't you, they offer their perspectives based upon their experiences which may or may not fit your scenario. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Sometimes, the very source and problem solver
we need lies within. </b></div>
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Inspired by recent events (and the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/2012-to-z-challenge-sign-up-list.html">A to Z blog challenge</a>), I write about advice today because I’m a self-help, new
age, self-educated junkie! And while I love my Tony Robbins mp3’s and entrepreneurial workshops
and inspirational books, I want to remind us (yes, me+you) again that sometimes the very source and problem solver
we need lies within. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What areas are you currently seeking advice in? I'll share mine if you share yours, I would love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3062">Photo Credit</a></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-88397633902598511352012-03-31T17:41:00.000-07:002012-03-31T17:47:26.521-07:00The Eve of A To Z (There's So Much Anticipation, I Feel Like It's New Years Eve)Today is the last day of March, 2012--one of the most life altering months I've undergone during my thirty years on this planet.<br />
<br />
For one, I have experienced a huge shift and growth as an entrepreneur. I passed Hubspot's Inbound Marketing exam <i>(it's official, I am a Certified Inbound Marketer, I do work hard to maintain the Jaclyn of All Trades title)</i>, I completed a "Build Your Business Online Bootcamp" (thanks <a href="http://www.shebrand.com/about/about-liz/">Liz Dennery-Sanders</a>), which, similar to exercise oriented bootcamps will need to be reviewed on a frequent basis. <b>Gotta build up that business stamina to make it to Shark Tank someday. </b><br />
<br />
This past month, I even published a few articles on my blog and other sites as a guest blogger. I connected with BizChickBlogs.com through Facebook and within a few days, wrote and published <a href="http://www.bizchickblogs.com/2012/03/what-it-means-to-be-a-business-chick.html">"What It Means To Be A Business Chick"</a>. I also signed myself up for a blog challenge I found through Twitter called the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z challenge</a> where I will have 26 posts for the month of April, each corresponding with the letters of the alphabet.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, April 1st, is "A day" and I am excited to work my writing muscle. I admit, I'm not sure what I may post about the letter Z (feel free to offer some suggestions) but I'm trying to take it one day and one letter at a time. <br />
<br />
My anticipation at the unknown seems to be a common theme for 2012. In addition to all of the professional accomplishments I have outlined here, there have been some personal challenges too. The first week of March, I got a call from my aunt in Florida advising me that my 82 year old grandmother had fallen very ill and was only given a few days to live. Now I must disclose that my relationship with my grandmother was one of the most sacred connections I had in my family. We were more like mother and daughter, best friends, buddies. By Tuesday March 6th, I was on a red eye flight from LAX to PBI (with a brief layover in NY). Grandma had been given four days to live.<br />
<br />
I boarded my flight that evening, as I had often done flying, only this time I was in a daze. I drank a glass (or two) of red wine to calm my nerves. Then, at 5:00 in the morning or so, about 40 minutes prior to landing at JFK for my layover, I became increasingly sick to my stomach. Panic took over as I hopped out of my seat and headed to the back of the plane. I managed to tell a stewardess that I felt faint all before I woke up on the floor of the plane! That was the first time I ever fainted on a flight. Talk about perfect comedic material. To recover, I sat in the back of the plane, on the floor, ice pack around my neck, chugging Sprite and eating mini chocolate chip cookies. I kissed the ground when I finally landed in West Palm Beach, FL. <br />
<br />
A day later on March 8th, at 9:09 pm, I held my grandmother's hand and watched her take her very last breath. It was a moment that will remain with me for the rest of my life. I felt honored, I felt heartbroken, I felt a new sense of urgency around our time here on earth. Death even took on a new perspective in my mind. It seemed a lot less scary and my fear of dying, along with all the stresses of being self employed, the frustration of being single, the self doubt at my ability to be the success I aspire to be, died too.<br />
<br />
As I write this post now, on the eve of April 1st, my grandfather is in his final stages of life. After 66 years of marriage to my grandmother, he cannot go on without her. It has pained me this past three weeks to see him heartbroken yet it has been a privilege for me to wake up with him in the middle of the night, to tuck him in to bed, to watch Dancing With The Stars with him. <br />
<br />
And so I dedicate this A to Z challenge to my grandparents, Adriane and Katch. The very two people who taught me as immigrants, entrepreneurs, lovers, role models and grandparents that we should face our challenges daily and rise to the occasion. Right now, the last thing I want to do is push myself, to go on without them, to break out of the awkward shell I've been in this past three weeks watching my loved ones leave this life. But this blog challenge is a great metaphor! I realize that our life stages are like the alphabet. You can't jump from A to D, let alone from A to Z. It just doesn't work that way. There is beauty in the sequence, in the order, in the progression from one letter on to the next. <br />
<br />
No two letters are alike, no two lives are alike. And I know that no two blog posts in this challenge will be alike. I may blog about business, I may blog about disappointments in love, I may blog about my personal and professional aspirations. Who knows what will come as I connect my brain -----> to my heart-----> to this keyboard to the alphabet.<br />
<br />
So, sit back and relax this April as I take you with me from A to Z. And if you feel so inclined or inspired, take the plunge and go on a 26 day journey from A to Z on your own.<br />
<br />
<i>How did your March shape up? I want to know. Post a comment in the section below. If you want to challenge yourself, start your comment with the letter A. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-23460720365983307052012-03-23T06:10:00.000-07:002012-03-23T06:10:09.405-07:00Stepping Out With Startups and Stilettos™: Meet Stacy Reid, Founder of TINte Cosmetics<h1 class="hover-to-edit" id="welcome-message" style="position: static;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Startups.</b> Some people see them in the technical sense, I see
them in the goal setting sense. Personal profit, professional
profit--I"ll leave the category up to you. Starting something new is never an easy task. It takes clarity, planning, execution and determination.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Stilettos.</b> My devotion to the fictional series <u>Sex and The City</u> has led me to
appreciate the feminine power and pizzaz of a great pair of heels (even
if the ones on my manicured feet happen to be a size 10). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Startups and Stilettos™</b>: Women digging in, defining
their lives, designing their outcome regardless of shoe size, geographical
location, religion, race, marital status, even.....salary. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After
multiple spa, wine and traveling induced confessions from friends and female strangers alike about stagnation in life, I decided to listen to my intuition and begin what I believe will ultimately be my life's purpose: to create a community where women <i>(single or
married, employed or entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast or fitness
rebellion)</i> could be inspired to start something...whatever objective or goal their heart desired but their mind was lacking confidence in. And so, <b>Startups and Stilettos™</b> was born. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Luckily, I didn't have to search far and wide to find the initial Startups and Stilettos</span><span style="font-size: small;">™</span><span style="font-size: small;"> members. As a matter of fact, Stacy Reid, founder of <a href="http://tintecosmetics.com/">TINte Cosmetics</a> was one of the first to "jump in her pumps" at the idea of joining Startups and Stilettos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">No stranger to starting over herself, Stacy's story
proves that the best things can happen when you're willing to let go and
start anew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">SO, congrats to our very first FEATURED Sole Sister,
<a href="https://twitter.com/StacyPReid">Stacy Reid.</a> To honor Stacy (and allow you to pick up a smooch or two
about entrepreneurship), we inquired about her personal startups and
stilettos story. In response she created, and sealed with a kiss the
storyboard below. Enjoy! </span></div>
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</h1>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-1657831069453808232012-03-14T09:18:00.001-07:002012-03-14T09:20:52.341-07:00A Roundup Of Baby and Business Advice For Female Entrepreneurs From Recent Guest Post ContributionsI have a toddler--she is 15 months old, growing leaps and bounds everyday and is definitely changing before my very eyes at an unstoppable rate. Development is a beautiful thing to watch and I can assure you, parenting takes commitment, focus, dedication, nurturing and hard work.<br />
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<br />
<br />
You see, my 15 month old baby is <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">my business.</a><br />
<br />
<b>How many female entrepreneurs can relate to my analogy? </b><br />
<br />
We start off with an idea inclusive of a product or service, we establish pricing
and promotions. Then we deliver that idea and watch it take on a life of
it's own.<i> Anyone up for a business baby shower? I sure could use an iPhone! </i><br />
<br />
At my 15 month milestone, I can't help but look back and say, "Wow, where did the time go" which is often (quickly) followed by "Wow, so this is what the future holds." And while I haven't had to change any diapers for this particular "child", I have had to change a lot of other variables including my evolving business model, my organizational skills and even my thinking!<br />
<br />
As a creative, I struggle between art, thinking outside of the box and interpretation vs, STRATEGY, SEO, and more STRATEGY but I manage the best hybrid approach for me (although it's taken some mastery). Practice makes perfect when changing diapers, rocking a baby to sleep and crafting your target market, business belief statement and revenue streams, year after year. <br />
<br />
Fortunately, there has never been a <a href="http://www.bizchickblogs.com/2011/10/why-it%E2%80%99s-never-been-a-better-time-to-be-a-chick-in-biz-plus-3-tips-for-becoming-a-fearless-female-entrepreneur.html">better time for women in business.</a> And whether we have children of our own or "business babies", we can all benefit from swapping stories and exchanging advice to ensure we create the most well-rounded, happy, pleasant.....legacies, whether they are children or businesses which stand for our values and contributions to the world. <br />
<br />
That said, here are some wise words I've learned along the way as I shift from newborn to the infancy stage. Each have been contributed to various guest blog posts over the past year.<br />
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<b style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: small;">If home is where the heart and office are wake up, change it up and punch in just a little bit before or right at 9:00 am.</span></b><i><b><span style="color: black;"> </span> </b></i></div>
<br />
<b>Why?</b><br />
As I mentioned in Karen Leland's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-leland/two-workfromhome-danger-z_b_917628.html%20"><u>Two-Work-From-Home-Danger-Zones-And-How-To-Beat-Them</u> </a>article on HuffingtonPost.com, <i style="color: blue;">"The flexibility of working from home can sometimes alter your sense of urgency to get up and going by 9 a.m., but the more organized and structured you start off, the more likely
you are to complete your projects on time and without errors."</i><br />
<br />
And if you are working from home, most likely it's so you can save that money, honey. Here's what I suggest you do to <a href="http://www.financiallywisewomen.com/financially-wise-women/guestpostjaclynmullen/">Sacrifice For Your Startup Without Stressing</a>.<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">Pick one thing you will allow yourself to keep as an incentive. Mine
happens to be Starbucks coffee. I need one cup daily and I am not
willing to cut that out. But that high-priced hair cut? Adios. I go to a
beauty school instead and my hair is fine. What is your <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">money must</span></b>?
The one thing that doesn’t give you a pit in your stomach or make you
compute just how many hours you had to work in order to buy it? Allow
yourself<span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: blue;">one money must a month. ONE. No more, no less.</span></span></span></i><br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_645484527" style="color: black;">On </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_645484527" style="color: black;">staying motivated as a female business owner</a><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.womencentric.net/3-tips-to-stay-motivated/">:</a> </span><b style="background-color: white;"> </b></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Practice the “P” word daily. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Positivity. There
will be moments when you are fearful, stressed out and downright tired.
But you would likely feel those things in your corporate career,
too. Each morning, write down three talents you are thankful you
possess. Remind yourself about your long-term goals and how the
power of positivity will help you fulfill them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">These are some of my suggestions but I'd love to hear yours, too. What business advice can you pass along that you've learned over the past few days, months, years? Is your business the same as when you first "delivered it" to the marketplace? </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Feel free to post your advice in the comments section below or join this conversation on the Jaclyn Mullen Media Facebook page--<a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com </a></span> </span><i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-47870879608158366632012-03-01T15:30:00.002-08:002012-03-01T15:35:12.689-08:00Well, Hello Blog. It's Great To Meet Again. Today's Topic? Why Delegating For Your Small Business is SUPER Important.The last time I blogged <a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2011/12/font-face-font-family-times-new-romanp.html">was in December</a>, which may not be a big deal to some of you but it's a very big deal for me.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel like a hypocrite. </span><br />
<br />
I mean, I consult small businesses on the <b>importance of creating and communicating content </b>yet, I haven't created any blog posts in almost two months. <i>(Well, I did enter a contest via a writing entry and I won. You can read <a href="http://national.cleanplates.com/news/congratulations-clean-plates-healthier-2012-contest-winners/">"Breakfast and Business: The Power Of My Potential"</a> here). </i><br />
<br />
<b>WHY IS THIS THE CASE? </b><br />
<br />
Because I, too, am a small business owner. Actually, a solopreneur to be precise. And I've known for months now that I've needed extra hands in the form of interns and a virtual assistant yet I have not taken those steps for my business.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgkiMaH9VmlzrSbNznOVkJnK4EkO-45eQd53L_Zic1cKe8_HjbPk8iYm2Bl3WWOk20_X-yG8Qk_gQyvoLgSG-okCHOOtMP9qCB9Gp8O_CIgyX2Rykpv4u5rPrmWa4IgJ5iZY69B1eaLs/s1600/JaclynMullenwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgkiMaH9VmlzrSbNznOVkJnK4EkO-45eQd53L_Zic1cKe8_HjbPk8iYm2Bl3WWOk20_X-yG8Qk_gQyvoLgSG-okCHOOtMP9qCB9Gp8O_CIgyX2Rykpv4u5rPrmWa4IgJ5iZY69B1eaLs/s1600/JaclynMullenwork.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>This photo is from 2 years or so...not much has changed, except now I have an iPad in my arsenal, too)</i> </span></div>
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Second <u><b>WHY</b></u> of the day coming right up.<br />
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WHY HAVE I POSTPONED obtaining extra help? Because delegating, as well as the preparation for delegating tasks, requires a whole other level of responsibility--one I've been shying away from with <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a> out of fear and a hesitancy to change my day to day operations. <br />
<br />
<b>RESPONSIBILITY.</b> Most of us truly learned of this word when we got our drivers permits or babysat for the first time. One wrong turn of the wheel and we'd drive over a curb or hit a mailbox like I did once. One look away while watching little Jimmy John and he's out the door. Whatever the lesson was, it taught us that our actions have consequences, both good and bad. If you want less of the bad consequences, the premise was you had to increase your responsibility. Makes sense. <br />
<br />
So, why is it that so many entrepreneurs (small business owners, solopreneurs and established business owners alike) postpone delegating tasks and put off the extra responsibility of helping hands?<br />
<br />
What is the true fear around additional responsibilities?<br />
<br />
Well, for one delegating tasks requires that the chief in charge has to stop and step back. YOU MEAN, HAULT THE MONEY MACHINE IN MOTION? Yes. And I for one have used this excuse along with many other business owners I've connected with. We're too busy servicing clients, looking for new business and tweeting and blogging to really map out a plan. RIGHT?<br />
<br />
WRONG. No longer. Not for me. And hopefully not for you. With that said, today, we're going to focus on "How To Prepare For Delegating Tasks And Expanding Your Team."<br />
<ol>
<li><u><b>It's likely that you are spending time on tasks that really don't generate the most return for you as the owner. </b></u> Have you attended a networking event? Want to import all the contacts in a CRM and connect with them on Linkedin? Important, yes. But probably not the most effective use of your time as the owner/operator of your enterprise. Tasks like these are perfect for delegating to an intern or assistant. Data entry, filing, organizing, documenting. </li>
<li><u><b>Determine what tasks you should continue performing. </b></u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MomCorpsLA">Julie <span class="st">Lacouture </span> from Mom Corps LA</a> had this to say about delegating tasks to other employees/team members: "What is it that NO ONE ELSE CAN DO but you? Write these things down and be honest with yourself." Sending an email is one thing but closing sales deals or interfacing with the media--whatever your strengths may be--are the kind of tasks we're talking about here. AGAIN, what is it that you and only you can.....do. Now that you have a clear idea what you and only you can do, examine the other tasks you are performing that a team member can maintain. Spreadsheets of local networking events, prospects, emails, client services, appointment setting--someone else within your organization can assume these roles. </li>
<li><u><b>Develop Job/Project Descriptions. </b></u>What are the goals of your business? Your clients? How do your tasks fulfill those? One of the last things to do before you begin your talent/team search is creating a clear picture through job and project descriptions with regard to what each role entails. How frequently should client reports be generated, benchmarks be measured? What is the policy for time tracking? What type of authority do these individuals have, i.e must all final client and company communications be signed off on or does this team member have discretion? Compile guidelines and job descriptions to help manage expectations all across the board and ensure dynamic delegation! </li>
</ol>
These are my tips (which I hope to implement). Of course, many more exist. If you have a delegation success story or strategy to share, please feel free to include it in the comments section below.<br />
<br />
And if you haven't done so already, I invite you to connect with my growing community on Facebook where I try to keep you inspired, informed and interested. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia </a><br />
<br />
It's back to work for the Jaclyn Of All Trades. Here's to being bitten by the blogging bug, once again. I'll surely never delegate that! <br />
<br />Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-84449337939472126632011-12-15T13:23:00.000-08:002011-12-16T12:51:25.150-08:00Lost As An Employee; Found As An Entrepreneur<style>
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If you would have shown me a magic crystal ball precisely
one year ago and told me that 2011 would be one of the happiest, most
successful years of my life, I’d have laughed in your face and seriously
questioned your sanity. <i><b>(Especially if you looked like the lady in this picture). </b></i></div>
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You see, precisely one year ago, I was clutching
Kleenex, nursing a broken heart, weeping like a baby not to mention completely
lost career wise. I had not even launched my website or consulting business, <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a>. I had no plan, I had no path--all I had was a merciless inner
critic, buckets of tears and somewhere beneath that, a strong faith that I’d
figure out why it all was happening. </div>
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How about you? Have you taken time to examine your past year? How did it start out? How is it ending? What have been the greatest <a href="http://www.shesnext.com/2011/04/journey-to-success-lessons-learned-along-the-way/">lessons you've learned along the way</a>? </div>
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As I flash forward to nearly one year later of being self
employed, working on a ton of great projects with clients I care about as well
as scoring serious professional accomplishments (including moments of giving back
to society) matched with new friends and even a whole new relationship with
myself, I know my life isn't perfect or all that I’d envision it to be.....yet. But it is progressing and that’s what counts. </div>
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Organized chaos. <u><b>Lost as
an employee yet found as an entrepreneur.</b></u> Learning to find contentment in imperfection. Do you measure perfection or progression in your life? Why does this even matter? </div>
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I was lost for most of my twenties but
I was especially lost last December. Who am I kidding, everyday I am lost but
rather than running away from the unknown, rather than running away from the
lack of answers, I now embrace uncertainty and use it to challenge myself as an
individual and entrepreneur. It wasn’t until my "success and spiritual open
heart surgery” as I like to call it (the bad breakup and walking away from my
stable salary), that I finally realized my mortality and allowed myself to truly operate
one day at a time. These days, I ask myself “<a href="http://www.heliade.net/2011/12/10/1364/">What would Steve Jobs do</a>? Would he be
afraid, would he stay stuck? Would he not take a chance?” </div>
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I share this with you because it’s <i><b>important to remember
that we really have no clue what the future holds for us.</b></i> As Steve Jobs even
said himself “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only
connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow
connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, your destiny,
life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down and it has made all
the difference in my life.” </div>
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<u>Uncertainty. The next time you face it, embrace it. Step
into the unknown, dive in with a little faith and trust that the answers will
be revealed to you along the way. </u>There was uncertainty for me surrounding why I chose this topic to blog about
today. It’s been too long since I last posted and that will change in 2012.
Perhaps, like everyone else, I just needed a friendly reminder to step into uncertainty and embrace the many unknown adventures that 2012 will surely bring.<br />
<br />
And if that is the case, cheers to entrepreneurship, cheers to one year anniversaries of uncertainty and most importantly, cheers to what "finds" you too! </div>
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<b><i>Do you have a lost and found story to share? Post it
in the comments section below. </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-38594848841571108212011-10-28T07:35:00.000-07:002011-10-28T07:35:29.197-07:00Listen Up Ladies (Best Advice For Female Entrepreneurs)Last week <a href="http://womencentric.net/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319809164_0">WomenCentric.net</span></a> posed a question via Twitter--<i>-"Women in business, what is your best
advice?" </i><br />
<br />
Initially I wanted to reply right away with an answer like
"work-life balance" or "setting a consistent weekly schedule to ensure
structure and organization." And while those answers are credible, the
more I thought about it, the more my tip for women business owners
became crystal clear. <u>Support, support, support one another and celebrate
every success, no matter how big or small. </u><br />
<b><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_486142007">Support, BOTH
ourselves and fellow shero entrepreneurs.</a></b><br />
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<br />
Out of all the available
advice, why chose this as my answer? The justification is simple. There is no need to
compete with one another nor crucify ourselves when the fruits of our
business labor may take longer to grow than we had hoped. When we see those around us experiencing grand success, we need to stop running on the hamster wheel and take a moment to recognize their accomplishments and our own success as well. <br />
<br />
It's a great
time for women in business! Many of us are <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/66119918/StartupsandStilettos%E2%84%A2SMWALAEbook">launching companies alongside our friends</a> or mentors. Some women experience magnetic client or media attraction and profitability right out of the
gate while others really earn their sweat equity and ROP (return on
patience). Not everyone has the same resources or target market, klout
or connections. So the next time you read about a rockstar female
entrepreneur, don't start the "I'm never going to get there, maybe I
should just give up" or "Good for Jane but I see how long that's going
to last. There's going to be a bottleneck in her ability to scale."
Instead, send some support, good vibes and thoughts of appreciation with regard to all that
you can <a href="http://www.lorinbellerblake.com/2011/10/17/how-did-you-do-that/"><u>learn from a trailblazer.</u> </a>Then, pat yourself on the back for
your hard work and increase your deposits of patience.<br />
<br />
Personally,
I received the best reinforcement of this ideology this past summer
while I participated in a tele-seminar led by <a href="http://toryjohnson.com/">Tory Johnson</a>. As Tory
recapped some words of "womenpreneur wisdom", she shared that one woman had approached her recently and
stated <u><b><i>"My overnight success took me ten years."</i></b></u> I nearly cried after hearing about this particular woman's willingness to commit to success while patiently
waiting <b><span style="color: blue;">ten years</span></b> for it to pay off. <br />
<br />
So I leave you with this. As women in business, we
don't know how long or where our journeys may lead yet one thing is
certain. There will be a lot of naysayers or people who just don't get
our commitments to self employment success along the way. So the best thing you can do
is really, truly, meaningfully support one another. Publicly praise
those paving the way for your shining moment, practice patience with
yourself and your results. Most importantly, enjoy the evolution of your
character along the way.<br />
<br />
That's my best business advice. What's yours? <br />
<br />
<i>(We're going to give you a great excuse to celebrate your success and deposits on patience! If you are in Southern California, be sure to buy your tickets to Pamper Me Fabulous. Get inspired by Intent.com's Mallika Chopra, enjoy the gorgeous ocean views of Terranea Resort and Spa, shop the bazaar, experience beauty treatments, get a full itinerary <a href="http://www.pampermefabulous.com/">here.</a> Most importantly, <u style="color: red;">save 15% on tickets with code OMG.) </u></i>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-54858745731200922292011-09-03T09:07:00.000-07:002011-09-03T09:07:03.699-07:00Flirting With A New Perspective at 30<span style="font-size: small;"> <span><b><u>“Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.”</u></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>quote from Captain Corelli's Mandolin</i></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLsFSXgkH_hp2EHFq61qvfzG0NDWAuxd7eU6MD_OkNCfcB__7wWBsDVycGOzAfTIJJooZ6QcmBK9_griec-dP0WnC33M5ucqDGgHTTbNePwKpzAteCktEFF02DZYzGCsEBAuCzX2mi9Q/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLsFSXgkH_hp2EHFq61qvfzG0NDWAuxd7eU6MD_OkNCfcB__7wWBsDVycGOzAfTIJJooZ6QcmBK9_griec-dP0WnC33M5ucqDGgHTTbNePwKpzAteCktEFF02DZYzGCsEBAuCzX2mi9Q/s320/love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I don’t suppose I ever thought, let alone believed, in <u><b>“fortunate accidents.”</b></u> But, looking back, who was I kidding? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The man that rear-ended me and totaled my vehicle in March of 2010? He allowed my insurance company to provide me with a hefty check and brand new car. The jobs I took <i>(and learned a lot from)</i> that appeared like major, professional detours? Turns out, the knowledge from each allowed me the freedom and confidence to finally launch <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">my own website</a>, my own business. And while it’s still a daily work in progress, it’s mine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>Fortunate accidents. </b>The majority of my twenties were spent pursuing fortunate accidents.<span> </span>And in one week, I’ll be thirty. Does that mean the fortunate accidents will be any less? I hope not. Fortunate accidents confirm what Steve Jobs wisely states in his Stanford commencement speech, “you don’t connect the dots looking forward, you connect the dots looking back.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I have always lived my life with an appreciation for looking back in the rear view mirror. I’ve pursued a Bachelors of Music Degree, incurred $50,000 worth of student loans from a school I loved (all about “The U”), sang my heart out and evaluated the music industry. All that so I could follow the path of entrepreneurship while giving my father heart burn about my ability to pay my $400 worth of student loans back each month. None of these things make sense as I pursue them in the moment but I follow my heart and for that, I am fortunate. <i>(Besides, I really did want to be a pop singer. Hail to Brittney!)</i> </span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">The majority of us don’t live our lives with a blue print anyhow, we live our lives in <b>faith.</b> And my faith is not just some “wish upon a star faith” but the kind of faith that requires you to believe in a purpose <i><u>beyond yourself</u></i>. I see faith playing an even larger role in my life in this new decade. I’m flirting with a different perspective on getting older <i>(hey, at least I’m flirting with something).</i></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I should probably remind you that I will “ring in” my thirtieth birthday on 09/11/2011. This year happens to mark the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks. And while the world at large has been affected by 09/11, I had a childhood friend of mine lose her uncle in the World Trade Center while another close friend (who served in the Marine Corps) lost her brother and fiancé in Iraq. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Do these reasons discourage me from celebrating my birthday, each and every year? Absolutely not. I see 09/11 as a reason to honor my ability to make an impact on this earth. But there is, and perhaps always will be, controversy around celebrating anything on this date. I suppose I hadn’t thought I’d feel such a contradiction of emotions at 29, I certainly didn’t know what to feel on my 20<sup>th</sup> birthday as I watched the events unfold on TV. One thing is certain, I feel empowered to share <u><b>love</b></u> with as many people as possible. So, I am ringing in my 30<sup>th</sup> birthday by raising money and participating in a <a href="">Birthday Build for Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>The economy continues to take its toll on everyone. People are losing their homes due to foreclosure, acts of mother-nature, or even losing love ones from the war that was triggered as a result of 09/11. </b>There is nothing fortunate about that. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">However, no matter where you are, I hope you’ll celebrate something. Remember--<b><u>we are lucky</u></b></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">…lucky to wake up, lucky to make choices, lucky to dare to have fun or dare to do good. I’m flirting with 30 and it feels a lot more youthful than I had thought. Maybe, just maybe, I’m one step closer to finally making a commitment. So put that extra candle on the cake, I’m ready for more fortunate accidents….as a matter of fact, I’m sure the best has yet to come. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hope you’ll help me give happiness and love this 09/11. Feel free to donate to my Birthday Build for Habitat for Humanity <a href="https://fundraising.intelis.com/hfhgla/AThons/Home.jsp?Person=cc0d0bb81319a83a733100082af2d213&Event=cc0d0bb81319a603b65100081dc778e1">here. </a>A special heartfelt thanks goes out to those who have already donated. </i><a href=""></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-55586133718860130302011-08-25T08:07:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:07:31.372-07:00All Directions Point West; How To Find Your North, South, East or West on the Journey of Life<b>I've sat here for the past 4 weeks contemplating which direction to take this blog. </b>North would mean I take the high road aka "professional content" ONLY. None of the <i>spirituality meets business success </i>stuff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7F9nDsECWFZj3P_khDNhpjVU6OgAh7Kuk1tTfEptEgkyKZfY4OKGcctvTo_cL22HgnruYOMpiz5KW-4Eoil2HKcUothQr2_3VfUAYGV0pBQ8gs7X8rLPY9Q0PYOHR4N4u3NkAX8_k4/s1600/Businessandspirituality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7F9nDsECWFZj3P_khDNhpjVU6OgAh7Kuk1tTfEptEgkyKZfY4OKGcctvTo_cL22HgnruYOMpiz5KW-4Eoil2HKcUothQr2_3VfUAYGV0pBQ8gs7X8rLPY9Q0PYOHR4N4u3NkAX8_k4/s1600/Businessandspirituality.jpg" /></a></div><br />
East would mean I take it to the ocean and lay the blog to rest in peace at sea. South would mean I spice it up, and add some personal insight into my love life while starting up a business AND evolving as a person. (This approach was inspired by an awesome, new friend. Self-help <a href="http://andreasyrtash.com/">love author, Andrea Syrtash</a>). And taking it west would entail a hybrid approach, perhaps the most "me" combining business and life advice with lessons of inspiration, motivation and spirituality. A westward bound I go. <br />
<br />
The clock was ticking down between these various directions, and I had to pick one--for my blog and for my life. The process hasn't been easy but I know it's time. The compass and the clock say it's time to pack up the red, over sized suit case <i>(the one that takes up half of my closest in Manhattan) </i>and move back to LA again. It's time to bid the Big Apple a long kiss goodnight. Time to take a mental picture of all the places I've seen, the people that have embraced me as their lifelong friends upon first meeting me, it's time to evolve into another chapter of my life and leave the 29 year old version of <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">Jaclyn Mullen</a>, who is inspired to accomplish her dreams while helping others, here in New York City. As the famous lyrics go, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere, it's up to you, New York, New York."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDzl4N8bXQfNQsgmg9t-g0WcUUAi1dL_6YSlNJPN1HUL7pl2tFkQ76SXq1UW1wu_p2AWYnh9rlbIjLwY_Q9EU296P7NnCvXfxm6PbD2WW8DWXQnIa0JVWgDTA-FyF086F5LMat5wwGKk/s1600/JaclynMullenMedia_Photography_BrooklynBridgeSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDzl4N8bXQfNQsgmg9t-g0WcUUAi1dL_6YSlNJPN1HUL7pl2tFkQ76SXq1UW1wu_p2AWYnh9rlbIjLwY_Q9EU296P7NnCvXfxm6PbD2WW8DWXQnIa0JVWgDTA-FyF086F5LMat5wwGKk/s320/JaclynMullenMedia_Photography_BrooklynBridgeSunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I finally walked the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo credit: Jaclyn Mullen</i></span></div><br />
Everyone wants to make it in the game of life. To do so, doesn't require that you be a bi-coastal nomad like me. If you are looking for a way to "make it" in your city or in your own heart, I'm here to tell you, you can! The map to self driven success includes spirituality, mental stimulation and facing personal challenges, all managed while possessing a daily attitude of gratitude and moving in the right direction for you. How do these all come together? Allow me to explain. <br />
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<u><b>What are your road signs?</b></u> <br />
<a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2011/06/shifting-gears-to-get-back-on-track.html">Blogging, business and breaking through plateaus</a>--these have been the recurring themes I've dealt with day to day. I've often looked back at the past 9 months of twists and turns life has presented to me, each which have been amazing but challenging as well. I mean so amazing that I had NO idea that these things were options on my horizon when I think back to last year. Instead, I've allowed each opportunity to be it's own blank canvas--one where I don't know the outcome, but I paint the experiences, new places and faces plus the way my soul feels <i>(some days found, other days lost)</i> upon my blank canvas to create a new masterpiece rich with emotions of gratitude, humbleness and happiness.<br />
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<b>"That's great Jaclyn,"</b> you must be thinking and <b>"what the heck does that mean?"</b><br />
<br />
Often times, friends or business associates will ask me how I "do it." <i><b>It</b></i> being challenge myself, have a laser focused drive while truly living the life I want to lead. First, you have to look at the signs. Not the stop signs or names of street signs, the signs of the universe such as not getting the job you had hoped for, feeling unpleasant in the pit of your stomach about getting up everyday or dealing with a co-worker. Ignoring what seem to be coincidences as far as people, places or things. When I look back on the past 8 months of this journey, hindsight is of course 20-20. I can see the signs CLEAR as day from Googling the term "co-working in NYC" to coming across the Wix Lounge in Chelsea to, 6 months later, having a close friend from LA move a block away from the Wix Lounge in Chelsea (proving I had come full circle). Big co-relation? All directions point West, for me. There have constantly been recurring signs of LA in NYC.<br />
<br />
What are your signs? Look back then look forward. Write down any signs or experiences that brought you to where you are today. And start paying attention for the future! <br />
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<u><b>Business and Blogs--The meaning of life</b></u><br />
Once you start paying attention to the compass of your life, and begin to follow it's direction, your real test of <b>faith</b> begins. I can assure you, it is not always easy to walk in faith. To trust that, by taking chances or stepping away from what you consciously know is best for you, requires a lot of faith in something. In nature, in Starbucks or in my case, god. We don't always have the answers for our lives (or our blogs for that matter), plain and simple. I cite my blog to say that I have been stuck in a paralysis of analysis as I contemplate whether people reading this want more social media, entrepreneurial advice or a blend of life advice, inspiration and business acumen. I have opted for the last direction and I'm doing so with a daily dose of faith by my side. <br />
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<u><b>Mental Stimulation</b></u><br />
I often joke that the Internet allows us to obtain our own MBA but it's quite true. There is an abundance of information online, it's never been easier to access books, so what are you waiting for? I make it a point to read 1-2 books per quarter and you should too. Information allows your thinking to evolve, information often stimulates inspiration. If you want to move forward, you must expand your comprehension and understanding. Pick up (or download) a book. Reading can often take you places you've never been before without requiring you to leave your town. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>The Way To Work A Compass--Facing Personal Challenges</b></u><br />
So, you've picked the direction you want your life to go. You're looking for a new job, getting out of an unhealthy relationship, perhaps you want to start planning a family or even launch your own business. Whatever your goals are, whichever direction you choose, just remember. If you get to a certain destination and it's not working for you, change directions. Grab that compass, close your eyes, take a deep breath in and see which direction it points to next.<br />
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Personally, I started off heading east, half way through the year, I went west. Then south, back north and now I'm heading west again--for business and my blog. Follow the signs, have faith, then buckle up for the ride.<br />
<br />
That's what I set out to do in writing this blog post this morning. I hope I've taken you on another journey, safely.<br />
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Now, if you wish to help me on my journey, please let me know what you would like for me to continue blogging about. Oh, and one last thing, I'm doing a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity LA for my 30th birthday. <b>Feel free to donate</b> <a href="http://bit.ly/pu17uf">here</a>. <br />
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Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-90294406556738573792011-07-21T14:10:00.000-07:002011-07-21T14:12:55.309-07:0030 Things To Do Before Turning Thirty (The first ten)On September 11th, 2011, I will turn thirty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXYp56mOGsn-kxmD7BuBb-Id0KIBVDufXFZHlOSFVSV__0hgcaeXrF7IZq8JLvLbp9nZEg_Lg_kaJCjMgBpTohO2D2gzUeWBpOQucODpHAO6hyphenhyphenv1K5bWeNYZrdHSzLw7BrIY5VuPFIp4/s1600/30-cake-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXYp56mOGsn-kxmD7BuBb-Id0KIBVDufXFZHlOSFVSV__0hgcaeXrF7IZq8JLvLbp9nZEg_Lg_kaJCjMgBpTohO2D2gzUeWBpOQucODpHAO6hyphenhyphenv1K5bWeNYZrdHSzLw7BrIY5VuPFIp4/s1600/30-cake-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>I don't know what is more shocking: the date of my birth paired with the fact that Osama Bin Laden was killed this year <u><b>OR</b></u> the fact that as of 09/11/201, my twenties will officially be history. <br />
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So, to embrace this new stage of life, I'm compiling a list and I intend to fulfill it. I have approximately seven weeks to make magic happen before I surpass the age of twenty nine. And if you thought I was going to attempt these 30 things on my own, you were mistaken. Join me on this journey, it will certainly make it more fun for all parties involved.<br />
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Let's get started, here are my first ten things. <br />
<ol><li><u><b>30 Stories of Turning 30 blog. </b></u>I'm sure I'll come up with a more compelling title than that but for now, I will start taking submissions and stories from people regarding how you spent your 30th birthday. Did you go on a trip, cross something off your bucket list, help someone in need? How are your thirties treating you? What was the most meaningful thing you learned from your twenties? Email stories to: <a href="mailto:info@jaclynmullenmedia.com">info@jaclynmullenmedia.com</a> <b><i>DEADLINE August 26th, 2011.</i></b></li>
<li><u><b>Birthday build. </b></u>I will be celebrating my 30th birthday by raising funds for <a href="http://www.habitatla.org/">Habitat for Humanity Greater LA.</a> I plan to raise $5,000 and gather a group of friends to work on an actual Habitat Site. If you'd care to join in, save the date of Saturday September 10th, 2011. More details to come these following few weeks. </li>
<li><u><b>Publish an E-book. </b></u>Yes. I need to practice what I often wisely preach to my clients and publish an ebook. I am contemplating the idea of inspirational content and stories vs. practical business advice. Any thoughts? Topics? Subjects you'd like to read about? Let me know. </li>
<li><u><b>Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. </b></u>It's a New York City landmark. And it's easily accessible to me when I am in Manhattan. The word around the city that never sleeps is you are to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and eat a slice of Grimraldi's pizza in Brooklyn then turn around, and walk back to Manhattan. I'll keep you posted on my progress. </li>
<li><u><b>Write and record another song. </b></u>I went to school for Music. I danced my whole life and yet, somehow I have let the artistic side of me sit on the sidelines for way too long. Considering my Mac proficiency, it should be no problem for me to write and record another song. Your ears may thank me later. </li>
<li><u><b>Enroll in an Improv Comedy Class. </b></u>I've <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRajDHBT8uw">graduated from stand up comedy school</a>, now it's time to conquer another form of comedy. I've got plenty of accents and imitations just itching to break out. Tweeeeeder. </li>
<li><u><b>Volunteer my business savvy for a good cause. </b></u>A recent contact I met for drinks told me about <a href="http://sparked.com/">Sparked.com</a>, a website that allows you to volunteer ONLINE. There are a variety of great topics and ways to contribute including Blogging, Marketing, Social Media. If you haven't heard of it before, check it out.</li>
<li><u><b>Reach out and contact three of my idols in business. </b></u>You never know what doors may open if you at least knock. Maybe I'll Tweet them or send them a hand written note, heck I may even give them a call. More to come on this.</li>
<li><u><b>Plan a performance. </b></u>I've been saying it over and over again, I want to put on a show. So, I am either going to get a license to perform at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica this September or I am going to perform at an open mic in NYC this August. TBA.</li>
<li><u><b>You decide.</b></u> Thinking of thirty things to do before turning thirty is a lot of work so please, suggest something for me. I'm pretty open minded, although I am law abiding so nothing crazy folks. Share some ideas you think may help diversify the next 49 days of life at 29. </li>
</ol>All in all, I'm quite nervous about this new chapter. But since I am still 29, I'm not going to stress anything too much, (at least not until September 1st when the countdown will begin). For now, I'm going to focus on my list and experiencing new opportunities. I'm going to listen to the wise words of Dan Benson who once said, <u><b>"It's not a successful climb unless you enjoy the journey."</b></u><br />
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In that case, bon voyage twenties! Bon voyage. <br />
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<span id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body">Signing off, </span></span><br />
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<b><span id="aptureStartContent" style="font-size: large;"><span class="body">The Jaclyn of All Trades</span></span></b><br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUolhuUcZ10pARQ872OWWvHxah6p2-0nnraxRRFlSZZ3rHZ6x7NXHKJSe-pjIKcstVCGptCWrL_Hr-h08TsbRBz0SaPCcycddmfDYkzmQ0QLxZ4nvsqUDboh-Gae_pj526ZZg5T0lQlA8/s1600/Jac_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUolhuUcZ10pARQ872OWWvHxah6p2-0nnraxRRFlSZZ3rHZ6x7NXHKJSe-pjIKcstVCGptCWrL_Hr-h08TsbRBz0SaPCcycddmfDYkzmQ0QLxZ4nvsqUDboh-Gae_pj526ZZg5T0lQlA8/s200/Jac_1.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br />
<span id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body"><i>Are we connected? Join me on Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook.</i></span></span><br />
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<span id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body">Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jaclynmullen">@jaclynmullen</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynofalltrades"><span id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body">http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynofalltrades </span></span> </a><br />
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia</a>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-63716783539835704312011-07-04T06:45:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:45:23.625-07:00Barbecues, Beaches and Blogs-God Bless America Blog Post<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Fourth of July. </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Independence Day. This year, the birthday of the United States has special meaning to me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKyYJ6EwllIRLms0M8dmmbNWoTn-INzm4Wv5NhzLxnxkOGNN2hucSrOK4An-aeTafZlm2yGSzMY3PK-VdDrwJJ0BmkEfoLo58ihE7tc1EmPYxiJFQov_zLKDzq92OD8p-5dFpUOmIXrE/s1600/FireworksWashingtonDC_WashingtonPost_JaclynMullenMedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKyYJ6EwllIRLms0M8dmmbNWoTn-INzm4Wv5NhzLxnxkOGNN2hucSrOK4An-aeTafZlm2yGSzMY3PK-VdDrwJJ0BmkEfoLo58ihE7tc1EmPYxiJFQov_zLKDzq92OD8p-5dFpUOmIXrE/s320/FireworksWashingtonDC_WashingtonPost_JaclynMullenMedia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from WashingtonPost.com</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, I’ve <b><u>always</u> </b>admired the fireworks and festivities. After all, I grew up right outside of our nation’s capital. But this July 4th marks seven months that I have been self employed so today’s Independence Day is really….independent from the previous years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, I want to honor all the workers in our country whether they are entrepreneurs or employed in a 9 to 5 job, whether they work at McDonald's or drive a bus. Each day, they wake up and exercise their right to earn money in this free country, a country where people have given their lives for the mere idea of opportunity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to honor the many people like my grandparents who immigrated to this country in pursuit of the American Dream. As I think of all the stories I've heard over the years, tales of dedication and determination, these words come to mind:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>This land is your land, this land is my land</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California">California</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan">New York Island</a></i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>From the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Redwood">Redwood Forest</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Stream">Gulf Stream</a> waters</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>This land was made for you and me.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, as we wake up to the red, white and blue, there’s no denying that it’s summertime (and about darn time that I get back to my blog.) As seasons change, so has our country<i>.</i> Many of my friends are now seeking self employment instead of working corporate jobs, technology is allowing everyday citizens to weigh in on the media, we are in an age of innovation. As my <a href="http://www.quantumachievment.com%20/">business coach Mitchel Groter</a> would say, <i><b>"If you can conceive it and believe it, then you can achieve it." </b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I <a href="http://thejaclynofalltrades.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-would-you-want-to-read-my-writing.html">launched this blog </a>back in November of last year, I initially viewed it as a passion project to help me get my writing fix while working as a Project Manager. Within a few weeks, it became so much more to me as I started to receive feedback indicating that people were inspired by the content. The positive reinforcement encouraged me to grow my blog as if it were a fragile, gentle plant. I dedicated time to write weekly since this outlet was a way to connect with new people and build my <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a> brand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I experienced a few fireworks of my own—I began to pick up additional clients and wanted to be sure to dedicate my time and energy to them. Thus began the tango with my blogger account—everyday that I intended to post, I didn’t. My blog seemed to slip further and further away from me, ideas dried up and for the first time in my life, I felt like I had nothing to say and equally, that no one cared about what I had to say which was even more devastating. Somehow, I let self-doubt and disbelief step into the place of <b>me</b> and they quickly hijacked my confidence. At the strong suggestion of my PPP <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bradyhahn">(professional power partner)</a>, I took the most well deserved vacation in my life and slowly started to make some space to write again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6UEUe80bd9j5cwzK3w_ylh3HEZbnPg7nY7iNzA67ifgpLLo1psNd4T35Ij1w7l9s-dw_Q-HAPWdGLLGr5g83ur5UtY9OZaYrclub_Z0nZzfzvQKkx_37Rv9x1kPTSrGwe2zrQlQvK44/s1600/TheLookofFreedom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6UEUe80bd9j5cwzK3w_ylh3HEZbnPg7nY7iNzA67ifgpLLo1psNd4T35Ij1w7l9s-dw_Q-HAPWdGLLGr5g83ur5UtY9OZaYrclub_Z0nZzfzvQKkx_37Rv9x1kPTSrGwe2zrQlQvK44/s320/TheLookofFreedom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The look of FREEDOM...let freedom ring!</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For someone who has spent their whole life improvising, writing, and performing, you’d think writers block would never be an issue for me but it took many sunrises, sunsets and moments of stillness to go from writer’s block to sunblock. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, beachbound and recharged, I write this entry to continue and thank those of you that have offered a kind word about my blog. I thank those of you that have shared it with your friends or those of you that have found some inspiration from it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This evening, as we watch the fireworks take over the nights sky, as we enjoy good times and great food, please remember what the foundation of our country was all about—independent thoughts, ideas and freedom. Barbecues, beaches and blogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I finally post this entry and prepare to spend quality time with my family, I celebrate this Independence Day for I am living proof of the American Dream.<br />
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For those of you that have helped me get here today, God bless you! And for those of you who believe in yourself, God Bless America. Always remember:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>This land is your land, this land is my land</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California">California</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan">New York Island</a></i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>From the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Redwood">Redwood Forest</a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Stream">Gulf Stream</a> waters</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>This land was made for you and me.</i></span></div><br />
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</div>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-86773156501297939482011-06-17T11:39:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:43:13.427-07:00Facebook Fan Friday's<b>Facebook. </b>Mark Zuckerberg, elementary school flash backs, pictures you wish would never resurface. These are the common thoughts we often think of with regard to Facebook and social networking. But for business owners, Facebook may take on a different context.<br />
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Creating a Facebook business page means that you can keep people up to date with regard to the "brand new" client you just signed. Facebook allows you to get audience feedback for your logo or the latest promotional contest you are running, and it can even help you connect with <u>fans.</u> As a savvy, socialpreneur, I launched the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1709337126">Jaclyn Mullen Media </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Facebook </a>business page earlier this year and have built up growing support from friends, family, business associates and alliances. Each individual in support of my goals has their own story to tell too. And so, I present to you a monthly unveiling of these mysterious supporters entitled <b>"Facebook Fan Friday's." </b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>This month, we're featuring <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/stacey-acevero/20/190/74">Stacey Acevero from Vocus/PRWeb. </a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq9kYCIC2EmrawHRjd3iq0A063zidjP7rEJ-4MvuwG1GV8SdO7QvizcM930bx2yFPbjX2wPaIlbtfc4skzYoP8-xjUAiq1jtWDiC13Ni62DmFDYPHk4CJjlr0mgvbt10Hz76oAe5M3OM/s1600/Stacey_Acevero-149x15041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq9kYCIC2EmrawHRjd3iq0A063zidjP7rEJ-4MvuwG1GV8SdO7QvizcM930bx2yFPbjX2wPaIlbtfc4skzYoP8-xjUAiq1jtWDiC13Ni62DmFDYPHk4CJjlr0mgvbt10Hz76oAe5M3OM/s1600/Stacey_Acevero-149x15041.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet Stacey and learn of her super, social life.</div><br />
Stacey says, "Working in social media is almost a dream to me. I love being paid to do something I am so passionate about, and yet it's such a new and revolutionary job field! My favorite social media platform is <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_1">Twitter</span>, because the wealth of information and ways to share it (tweets, pictures, videos, storify) amazes me everyday. The collaboration and engagement potential is overwhelming, and meeting like-minded people on social media is the best part." <br />
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What has been your funniest social media story ever?</b></u><br />
I have a professional life doing social media and PR, and I also have a personal life doing social media and promotions for myself, because I'm a nationally published model. A professional connection once mentioned that they saw a girl on a forum that looked just like me--turns out it was me, modeling for a sportbike forum. It was embarrassing but funny to admit to him that I live sort of a double-life in social media. <br />
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What is the craziest social media connection you've ever made? </b></u><br />
I'm a huge NASCAR fan, and often tweet while I'm watching the races. Turns out a popular <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_2">NASCAR</span> correspondent has the same hometown as me, tweeted me and now he checks in with me every once in awhile. I couldn't believe my eyes at first! <br />
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_3"><u><b>How has social media changed public relations?</b></u> </span><br />
<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_3">Social media</span> has changed the PR landscape in more ways than one. Namely, the media now looks to blogs and social media for sources, making them more accessible than ever. Establishing a relationship with the media is important before you pitch, and social media makes it just a little bit easier. <br />
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<u><b>You work for PRWeb, what are the benefits to using your company's service?</b></u> <br />
The main <a href="http://prweb.com/">benefits of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_4">PRWeb</span></a> for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_5">press release distribution</span> is online visibility of your brand because our releases hold tremendous SEO with the inclusion of customized URLs and the ability to add keywords, anchor text, links and multimedia. We have amazing partnerships with sites like the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_6">San Francisco Chronicle</span> which pick up your news and gives it additional visibility beyond <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_7">Google</span>, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_8" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Yahoo</span>! and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308334371_9">Bing</span>. The possibilities are endless with PRWeb releases. <br />
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<u><b>Your offices are in Maryland, for those of us that may visit--where are your favorite spots?</b></u> <br />
My fav DC metro area food spot is Davino--an Argentinian steak and seafood place in Bethesda--they have fantastic food and wine. For drinks, I love to try all different types of places so it's hard to choose a favorite. Luckily, Vocus/PRWeb has their own state of the art gym, so working out at the office is my favorite spot :) <br />
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<a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">Jaclyn Mullen Media </a>can't thank Stacey enough for her continued support and terrific Twitter skills. We first connected with her through the PR Web Twitter and have evolved our networking to Facebook and Linkedin.<br />
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To keep up to date on the latest PR Web webinars, promotions and PR tips, be sure to follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/prweb">http://twitter.com/prweb </a>And if you like what you are reading here and want to be a Jaclyn Mullen Media Facebook fan feature, then follow these two steps--Like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Jaclyn Mullen Media business page</a> and drop us a line with a brief bio. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: black;">Jaclyn Mullen</span> <span style="color: black;">has spent the past ten years immersed in consumer behavior, online media, and business development for several companies.</span></i><i><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">As a graduate of the University of Miami, Jaclyn first developed her online expertise while studying the emergence of digital downloads on the music industry. </span></i><i><span style="color: black;">She is dedicated to developing branding strategies and social media plans that ensure her clients and work stand out within their respective marketplace and generate consumer loyalty. </span></i></span>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101549236780887316.post-24291192774755584852011-06-15T05:35:00.000-07:002011-06-15T07:42:33.791-07:00Shifting Gears To Get Back On Track After Dealing With Writers Block<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This will be a short post (I hope). </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I started this blog back in November of last year. I started <a href="http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com/">my own business</a> in January 2011. And for a while, I was able to manage my business and the blog as well as my hopes and aspirations of inspiring people, generating income and creating compelling content when all of the sudden it happened. <b>Fear crashed into me like a tidal wave and I began to shift my focus from creative writing to the panic ridden action of treading water. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kqgqFDHM5WxHHSLhYg4iTmYmlYl6GeXNNIdBgpkP91BvNmVhjMpgM5BrWnKcrZ8_NUmagjQWAcntCi4gCYlQgfX9bJyTblszEzQD6psZbeNfcZxZW61NwMh0DrFKfF-z3RM-hj-qAOQ/s1600/tidal-wave-final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kqgqFDHM5WxHHSLhYg4iTmYmlYl6GeXNNIdBgpkP91BvNmVhjMpgM5BrWnKcrZ8_NUmagjQWAcntCi4gCYlQgfX9bJyTblszEzQD6psZbeNfcZxZW61NwMh0DrFKfF-z3RM-hj-qAOQ/s320/tidal-wave-final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span> </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I abandoned my blog due to frustration and writers block and began generating proposals without a clear vision with regard to my ideal client. I began abandoning my own strategy and advice for visibility and let my brand become less of a priority to me. I took all the meetings I could even if my gut said, "This is not a part of your vision." My focus became fear and I wore fear every single day as if it were a perfume. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">What were my fears? Fear of failure. Fear of losing money. Fear of remaining stagnant and not growing. So I did what anyone else in my situation may have done, I grabbed onto the steering wheel, revved up the engine and shifted gears. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shifting gears is not necessarily a bad thing. We need to be able to move forward at different speeds. The only challenge is when we are in fifth gear going full speed ahead with no destination in sight. As a result of feeding my "fear fuel", there have been some good things that have happened (the glass is always half full in my book). I've been able to diversify the types of projects I am working on and my client roster has grown to now include:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.givetogetjobs.com/">Give to Get Jobs</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Financially Wise Women</b> <a href="http://www.financiallywisewomen.com/">http://www.financiallywisewomen.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As well as a new beauty site which unites women in conversation and beauty products called <a href="http://www.isthatodd.com/">Is That Odd</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've also learned that my creative channels are extremely important to me. Never again will I go without blogging, dancing or acting. A lot of times, when I explain to people what it is that I do, they're often as confused as me, how's that for some brutal honesty. I never sought out to be a singing, dancing, comedic business development person who can tell you about your Alexa rank and keywords while doing the moonwalk--it just happened, it's just who I am and there is a title for it: <a href="http://justicewordlaw.com/the-starting-path-to-becoming-an-established-entrepreneur-2/">Entrepreneur. </a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An <b>entrepreneur</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a person who has possession of a new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization">enterprise</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venture">venture</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idea">idea</a> and is accountable for the inherent risks and the outcome. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And I am learning that a part managing risks and outcomes is being able to downshift gears and find peace, while doing the moonwalk and talking blog strategy. When we only have one speed, there's no room for silence, stillness and the other presence of mind that allows for us to be creative. As business people, artists, teachers, financial analysts, Jaclyn of All Trades, it's important to be creative so that we can uncover solutions. </span><b>Creativity</b> refers to the phenomenon whereby a person creates something new (a product, a solution, a work of art etc.) that has some kind of value.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, the moral of my blog post here is </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">you just have to do it. Do something. Move from a place of inaction and step forward, or take a step back</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">. I am slowing down the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jaclynmullenmedia">Jaclyn Mullen Media</a> ship so that I can keep my eyes on the land ahead, be it the skyscrapers of Manhattan or the palm trees of Los Angeles. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But enough about me, how about you? How has this past six months been going? Are you moving in the direction that you would like or is there some sort of obstacle on your path holding you back from your true desires? Are you making enough time to eat right, exercise and inspire yourself? </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In my case, taking a step back allowed me to banish my writers block and publish this blog post today. While I have been proud of many previous posts, I have to say this one takes the cake. Not because it's "so compelling" nor because it's my best writing yet. This post means I took a step forward to get back on track while facing my fears and pursuing what matters to me. It isn't perfect, but it is progress and that's what counts. </span></span></span></div><br />
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</span></div><span class="Red"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person." </b><span class="Red">Dr. David M. Burns</span></span>Jaclyn Mullenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10088398854587808867noreply@blogger.com1