DawnA

As each day seems to be quite unpredictable, one thing is certainly predictable - the economy is slipping further into the negative direction.  As we look to our new president elect Barack Obama to create a miraculous turn, we realize that he will not take office until January and things are not looking good - we need help now. The talk of working to fix the economy is just not enough - we want immediate action. Some of us cannot wait that long......and January 21st, 2009 will not be the day we see the difference. It appears that the focus is mainly on Wall Street and the big companies as they are looked to be the leaders of the economy. However, we know that this dilemma affects us all. 

Healthcare is an essential part of business. However, the health care industry is also facing major cuts in various areas. Who would think that this day would ever come? When one would ask what fields are sound to find stability - the healthcare industry would be mentioned on the top of the list. The truth is, this is not so true anymore. Hospitals are laying off their employees and replacing them with temporary employees. Nurses are signing on to temporary agencies to keep themselves employed. Hospitals and Nursing Homes have closed. Moratoriums are in place for certain business applications who seek to do business within various states. Partnership programs that provides health care services to low income and under served communities have already close due to the loss of funding and those who remain open are preparing to layoff workers within the next few weeks. 

The healthcare industry is the line of business that we target. However, we have had to make some major adjustments to find ways to stay viable. We had to review our services and find ways to become creative. It is certainly not an easy task as we have to convince the clients that we can offer them just what they need. How is your business doing? Have you considered reviewing your business plan, looking at what you have to offer and who can benefit from your services? As I mentioned before, we are a health care focused company. However, we have found ourselves doing business with corporate companies that needed our service - who would have even imagined that we could cross over? Yet we have and it is helping to keep us alive. Look closely at your business, can you use your expertise and help others in the field?  Have you considered being a speaker/lecturer at a local community college? How about hosting an event that shows off your business? It does not have to be a big shing dig - just a simple customer appreciation day - with juice, fruit and pastries. Smile at your customerslet them know how much you value their patronage. It may be the thing to keep them coming back and telling others - and that's a plus.  

 My family time and business time can appear to be all time consuming. I am always thinking of how to improve my business as well as finding great things to give or do with my family.

I am a firm believer in putting my family (husband and children)first. However, there are times when I have so many things to do that I am unable to be available as often as I like. I always answer their calls - even if I have to say I will call them back - I just have to make sure that everything is all right. My goals are to be the best provider for my family and that includes my time - I am at every performance or any activity that they are involved in. We go to church together, go out for dinners, concerts, museums, travel abroad and really have a fun time as a family.

As a business owner of two companies, I am always at work. Working in my mind, making connections, making appointments to meet new clients, setting up new projects, you name it - I am on it. This is my time - my focus time. My vision time at work. My time to seize the moment.

All this time at work gives me the opportunity to have a great time at play when I am with my family. They know that I love them and they understand that what I am doing is beneficial for them.

As business owners, we are accustomed to facing challenges -- daily. In most cases, we work through them and even though they are temporary fixes - it helps to keep things afloat even just for a short period of time. Financial worries are often a worry of small business owners regardless whether the business is a success, if it's thriving or just barely making it through. The point is we have all had our moments where we celebrate the good times and shortly after face a potential crisis that may change the direction and growth of the business. Somehow, it works out.

However, we have a huge dilemma. It appears that Wall Street is going through a major turbulence. Our government is trying to figure out a way to keep it all afloat. Like small business owners, we may rob Peter to pay Paul - the government is literally robbing us to pay the big guys. Small businesses have quite the challenge to gain loans, contracts, grants and forbid a BAIL OUT. We have to be innovative - stretch our resources - just make it happen.

The truth is there is going to be a tough road ahead for Small Businesses. We must accept that we have to be even more innovative:

• avoid taking on more financial burdens (hold off on buying new equipment and furniture, etc.)
• keep a close watch of your inventory (no need to order more pens and pencils - look in your draw and pull out that pen)
• bring your lunch to work
• try to conserve energy - keep the lights off in areas that are not in use (bathrooms, empty offices, kitchen/dining area, etc.)
• Use the supplies wisely (when a blank paper comes through the printer - put it back in the bin for printing)

It is important to understand that every penny counts. The truth is we need to be in control of the things we can change - our habits. We will feel the brunt of this 700 Billion Dollar Bail Out - other businesses will be taking it easy until they feel confident to resume doing business as they were before this crisis. facing the truth is to acknowledge what most of us already know -- although the politicians have said and will continue to say that Small Businesses are the backbone of our Country -- they have done very little to ensure that we have the same resources available as the major companies - we're on our own and it's time to face the truth.

Whose motto was Be Prepared? Who knew that this motto would be effective for the rest of my life. As a young girl, I was a part of the Girls Scout and that was our motto. These two simple yet powerful words have made an impact in all areas of my life. Being prepared is something that is necessary to handle sudden changes, challenges and everyday issues.

We are now offering training workshops to various businesses. Our initial target audience was to the health care facilities. The workshops are targeted to improve relations with the internal and external clients as this makes a marked difference in the success of one’s business.

In sharing the growth and development at a networking event, I was asked to present the workshop for a corporate company. I accepted the opportunity as it occurred to me that the training would be beneficial for anyone in business. It was well received and now we are receiving more requests that are outside of the market we thought would best benefit from our service. Now we are traveling to cities/towns across the country.

This is to encourage you to not only network but be ready to adjust to the requests that may assist you in the growth of your business. Remember you should always Be Prepared!

 A few weeks ago I lost my father in-law. It was quite a rough period for us all as we were not prepared for the loss. Somehow we knew he was coming back home. When he was admitted and placed in the Intensive Care Unit, we stood vigil by his side.

The daily ritual was to get up early. Check on the business and then off to the hospital. I would go early in the afternoon and stay until it was almost midnight. However, one morning, I decided that I was going straight to the hospital and I would stay overnight, I wanted to be there as I did not like the way things were going. He had suffer major set backs due to the errors made by a third year resident. A procedure that went wrong causing his lung to collapse. He was already suffering from other complications and his body was fighting to regain its strength and now it had to deal with the collapsed lung.

As a health care professional, I decided to stand guard. I could no longer allow them to do their jobs without my presence. Initially, I reasoned that I did not want to appear overbearing, I did not want them to feel nervous, I wanted them to feel free to do their jobs. Needless to say, I realized that I could not afford to allow them to do their jobs - I had to make my presence known. The physicians (attending/specialists)involved in his care and I had a meeting. They understood my concerns and were on top of things - they stepped up and began to take charge. Although we faced an uphill battle at this point,I began to feel assured that he could make it. He had a healthy and athletic life style - as a result, his body was in great shape - there was no question he could make it.

It was a little after 10:00pm I was in the family lounge while my mother in law, two sons, daughter in law and grandchildren were in the room with him. I was asked to come back quickly. As I approached the room, I realized that somehow something went wrong. The curtain was pulled and the family stood outside of the room. I entered into a code blue situation - after working on him for almost an hour it was time to face the reality of his situation - he was gone.

The loss was overwhelming. The days following his death were bleak. I did not work, I cried, I mourned the loss. There was never a day that I did not speak to him. He was a great father in law and I miss him.

I eventually went back to work a week after his burial. It was definitely tough and it still is - we all have our moments - thinking about him not being here to share in the summer activities, my mother in law has a birthday in August and his is in September - no longer at the table for the upcoming holidays, etc.

It was time to get back to business and here I am working again and even writing this blog. The business world is full speed ahead. The competition is at it's peak as the economy gets bleak and we all take our position of being relevant and a neccesity in our field. It is difficult losing a loved one, while all around you everyone is doing business as usual - life really goes on............

Well, I have a list of questions that I often ask myself 

• How am I doing?
• What can I do to improve?
• Am I offering my clients an invaluable service?
• What about my internal clients? Are they feeling appreciated?
  
• Are my external clients referring me to others?
• How effective is my networking?
• Am I investing enough time into my business?

I can continue on with the questions. However, most important in keeping your business report, be sure to take an honest look at yourself. Your well being - your physical, emotional/mental health are vital in doing business. Your purpose in doing business is not only to be your own boss, be in control but to also enjoy life on your terms. You want to live a prosperous life - well, you also need to a live a healthy life. Be sure to take care of the business of your own health.

• Stay hydrated (drink water, 100% fruit juices)
• Make time to get pampered (spa, massage, body rub/scrub)
• Exercise (enjoy a yoga class)
• Meditate (quiet time to center yourself)
• Make healthy eating choices (salad, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, etc.)
• Visit your doctor and follow the standard health screenings
• Travel (plan a vacation - go see other places)
• Spend quality time with your family
• Donate your time, clothes, other items or money to a worthy cause
• Go out for a night on the town (concert, dinner, Broadway show, museum)
• Make time for a social gathering (group of folks who share common interests, friends)
  
• Play golf, tennis, chess, dominos, basketball, softball, base ball, etc.
• Go to a book store pick up that book you've been meaning to read
• Relax and begin to read your book - even just a chapter or two - then be sure to make some time to continue reading it again - even if you have to take it to the mandatory room (the place we all have to sit for a while).

 As a business owner you are faced with many challenges. The pressure and the stress can be overwhelming. Pressure is an effect which occurs when a Force is applied on a surface while stress is defined as forces from the outside world impinging on the individual.

Each day comes with a new challenge and how we handle the challenge determines how we work through the potential stress that comes along with the task at hand. Some days the pressure is more intense than others and it becomes so overwhelming - it makes you question yourself. Is it worth it? What am I a going to do? How will I get through this? Why after all that I have gone through getting things together is this happening now? and amidst all the wondering you ask Why does this happen only to me?

Well the truth is you are not alone. As long as you are  a living being, you will face pressures and feel a bit stressed. The best way to handle the forces that appear to be crushing you is to face them head on as calmly as possible.

•    Look at the situation
•    Evaluate the problem
•    Devise a plan
•    Reach out to others

There are those who feel that they are all alone but wait a minute you are not - you have joined the site. It's time to use your networking skills to find a way to resolve your problem. Go to the board and ask questions. Send an email. Don't be shy, chances are there is someone else who has faced a similar situation. Reach out to the friends you have on your business site list they may be able to assist you or encourage you through the process. It is a time to band together - a time to support and uplift.

After all is said and done -- you can be sure that there will be more challenges ahead so don't allow it to overwhelm you. You have a business to run -goals to achieve - and a life to live..........

Solutions Health & Wellness is showing support with Solutions Cancer Resource Center,Inc. in giving to others who are facing difficult health concerns. One of the things that we came up with is the care-giver baskets which are given to those who are taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill. Although most care givers just do it without a second thought, they are often overwhelmed with the thoughts of losing their loved one - putting their own selves at the back burner. The idea to give was simply a way to show appreciation -- just to say you are very special and we care about you. It is a treat that brings a smile - a lift in spirits - a moment that makes a difference. A way of showing that they are appreciated - a big 'Thank You!'

We have now added gift baskets to the children who are ill and could certainly use a treat (toys, crayons, coloring books, books to read, etc.). Unfortunately, the systems that are already in place are not able to reach everyone. However, we have access and can identify many children who are in need of a special moment of joy. We have reached out to our friends,families as well as businesses and we are pleased with the response. The donations have ranged from sample products, variety of items purchased and already placed in baskets (ready to be delivered), monies(starting at $1). What we have found is that in all the gifts we have received, they were all given with great joy - just knowing that it will make a difference to someone. Nothing can describe the feeling of seeing someone smile or shed a tear of gratitude for receiving a gift basket -- it is truly priceless.

Well, just think of how you feel when you receive a gift especially when you least expect it, wouldn't you love to share that with someone else? I would encourage you as a business owner to give to others who are in need -- no matter how small your gift may seem it will mean so much more to someone. Your business will grow as a result as others recognize that you actually care. 

If you would like to join with us in helping to make it happen for these very special children who are facing some difficult challenges with their health - you help through paypal using the email address dawn@solutionshealthnwellness.com. If you would prefer to send a gift send an email for the mailing address. Please note that your business/name will be added to the baskets.

The fact is that we are living longer lives than our forefathers and mothers. However, that does not mean that our lives are healthier with the advances in medicine, we are able to live with diseases and illnesses that can lengthen our time giving us a longer life.  Have you said to yourself that you have to improve your health? Do you procrastinate in keeping your word to eat right? Exercise more? 

Life is filled with challenges. As a business woman or man the challenges are consistently before you. What do you do when you are overwhelmed with the stresses of making decisions, dealing with various immediate sensitive issues, etc.? Do you grab a drink? You know that alcohol affects every organ in the body? Only a small amount of alcohol can be metabolized by the enzymes in the liver - that means that the alcohol has no choice but to circulate througout the body. Red wine is recommended with one glass a day for women and two for men to help in the prevention of heart attacks. There have also been reports that claims that red wine also helps to prevent cancer. The red wine is rich in phytochemicals which acts as antioxidants and it possibly prevents cancer. However, with all things do so in moderation the fact is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is linked to many types of cancer.

How about your eating habits? Do you eat out or order take out often? It sure is more convenient to grab something quick to eat but at what cost? What are the long term consequences? Will it be worth it? You have choices - they may not be the most appealing meals but how about a salad, steamed vegetables and fish? What I am suggesting is that you make a healthier choice every now and again. You can begin today - have a yogurt as a snack. Drink a glass of water or two when you think of drinking soda. I know when you want soda - you have a taste for soda not water. Well, how about mixing it up - have water when you are thirsty rather than drink soda. When you go to a restaurant have the water, drink it. Start making smalls changes you will soon notice that you can have your cake and eat it too - in moderation. 

A healthy body gives you great confidence and with that amazing business mind that you have, you will be beside yourself with glee. You will be even sharper than you ever imagined and your life will be longer and healthier than ever.  

Now is the best time to take charge of our Health!

 I write to hold myself accountable to my thoughts, ideas, goals..........

The results are in and I am prepared to share them with you. I have great news - the goal was to get three clients and I was able to get two. Yes, I was successful.

I addressed the legislators at the Public Hearing for Access to Health Care. It was a rewarding experience as at the end of the meeting, a prospective client approached me. I have a meeting set up to discuss further.

In addition, I had two meetings set this week one at the Mayors Office to meet with one of the staff members to address the health initiatives and research projects that are geared toward reaching the residents of the community. The other meeting is to reach out to the medical staff members that are parishioners to work out a plan of getting members of the churches to participate in healthy choices and health promotional events. Both meetings went very well, we have to overcome some barriers which we are prepared to deal with other alternative methods.

The debut of my Health & Wellness show aired live on this past Saturday and it will be live on Saturdays at 11 am. It was off to a beginners start and I am very excited about it as we will be having a great time with addressing topics that will promote healthy life choices.

In addition, I finally joined the myspace site. A site that I thought was quite annoying as my girls would spend what would seem like an eternity on this site. I would have to tell them to get off and do something smart like read a book or at least use the computer to research something intelligent.

Now to think that I am a part of the myspace site is hilarious........ I did explain to my girls that it was for business purposes and that I will not be entertaining friend requests from them or their friends. I just pray that I do not become consumed with the myspace hype. On the other hand, I hope it does not become a place where I forget to check in and update as needed. I am a hands on person - not a micro manager - I just like to ensure that my work is representative of me.

Now here it is Friday the weekend is upon us yet again and I have a lot of work to do........... I am enjoying this journey - it's not all easy but it is certainly a great work in progress.