Why Should You Have a Biz Facebook Page?

WHY To Have a Biz Facebook Page

I hear and see many business owners not wanting to create a Business Facebook Page.  Why you ask, would I create yet another Social networking platform. I have all I can do to keep up with a personal profile.  It works fine for my business.

I recently asked a group of business owners their thoughts.  I got wonderful feedback.  Mostly positive about creating a seperate business page to promote their businesses.  All of them reported getting positive response and new business.

Five Pros to having a Biz Facebook Page:

Insights ~

The new Page Admin Panel creates a simple tool for showing you a tracking graph and numbers.  You can see from week to week your overall insights and TRACK, TRACK, TRACK!  

• • 4601.32%
  • Friends of Fans^?

    216,9663.1%
• • People Talking About This^?

    49-37.97%
  • Weekly Total Reach^?

    2,43728.67%

Postings Insights ~

For each post you can see the reach.  Meaning the percentage of people that actually look at each individual post. Sometimes I wonder if a post is news worthy.  This actual post tracking device lets me know the REACH of each of my postings.  So, I can post what my audience actually wants to read.

Networking Business to Business ~

When you are networking as a business you are more credible to other businesses.  I have successfully Coached many businesses and teach that first and foremost you must engage with other businesses.  As a personal profile this may not get you the credibility you are looking for.  As a Business you can PROMOTE other businesses on your page which is the first step in creating a Growing Social Business Network.

Drive Traffic to your Website ~

With over 500 million Facebook users, you are able to drive business to your website via your Facebook Business Page or Pages quickly.  Search Engines are based on keywords used in your business title.

Tabs for your Page ~

Welcome tabs, Contest Tabs, Subscribe Tabs, YouTube Tabs, etc.  Lujure is a simple application for setting up your customized Tabs.

There are many more reasons to have a Business Facebook Page, however the 5 above are the most important to building Alaska Tracy's social community and increasing my business.  Give it a try - create a business page and start engaging with businesses.  Give it three months and see what happens!

Profile of a 'Perfect' Coaching Client

Alaska Tracy ~  Enriching lives via Social Media & Motivational Coaching

My business was created because I genuinely love to help people find their true desires in life and guide them to these desires.


Since starting a business 11 years ago, I always have had a 'Coach' or a business advisor helping me with business goals and decisions.  A person outside the business that can give me constructive criticism and I can be accountable to.  This, I believe has been the key to all the businesses I have owned successes.


My experience is not all people that I have hired have 'worked' out for me.  Meaning, I am not able to understand all coaching styles.  Some people just do not 'fit.'  This is not a reflection on them or me, it is just we all have a unique learning ability and not everyone 'fits' each others styles.


I have hired Coaches and learned TONS of valuable information from them for weeks or months and then I hit a stopping point.  It was time for me to move on.  Maybe I had outgrown them or vise versa.  These experiences have not always been easy or cheap, however, they have all been VALUABLE to me and my experience as a Business/Personal Coach..


I am learning what my Coaching Style is, and what clients are a good fit for me and me for them.  Below is a list of Client Traits from Successful Clients I have had the opportunity to work with.  Success meaning, they were able to implement Coaching tools that I provided,  GROW their businesses ,and achieve the goal they started out with. 

• Open minded and ready to be guided thru steps on growing a 'Social Community', starting a business, or marketing ideas and implementation.
• Motivated to do the work needed to grow and learn. 
• Honest an open with me and allowed me to be honest and open with them ie; 'I am really uncomfortable with this assignment, I am not understanding you, I am doing the best I can.'
• A mutual respect for each others time and the appointment times set each week.
• My own opportunity to learn from each session as well as the Client. 
• Open to sharing successes with me and with their Community. 
• Measurable results for their business -Examples:  One client started a new business and is getting new clients.  Another Client is building their Social Media Community and engaging with them, they are getting referrals.  Another Client has captured leads to their web-site as a direct result of building a Social Community (0-282)!
• Both the Client and myself open to give each other constructive criticism.

These are just a few 'traits' of Clients that work well for my Coaching Business.  What are the traits of your 'Perfect' Client?  Do you know?

Magical DOGS - LAST PART !

GOD = DOG

...And then there was Eddie

Orca J did send him!  She had been gone two weeks and I was on the SEARCH for our next 4-legged house-mate!  Hubby said puppies did not fit our busy life style.  We both believe in Rescuing dogs and mixed breeds and I searched all the shelters in Anchorage hourly!

I thought I had convinced Bobby that Shepherd/St Bernard mix puppies would be perfect for us!  There were 8 available at the local shelter.  He said, 'no puppies, however I will meet you there to look.'  I had an odd feeling in my stomach about a puppy.  Also, a need to 'go look.'  

We met at 5 p.m.  We walked into a stinky, loud shelter in town (they are no longer around).  The third kennel down on the left....there he was, Eddie.  We both stopped.  He had Orca J's head...and well...a corgi body.  Our eyes met.  He pierced into my husband's soul.  I exclaimed...'oh no...I don't want to love him...but I DO!!!!'  The puppies were at the far end.  I said we are really here for them.  Staring at Eddie, Bobby said 'no were not, we are here for Eddie!'  

Due to some circumstances, Eddie was not even going to be there that day.  They decided at the last minute to put him out and see if his 'fur-ever' people showed.

He had been abandoned two times.  Leola (see Part II) came to meet him and told of us his abandonment issues.  He had children in his life and was hopeful we would take him around children from time to time.  His guard went down after her visit and he became comfy around us doing many silly things.  He drinks water in a musical 3 slurp rythme all the time.  He slides off the bed with his back legs straight out and stretches them out slowly getting down to the floor.  He hates mornings and has to be booted outside to do 'business.'  

He loves to chew apart stuffed toys, however, never chews apart the one toy that Orca J loved.  How is this so?  How does a critter crawl into ones heart so quickly and allow love into their heart after being 'dumped' twice?  Unconditional LOVE in the finest form.

I get to continually be taught unconditional LOVE through (currently) Eddie's eyes.  How to forgive, how to be gentle with myself which allows me to be gentle with others.  How to eat, drink water, stretch and get daily exercise, to not take myself so serious all the time, to communicate my wants and needs, and to LAUGH and PLAY often!

The gifts of allowing a DOG into my life are endless.  

Magical DOGS Part II

GOD = DOG

Orca Jean

We loved her.....  Orca Jean. 

 

She got to experience being groomed on a regular basis and being known for being one of the cleanest dogs on the block.  See, I had always wanted to own an animal business.  I created Alaska's only Mobile Dog Grooming service, Rub-a-Dub Dog Inc.  Orca Jean came to live with us right before I sold the business.  I loved hanging with Dogs all day long!

Orca Jean had a connection to Moose.  It was amazing.  The only thing I could figure was that I have never been afraid of these massive beings. I have a respect for them, but not a fear.  We would be out walking or running and practically run into a Moose.  We never had a bad encounter.  At times we would just stop and watch the Moose close by us. Orca J would sit calmly and watch.  Never barking.  There was an instance where she walked up to one on the other side of the fence in the backyard and the moose bent down.  They were nose to nose.  One day her and I were up on a hill by our house walking.  A yearling moose was down below.  I did my usual, 'hello, how are you' and the moose walked right up to us.  I got a twinge of fear in me just as she was getting arms length from us and the moose ran away.  I will always be grateful for those connections Orca J, me and the moose shared.

In the late Fall of 2010 Orca J was not feeling well.  We took her to the vet for many tests.  She was 10 years old.  They could not figure out what was wrong, I knew it was something. I have never had the privilege of having children, however, I believe that I have some sort of maternal instinct and just knew something was not right with her.  They finally found out she was loaded with cancer.  They gave us a week to a month with her.  It was around Christmas time.  She made 90 days! 

A good friend of mine had talked to me for many years about an Animal Communicator friend of hers.  Leola Adams.  I am not sure if you believe in this or not.  I did not...thought it was ...well...just was not convinced.  We did contact Leola to come communicate with Orca J as we were reaching for anything to help us understand what she was feeling and our feelings.  Leola is NOT a fortune teller or therapist, she is a Communicator.  The best way she could explain her gift is if someone was speaking another language that we could not understand, she could interpretate their language to us.  She told us it still mystified her that she could have this connection with animals.  She also told us that she was not always 'right on' and appreciated any feedback from us that indicated her connection to be valid.

We watched intently.  She communicated things to us that made total sense.  She helped us walk gracefully into the process of letting Orca J go.  I had wondered if we should get another dog while Orca J was still with us.  I asked Leola to ask her.. Orca J communicated that there was another dog that she had been in touch with that was perfect for our home and that dog would be awaiting when the time was right.  It was not a small dog.   The other dog was in the works and she advised me to be patient.  It was interesting, comforting, and so amazing to have this connection with her.  It helped us move through the process...all three of us.

I was getting ready for a business conference and Orca Jean let us know it was her time the day before I left.  It was ...well...if you have said goodbye to a dog, you know.  There are no words for all those feelings.  Again, we reached out to Leola.  When we left the Vets, I came home and snuggled with her toys, and blankets....hoping for any connection to her.... her smell something.  I felt her, I could smell her.  I called Leola shortly after and told her Orca J had passed.  She told me that Orca's soul was still very close, that she was being surrounded by warm, welcoming souls and slowly making her journey on to the next phase.  She said if you have things of hers you may be able to smell her or have a feeling that she is close by you.  By the time Bobby got home from work later that day, her smell was gone.  Crazy....and comforting.....She laughed, and danced with us for four magical years.  We felt that she was connected to Gina again.

Part III.....Eddie ...next! 

Magical DOGS Part I

GOD = DOG

While running thru the woods with my current best dog friend, Eddie ~ 'the Public Figure', I was trying to think of a title for this Blog post.  There are NO words humanly possible to describe the love of a dog!

Magical just came to my mind.  The relationship to the current furry being, the three that have gone before him, and the many growing up have been somewhat of a 'Spiritual Experience' in my life.

Reno (a German Shepherd) & Cheyenne (a Golden Retriever) were 10 and 14 when they passed on to their next life.

They came into my life in my 20s.  Reno was a reflection of the scared person I was.  I carried her until she was 40lbs.  (I know.....) I created a scared German Shepherd who was very protective of me.  She also did not like Cheyenne.  Cheyenne came into Reno's life at 6 months.  Cheyenne was a puppy.  At the time I was married to my first husband. He was a kind and gentle soul.  Very soft spoken and loving. I, on the other hand was LOUD and unsettled in my own skin ALL the time.  We moved often within Orlando, FL and eventually to Anchorage, AK.  Reno and Cheyenne were a constant loving support to me.  I depended on them so very much!  

When we decided to divorce and part ways, I was granted soul custody of both of them.  I started becoming a bit healthier and hanging with healthier people.  Reno and Cheyenne thrived on this.  We jogged TONS in Alaska!  The three of us headed out on deserted trails often.  Many people would question how safe from bears I was...I was never concerned with them by my side.

Cheyenne developed brain cancer and passed away a week before I was to marry my best friend.  It was HEART WRENCHING!  Bobby, my husband to be (and hubby now) promised to love and honor me and Reno...she was in our wedding at 11 years old!

Orca Jean

Orca Jean came into our life shortly after our marriage.  A good friend, Gina had passed away of Muscular Dystrophy and Orca was her protection.  I went to see Gina on one of the last nights of her life.  She could not speak just look into my eyes.  I told her Bobby and I would take Orca and love her.  Orca came into the room where I was holding Gina's hand and licked both our hands.  Orca became Orca Jean and we got to be blessed with her presence. The first night she was with us, I had a dream of Gina and Cheyenne running through the mountains together.  I knew Gina would be with us thru Orca Jean.  

 Reno's passing tore me up.  It was right around 6 months after Orca J came to us.  Reno was my 1st dog baby and had been my protector, my running partner, my confidant ...my everything.  I could barely handle the day ...the day it was her time.  I knew it was coming at almost 14 years old.  We were having to carry her in and outside. It was terrible.  She was pissed often.  I said good-bye to her in the best way I could weeks leading up to her death.  On the day we were to say goodbye, my husband drove around all afternoon with her.  He fed her burgers and chocolate and loved her.  I could not be with her.  I showed up at the Vet's office. I sad outside the room they were in.  I felt her soul leave.  It was the oddest moment.  I ran into the room and she was gone.  She always chewed my things up when she was mad at me.  A few odd things happened in our home that next week.  Bobby finally said, did you pick up Reno's ashes? I said no...he said that is why this is happening.  She is pissed.  Off he went to get them.  All was well in our world again.

I hadn't intended this blog to be so long.  So I will make this a 2 or 3 part series. To be continued.....

What is YOUR Social Media PURPOSE?

Do you know your PURPOSE?

...or are you just on Social Media ...because?

I have learned that my purpose for Social Media is to Enrich & Inspire others lives!  I Coach how to effectively engage and create a Social Community that feeds your purpose in life.  


I love when I am Coaching ....usually session #2 or #3 when the client has the ahhhaaaaa!!!!!  It is about GIVING back First and foremost.  When you are giving back to others that is truly when the magic begins to happen and your Social Community begins to GROW and Enrich your business and more importantly your LIFE!


Go out and GIVE to your Social Community today! 

Pissed OFF List!

Let Go of the Past

While reading Danielle LaPorte, 'The Fire Starter Sessions' I was reminded how blessed I have been to hang with people that have encouraged me to LET GO of my past! It has changed my life!

However, I run into people all the time that do not carry the same tool kit.  They CLING to past mistakes or mistakes others have done.  They feel victimized.  This is a tough spot to be in.  I wonder how they can move on with their lives, their goals and desires?  It is painful to watch.  Does this feel like you?  Do you want to be FREE?

10 tools to LET GO TODAY!

1. Breath in and exhale long and SLOWLY 3 times.
2. Grab a sheet of paper and pen (NOT your computer!)
3. Write this sentence:  "I am pissed off at PERSON, PLACE or THING"                  ~Think about seeing someone in the grocery store and wanting them not to see you.  Wanting to RUN!  WRITE THAT PERSON DOWN!  A Place could be somewhere you worked or lived?  Things can be cars, homes, jewelry, money THINGS that have tripped you up in the HEAD!  Do NOT WRITE a book-just a sentence about why you are PISSED OFF!
4. Leave 4 spaces between each Person, Place or THING.
5. In the spaces left blank, list how this affects your LIFE ie; Your Ambitions (maybe to have another relationship or as a Mom), Your Financial affairs, Your Sexual Affairs, Your Emotional Stability ~ for each of these that you list write a sentence about how you feel.
6. On the right hand side list your PART in being PISSED over the person, place or thing...ie;  FEAR (fear that I would never get over him, fear that I will never have a kind loving parent), Selfish (I did for them, why can't they at least do something for me?), Dishonest (you lied to them, talked behind their back, or lied to yourself).
7. Ok....this is a CRITICAL STEP!  Take this to someone you trust.  It could be someone in your church, a spiritual advisor, a person you can trust not to share any of it.  You may not even know the person you share this with.
8. Meditate, or pray for help LETTING ALL OF THIS GO!
9. You may find that you need to apologize for something that you did in each instance...run it by that person you shared your PISSED OFF LIST with first to make sure it is in fact appropriate.
10. RIP UP THE LIST or set on FIRE!!!! BE FREE!  Be free to go anywhere with your head held high and your conscious clear and clean!  Free to move forward with your heart's desires!

Funny thing, FAMILY

Related

Sometimes I wonder if I would 'hang out' with family members if we weren't related.  Kind of an odd thought and yet....I am not sure I would.  Course, I tend to be a loner, so....

Visits from Family

Each time I visit a family member or family comes to visit me, I get to know myself a little bit better.  The older I get ...the less I know about life and the more comfy I get in my own skin. At 45, I am finally able to let my guard down.  Not completely, however more than last year or even 6 months ago.

I have no BIG secrets.  No BIG dramas in my life.  I lead a pretty uncomplicated, simple life and am hopeful I am able to be an example of some sort of grace.  

I have always been one to keep those closest to me at a distance.  FEAR!  Fear they may find out who I really am.  That I am not who I say I am.  Fear that they will see my imperfections....all of them.  That they will find out, I am not the person that my ego likes me to believe at times.  A person who is bigger than life!  ...(I am laughing as I type this, see my ego lies sometimes).

LOVE

When I allow myself to be a member of the human race, no better than, no less than anyone, I am FREE!  I can be transparant.  I can allow others into my world.  I can love freely and unconditionally.  I can see others' imperfections and not judge and criticize them.  I can love myself imperfections and all.  

I am filled with gratitude that I get to have this experience in life.  I get to have relationships with family members that are healthy and they actually want to be around me today.  I get to travel to see family and they travel to see me.  

I get to be perfectly imperfect upon each visit and allow just a little more LOVE to shine in!  

~SUCCESS ~

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

--- inaccurately attributed to

 Ralph Waldo Emerson

Success...What does it mean to you?  Who inspires you?  Do you watch someone and think, how do they do what they do?  Do you feel amazingly upbeat when around a certain person?

Several years ago, I was taking a class and was given an assignment to go to three people that I thought were successful and ask them if I could do a 15-20 minute interview with them on SUCCESS in their life.

So, off I went on my mission.  This was a wonderful process.  We all have a perception of what success means to us.  To hear someone I admired share what success meant to them was very powerful.  None of these three people mentioned money as being part of their success.  They ALL mentioned listening to their heart and the key....following it.  Following their heart and not what others were saying, the nay sayers.  Finding their true calling in life.  Finding the deep down success within.  When they found this calling they were able to find success or a peace and contentment within.  This is when their life and changed for them.

Two of the people I interviewed were, Mariel Hemingway and her boyfriend, Bobby Williams.  I became connected to them because my husband's name is Bobby Williams, and an old friend lived next to Mariel growing up.  So, I asked them to be my friend on Facebook and they said yes.

It was such a wonderful interview we had.  I remember having their home numbers and cell phones as we tried to connect for two weeks.  Finally, we made the connection.  Bobby was on the phone yelling outside to Mariel, 'Mariel Tracy is on the phone!'  I was laughing!  The three of us talked for an hour.  They said most people would never have just asked to talk to them.  They are just people..no better than no less than.  We connected on many issues....mostly the connection to people in life and following your heart ALWAYS!

I encourage you to think about three people that Inspire you.  Three people who's lives seem to me amazing!  Reach out to them and ask them if they would have a discussion with you on their definition of SUCCESS!

Grow your Biz ~ Grow your LIFE!

Do you want your business to thrive?  Do you want your life to change and grow? It is EASY and CHEAP ~ and requires effort on your part.


It is an amazing thing to do,'CONNECT' with others!  I work with business owners all the time that tell me they are not extrovert like me.  Truth be told-I am not a true extrovert!  I am more of a home body-I dislike crowds and get exhausted when talking to others all day.  I have learned TOOLS needed to CONNECT and so can you!  If you decide down the road you HATE doing this-HIRE someone to be the Connector of your business.  However, you may find ways to CONNECT that work for you and your personality.


Your mission is to CONNECT to as many people through out the day as possible.  WHAT you ask, speak to others?!!! CRAZY talk you say! THREE ways to GROW!  Ready-set-GROW!!!


1.  Leave your phone in the car while running errands (I know you are IMPORTANT and need others to be able to reach you 24/7!!) When you don't have your little distraction device with you-you just may have an opportunity to say hello to someone! Imagine accidentally striking up a conversation with someone that turns out to be the Owner of a Company that would be a perfect client for your business!  Imagine accidentally meeting a neighbor that lives 2 doors down from you and finding out that your children attend the same soccer camp?  The words 'hello, how are you today' are so powerful. I used this line often 'you look so familiar, I am Tracy the owner of XXX, have you by chance used our services?'  May sound cheesy....guess what? It WORKS!  I meet more people this way (ask my husband)!


2. Ok..Social Media.  My passion and Business.  You get so tired of reading the negatives and the politics.  So....reach out to 4 people a day and 4 businesses a day.  This is the key.  Go to friends or new friends profiles and read what they are up to.  Then on their WALL ask them a question about their life.  You are guaranteed to get a response -I bet they start watching you.  I love the nay sayers!  I spend more time with them - speaking POSITIVE talk-being an example.  Whether they change or not, I always feel better being a positive example!


FOUR business Connections a day.  Go to your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or any Social Media site.  Pick 4 businesses a day to ENGAGE with CONNECT with!  Promote that business on your page, ask that business a question, LIKE that business's posts, REtweet others OFTEN! Do the 4 friends and 4 business Connection for 30 days!  I guarantee you a LIFE CHANGING experience!


3. Reach out to your COMPETITION! Yup! Just do it!  LIKE their Social Media info!  Talk to them-ask how you may be able to help one another.  I dare you to try this one, as I know many of you will not!  This is powerful!!! There are many clients that will not fit my personality.  I want to have somewhere, someone I can refer them to, and I do! I have a whole pile of businesses that do exactly what I do COACH!  I keep in touch with many of these Coaches - I share their info on my Social sites, I email them, I watch them to make sure they are a good referral fit for me.  I even have 'Referral' fees in place.  Yes, you can get a percentage for referring people back and forth.  Hey you may even learn your competition is not really your direct competition.  They offer services that you do not...nor do you want to offer them.  This is a powerful tool! USE it!


I would love to hear from you in 30 days.  I would love to hear how your LIFE your BUSINESS has GROWN! Please share!  If you don't share with me-SHARE with someone!!!


Happy Growing!


Alaska Tracy here to Inspire and Teach you tools to GROW your LIFE!

Head Chatter

When Your Head is CRAZY Talking

What do you do?  Thoughts zooming by so fast you can barely keep up with them. Negative, positive, more than you can handle tasks.  Thought after thought, making you unfocused and drained.

Several things to DO to STOP the Chatter at once!

• Call someone you know is having a tough time ~ ask them how they are doing and listen to them
• Put on your running shoes and grab your dog ~ get outside!  Breath in nature, exhale out mindless chatter!  
• Some form of EXERCISE 
• Take a hot bath.
• Doodle with colored pens or pencils.  Doodle positive words, thoughts, pictures.
• Get OFF the computer for 20-45 minutes.
• Listen to fun upbeat music-dance and sing.
• Spend time with an animal...brushing, loving, walking....doing something with that critter.
• Write a GRATITUDE list! (Pen and Paper)
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Read a FUN book.  Something that makes you smile and is uplifting.
• Clean your Closet -not your desk or office!
• GET away from your desk and your office for 20-45 minutes.
• Visit a neighbor or business near your office.  Ask them how they are doing.  Do not discuss your business.
• Take lunch to someone or a snack.
• Do Yoga or meditate.

Better?  

Self Chatter can limit your beliefs and be exhausting.  Use these tools often to 'clear your mind' and move forward with your day, your life!

Your Home's Soul

What feelings do you have when walking through your front door?

My perception growing up was to always look good on the outside-regardless of what is happening on the inside.


Like I said, this is only my perception.  Sometimes I feel my perception was not always the truth.   However....it is my feelings and I have learned to honor them and not always believe them.

As the years continue to pass, I realize more and more it is what is behind the door that really matters.  Many times I get angry at my husband as I feel we have too much clutter.  He always tells me 'if this is our biggest problem, we are blessed.'  That is the truth!

So...I am going to describe what lies behind our Red door today.  Funny, even as I type I am wanting to describe the outside....

Through our red door...you enter into a home that has been remodeled.  It is an 80s Alaska Split level.  That means the upstairs pretty much mirrors the downstairs.  2 bedrooms up and 2 down.  Tiny little entry way looking up and down stairs.

Three years ago, we knocked down walls and created an open living space upstairs.  From the entryway you can see the living, dining and kitchen areas offering a welcoming space.  Tile and hard wood go up the both stairs. Mismatched oak hardwood floors and warm yellow lighting on wrought iron is in these areas.  A tiled gas fireplace is in the living space and warms the whole upstairs. Silver sage paint with thick white trim is the theme. The upstairs bath is painted a Sea foam blue with white.  The master looks out catching a glimpse of the mountains.  Downstairs a warm shaggy carpet in an earthy tone about 3 shades lighter than this font is over the entire area. That is the 'look' of the home.

It really doesn't matter how it looks as to how it feels.  It feels warm and peaceful.  I know this because I feel it when walking thru the door....and others have told me when they have walked thru our door.  When I come home from a trip, a long day at work, or anywhere I feel a calmness upon entering.

We have created a space filled with love, laughter, contant singing and dancing.  We do not raise our voices or have knock down drag out arguments.  There is an occasional swear word that comes out, however mostly we do not speak that way.  We invite others in to our home often that may be in a tough patch of their lives.  Many time staying with us until they are back on their feet. Though we have never discussed this, my hope is to inspire them, fill them with peace, love and a full belly.  Give them hope!

I sell real estate and see many homes.  Some our empty, some still have people living in them.  Many times there is an odd feeling in the home.  It always amazes me. It is as if the home has a 'soul.'  I believe buyers sense the feelings as well.  I believe homes that were or are filled with love and peace sell faster.  The energy with inthe walls is amazing!

Are you happy with your home's 'soul?'  If not, what can you do to create a positive loving environment?

Stupid NO MORE!

Years ago, I knew I wanted to be a business owner, however I had always thought of myself as 'stupid.'  


When it came to academics, I struggled! I used creativity and a bubbly personality (which was often exhausting) to help me through challenging times like High School, College and Trade Schools.  When it came to learning out of a book or a class room I had all I could do to get by with a C.  Often times Ds and Fs were it for me.  I cheated and often leaned into friends and teachers that I thought could help me.   I felt 'less than' and hopeless.  


I was determined to go into business for myself.  I was unsure how or where to start the process.  A good friend suggested that I seek help from a Business Development Career Counselor, David Goodenough.   With a name like Goodenough,  I knew he was going to be helpful! 


Off I went to meet David at his office in Seattle, WA.  A miracle happened for me that day!  David did a few quick writing tests with me and said I probably have a learning disability, Dyslexia.  Growing up in the 70s and 80s this was not a common word, neither was learning disability.  I started crying.  


David told me of many others that share this disability including the late Albert Einstein.  I learned there are all different degrees of Dyslexia.  I could finally stop BEATING myself up and that there are people that can help me learn 'differently.'   The CRAZY self chatter could stop! I could begin to share with others that too may struggle with a learning disability that there is Hope!  My Creative side could finally be embraced and unleashed!  I could finally stop being that EXTROVERT performer that was so exhausting.  I finally could honor who I really am!  It was a life changing experience for me!  I continued to see David for many years off and on and will forever be filled with Gratitude for the gift he gave me!


I did become a business owner owning and selling one and still the owner of the 2 other businesses.  I never sought out a school for  Dyslexia however I have thought of it and know how to find them.  I have a kind and loving partner in life that knows how my brain works and helps me tremendously.  He GOT IT one day while showing me a picture Tee shirt

I could not understand why he was showing me this...then he said 'what do you see'....I said I Love Dyslexia!  He said look again...I could not see what it said until he showed me.  He GOT IT!  So often times I ask him to explain an article or something that I read.  Directions are often difficult - which was interesting for my employees of a Mobile Dog Grooming Business.   

I ask for help often and do not take myself so serious often which creates much laughter!

3 Posting 'Oopsie's'

Think about your Audience before you post ~

I have never been know to hold back my thoughts or opinions..and often this has resulted in loss of friendships as well as other unpleasantries in life.  I like to think that in my mid 40s I have learned a few great lessons, although I am still no where's near perfect.  Darn it!!!!

As I continue to learn Social Media and teach to others, I observe many people often cringing when  reading a posting. As I small child my mother taught me 3 important rules of etiquete that I struggled all my life to follow!  However, I take them to heart in my Social Promoting.  

I will always have opinions, that is part of being human, however certain opinions and beliefs I share only with those closest to my life.  I have a LARGE demographic of potential and current clients and do not want to single out a particular group by my opinions.  I also am not in a career that I need to let the world know certain opinions I have, example;  I am not a politician or Religious leader.  I understand other people are in careers that behove them to let the world know their opinions and beliefs.   So as I post these 3 Oopsie's remember only you know your AUDIENCE!!! 

I keep all my own opinions and beliefs of:

*Religion

*Politics

*Money

.....to myself!  There have been many many MANY times I have wanted to interject my thoughts on one of these topics.  I have had to shut my computer down many nights to 'get away from making an oopsy posting!.'  I remain true to my business mission.  My opinions of these 3 topics have no place in my business.

You may not agree with my opinion on this,  and that is ok.  Again, we ALL get to have opinions!  That is the wonderful part of Social Media!  We all get to create our own Digital Foot Print...and for that I am grateful!

Image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In Sync with the Universe

When do you feel the ALIVE?  Where do you feel 'RIGHT' with the Universe?  How do you honor those moments?


ALWAYS for me, it is when I am in Nature!  Often in the woods running or playing with Eddie.  I get to live in a magical place Anchorage, Alaska.  It is a place filled with outdoor adventures!  The scenery and wildlife in this State are breathtaking and always amazing! 

 I believe nature is a gift to all of us regardless of where we live.  When I remember to take the time to admire the gifts, I am filled with gratitude!  I am filled with a connection to the Universe.  A feeling of peace and contentment.  
Years ago, I got rid of my gym membership.  I knew that this would force me outdoors more often ~ and it has.  Granted when it is 10 below and DARK it is very difficult.  This past year I joined a Yoga studio and did a 30 day Hot Yoga Challenge which helped me get thru January.  I felt a connection in Yoga as well...different however from being outdoors.  So,  I continued braving the outside, playing and breathing in the connection.  It helps having Eddie, who has many sweaters for below zero days. He is always up for the outdoors and encourages me daily!


My hope is this blog helps remind you to stop through out your day and find your CONNECTION to the Universe!  To Pause, breath it in and be filled with PEACE!!!

Is Your Message Being Heard?

Socially Gifted? 

The Tipping Point

Is your Business, your Product, your Message getting heard?  Is it being sent to the right people to create a BUZZ? A Change?

  I recently stumbled upon Malcolm Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point', while looking in Wikipedia for words to describe my mission statement.

In Gladwell's book he states, "The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts."

 The book is about change and how ideas, products, messages and services spread like viruses to create a change, a message, a product, an epidemic!  Social Media Sites are one example of an epidemic.  Gifted Social beings known to have one of 3 types of personality are responsible for the change, delivering the message, creating the BUZZ!  

 The Connectors:  people that are acquainted with people in all social circles and have an ability to connect one another.  They are extremely Social and love bringing others together.  They are enriched by making connections. 

The Mavens:  they love to pass information and knowledge onto others.  Particularly information regarding the marketplace.  They love to solve problems and have an amazing gift of communicating.  

The Salesmen:  they are gifted in persuading others to agree with them.  They are terrific negotiators and very charismatic individuals. 

Do you possess one of these traits? If not, you may find it to be a struggle getting your message, your brand or your product to your community.  Hire one of these types of personalities as an employee or contractor/marketer.  They will make your life much easier and help your business to skyrocket!

I will now be ordering Malcolm's book to continue my INSPIRATION as inspired as a Connector!

Alaska Tracy here to INSPIRE and Coach you to your Desired Goals!!!

Social OVERLOAD?

It can be daunting the amount of stimulation received daily from Social Media. As a Coach, the biggest complaint I hear is 'I AM OVERWHELMED!!!!!'


The 2nd complaint is TIME! Business owners continually tell me, 'I do not have the time to learn how to be effective with 'Social Media.'  I have too many other tasks as the owner than to keep up with Social Media."   

Secrets to Over Stimulation & TIME Management: 

• Start with one Social Media Avenue ie; Facebook (FB).  Learn it, and build a Community that you are engaging with. 
• Create your company Business Page and FAN Community.  Do NOT jump ship on FB until you are engaging with your community ie; getting feedback on your comments.
• Learn another Social Avenue such as Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, or one of the endless other Social Media Avenues out there.
• Use an Alarm (check out Google Chrome Web Store -Alarms) and a Calendar (paper is best so you can SEE it daily).
• Calendaring 2-3 times per day - 15-30 minute blocks to 'Socialize' with your community.
• Allow fun time in the evening (or when works best for you) to read other people's posts and just have fun being Social.
• Hire an expert to teach you Social Media (hint;  Alaska Tracy).
• Learn the basics and then hire a Media Expert (Beacon Media & Marketing or Bloom Brand Strategies to handle inputting your content daily).
• Watch Businesses that are engaging with their fans and their community ~ pay attention to how they engage.
• Keep it SIMPLE!!!!

Alaska Tracy ~ Happy to share tips for Socializing that you can use TODAY!!! 

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SOCIALIZE!!!

We are SOCIAL beings!  Many of us think we are 'loners' however we are all Social Beings!  


Conversation is a large part of the way human beings communicate.  When you see someone you know do you say 'hi, how are you doing?'  Conversations are a connection to one another.


Social Media is just a connection to other Social Beings.  It is a way to communicate and explore others.


What is your perception of 'Social Media'?  Are you 'clueless?'  Do you watch others growing businesses using Social Media and wonder how they are achieving their success?  You can do it too!!! It is just about being Social and communicating with others.


Here are THREE easy, simple tools that you can start using today to start connecting via Social Media, ways that are proven to GROW your Social Community.


1.  Start engaging with your community.  Go to your friends profiles say hello,  see what they are doing.  Ask them questions about their life.  Pay them a compliment!


2.  Promote others!  Most people love to be told how wonderful they are...so promote your friends and other businesses on your Personal Newsfeed and your Fan Page!  Tell your Community about others!!!


3.   Tag others when posting.  Use tags often to get responses.  When commenting on a post tag!  When you have wonderful service tag that business and  brag about how awesome they are!  Let the world know they are amazing!  They will notice you!


Have fun Socializing with your Social Community today!


Alaska Tracy here to INSPIRE you to Grow your Biz thru Social Media tools and tricks!