Do you ever feel like your business has a life of its own? Some days it feels like micro organisms, others it’s more like the underworld… You may be an entrepreneur, but really, Who’s running who here? Today I wanted to share some tips on how to make sure your many priorities don’t swallow you whole and how you can learn to actually enjoy the juggling act. The irony for me was that I used to have little time left to submit articles… on work-life balance for www.evancarmichael.com , due to all my other tasks and commitments!
1. Get centered and get very grateful before you boot up your computer every morning, by closing your eyes and taking a few long breaths. Your blood pressure will stabilize once you start looking forward to reading your emails and communicating with the world. We are all connected, and we can use our powers for good! This took a while to apply and appreciate… My attitude used to be “Let’s see what the cat dragged in” or “who’s got an emergency for me today”… but now I see each challenge or request as an opportunity to shine and go the extra mile, for my own personal satisfaction and to share the journey with my clients and colleagues. Is there such a thing as the worker’s high? Only if you can derive simple pleasures from your daily tasks, and include a few more pleasant activities throughout your week. Remember, you are here because of your own choices (for the most part; otherwise we would all be on the beach).
2. Pick the people you do business with, based on your own intuition. This may sound odd, but I discovered that we become even more successful when surrounded and inspired by the right people and businesses. Those absorbed by negative energy will never get ahead and meet their meaningful goals in the long run. Try to attract the kinds of projects that are right for you and fit your core values. The rest will follow; it may seem hard to say no at first but you will need to make way for what will charge you with light and a smile on your face. I certainly appreciate my collaborators and clients’ sense of humour! But more importantly, their vision is in synergy with mine.
3. Use your breaks wisely. Most people working at a computer all day (lucky us!) are likely to browse online on their down time instead of going out for a short walk in the fresh air. Not only will the exercise stimulate your mind and blood flow, but the change of scenery will do wonders for your energy levels and outlook. Try to use your breaks to plan something you will look forward to that evening or the following week-end… On that topic, if you are lucky enough to have your clients or colleagues nearby – hold your short meetings outside! Try to incorporate more muscles into everyday tasks and you can eventually cut down on your gym time.
4. Redecorate and have a mascot. Here at 5 Star Communications headquarters, cherished photos and Sam the yellow labrador are constant reminders that our work life needs to flow in sync with the rest of our lives. I am thankful everyday not to be writing from a grey cubicle and having greenery outside my window. Having a pet nearby will force you to get up and stretch every hour or so, even when deadlines are looming! Our bodies react to our surroundings, so take some time to rearrange a few things on your desk or walls.
5. If none of these tips help or apply to you, reconsider your life goals and short term objectives. What is truly important to you? Do you value quality work but have no time to improve your skills on a yearly basis? Do you value health but are eating your stress away at this very computer? Maybe you value relationships but have no time to return personal calls or emails? Stop and realize you can change your way of doing things any time you choose to. You are the boss.
Now get back to work 
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, Reflection & Inspiration.
At the beginning of 2009, I had earmarked the first week of July to take time off and recharge with my busy travelling husband, also a borderline workaholic entrepreneur. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to my regular clients who gave me their blessing, and also thank those who kept sending writing assignments with the tag line “I know you’re supposed to be on vacation this week, but…”. In this day and age, I am very grateful to feel my services are needed, so don’t apologize! I still admit I have a hard time pulling the plug completely, which explains today’s blog on a rainy Friday. Bottom line, we stayed home most of the week, which we both enjoy very much in the country; over 5 years ago, we began embracing the Staycation mode, even before it became trendy. We would go out and enjoy great restaurants and attractions, all within a 150 KM radius; similar idea to the 100-mile diet but in a touristy kind of way – both very green and great for the local economy. This year we took it up a notch, coining the term Daycation, where we would wake up naturally with no agenda, and let the day guide us to what we wanted to do, or not do. We stayed close to home, no luggage to pack, no maps, no service charge. We read, visited friends, worked out, had lunch on deck, saw the Snowbirds for Canada day, drank local wine, strolled through farmers market, swam in the lake… we took the time to hear ourselves think with zero performance pressure. I do feel rested from it, almost antsy to get back to the creative world! To those awaiting replies in my inbox, I’ll be back very soon, and may all of you enjoy your best summer break ever. Even if it’s just for one day. Make it your perfect day!
Today we had the pleasure to have our friend the grateful griller aka Mike Shannon over, and he truly embodies the key to a great staycation - Good Friends, Great Food & Fun, all spiced and smoked to perfection with his unique backyard culinary concepts! Check it out at www.gratefulgriller.com for all the latest on his blog. Photo of the Chef in action every Thursday at Kaffe 1870 of Wakefield…making us wish we had 2 more months of summer!
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, Personal goals, Reflection & Inspiration.
The power of blogs still amazes me. Only a few years ago, being in the media was the only sure way to get your messages heard and share information to the world, but today, how many times have we picked up useful tips and advice on everything from balanced lifestyles, fitness, love, giving back, or happiness through interesting and inspiring blogs? June’s Good Housekeeping magazine was referring to the astounding number of women, mostly mothers, reading blogs daily in order to feel connected to others’ experience. I would like to do the same for other entrepreneurs in the blogosphere, reaching out to those working from home especially, who manage an international/ virtual client base. What makes your day more meaningful?
For me, the joy of having my own personal home office, where my beloved dog Sam can hang out with me on her couch is extremely precious. My husband also has his own work space in the house, which includes the entire “women-free zone” garage, the basement, and his large sun filled office big enough to fit a yoga studio. Not that I’m jealous of all the space his business occupies, but I’m just saying having your own space is a nice luxury. Come to think of it, it would be nice to switch rooms, but I’m comfortable in this quiet part of the house and it beats a cubicle in a high rise any day. The pleasure of being able to go for a hike most days and work late into the night goes a long way to foster my creativity and sanity on a deadline filled week. But some also see the other side of having your work always staring at you in the face if you do not have a closing door to your office, or if you have already become a crackberry type; but lucky for my husband and I, we manage to deal with all the urgent matters daily, then talk about anything else that’s on our minds on our walks. It wasn’t always the case in our past lives chasing the corporate gold mine, but today better planning has made us aware that no one will be there to take care of us when we’re older so we better incorporate sustainable and healthy habits in our work lives and our lifestyles in general so we can outlast the previous working generation’s goals (Freedom 55?). On that note, time to strech and refill that green tea! Feel free to comment or send me an email at info@5starcom.ca with your thoughts and comments. 
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, Reflection & Inspiration.
- PJs and Pearls
What better way to celebrate friendship than to join 100 other like-minded women on a week-end retreat? This is just what www.ultimategirlsgetaway.com offered, and did it ever deliver! Kicking off with founder Nadja’s signature Pajama Party on Friday night in Château Montebello, the week-end included 5 star gourmet meals, wine tasting with a top sommelier, a special dance class (thanks to our goddess Vered at www.danserotek.com), laughter yoga, Feng Shui, beauty and fashion, and how to accelerate your bliss (who doesn’t want that?). Hats off Lisa from www.tappingintoit.com, I see good things coming your way. My dear friend Dr. Cheryl Cooper and I (see photo at right) spent some quality time at the pool and spa, hiking beautiful trails, chatting around a glass of wine, and working on our upcoming book and setting new stretch goals for ourselves. Saturday night brought on even more fun with the memorable “little black dress” dinner and dancing, topped off by very “funnymommy” Kate Davis, a one of a kind stand-up comic who had us all in stitches. Remember that name! By Sunday brunch time we had a smiling hangover from so much joy jammed packed into 36 hours. How do you get back to regular life after such uplifting energy? You spread it around, that’s how! I would highly recommend girls, sisters, and moms of all ages to look up the many upcoming events all over North America, and read more about the various partners. Their concept is timeless and very well executed, supported by the seamless Fairmount staff. I am sure it was not easy to please all 100 Deserving Divas! If you are reading this, I would like to extend a warm hUGG to all the great women I had the good fortune to meet, including Nadja herself, her daughter Veronica (see photo bottom left), all the beautiful presenters, partner Lisa McKenzie, mother and daughter Vivian and Jeannine, Jennifer, etc. etc. and the devoted staff at Château Montebello, including singer Richard and the band for not taking their set breaks. Thanks Cheryl for making the time, we are worth it! 
Forces of nature: Nadja and Veronica Piatka. You can also read their inspiring success story (as seen on Oprah) on www.ultimategirlsgetaway.com - May our path cross again very soon!
Posted in: Lifestyle, News & Events, Personal goals, Reflection & Inspiration.
Thanks to all who supported the Canadian Ski Hall of fame last week, we had a great time and hats off to the 2010 Olympic Games committee, including our chef de mission, Crazy Canuck Steve Podborski who was out in full form among the 300 VIP guests and national media. Also a big salute to our friends at T&L who lost their 50 yr old flagship store in a blaze a few weeks ago, but no doubt their strong spirit will lead to a beautiful new concept in the coming months. We stand in awe of your determination to succeed, and are ready to pitch in at any moment. I am currently working on their new website which should be ready in May.
I started going through older files this April season (aka receipt hunting season) and came across a few interesting life goals and old to-do lists. Now the revised and updated versions are posted on my wall in full view, where I can easily check off and track my progress! So many things we hang on to for nothing, since it is so easy to track someone down through their website or email. Off you go so I can see the beautiful wood surface of my desk! This upcoming week-end we are headed to a women’s seminar called the “Ultimate Girls Getaway” at a 5-Star hotel, and the many workshops sound like great inspiration to clean up our old clichés and release the ”person who might have been” from within! Let her out to play and rejevunate this spring! Less stuff, more experiences! Embrace what you can do. I am now working on a book with a great friend and colleague, Dr. Cheryl Cooper of Vitalmed in Ottawa. We talk about the impact a few well structured sessions can have on all aspects of your life-we will be excited to get feedback in the coming months on a few chapters, so stay tuned and well hydrated!
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Looks like the Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be another success this spring, scheduled for April 16th, 2009. Congratulations to this year’s roast of talent, including ski legend Shaun Fripp, Piotr Jelen (famous coach of Mélanie Turgeon and countless World Cup athletes), TV star Chris Robinson, and none other than Wayne Wong, inventor of the Wong-banger! I would like to salute my co-host for the evening for the 3rd year in a row, Dean Roberts radio announcer at CHUM radio and Magic 100 Ottawa (see photo). We always have a great time and we hope you can join us to support the alpine industry. Organizers Natalie Tommy of Tommy & Lefebvre and the crew at the Canadian Ski Museum are working tirelessly to put on a great show. For more info and to reserve tickets see www.skimuseum.ca
Posted in: News & Events.
Many of my keyclients request French adaptations of their packaging, websites, advertising and how-tos in order to obey the language laws in Quebec and across Canada. They do understand the importance of reaching their market with a message that will be tailored to their lingo or culture, but most of all they just want their issues solved, and fast. That is why I put together a list of rules to follow when you are translating your message to French, in order to respect all the many requirements enforced by the Office de la langue française (OLF), also affectionately known as the language police. All it takes is one disgruntled consumer to lodge a complaint and you will receive a written warning, assigned a case number, then a fine if the situation is not corrected in a short amount of time. We can also help you deal with the OLF and other governing bodies and call them on your behalf. Over the years I have seen horrible (and often funny) attempts at French by these robots who should be left in the box – they get zero points for trying, it will insult your market and upset your distributors. Why take the risk when it can be so much more cost effective to include your French strategy at the outset with your design or ad agency; remember quality translation costs are the least expensive of the entire process, and it will be much cheaper than having to reprint a campaign or pay a fine. But the number one motivation should be to please and ease the French consumer’s experience, turning it to profits and loyalty. Win-win! Mais oui!
Posted in: Business tips.
- Samantha for Obama – Feb19 in Ottawa
The thrill of being on Parliament Hill last Thursday is still hard to put into words. Despite the heavy security, thousands of cheerful and peaceful Obama admirers joined together to welcome the new era to Canada. Never before has the energy been so charged with optimism, and I can only pray it will have a lasting impression on our leaders as well. I was walking along Confederation Boulevard with my dog Sam (photo), and decided to join in the festivities – we both got frisked by the police, and I think she really liked it! I salute the way the national media covered the event, and I was grateful to meet Peter Mansbridge and his colleagues from CBC in person to tell them. Here’s proof that you attract more bees with honey (through kindness and understanding), so let’s keep this warm and inviting attitude for all our international guests and see how far it takes us. Great communication starts with mutual respect, genuine curiosity and empathy.
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, News & Events, Personal goals, Reflection & Inspiration.
In recent years, the term “boutique” provider has been coined as the highest standard of personalized customer care in many industries. So how do those high-end boutique hotels do it so well, effortlessly and seamlessly? It’s all in the details, they would casually tell you, but you can’t “buy” the right attitude or the enthusiasm of their carefully appointed personnel. As you walk in, you are practically greeted by name, as staff recall a note or two from a previous conversation they had with you. The welcoming atmosphere most likely includes many added-values to each stay, such as treats and soft music waiting in your suite, or cocktails in the lounge to thank you for joining this pampered clique. The concierge has a solution for everything, usually in a matter of minutes and at no extra charge. The in-house spa makes you want to move in with them. Turn down service, down linens, complimentary beauty products you actually want to use on your skin, 24-hour gym and room service, what’s not to like? Now imagine this approach to service in your daily life… from your banker to your favourite coffee house, and you can practically hear – what a wonderful world – playing in your head. Thank you to Hotel Quintessence in Tremblant for their incomparable level of spoiling right down to the heated ski boots and slippers waiting every morning in the lobby, and Hotel Place D’Armes in Old Montreal, for their wonderful nesting qualities and most rejuvenating offerings while on a business trip. Attending the National Snow Industry Association’s yearly tradeshow was that much more exciting. May everyone experience that “Boutique” kind of feeling in other service sectors!
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, News & Events, Reflection & Inspiration.
Welcome back to our cherished American clients who shared their new projects for Spring 09! Ask not what the US can do for us, but what WE can do for the US! We hope to proactively contribute to your full recovery, while learning to respect everyone’s limits (including mother earth’s). Our dear friends at Timberland are updating their dealer website and the new line looks great. Welcome to everyone at RMP, distributors of over 15 of the world’s top sporting brands, we wish you much success as well! Major hotel chains are revamping their websites with great offers, and it’s “Show Time” for many in the ski and apparel industry, between SIA in Vegas, ISPO in Munich and NSIA in Montreal… at least no one can say we didn’t get enough snow in this part of the world! Another record year, just by measuring what fell off the roof again.
Salutations and a warm welcome to Barack Obama & family visiting us on Feb. 19th in Ottawa, and wishes of a more balanced lifestyle to our beloved Oprah and Stedman!
Posted in: Business tips, Lifestyle, News & Events, Personal goals, Reflection & Inspiration.
