A good question to ask as we build our business - "Where do I want to go?"  With the emphasis on the word I - not we or them, but I.  As I continue the process of building my business I am spending considerable time looking at what others are doing, taking note of how other businesses are set up and looking alot at "them".  While this is a necessary step in the planning stages and I would image all along the life of the business, it can drain your desire and enthusiasm.  This fact dawned on me this week as I corresponded a bit with a fellow tweeter.  She asked what one of the groups was that I had listed on my twitter account and I replied it was a social networking group which I had recently joined.  In turn the comment she made was that she had joined several different groups and they were "a lot of effort for little return".  WOW....this statement hit home with me!  I seem to be putting a lot of effort into groups or areas that weren't really an interest and I wasn't really getting involved in and therefore realizing very little return.  Go with what you enjoy and what you have a true passion for.

Here I was running all over the internet looking for groups to join (reminds me of trying to be a member of the in crowd) and I did find myself at times becoming frustrated simply because these groups weren't really what interested me; I just wanted to be part of the group and noticed!  So I have a list of groups that I signed up with as a member and some of them simply don't do anything for me.  I was losing focus here.  Am I building this business for everyone else or is it something I want to build (notice the emphasis on I there).  I believe it is time to take a breather and rethink what I aim to accomplish.  I seriously think this rethinking and refocusing will become a routine practice when building my business since I do find myself steering off course and need to remain on my path.  Maybe once a month I should post on my calendar a reminder note ....something like "Are you on track?" or maybe just the question "Where do I want to go?".  There has to be a part of building a business that brings excitement and drives you to get where you are going and it is so easy to get distracted.  Granted the holiday season can be a tough time and overwhelming with all that is going on ... so maybe a few days off to refresh now and then should be part of the business plan as well.  I know that when I take my walk/runs in the morning my mind is clear and I can head into the day fully charged up!

I have been spending considerable time working in the sewing studio and have almost completed the NINE embroidered pillows for nieces, nephews and friends along with the two embroidered stockings for my own teens AND my newly designed wall hanging which came out rather nice.  It has some of my affirmations (positive sayings) embroidered in hearts and will hang where I spend most of my time during the day as a reminder.  I may create and add these wall hangings to the store after the holiday frenzy!



With the new year right around the corner and resolutions ready to be drawn up, I think my #1 statement on that list should be ... "Where do I want to go?"  and my #1 affirmation .....

 I am Focused!

Till next time,

the girl @ TheRunningGarlic