A roaring woman - coming clean...

Ok so as I near fifty - maybe the time has arrived to come clean.  I always thought I said it like it was - but there were some things I just did not dare talk about - for fear of unleashing the tiger - or shall I say lioness within.

Until yesterday - I always believed in the kinder gentler way.  In fact in a recent conversation with my husband I remarked that perhaps he did not know me well - and that I believed in moving forward in life that I had an attitude of 'no harm to anyone' - and that love was the motivating factor for all that I did. Deep inside however is also the fierce protector - the advocate for those who dare not speak.

Interestingly enough - these values and beliefs were outwardly expressed for others - but never inwardly expressed on my own behalf.  I have spent many years in relationships peppered with abuse of all kinds.  Outwardly fighting for the rights and safety of other - inwardly - denying my own situations and needs.

How very sad.  The woman who needed to be loved and protected the most - curled up in a fetal and protective position - praying for a hero.  So yesterday - on behalf of that woman - the kinder gentler way got tossed out the window.   The time has come to speak up on behalf of women all over the world - who fight for others and neglect their own needs.

It all started with a conversation of personal responsibility with someone I love dearly.  I was accused of "chasing money" - running after the almighty dollar.  In this conversation I was indicating I was going to apply for a prestigious position with a large paycheck.  I was dreaming - and thinking of what life might be like - the benefits of the position - and also the love for the duties the position provided.

I was astounded by the accusation.  I immediately went inside myself to test out if the accusation rang true.  Immediately my higher self reminded me of all I had contributed to the world - without regard to pay or personal consequences.  I knew that my motivation in the world was not to only 'make money'.  I knew however I have financial responsibilities that require me to step up to the plate and make some changes.

Upset by the conversation I called his mother - just for some wisdom from another strong woman.  Her words cut me to the core.  "Maybe it's time you just found your real place in the world and stop trying so hard.  Just be normal like the rest of us.  Maybe it's time to live more within your means - you are thinking too big for your britches young lady.  You are just too smart and ambitious - it's time to just let those silly ambitions go and get a regular job - stop chasing the brass ring so to speak".

OMG.  Between the tears and disbelief I could feel a fire rising inside.  I wonder if anyone ever uttered words like that to Martin Luther King who had  'a dream'. What would happen if every one who had a dream in this world was told "oh just sit down and shut up -  will you?". 

So I called my mother.  

Despite our disagreements and misunderstandings over the years - she has given me many, many gifts.  And yesterday - she gave me the greatest gift of all.  

I do not remember the words she spoke - but I did note the fire in my chest that began to burn brightly.  She told me through a series of stories about my strength.  She reminded me of all the women that have gone before me - who sacrificed so that I could speak out.  And for me - at this time in my life - the 'kinder gentler way' went right out the freakin window.  My idea of a kinder gentler way to do things had brought me to a point where I was now a 'kinder gentler doormat', almost willing to accept the advice of a woman trying to put me in my place.  (too big for your britches young lady)

Then I talked to my dear friend and fabulous counselor Heidi Cowie.  She reminded me that the advice I had been given to 'slow down and not think so big' was not advice for special girls like us.  Yes Heidi - we are special women. We are amazing - and I thank God for the community of Roaring Women who like my mother and the other women in my family understand.

I do have dreams. I do have something I want to give the world.  And I do deserve to have a partner who will support me in that - or I will do it alone.  I deserve to be paid well and acknowledged for my contributions - if not for me - for all the women who have gone before and fought the fight for equality and appreciation.

Am I angry - yes.  But it is a righteous and positive anger, by George.  And God help the man (or misguided woman) who will stand in my way to get the job done. 

What is the job?  To help women understand their value, worth and potential. To raise them to their rightful place in the universe.  To support them in following their dreams - wherever it takes them. To honour the community of women that has gone before. To let every woman know that not only has she a right to her dreams - she has the right to live without fear of violence - or death - that no one has the right to abuse her verbally or degrade her or cut down her ideas and dreams.

My job is to help her steer in the right direction and channel all that wonderful courage and ambition in the direction she really wants to go.

And I am starting right here - in my own back yard.  Care to join me?

Mandie Crawford
Calgary Business Woman of the Year 2010

The lottery of limiting beliefs

The scene was of a woman woman waking up to a brilliant sunshine.  She rolls out of bed and wanders up a set of stairs with a brass hand rail - and steps out onto the deck of a beautiful sailboat.   You know how the scene plays out after that.  And of course the commercial is a promotion for a lottery. She was living her dream after winning a lottery!

At first I was intrigued at the scene - wondering what the commercial was about.  Then, when I realized it was for a lottery,  I shook my head and involuntarily the thought popped into my head "I don't want to win a lottery".

How interesting I muttered, as I realized that it was likely a message that had surfaced from my subconscious.

I thought about this interesting turn of events for me.  If I had decided or had buried in my subconscious that I did not want to win a lottery - why then had I bought a lottery ticket for the Friday draw?  Surely if this is what I believed deep down inside - I was likely sending energy out letting the universe know that I did not want to win.

The great creator was likely chuckling at my actions - even questioning the wisdom of the purchase.  Me, I began thinking about why I would even think that way.

Then I remembered an experience I had in the past - where I was given a large sum of money as a result my father's death.  Not only was I sad that my father had died - there was a lot of family fighting about the money that caused me great pain.  Not surprisingly,  my brain wanting to keep me safe from more emotional pain,  planted the thought deep in my subconscious that I did not want to win or receive large sums of money.

Luckily for me - lottery tickets had never been on my 'must buy' list and I had only purchased 3 in the last 10 years - but it made me wonder what energy I was sending out all the way around.  

So I decided it was time to deal with my limiting belief - because that is what it really was - a limiting belief.

PSYCH-K is a great tool to use to not only identify but to change our limiting beliefs we carry in the subconscious.  It is a tool I had recently added to my coaching tool chest - to help me assist clients in eliminating their limiting beliefs.  Now was the time to test how well it worked.

I took some time to go through the process I needed to connect subconscious to conscious brain and made sure the message that I replaced the limiting belief with was "It s safe to win, acquire and make large sums of money".  The process seemed easy enough - and I felt a shift inside that I could not describe.

Monday, I brought the lottery ticket I had purchased several days earlier into the kitchen - and looked up the winning numbers. It was a $20 winning ticket!  Now I realize that may not be a large sum of money - but for me it was an interesting turn of events.

We do create everything that happens to us by what we think and how we feel.  Our job is to find out the stories that are buried deep within us and change them to fit the videos, pictures and vision boards we create consciously.  When there is a match - we can begin taking an active roll in our future!

If you would like more information on defeating your own limiting beliefs - please contact Mandie for a free 20 minute session!

Can we really change the 'mood' of mother earth and her children?

With great curiosity I have watched what I call the ‘global mood’ over the last year – wondering at the feelings and moods of one person and the effect it has on the world at large. We have all heard the saying “when momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” But it is interesting how this can be a principle that is far more powerful than we realize.

Sure, I could use this moment (and am tempted to!) to advocate on behalf of all women – reminding husbands and children to make sure that the matriarch is cared for and happy – but there is much bigger picture to consider.

I recently finished reading “Fractal Time”, and incredible insight into the patterns of the universe by Greg Braden. In this book he explains the patterns of the universe, the end of the Mayan calendar and what it signifies and the great shift in thinking and consciousness.

One thing he touches on is on how connected we are to mother earth – that we are all part of a whole – something we have long forgotten about ourselves. ( A concept the Native Americans still understand) And collective thought and consciousness affects not just our local surroundings but also has an incredible effect on the world at large. Let me explain.

In the last twenty years scientists have been able to measure the magnetic and energetic fields. In fact they can even measure the frequency of a thought. The more positive the thought – the higher the frequency – the lower the thought the lower the frequency.

In addition they have also developed technology to measure the magnetic field of the planet earth and the vibrations that it is giving off. Recently they observed something very interesting.

There were specific dates and times where there was a spike in the earth’s magnetic fields and energetic frequency. It was not related to sunspots or other activity in the universe – but instead seemed to be as a result of collective actions of the people on planet earth herself.

Just after hurricane Katrina and the World Trade Centre Attack were two of the times the spike was apparent. Studies have shown that just after both these events more people collectively gathered to pray and meditate than at any other time in history. The people of the earth, gathering together to pray and support each other affected the magnetic field of the planet. (And, I am sure of the Universe)

This started me to thinking about collective actions. What if we began to see ourselves as one instead of lonely individuals – separate from others – and began to gather together to raise the vibrations and attract positive things to our plane, our species and ourselves?

What if we took time at least once a week to meditate or pray for the good of all? How could we begin to change our success rate, our crime rate, our unemployment rate? Could we really end poverty through connection, meditation and prayer. Is this the piece that is missing?

For years I have participated in movements – assisting where I could financially and physically to help those less fortunate than myself. I was so busy doing – that I burned out. What I was missing – I think – was the prayer, meditation and connectedness to others. I was doing and disregarding the being. Is this what is missing in all our lives? Is this what our Universe longs for to heal itself – to make a better place for all of us? I for one think it is!

Where will we all be - five years from now?

I remember a mentor once telling me to look around at the people I was spending time with – because that is where I would be in five years time. 

I often wondered at the logic behind this. I mean – I have never wanted to be a ‘snob’ - and I believe that everyone has value – so why would I stay away from one person because they did not make a lot of money, or they were not ‘brainiacs’!But there is a spiritual principle that clearly supports my mentor’s advice.

It’s about our morphic field.

A morphic field is the field of energy that radiates from us and surrounds us. (It is much more complicated than this but this is simplified  and according to Mandie) 

Our body is merely the place where our spirit has been planted and functions from in this earthly world. And our spirit is infinite – and does not end where our body ends. We really are much bigger that we could ever imagine!

Can this morphic field be measured?  Yes - scientists can measure the energy we give off.  Can it be seen?  By some - yes.  Just as there are those in our world who can sense things we cannot – we also hear of those who can see our ‘aura’. Sometime when we are in a truly grounded state – connected to source – we too can see the auras of those around us.

Auras are a visual representations of the energy that is not contained within our bodies.  This is where we transfer information to each other without touch or speech.  (Read more about this in my last blog - The Connecting Tree) 

In our everyday language we speak of the ‘vibes’ we get from others. These vibrations and the information in those vibrational frequencies are held in our morphic field.

The energy in that field says a lot about who we are, where we are going and what we believe and expect for the future. You could say that our morphic field carries in it the most powerful parts of who we are that just cannot be contained by several layers of skin!

When we are close to another person, animal, plant – or any thing for that matter, we are in their morphic field – and they are in ours as well. This is where a transfer of information between two masses of energy begin. We can absorb energy from another – and they can also absorb from us.

Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist and author writes about this transfer of information and the continuing connection that occurs in several of his scientific papers and books including The Sense of Being Stared At, And Other Aspects of the Extended Mind and Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home, And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals.

His research dating back to the 1980’s is not new – but many of us have failed to show an interest in these magical secrets of our human existence.

More and more, I am beginning to put the pieces together. The wisdom of my mentor's words now begin to make sense. He encouraged me to spend a vast amount of my time with people who had achieved the things I aspired to achieve, to hang around with my ‘heros’. He may not have understood anything about morphic fields – but he did know the principle that was the result of the ‘old world wisdom’ that has existed since the beginning of time.

This changes the way I look at everything. It makes me look deeply at who I am, and what I am about. And when I acknowledge the greatness in myself – I know that I can mentor others who do not yet have my understandings. 

But just as important – in order to grow and become the person I aspire to be – I must find those whom I aspire to be like and ensure that I spend time in their morphic fields as well!

Knowing this, I wonder where I shall be in 5 years time?  

Where will you be?  If you are looking to increase your spirituality in business, and grow as a person, a leader and also as a business owner then spend some time with Mandie.  Mandie won Calgary's Business Woman of the year for 2010 - and coaches and mentors women in business.  To learn more about her coaching contact Mandie here

The connecting tree

Before the great rains ( if you live in Alberta right now you know what I mean) I was out with my husband and the dog walking on some trails at the base of China Man's Peak. We came upon several trees what had the bark rubbed clean and with bits if hair and fur on the bark surrounding the areas rubbed clean. (My first thought was OH NO! BEAR!)

Surprisingly after we returned home I found an article in the local paper that explained this occurrence.

These trees are what the local wildlife have designated as "connecting trees". Many different species of animals visit these trees to get and to leave information. The trees themselves also provide information for the visiting animals about the nutrients available in the plants around the trees and the amount of rainfall etc.

A bear leaving his scent and other information to communicate with the rest of the animal community

When an animal visits the "connecting tree", they learn about which animals have been by, what food is available in the area, the weather, local animal population and much, much more information pertinent to their well-being.

It's easy to look at bears for example as an entity unto themselves - disconnected from other animals. Or wolves and coyotes to be competing for the same resources - and not animals that would communicate with each other. But this is not the case. They communicate inter-species. And even the trees participate!

It seems that it is only humans who think they can live independently of each other!

Regardless of their species, their prey and their territory, animals still share information willingly with each other. They support each other because they know the need each other and that there is enough for everybody. They know they are connected.

When we gather together as women - we do the same thing as the wildlife does - just in our own human way. We do need each other - and that is why it is important to meet together regularly to share information, ideas, support, resources and just to simply connect.

So next time you feel too tired or rushed to get to a Roaring Women Meeting - think about the 'connecting tree' and how much the survival of wildlife depends upon it. The same holds true with meeting together as women. We flourish when we connect!

And if that does not convince you to get to a meeting - studies have shown that 'word of mouth' is the best advertising there is. We all need support, ideas and new information! Join us at one of our meetings. Let Roaring Women be your connecting tree.

PS Have  you taken a look at the ROAR Boards

The door bell rings - and there goes Fido!

Over the winter I got several good laughs when a certain commercial came on the television where the doorbell rang.  My chocolate lab - then bout 15 months old jumped up and ran to the the door ready to greet whoever was there!  (there was no one of course)

The fun part about this was that we never have anyone come to our door - and to be truthful - I am not even sure that the doorbell works.  But every time he heard the familiar 'ding-dong' on the television - he ran to the door barking!

Now comfortably nested in our RV in Canmore at the campground we manage - we had one of the 3 television channels on during the recent snowstorm.  (will it ever end?)  On came the commercial with the doorbell sound effect.  The dog, who had snuck into the bedroom area and was quietly taking the bed apart so he could snuggle under the covers, tore out into the living area and slid to a stop by the door of the RV and began barking.

I could hardly stop laughing. Now we have NEVER had a doorbell on the RV - so this was indeed very funny.  But it got me to wondering about his behavior.  Born and semi-raised in an outdoor pen - Finnegan (our dog) had never lived in a house, until ours.  And I know there was no doorbell on the barn he was born in.  How then did he know to run to the door when hearing a doorbell chime?

The answer may not be what you expect.  You see, our cells have memory.  And everything we are exposed to affects our cells - and they change as a result.  Cells develop memories and may even evolve as a result of stimulus or changes they may need to make to keep us functioning properly.  So it is fair to say that we do unknowingly and unwittingly carry with us many of the memories of our families past.  (This has actually been proven scientifically)  And this is why he knew a doorbell sound and why he should run to the house's entrance.

This isn't just true with animals - it is true with humans as well.  So for instance in my family - we have all developed in a certain way, with certain ideas and beliefs as a result of where we were born, raised, and the work the family did before I was born.  One belief I know I had was that the we were 'underdogs' - always treated unfairly never able to get ahead.  This was not something I made up - it was something I subconsciously knew to be true.

Our brains as we all know are made up of cells with memories.  Interestingly enough, much of what my brain knows subconsciously, came not from my own expereinces but from the learned and shared experiences of those who went before me.  My mother, father, grandparents and great-grandparents passed along helpful and not so helpful understandings that shaped who I am and what I believe.  Some of these beliefs serve me well.

Some of these beliefs do not serve me well at all.  But how do I know what they are - or how to change them?

Sorting through my subconscious is like trying to find a needle in a haystack in a DARK barn.  Almost impossible until I get pricked by the sharp end.

What I learned several years ago is - we can use some great methods to find out what those subconscious beliefs are - and we can change them using a collaborative of knowledge around brain gym, affirmations and connecting the left and right side of the brain. It takes a little training - but is more than well worth the time to learn it.

Think about it.  If you could learn how o remove the blockages and subconscious beliefs that hinder your ability to reach your goals - wouldn't you want to learn how to do it?

The other option is to deny that we can change at all - that we are stuck in self limiting behaviors that sabotage our ability to change our worlds.  Hmmmm... I don't think I can accept that way of thinking!

Join me on July 10 and 11th, 2010 to learn from one of North America's leading trainers to discover how to remove your limiting beliefs!  We are already 1/2 full. More info here

Going where only the brave dare to go.. an “Avatar” moment.

Not many people are brave enough to face the truth about things – or to tell the full truth for that matter.  Our legislated political correctness – which really just replaces the common decency and respect we used to have for each other, has only encouraged us to avoid the truth of many things. But the world is changing.

I was pleasantly surprised today by a lady who understood the value of truth and stepped up to the plate.  It was truly an 'Avatar' moment. (Avatar after the movie - I recommend everyone see it.)

Let me explain…

I am assisting my husband in running of Wapiti Campground in Canmore this summer. I have taken on the job of reservations – and so to make things more organized - have set up a website to take reservations online.

On Friday I received a phone call from a lady to reserve a camping site. I gave her the link to sign up at and she told me that she did not have internet (despite having an email address) and that there was no one who could help her out. I obliged and signed her up online using my internet connection.

The next day I assisted her friend who also wanted a site next to her. When I called back to confirm the reservation – the second lady said she was canceling the reservation. She also advised me the first lady would be canceling as well. I called the first lady and she said yes she was canceling and felt that I had taken advantage of her by charging a reservation fee. (this is a standard practice at all provincial campgrounds). I replied that I was sorry she felt that way – and canceled her reservation.

I was upset by her accusations of trying to take advantage of her – but then thought – oh well – this opened the door for a better reservation.

This morning she called back. As soon as she said her name – I cringed. I had been upset with her – and although I had been polite I had also been abrupt.

She went on to apologize for her accusations and thanked me for my time. She also asked if she could PLEASE pay the reservation fee although she had canceled the reservation. She acknowledged that she had taken my time – and said I should receive some compensation for it.

Of course I refused – thanked her for calling with the apology – told her it was a brave thing to do and she should be commended for it - and finished the call. It took several minutes for me to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Wow. 

Here’s the truth. It was brave of her to call me back and apologize. It was also considerate. But mostly it brought the energy of our worlds back into balance. In that moment we truly connected as human beings – who really do care about each other. (It was an “Avatar” moment) 

I felt better – she felt better – and the ripple begins.

What ripples will you send out today?

Did you know I am available for success coaching?  (for all areas of your life)

My new career as a painter....

When I die – bury me with this paint brush.” OK – go ahead and laugh but the Egyptians were buried with their treasured objects! ( I know, many of you thought I might want to be buried with my computer)

When there is a job to do – there is nothing better than having the right tools to do the job – and for that matter – the best tools to do the job.

This past month we were spending all of our spare time getting our house ready for sale – and that involved a lot of painting. Hallways, exterior, stairwells and touch ups were just a few of the areas I painted using one paintbrush.

I could have gone out to the garage and hunted up an old paint brush to do the job, but when I was out picking the paint up, I decided to look at some new brushes. There were a lot to choose from – so I asked the ‘expert’ in the paint department for a good brush for ‘cutting in’. He walked straight to the display and chose one and said, “this is the one I use – and I love it.” He was the ‘expert’ – so I trusted his advice. I bought it. 

When I began using the brush, I was amazed at how well I could paint. Now I am not a painter – but looking at the results – I was amazed. I did not need to use tape to cover other trim – I was able to cut in even the smallest of places. I became so excited at the results that what was supposed to be a chore that I was not looking forward to – became a job I really enjoyed.

My husband was mortified. Then disturbed. Then finally annoyed. You see the hallway was all I was going to paint. But then I got to the stairwell – and I thought – what the heck! So I went around the corner and down the stairs. Then came the corner by the closet. Well I really couldn’t stop there. By noon I had advanced to the living room. (now you see my hubby’s concern)

And to add to the euphoria I experienced while doing the job I thought I was going to hate – was the yummy feeling in my tummy as I looked at the milk chocolate colour of the walls. Between the results of the cutting in and the final look of the room – I was in heaven. All I wanted to do was to continue to paint.

This made me think about my business. How often had I just used a tool I had on hand to do a job – not bothering to even look to see if there was a better tool to use. Perhaps this is why I put off some of the jobs I did not like to do. Maybe there were better tools?

Case in point – my new virtual assistant Raghu suggested I start using a tool called Hoot Suite. I had become tired of tweeting and updating all my social network pages. When you write as much as I do – after a while it can become mundane. What a cool tool – I was hooked immediately!

I guess the point I am trying to make is – no job has to be mundane. Not only can we find joy in doing a job and doing it well – there are thousands of tools out there to help us. All we have to do is ask an expert – and maybe invest in a good tool to help us out.

When you won’t invest in new tools and ideas – you remain mired in old thinking – and often old attitudes. 

So here’s the deal. You get to choose how easy (or hard) and fun (or mundane) it is to run your business.

Oh – and yes – my husband chose a paintbrush from the garage. (oh dear) He is still picking paintbrush hairs off the trim on the front porch….. and grumbling about painting.

Raising my arms in "Rocky - like" fashion!

Being in business is the best self development tool one could ever ask for. I cannot tell you how much fun ( and some days not so fun) that personal growth has been for me. And to think we can get paid for it!

When I think about personal growth I am often reminded of the old Wide World of Sports commercial that featured skiers that t showed the joy of success – and the AGONY of defeat! For those of you who remember it – and I know I am dating myself- every time we see that skier crash – we cringe. OW!

The truth of it is that we often avoid personal growth because we are afraid it might hurt. What we do not anticipate is the financial and personal gains we experience in our businesses as a result.

As I have mentioned – although somewhat offhandedly – I recently won Calgary Business Woman of the year. For those who know the size of Calgary – over a million people – this is no small feat.

I did not nominate myself – nor did I apply - so it was a huge surprise for me. Having been brought up in a family and culture where it was not nice to brag – I humbly played the achievement down – mentioning it here and there but never really stepping into the position of greatness that was offered to me.

Until recently that is.  A few weeks ago I sat in a seminar run by a well known marketer who was selling her services. As I sat through her presentation I mentally made note; I teach that….hmmm I teach that too…yes that is something I recommend….. – well you get the point.

Then I realized, “wow the only difference from what I teach and sell and what she teaches and sells is price point.” Unfortunately I did not have the endorsement that she had during that event.

Whose fault was that?

Mine.

False humility and ‘pooh poohing’ my accomplishments hid my ability and diminished my value. If I did not value or acknowledge my accomplishments – how could I expect anyone else to see what I could do – and attach a significant monetary value to it?

It was then that Ii realized that my resentment at not being able command a higher price and attain the contracts that I wanted was my issue and no one else’s.

So I did it. I showed my accomplishment to the leaders and they announced it to the group and I got a standing ovation. It took all my energy to raise my hands in the air – “Rocky” style and accept the congratulations. But I did it. Immediately my credibility was established and I decided that I would do this more often.

The truth is – we are all great in some areas. Unfortunately we do not often believe in ourselves – and our ability to become successful is adversely affected. We do create our own worlds, possibilities and success.

My head believes I am Calgary Business Woman of the year 2010. My heart rejoices. The Universe now prepares the way for success when I marry the two together.

So – what’s holding you back?  (hmmm what you think?)

For anyone interested in pursuing their dreams and starting the journey to success – contact me for one free laser coaching session. Yes for free. You now have no more excuses!

An adventure in bread making

Ah – another “be in the moment” lesson teaching me to live in the here and now!

As many of you know, last fall I was notified that I was nominated and had won Calgary Business Woman of the Year 2010. As surprised as I was – I also refused to acknowledge the significance and wanted to ignore or bury the excitement I felt about it.

(Yes, I avoid feelings like the plague. I would rather think and make sense of things)

So instead of allowing myself to become excited – I denied the feelings and became the feeling. I started doing things without thinking because I was in that ‘state of hyper excitement’ not available to think or even be aware of what was going on around me.

Air head might have been the best description and I am sure my husband, although he refrained from saying it out loud – called me that and a few more choice names before the day was over.

To avoid my ‘day of the event’ excitement and nervousness, I decided to bake bread. From scratch. Yeah – smart huh?

Swedish Cardamom Wreath was my choice and I buried myself in the fragrant aroma of the cardamom – an Indian pepper.

I placed the dough in a slightly warm oven to let it rise. (For those who have visited my home – they will understand that room temperature at my house is not conducive to bread rising!)

After running a quick errand – I came in the house to get the dog and head to the dog park with my hubby. It was a glorious Sunday and I was determined to relax. I checked on the bread and it did not appear to have even begun to rise. So I turned the oven on to 150 degrees, adjusted the wet tea towel over the bowl, closed the oven door and headed out.

We returned home one hour later to a house full of blue smoke and the smell of burning fabric. (smelled very much like wood smoke)

You guessed it. I ran to the kitchen to find the tea towel half burned up – and the dough only slightly risen!

The lecture I endured following the airing of the house was minor compared to the realization that I could have been attending the awards banquet in my jeans and sweat top. Pretty scary stuff for someone so concerned about how they appear to others.

Oh yeah – and the house could have burned down.

I hope I learned my lesson. As much as I like fireman – I would rather see them in a calendar then hosing down the ashes of what once was my house.

Here and now Mandie. Here and now.

Oh – yes – and the bread? It tasted great! 

(PS. Thanks to who ever nominated me - and the businesses in Calgary that supported me as well!)

Ground hog Day - a lesson finally learned

Groundhog day – the movie I mean – recently taught me something. Amusing as it may seem to some – it took me over 20 years to learn the lesson that the movie was trying to get across. I realize now what the movie was about – and I am wondering if perhaps I had ‘got it’ earlier – I might have had an easier life!

For those of you who never saw the movie – Bill Murray wakes up day after day with the same thing happening, sequence by sequence exactly as he had the day previous. Nothing changes. He has the same disagreements and the same conversations over and over. The theme is about experiencing the same lesson over and over until you learn it.

Yeah, I know. We talk about stuff like this – but do we really learn our lessons in life? Judging by the conversations I have with others, who get stuck in a circle of behaviour that repeats over and over – not very often.

Case in point - I travel frequently by air – and as a result have to endure the disrobing, dismantling and de-shoeing at the airport security line every time I am scheduled to travel by plane. The problem was that I had the incredible “you been selected for a personal search” record of 8 out of ten visits. That’s right – out of 20 trips through the security line, I was ‘randomly’ searched 16 times.

At first I was upset, then curious, then disgruntled and then furious. It got to the point that I arrived at the security line up thinking that I should just ask them to search me. That way it was my choice and I could choose if I wanted to waste their time instead of having them waste mine.

For those who know me – I do not even come close to appearing like a security threat. So I began to rationalize. Did I appear too confident? Did I disrobe too early, knowing what to take off and what not to take off? Did I look too organized? When I go through the detector – it NEVER beeps so what is the deal?

The last trip I took, I waited in line patiently, nestled between about 10 true blue cowboys – hats, rodeo jackets and all. Some smelled of alcohol – a raucous bunch. I figured I was pretty safe looking in comparison as I did not have any spurs on my shoes – but I took them off anyway.

Three cowboys went before me – none of them taking off their boots. None were asked to. Then it was my turn – and you guessed it – I was selected for the ‘random search’.

I immediately demanded to be searched in private – as was my right to do so. This time though – I lost it. I became verbally abusive, difficult and vented my anger demanding to know what I had done to be chosen. A supervisor was called in and assured me I was chosen randomly. After the search was over – I complained to the supervisor – advising her of the poor job the security personnel had done.

They had missed searching my hair which was pinned up with a 6 inch pin. As a former police officer, having searched hundreds of people on their arrest – I knew this was a favourite spot for women to store knives and other weapons. I told them that they were truly incompetent!

Through the entire process, part of me watched from the outside myself at what was happening. I observed my behaviour and began to ask myself if this is the way I wanted to be treated ….etc. “Of course not” came my retort. “So what is the deal?” my good self asked my naughty self. Through a series of questions, I finally realized what was going on. And I also realized the lesson attached.

While in policing, I really regarded security personnel as ‘wanna-be’s”. They were never as well trained as police officers – and often those who could not cut it as cops were hired as security officers. The truth is I had no respect for their position and what they did. Little wonder that the lesson I had to learn was one of respect for those who held security positions at the airport.

I realized at that point that they were regular people with a position of authority – and that I needed to respect that. After an apology to the supervisor for my behaviour, I realized how important it was to respect others, not just those I chose to respect.

The result? That simple mindset of respect for my fellow human beings and their positions has resulted in a much calmer experience at all the airports I frequent. And it is no surprise that I have not been chosen for a personal search since I changed my mind.

The funnier piece of this story – I finally learned my lesson on groundhog day. Thanks to Bill Murray – I finally got it.

The four magic words of business

Really - Four Magic Words.

When I was small, I clearly remember my parents asking me for the ‘magic word’. I am sure as I raised my children that I too asked them for the magic word when they asked me for something. And the word was magic – because you knew if Mom asked you for the magic word, her answer to your question was likely yes. So 'please' became a natural part of our vocabulary.

In business there are magic words that we sometimes say but may rarely consider. When was the last time you focussed on ‘service’ instead of commerce? It’s true that commerce is the result of ongoing transactions within an organization – but s this the only thing that our businesses are reduced to?

How can I serve? Magic words in more ways than one.

A customer hears “how can I help you” on a regular basis – but rarely hears the question “how can I best serve your needs today?” It is hard to imagine anyone wanting to serve in this day and age. It seems that we regard serving as beneath us. Business has been reduced to the exchange of goods and services for a fee.

“How can I serve?” changes everything.

It changes:

• How we look at our business
• Our attitude
• Our willingness to do what it takes
• Focuses on helping and not exchange of services for a fee

Asking how you can serve another focuses on the pay it forward attitude not the “what can I get mentality”

Serving another is the most spiritual connection we can make with another human being. It keeps us humble and sets an entirely different and non-competitive tone to business. When we serve we - do our best. True service is offered in the spirit of love.

Just think how those magic words can change your business. When no longer focussed on making money – we are rewarded monetarily and serve with joy. Adding the service mindset to any position – whether it is your own business or a business you work for brings the joy and contentment back into our work.

So tell me – How can I best serve you?

If you are looking for coaching please contact us for more information.

Easy... easy like Sunday morning...

I may be giving away my age - but the song "Easy like Sunday morning" by Lionel has been playing over and over in my head when I think of the last phone call I had with a supplier.  But first let me begin with....

I am not always easy!  Although I try to be fairly mellow about most things - I know that I am a tough customer. I do my very best to be polite but I expect to be treated with respect as I am purchasing a product – or may be purchasing one – and I would hope that the company I am dealing with would like continue to do business with me.

But lets turn the table. From a business perspective – I wonder – am I easy to do business with? Are you?

Recently, I have had several experiences that taught me a lot about how we can make it easy to do business with us. Let me explain.

This past week, I was doing some business house keeping. Over the holidays I had found several over charges on my credit card, noted some accounts that were being mailed to the wrong address and decided to switch all my business purchases to one credit card. Many of these jobs were quite simple in nature – but added together they took me the better part of a week to get done. Here are some of the issues I encountered:

• One supplier refused to speak on the phone with me. All correspondence had to be done via email. This resulted in 25 emails to get cleared up - because the business overcharged me and I wanted reimbursed. Total time spent for 25 emails – 1.5 hours
• One supplier did not have my account information viewable – so I had to call and leave a message to change my credit card number. Then after I received a call back I was sent a form to fill in and fax back. Total time spent – 35 minutes
• The phone company said they changed my billing address after the first 25 minute call – but one month later I called back – was transferred to 4 different operators who all had to verify who I was and my account number and two pieces of I.D. before they changed the billing address a second time. Total in tow calls 1.25 hours 
• A mail support supplier over billed me by $75 dollars and when I asked for a refund they would credit the card – but they had the incorrect address. To change the address I had to send and email on letterhead to the company. I used the email address they gave me and it bounced. I had to call back and start over. Then they told me it was MY responsibility to check and see if the refund went through. Total time spent – 1.5 hours

These are only a few of the activities that consumed my week. 

The final one was a call to American Express Merchant Services. It was after 5 pm – but I tried calling anyway. I got an operator after pressing zero only one time! (wow!) When I explained that I wanted to close the account - the operator asked me why. I explained – and she offered to reimburse me for 6 months of fees and created a better solution where I would not have monthly fees.  

I did not even ask for a refund -  they offered it!  Then they made it so easy to do business with them - I could not find a reason to leave!

Now that is one SMART company!

In 5 minutes I was refunded 30 dollars and had a pleasant conversation- and remained a customer! Now there was a company that was easy to do business with!  Easy like Sunday morning even!

I thanked the operator and told her how I she had been the easiest call I had all day. She laughed and told me the same was for her – that I had been her easiest call.

The lesson I learned was that even big companies can have customer friendly policies. Most do not – but creating easier ways for a customer to do business with you can make everyone’s day a lot less stressful and enable them to be more efficient!

This opened a whole new door for me to re-examine my policies and determine how I can be easier to do business with. If you are having a lot of push back or difficulties with clients – chances are – you are not that easy to do business with.

Is it time for a change? I mean really – isn’t life complicated enough?  If you are looking to create more customer loyalty, streamline your processes and make it easier for people to do business with you – why not consider a coach? More information on coaching here

Creating Massive change - all by my little lonesome self!

At some point over the last several months, massive change occurred in my life. I cannot tell you what day or what time it was that this happened. 

In fact, I can honestly say that at no time did I come to the huge realization that I wanted to make things different in my life. There was no tear jerking movie, no speaker with a killer keynote and no tragedy that sparked the realization and influenced the decision. 

If I were to get very clear on how the massive change happened – I would have to say it happened easily and occurred seamlessly. How?

I just started doing things differently. That’s it. I began by changing one small thing at a time. Just one thing. 

When did I make the first small change and what was it?  I cannot lay a finger on it - it is a mystery even to me.

What I do know is that at some point I came to understand that our lives are made of very small moments in time. Each one those moments connects with the last moment and the next moment to create a minute, an hour, a day and in essence a lifetime. 

In each of those moments we make decisions, some conscious and some not so conscious. Yes, we make thousands of decisions every day – many of them based on a decision we made yesterday and even years ago.

Each one of these decisions in and of itself may have very little effect on our lives in the moment – and so we think that they are insignificant. But we fool ourselves if we think this way.


Take for example - that one chocolate. It has very little affect on our weight.  It is of little significance if we pop just one into our mouth – in fact it may even have a temporary beneficial effect. (oooh those taste buds!)  How can something so small be bad for us?

Then there is the morning we decide it really is ok to sleep in an extra hour – or hit the snooze button one more time. How could a few extra moments of snuggly, sleepy, dream filled moments hurt us? It’s pretty obvious – it cannot.

However, our lives are the sum total of each of these small decisions we make.  You get to decide if they are detrimental only after all the decisions added up will be the outcome you desire.

I guess the moment when I realized this – although I still cannot say when it was – I began to become present in the moment and consider each thing that I did. In a way, I stepped outside of myself and looked in. What was Mandie doing right now – and why was she doing it?

It was a simple step really. It did not take any extra effort to be present in the moment. And so when I wandered to the cupboard for that one cookie that wouldn’t really hurt to eat – I thought about the decision to eat it. I asked myself when was the last time I decided that one cookie would not hurt – and when would be the next time? Was I really tricking myself, little by little?

The same thing applied to things I did in my professional life. I began to stay present in the moment. Was what I was telling a client entirely true? Would I really have time to do what I said I would do? Was I telling stories or truths? Was I listening or thinking?

As people around me made new year’s resolutions – I decided not to. Massive change all at one time is unmanageable. In order to create massive change we need to change only one small thing – and that is the decision we make right now. Not yesterday’s decision and not tomorrow’s decision.

Have I seen massive change in my life? Most certainly. I am losing weight – because I am making one small decision at a time. I can get up at 5:30 each morning to go work out – not with one big decision to do so, but by making one small choice to set the alarm for 5:30 and then trust myself to make a good decision when it goes off in the morning. And if I do not make the right decision in the morning – I think about how it felt to let myself down like that.

But in my business is where these changes are showing up most. Each thing I do – I do for a purpose. If there is no purpose – I ask myself why I am doing it – and then change to something that does have a purpose. And most importantly, I am present in the moment. It is when we are not present that we repeat bad decisions, bad behaviours and nothing changes.

Do you want to make your business more successful? Start small. Change how you do things – mimic the successful. One small step at a time. One month from now, all those little changes will amount to massive change. A year from now – you might look back as I am doing now, and ask yourself “when did things change?”

Those small decisions really add up. What will you change today?

Copyright 2010 Mandie Crawford

Want to learn to mimic the successful?  Success coaching may be your answer!