Random Thoughts

So here's the deal…

It's time for change.

Yep, it's a simple concept a one word thingy that makes people literally quake in their shoes.

Grown men (and grown women for that matter) seem to have the same reaction. It's that OMG batten down the hatches, rollercoasterish feeling you get waaaaaaay down in the pit of your stomach because you know we are going…somewhere we've never been…AND things are gonna change.

Simple yet powerful - change.

It is (as the sages throughout the ages predicted) the only thing that is actually constant in life.

Ok, so one of the changes (not so big, yet we think powerful) is the look and feel of this site. We are moving toward a more user friendly design that will better showcase what we do and how we do it. Elves and faeries are busy right at this very second tweaking and tuning and converting it into a sleek new skillfully honed kickin' site that will (we think) make you drool. So keep checking back regularly to get a gander. We will be implementing the site changes slowly over time so as not to run the risk of shocking our regular readers…yeah you know who all you cool people are out there…we love you guys…

Another change is the type of work we are taking on…lots more design and lots more web development along with online and offline marketing - we've been doing some logo design work, branding and of course web site design and development. Our little firm is growing - quite happily growing.

What won't change is our usual way of doing things, here in the land of blog. We will still throw it ALL out there to see what sticks. You know, what works what doesn't - the snafus, dramas and happy endings. And we'll walk you through the process from beginning to end.

So this is our big fat WELCOME to change and to you to watch us grow, participate and play along with us in the big sandbox of life.  

Being honest is risky.

I'm always inspired by what occurs in life, relationships, choices and interactions with other individuals and how it directly relates to business. I am forever asking "why" and "how come" and weighing the "if this is so, then that must be so." You know, thinking all up in my head.

We all do it. We all try to logically set up scenarios, make predictions and calculate outcomes. It's called return on investment or ROI. In marketing you are always calculating your ROI.

In life you, we, I, they…are always calculating the return on investment. How much have we invested and how much do we expect to get out of it?

I've decided to throw that idea out the window. Yep, I'm officially tossing out the whole concept of ROI. There's no time like the present, right?

Now, let's me and you meander on down the lane to see what it would look like…

Here's the scenario. 

What if our lives and our businesses were run from the heart rather than the head? What if, we were in the flow of what doing what we love? Would ROI really matter? If we love what we do and extend that to others and everyone involved in whatever transactions were taking place wouldn't all parties involved be warm, well-fed and happy?

What if honesty was mandatory in your company set up? Well, first off you'd have to be honest with yourself about what, exactly you wanted, not only in business but in life then you'd have to extend that grace to others, give them that space to be honest. At first, it would shake things up a bit - truth is very often hard to hear and say especially when, as is the case in our society, little white lies are the norm. But if honesty were a valued trait, it would clear up a lot of misunderstandings and expectations. I believe it would, in the end lead to happier employees, happier customers, happier work/life in general

The problem is the risk part. What is it that you have to give up to be able to run your business in that manner. Really, down deep, what is it you have to give up? The risk is that your relationships will change throughout your life, not only in business but with the prominent people in your life. 

Stick with me, here, for just a sec…

But what if that change, taking that risk, led to more open communication? What if the fall out from being honest and leading with your heart rather than your head resulted in a clearer vision of the future and what you could accomplish? What if it actually moved people out who no longer served that same vision and brought in people who actually were on the same page?

It's a bit of a radical approach - some would even say idealistic. I agree to both. But even more than that, I agree that it can absolutely positively be done. It does, however, take courage and strength and the faith that when you step out, you won't fall.

That's my scenario. That's how I choose to run things in our little shop. I'll let you know how it all turns out. After all this is one big internet science experiment and the whole point is to share what works and what doesn't.

On a personal note, I had a bit of truth telling yesterday and it gave me a jolt. It was a stark reminder about how people operate, how we get our signals crossed and where the little white lies creep in - lies we tell ourselves and to one another. I want to say thanks to my inspiration. It wasn't fun but it will all be for the better, or at least at some point we will both look back and recognize that yeah, it really was about something bigger than we'd imagined and it's all for the best. And yes, it's Friday so I can write what I want AND it's my blog so I can throw a bunch of stuff out there if I am moved to do so - LOL

As always, if you have thoughts, feel free to share! 

We do, here, at TrulyTwistedMarketing like to participate in events that make some kind of difference in the world we live in which is why we participate in Blog Action Day every year.

The gist of the event is to spread the word, globally, about a very worthwhile cause and raise awareness about an important issue - Poverty.

Here are some stats that I bet you didn't know…

1. Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.
2. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (567 million people) is less than the wealth of the world’s 7 richest people combined.
3. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
4. Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen.
5. 1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (or roughly 29,000 children per day).

Wow. That's staggering.

My first question, is how, how do we as human beings allow this in a world where there is enough for everyone. Is it simply greed? Is it total lack of care or concern for our fellow human beings?

I, quite honestly, don't know. But what I do know is that if we don't speak about it, tell the story, relate it heart to heart, take some kind of action…nothing will change.

Take a look at these. It's amazing what people are doing, how they are contributing to make a difference, no matter how large or small. 

• Business Fights Poverty
• Millennium Promise
• Economic Policy Institute
• Miniature Earth

I believe we are all connected in this world we live in. What happens to a child in Africa or Haiti does affect us and our children and their children in some way. Join us as we take a stand to make a difference.

I know it's not Friday yet but here's a little inspiration…

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I saw this over at one of my absolute most favorite blogs. And I had to share it. Cause you just HAVE to appreciate the very wry sense of humor behind it.

***Just a note…it has nothing to do with marketing, just one of those hilarious little things you come across every once in a while. Here's the post…

I do believe I have an account here. And a savings account. And a certificate of deposit.

Maybe later I will make a withdrawal.

Yeah, all I have to say is…You Go Girl! 

So, I’ve made a decision.

I’m starting my own personal blog.

You heard it here first. Not even my friends and family know.

The reasoning is pretty simple. I have a lot to say (lol, all of you who know me personally DO know this to be very true) and don’t want to be stuck ONLY talking about my specific vocational choice. Not that I don’t love marketing and mixing it up a bit but the truth is this isn’t really the place to post about my last visit to the liquor store or the date I had that turned into some crazy Saturday night live skit. Actually, I’m kidding about those things…well, not the date thingy so much but I digress…

I’m on this path and I really love life and where I am and the whole concept that we create our circumstances and situations and I want to throw it all out there. Who knows, it might help someone else to come along, open a door or light up a new pathway or it may just be crazy ramblings or just plain funny and somewhat entertaining. WHO KNOWS!

I absolutely DO NOT have time to do it. I’m just stating a fact here but I feel like I’ll love it so the time will be there as it’s needed…at least that’s what I’m hoping for.

In any event, I’m toying around with a couple of names.

I sort of like you-go-girl.com or sonya.com (might be too specific) or gladys-inc.com (all you gladys(es) out there will understand the reasoning behind that one). I’m very open to suggestions so send ‘em on in.

Here’s the thought that’s been germinating around in my head.  I think I’d like this blog to be a destination for other women, like me, who are on the way to well, who knows where we are all headed but I’d like to showcase and feature and spotlight other women and have it be a place where they can come for a little inspiration, some humor, maybe some advice and help along the way with business endeavors and personal endeavors.

I know, sounds very hokey pokey-ish. But hey I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said “What if the Hokey Pokey IS What it’s All About…”

So, this is it. TrulyTwistedMarketing will live on but I’m evolving a bit as a person and I want to share it with the world so I’m jumping off into these new unchartered waters – SINK OR SWIM BABY!

I’ll be sure to let you know the name and I’ll definitely be throwing around the link here at TrulyTwistedMarketing so you can meander on over and take a look and grab a laugh or two and hopefully leave feeling a little better and a little lighter than when you first came!

Ok, here’s the scenario.

This is a true story…

A friend of mine came to me with a dilemma.

She found herself in a relationship with a man who was an excellent friend and one day, out of the blue, sparks began to fly between the two of them. Being good friends they toyed around with the idea of being not only friends but lovers. Both were single with children.

They flirted, they danced, they teased, they played…a little. Both being mature and grown up people they talked very openly about how they felt about one another.

The two of them found that they matched up nicely in a lot of areas. Their relationship started to grow – sort of. It was sweet and genuine and natural to begin with and really fun. And there was this sexy undercurrent that was always there between the two of them.

Sounds fun right?

But things started to slide. He didn’t want to date or be open about anything in front of other people…um, yeah, that should have probably been the first heads up or at least to my way of thinking…

But, he was an excellent friend. As she describes him…one of those really stand up guys – honorable, family-oriented and a gentleman. He helped with her kids. She helped with his. They talked about family, life and everything in between. They sent text messages, talked via the phone and online. They got pretty close. They saw each other all the time. That sexy undercurrent didn’t go away.

She began to really think seriously about wanting to do normal things like going out on a date with this person and letting nature take its course – trusting him to hold that space with her.
But there was always that ‘something’ that held her back.

***Just FYI…I call that ‘something’ intuition, inner guidance or simply paying attention and being aware on a different level.

Then something pretty big happened. He posted his profile on an online dating site – not just one but a couple of them. He didn’t tell her. She found it by accident.

Oh man.

Now, I don’t believe there are accidents. I think there are signposts on the roadway of life and when things line up one way or another they collide and we call them accidents – but in actuality they are signals that God, the Universe, our Angels or whatever you happen to call it are shouting as loudly as possible at us to pay attention.

What my friend missed the whole way along this short little journey and finally got when it flew straight into her face was this…his words didn’t line up with his actions.

It’s not a matter of right or wrong but when actions and words don’t line up, what you create can only be…well, a mixed bag of confused nuts.

You see when we create ANYTHING it begins with a thought. That thought begins its manifestation when it is spoken and turned into words. When it is expressed to another, via whatever medium you choose, there are then two people involved in the creation. More power is given to that initial thought because there is now more than one person involved in the creation of it. Two people are always stronger than one in any creative endeavor. And with two people both creating then some sort of action is always sure to follow.

Here’s the rule of thumb: actions follow words which follow thoughts. It’s a simple formula that we forget about all the time.

Now, what does this story have to do with marketing? And, does it have a happy ending?

I’m getting to that. Here it is…

The whole marketing point here is that what we create with our customers is very akin to a good relationship. If our marketing campaigns make false promises, mislead or in any way shape or form don’t line up in an honest viable offer, it will eventually come out.

And, the risk of losing that customer, that one relationship is huge.

In fact, the odds that it won’t be lost are pretty slim. It depends, of course, on the amount of trust that was there to begin with and if your customer believes you made an honest mistake or if you were purposely manipulating and misleading.

But the truth is that once that customer has stepped out and no longer trust your motives it’s next to impossible to get them back.

That’s why it’s important in any marketing campaign to examine your motives, be real, be honest and be of value to the people you want to do business with. Make sure your actions and your words match up and you’ll have a straight shot to getting the relationship you desire with your customers.

Now for the rest of the story…

As of today, there’s no happy ending.

Now, I personally absolutely love and believe in happy endings. In this case, though, I’m not so sure there is one.

My friend did opt out – called it quits realizing she needed a little less game playing and I have to say I’m proud of her. She’s being true to herself and as honest as she can be in her relationships. I am prejudiced, of course, because when I look at her, her accomplishments, her beauty and very big heart I know that she is just like me in many ways.

As for him…he’s online. Dating, not dating…who knows! In the big scheme of things he’s creating his own path, in his own way. He'll find his way to exactly what it is he wants. 

So that’s it for today. Advice on a lot of fronts, I know, but keepin’ it real and sharing the marketing love is what it’s all about.

A little motivational quote to keep you going on this day…

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible." 

-Arthur C. Clarke 

So, today is my birthday.

I’m 40.

Did you hear me????? F-o-r-t-y!!!!!!

Omg, I mean, like dude…Yikes!

I’m actually kidding, here…I love it. Yep. You heard right. L-O-V-E  it. I love where I am in this life right this second on this day – my life is like a breath of fresh air flowing on a warm spring day. It’s pretty wonderful. Better yet, let’s make it fun and say it another way… cosmically balanced and absolutely perfectly aligned with the moon and the stars. Yeah, I like it. I have a thing for the moon and the stars…but you know, I’m lovin’ some sunshine too.  

So anyways, the point to this post is a little metaphysical. You know, cuz, it’s my birthday and all and it’s my 40th and when am I ever going to be 40 again? I have to keep putting that big 4-0 number in so I can get used to it.

When I was 20, 40 seemed, well, kind of old. But look here. The thing is, I don’t look 40 (although I’m not sure what 40 actually looks like). Everyone says I look early 30-something – sounds good to me. I don’t feel 40 either. Although, again, I’m not sure what that feels like. I’m not creaking around or anything and nothing’s dropping to the floor. Actually, I’d say I’m vibrantly active…that is, unless I’m on one of those stationary bike thingy’s…ugh.

Mostly, I feel free. Free to truly enjoy and actively intention and create the things, people, places and experiences in my life from here on out. I’m no longer caught up in being defined by other people or my job or my kids or all those things that “they” (whoever they are) say you should and shouldn’t be or do. I guess I’ve outgrown all that and grown into myself – this confident, sexy, smart, smiley woman.

I’m not afraid to own it (lol, obviously). And, not afraid to admit I have something to say – something of value that comes from the heart and from all my collective experiences to date.

So, here goes… 

Step out and be fearless. Love big and with all your heart, not just with bits and pieces. Let go of the past and clear your space to make room for the future. Speak with honesty. Believe in miracles because they happen daily. Pay attention because there are no coincidences – those coincidences are God’s divine plan in motion. Take time for yourself. Live every second as if it were your last. Honor the people in your life, the good, the bad and the ugly for the lessons they’ve taught you.

So, my hippie friends and not so hippie friends, take my advice and go out and spread big love and infinite peace and dance a little dance while you are at it …

OMG, did I mention? I’m 40! 

Especially for you today. Go ahead and chart your own course. The following applies not only to your everyday personal life but each and every decision you make in the course of a day for your business operations and in marketing your business.

Always reach to create balance and strive for the choice to empower each and every opportunity with what it is that you ultimately desire in your business.

It's Always Your Next Move 

The keys to your universe lie with the choices you make.
You don't have to buy from anyone or work at any particular job.
You don't have to participate in any given relationship.
You can choose.

The choice is always yours.
You hold the tiller.
You steer the course you choose
in the direction of where you want to be today,
tomorrow, or in a distant time to come.

You can at any time decide to alter the course of your life.
No one can ever take that away from you.