Kristen Marie's Blog

The Giving Zone

Everyday I meet people who are truly living a life they love. Today I am honored to shine a light on Bruce Painter, creator of Giving Zone Radio. WOW. Bruce is up to really cool things!

His book "The Giving Zone" offers reader access to a 'realm where your dreams come true'. Hello? How much better can it get? Bruce is a perfect example of living a life you love.

When Bruce and I met - through Gail Goodwin of Inspire Me Today - it was such a delight. Bruce was gracious enough to invite me on his radio show for an interview. Take a listen.

And check out what Bruce is up to. He's a man with a vision, a passion and a commitment to living full out.

What's your Good Cheer Company?

Ever come across something and declare "I wish I'd thought of that!"? Well, I sure do. Here's my latest find:

The Good Cheer Company makes these fabulous little metal puzzle pieces with words like "I am powerful", "I am grateful" and "I am magnificent". WOW COOL IS THIS IDEA? I have "I am blessed" on my key chain. What a perfect gift for yourself or for someone you adore.

In addition to the puzzle pieces, I just bought their Cheers to You CD. Oh my! Go take a listen. It's totally fabulous.

I love that the minds behind all this actually took the time to build it! That's what it's all about folks; finding your heart's desire, giving yourself permission to go after it, and surrounding yourself with people who support your big dreams. That's a powerful combination that serves the world.

What's your "Good Cheer Company"?

The Big Idea: Michael Port

I love watching people design, create and live a life they love. Michael Port is a perfect example. Author, speaker, and sales expert, Michael appeared on one of my favorite shows last night - the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. And Michael hit a home run!

For the show, Donny assembled a host of experts to discuss The Art of Selling. What a show! Michael brought an authenticity and thoughtfulness to the conversation that I greatly appreciated. Be gracious, be transparent, be of service. These are the very same ideas that have fueled our success.

I encourage you to learn more about Michael - I had the great pleasure of hearing him speak in Dallas a year ago. He's a great man with great wisdom to share. (Check out his blog.) And he's living a life he loves!

Bravo.

YES, Please. Make Mine a Million!

In the spirit of living a life you love, Nell Merlino founded Count Me In - the organization that created the Make Mine a Million program that is coming to Seattle June 11. (I am HONORED to share that Affirmagy is one of the 16 finalists selected from 200+ applications!!!)

Reader's Digest did a fabulous piece about Nell and her vision for 1,000,000 women owned businesses doing over $1,000,000 in sales by 2010. Nell is my kind of thinker. This BIG IDEA (Donny Deutsch gets it too!) is so compelling (and timely) that OPEN by American Express is a founding sponsor.

What an extraordinary time in which we live. I am so proud to be a part of a growing, dynamic, creative, powerful group of entrepreneurs across this great country who are following their hearts, giving their best, and through their businesses making a difference for others.

It's a beautiful thing.

Blazing Trails, Inspiring Others

When we follow our passion it shows - and it MATTERS in the lives of those we serve. Take Debra Morrison for example. With an impressive list of accomplishments that highlight a career dedicated to others, Debra has built her personal passion for helping women soar into both her financial planning practice and her motivational speaking business.

A deserving spotlight was shown on Debra by the Daily Record. Take a look. You'll be inspired by who she chooses to be in the world. Recently Debra was named one of "New Jersey's Best 50 Women in Business" for 2008. Bravo!

Debra is a fabulous woman who has found the secret sauce: do what you love, and you'll inspire others to do the same.

Gratitude Club

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

Living the Law of Attraction

Living the Law of Attraction by Rich German and Robin Hoch is an awesome book.  If you know the Law of Attraction, you will love this book.  If you are familiar with the Law of Attraction but aren't REALLY putting it into practice in your daily life, this book can help you make you intentions reality.  Go here to read more about the book, I highly recommend it.

Powered by ScribeFire.

The Art of Snail Mail

I could make a very strong case that the foundation of my success has been built on sending people note cards. Over the years I've literally sent thousands of cards. It's my joy writing notes to thank and acknowledge people. What better way to stay connected to your friends and customers?

When I started Affirmagy, however, writing notes to all our customers became a huge task. One that, frankly, I was not doing well. There were times when I would write 'thank you for your order' notes hundreds at a time, only to find my hand hurting, and my mind questioning the wisdom of this time investment. I couldn't personalize all those cards... and after a while the quality of my handwriting would decline beyond my standards.

Who wants to get a note from a business owner whose writing resembles a fourth grader?

Enter SendOutCards. There isn't enough time today to adequately brag all over this company. Let me just say this; I wish I'd thought of it. Kody Bateman's vision, and his commitment to others is extraordinary. Please take a look. SendOutCards makes it SO easy to stay in touch, acknowledge, thank and love on people when they least expect it. It's a beautiful thing!

Click here to visit... and notice that you are coming to the Affirmagy page. We are proud to be a part of the SOC family.

Connect with Kristen

Friday I had the pleasure of hosting my first Connect with Kristen event. What a treat! It was such an honor getting to lead the day, and learn about the aha's and breakthroughs that my guests experienced.

For those of you who teach, you know that any time you immerse yourself in workshop - even if you are leading the conversation - it's natural to experience your our aha's! in the process.

Well, that's what happened to me. As the morning was unfolding, I remembered the very first set of steps that made the day possible...and they were super simple: I declared that I was doing the event. Sitting in Maui at the end of February, I created Connect with Kristen. I selected a date, built a little website, and drafted an outline of the day. That's it.

All the details, the comprehensive outline, securing attendees, figuring out all the ins and outs came later.
My big aha? GET INTO ACTION on your BIG DREAMS. Tip the domino. Step the first step.

It will all unfold from there. This I know.

Making it up as we go....

Inspire Me Today

Today it's my delight to shine the light on a woman who is following her heart and making a difference in the lives of others.

I met Gail Goodwin last fall at a mastermind group event in Chicago. Gail is a force of nature. She's one of those people who can breathe life into an idea and make it take shape. And the more I got to know Gail, the more I admired her vision for a website that offered daily inspiration to those around the world. (I encourage you to read her story. It's very inspiring!)

Inspire Me Today is worth a peek. Gail has assembled a group that she calls "Luminaries" that I think you'll like to know. Each day the site highlights a different individual. And I am proud that Gail asked me to serve in that spot on May 8th.

Have an inspired day!