STRESS - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

Unplugging & de-stressing for the summer...

Posted by Vonetta Booker-Brown on July 13, 2011 at 4:02pm

I don't know about you, but I like to think of summertime as the prime season for RELAXING--kicking back, enjoying the warm sun, balmy breezes and fun events with family and friends. Swimming, concerts, good music, food--just good times all around. And I don't want stress anywhere in there!

So why is it that we're still so stressed out and don't know how to unplug?

If you have that issue, I'm excited to tell you that you're in luck! Because next Thursday, 7/21 at 7pm EST, I'm delighted to have professional organizer Ellen Delap back for a great, encore presentation on our "Call & Learn" teleclass, "Summertime Unplugging & De-Stressing!"

She's going to be breaking down all types of great ways to slow down and actually ENJOY the warm weather while it's still here! So, I hope to see you on the call--to register (and get a free copy of "Accountability Partners for Internet Marketers," just go to http://successtales.com/7-21-registration/ and sign right up! See ya there!

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

An antidote to feeling overwhelmed….

Posted by Vonetta Booker-Brown on July 9, 2011 at 11:53pm

Can I be real with you for a sec? Sometimes, I feel like a machine, with all of the stuff on my to-do list. Trust me--I'm not trying to complain, but I just have to put it out there for a minute. Make new business cards. Write a couple of new blog entries. Transcribe podcast recordings. Tweak my Wordpress pages. Create a new banner. Research new markets...and that's just to name a few, lol. We're not even talking about the things that need to be done re. my existing clients! (And I know what you're thinking--"why not delegate?" Oh, that would be so wonderful--in due time! Right now, when the budget is still small, I've gotta utilize my one-woman know-how as much as possible!)

Sometimes, when I look at my hefty to-do list, yes--I sometimes feel overwhelmed in a "How the heck am I ever going to get this done?" kind of way! But then I realize that I have to look at things in a different light. Promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship is still what I love to do; it's my passion. So, why not make it fun? I'm going to strive to see my tasks not as doldrum work--but as learning experiences along the small business journey. I know a lot, but I'm still learning a lot--hell, aren't we all? And this is a great way to learn as I go.

And one last thing that I need to remind myself of & am getting better at: Learn to turn it off already! That can be a challenge when you work from home & everything's in one place--but seriously. Turn the laptop off, go play with your kids (who are probably clamoring for your attention anyway), read a book--whatever you do to relax. There's something about being on a laptop all day that fries your brain, isn't it? Don't forget to replenish those cells!

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About the Blogger:

Vonetta Booker-Brown is the creator of SuccessTales.com, a resource/membership site for savvy female small business owners--and the author of the e-book Success Tales: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories of Challenges, Inspiration & Success--featuring BBWO's own LaShanda Henry!

I Completed the 30 day Blog A Day Challenge and then My Computer Go High Jacked by a Virus

Posted by Michelle S. Hawkins on December 1, 2010 at 7:17pm

You have to keep your sense of humor being self employed. I completed a 30 day Blog A Day Challenge. (Yay ME!). Then some nefarious virus high jacked my computer and would not let me connect to the internet unless I paid $69.99 to add their bogus Microsoft Think Pad. My computer is at the shop now. (I'm at the library. Time for a Mac.)

I could have handled this one of two ways. 1) I could have freaked out and got nothing done or 2) I could do what I did. After I was unable to remove it (not using Norton but another software program) I had a good laugh and crocheted a cap. Why stress over something you can't change at the moment. Stress takes a physical toll on your body so don't give into it. Rechannel that stress energy into something else.

Regarding the blogging my stats went up; I had people join; click to my sell site. By me being consistent people were coming back on a regular basis to check out my blog, so if you're not doing it get started. Smile.

How would you have handled the situation?

I would love to provide your handmade unique gifts for the holidays.

Michelle

http;//wirequeen.com

Stress and the work at home woman: Tips to help you reduce stress

Posted by Robin Tramble on August 15, 2010 at 4:15am

Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up every morning with a smile on your face,
energy and life balance?

Work at home women are experiencing their share of stress. Between caring for family, their business, nurturing their Faith and otherroles it can be a bit overwhelming.

Did you know that stress can be attributed to 90% of all chronic diseases. Stress can ead to heart attacks, strokes and other chronicdiseases..

What are some of your areas of stress?

Three essential keys to stress management include…

Discovering how to leverage your time

Mastering your mindset

Working on and following a system for life balance

It’s important for you as a Work at home woman to begin taking stress reduction
serious. Take something from this post and apply it to your life.

A powerful stress reduction tip is to laugh. It has been stated that
laughter is like medicine for the soul.

List ways you can integrate laughter into your schedule.

Want additional information on how you can begin reducing stress?
Request my free special report – “Stress reduction and the powers of
a positive mind” by clicking here.

How can you use the information shared in this post before your head hits
the pillow tonight? Go ahead write it down and add one to two daily action steps
to focus on.

Here’s to the new stressed-less you!

Coping With Stress - Black Women and Job Loss

Posted by Clarence Coggins on April 22, 2010 at 7:30pm

Stress inevitably will be part of the job search process. Here are tips to help you deal with stress.

Write down what seems to be causing the stress - Identify the "stressors," thenthin of possible ways to handle each one. Can some demands be altered, lessened, or postponed? Can you live with any of them just as they are? Are there some that you might be able to deal with more effectively?

Set Priorities - Deal with the most pressing needs or changes first. You cannot handle everything at once.

Establish a workable schedule - When you set a schedule for yourself, make sure it is one that can be achieved. As you perform your tasks, you will feel a sense of control and accomplishment.

Reduce stress - Learn relaxation techniques, or other stress-reduction techniques. This can be as simple as sitting in a chair, closing your eyes, taking a deep breath and breathing out slowly while imagining all the tension going out with your breath. There are a number of other methods, including listening to relaxation tapes, that may help you cope with stress more effectively.

Avoid isolation - Keep in touch with your friends, even former coworkers, if you can do that comfortably. Unemployed individuals often feel a sense of isolation and loneliness. See your friends, talk with them, socialize with them. You are the same person you were before unemployment. The same goes for activities that you have enjoyed in the past. Evaluate them. Which can you afford to continue? If you find that your old hobbies or activities can't be part of your new budget, perhaps you can substitute new activities that are less costly.

Join a support group. No matter how understanding or caring your family or friends might be, they may not be able to understand all that you're going through and you might be able to find help and understanding at a support group for job seekers.

These groups consist of people who are going through the same experiences and emotions you are. Many groups also share tips on job opportunities, as well as feedback on way to deal more effectively in the job search process. National Business Employment Weekly, available at major newsstands, list support groups throughout the country. Local churches, YMCAs, YWCAs, and libraries often list (or even host) support groups. For information about self-help groups in New Jersey, call The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at 1-800-367-6274. It's on the Internet at www.njgroups.org.

Forty Plus is a national nonprofit organization with clubs around the country. It is an excellent source of information about issues concerning older employees and the job-search process. Both Philadelphia and Manhattan have chapters:

Philadelphia: 1218 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107; online: www.fortyplus.org
phone: (215)923-2074

New York: 470 Seventh Ave., Suite 403; New York, NY 10018; www.fortyplus-nyc.org
phone: (212)947-4230

Clarence Coggins
Crown Prince of Web 2.0
Equal Access To Justice For All
Build Them All With One Link

How Stress Affects Your Weight

Posted by Carol Dunlop on November 11, 2009 at 2:11pm

It’s difficult to avoid stress. Stress enters our lives daily. It can impact your well-being and success on any type of fitness program.Stress can mean different things to different people. A roller coaster ride is a thrill to one person -- a terrifying experience to the next. There is good and bad stress. Daily exercise is an example of good stress. Stress can be defined as: wear and tear of life; adjustive demands made upon individuals to the problems of day-to-day living, or any physical or psychological threat to a person’s well-being. Stress is essentially a good or bad change which evokes a generalized physiological response of the body to physical, psychological, or environmental demands.Body reactions are a good warning system to monitor stress, they include:1. Easily overexcited, irritability, depression2. Increased heart rate3. Dryness of the throat4. Impulsive behavior, emotional instability5. The overpowering urge to cry or run and hide6. Inability to concentrate7. General disorientation, alcohol or drug addiction8. Accident proneness9. Feelings of unreality, general weakness, dizziness10. Fatigue - paranoia11. Body trembling, increased medication use12. High-pitched nervous laughter13. Stuttering14. Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)15. Insomnia, nightmares16. Inability to take a relaxed attitude17. Perspiring18. Frequent urination19. Diarrhea, indigestion20. Neck or lower back pain21. PMS22. Migraine headaches23. Loss of appetiteIf stress is prolonged, and especially if physical action is not a permitted response to the stress, then it can drain the body of its reserves and leave it weakened, worn, and susceptible to illness.Much of the disability imposed by prolonged stress is nutritional; you can't eat, can't digest your food or absorb nutrients, and so can't store them in reserve for periods of need.Many people eat excessively in response to stress since food can have a relaxing effect. You can develop a conditioned response so that whenever stress hormone levels become high, you feel the need to eat.Want to know more about how to conquer stress and prevent it from taking over your weight loss and weight management journey? Join my next class of Pound by Pound Weight Management and learn to control stress AND your weight, for good.****FREE BONUS*** By clicking on the link to get information about the next class, you also get 3 FREE Recordings about weight loss, a testimonial from my client and a session about Portion control. What are you waiting for, Go Ahead, click the link, get the Free stuff and learn how to get started losing weight, the right way.

How Stress Affects Your Weight

Posted by Carol Dunlop on November 11, 2009 at 2:11pm

It’s difficult to avoid stress. Stress enters our lives daily. It can impact your well-being and success on any type of fitness program.Stress can mean different things to different people. A roller coaster ride is a thrill to one person -- a terrifying experience to the next. There is good and bad stress. Daily exercise is an example of good stress. Stress can be defined as: wear and tear of life; adjustive demands made upon individuals to the problems of day-to-day living, or any physical or psychological threat to a person’s well-being. Stress is essentially a good or bad change which evokes a generalized physiological response of the body to physical, psychological, or environmental demands.Body reactions are a good warning system to monitor stress, they include:1. Easily overexcited, irritability, depression2. Increased heart rate3. Dryness of the throat4. Impulsive behavior, emotional instability5. The overpowering urge to cry or run and hide6. Inability to concentrate7. General disorientation, alcohol or drug addiction8. Accident proneness9. Feelings of unreality, general weakness, dizziness10. Fatigue - paranoia11. Body trembling, increased medication use12. High-pitched nervous laughter13. Stuttering14. Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)15. Insomnia, nightmares16. Inability to take a relaxed attitude17. Perspiring18. Frequent urination19. Diarrhea, indigestion20. Neck or lower back pain21. PMS22. Migraine headaches23. Loss of appetiteIf stress is prolonged, and especially if physical action is not a permitted response to the stress, then it can drain the body of its reserves and leave it weakened, worn, and susceptible to illness.Much of the disability imposed by prolonged stress is nutritional; you can't eat, can't digest your food or absorb nutrients, and so can't store them in reserve for periods of need.Many people eat excessively in response to stress since food can have a relaxing effect. You can develop a conditioned response so that whenever stress hormone levels become high, you feel the need to eat.Want to know more about how to conquer stress and prevent it from taking over your weight loss and weight management journey? Join my next class of Pound by Pound Weight Management and learn to control stress AND your weight, for good.****FREE BONUS*** By clicking on the link to get information about the next class, you also get 3 FREE Recordings about weight loss, a testimonial from my client and a session about Portion control. What are you waiting for, Go Ahead, click the link, get the Free stuff and learn how to get started losing weight, the right way.

Too busy to live?

Posted by Robin Tramble on March 15, 2009 at 8:30am

Are you too busy to live?Every year Americans die from a lack of proper management andcare for our health . I know you don't have time to take a 20minute walk at least 2 times per week. It's too much to take time toplan my meals so that I don't consume too much food with empty calories,or overwork your heart with saturated fats.....sure we only live onceand must enjoy ourselves with over indulgence with desserts, fats,carbohydrates, sodas, fries, burgers, alcohol and...need I say more?Read the following study done by HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC)...........Mortality for several leading causes of death declined in 1999,according to preliminary figures from HHS' Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), released today by HHS SecretaryTommy G. ThompsonAt the same time, there were increases for other leading causes ofdeath, including septicemia (6.6 percent); hypertension (5 percent); chroniclower respiratory diseases (4 percent),and diabetes (3.3 percent).http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/01news/declindea.htmOne thing that I wanted to point out was where it was said that most of the other leading causesof deaths mentioned were preventable.Are we too busy to live?"Good health is literally a walk away," Secretary Thompsonsaid. "You don't have to work up a big sweat at the gym or becomea long-distance runner. Just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week, can significantlyimprove your health. Playing with your kids in thebackyard for an hour each day can help the whole family stayhealthy."http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/02news/physical_activity.htmWell, I don't know about you, but I'm not to busy too live."Don't bother me....I'm living!" That is my desirefor you that you will get busy living a super-charged empowered life of success "Spirit, soul and body."So what are you doing at least three timesper week for 20 - 30 minutes a day...... walking to good health...(or whatever form of exercise you choose)....living!Now I invite you to gain access to two free resources for stressed-lessliving http://budurl.com/64vd and toboost in your self esteem and confidence to realized a new empowered youhttp://budurl.com/wrm9 .To your best empowered life!Beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in healtheven as your soul prospereth. 3 John 2

A Prescription for What Ails Sisters

Posted by Carmin Wharton on February 15, 2009 at 9:32pm

Sisters, if you are stressed out, your self-confidence has taken a vacation and you are not where you want to be in life, just remember that our lives are a series of ebbs and flows. We, as Black women, must continue to do 3 things:1. Believe that we are worth "it" whatever "it" is for you. "It" could be a successful business, successful romantic relationship, our dream home, our dream career, good health, more money than we know what to do with - the list is endless.2. Stop being afraid or too proud to ask for help. All you have to do is ask. More people will say "yes" than those who will say "no." Those who say "no" are not meant to be a part of your success.3. Stop worrying. Ten years ago I heard author Iyanla Vanzant speak in Atlanta and I took shorthand (yea, I'm that old) notes during her talk; still have the notes and you know what she said about worrying? Do you remember as a kid in school when they told us in case our clothes catch on fire, we are to stop, drop, and roll? Well, whatever is worrying you (which manifests itself as low self-confidence) stop worrying, drop trying to figure it out or work it out and roll it into God's hands.This is Dr. Carmin's prescription for what ails me and my sisters.Carmin Wharton is a home-based business expert and the founder of e-BlackWomenNetwork.com, a membership community designed to take businesses owned by women of color from start up to prosperity. Carmin's mission is to help women earn what they're worth and make it big in their home-based business on their own terms.

Worry

Posted by Brenda Farrar-Ejemai on February 14, 2009 at 1:30am

WORRYWorry is to feel or express great care and anxiety, to fret. To worry is to have something constantly on the mind and agonizing over it. It can give a sick feeling. It can also be expressed through speech and action. The mind is agitated and there are complaints, there is impatience and irritability. In other words, there is no peace.Sometimes worry can consume hours, days even weeks out of your life. You try to throw it off, but it clings like static. It clings like a tick on an unsuspecting animal.Then “What If” enters. When “What If” enters, peace leaves. You yearn for peace, but the “What Ifs” overpowers and takes control. It keeps a question on the mind. You’re constantly wondering, what if this, what if that. You want to stop worrying, but the mind seems to find comfort in it.Has worry every visited so strongly that when the situation was resolved, you were angry for worrying about it? You worried for hours, days, weeks or even years. It consumed your time and energy. All wasted. You had sleepless nights. You suffered muscle tension, and stress you didn’t need; and all for what? It was for no reason at all. The situation came and went without incident. Your “What Ifs” never manifested and your fears never materialized.You want to kick yourself for what worry put you through. You say within yourself, you’ll never do that again. But does it work?Before you know it, there’s worry knocking at your door. It’s pleading to be let in again. It wants to be your buddy, your companion, your friend.Worry takes up time, saps energy and replaces peaces. It leaves you with nothing in return. Nothing is gained. You are no better for it. You’re only left with less.WORRYWe can all do without a companion like that.Cast it down and cast it out.YOU DON’T NEED IT!Brenda Farrar-Ejemai©2005Author of: The Family in the Car, A Revelationwww.TheFamilyInTheCar.comwww.youtube.com/thefamilyinthecarISBN 978-1-58909-485-7

The Toxic Job

Posted by Tsmart78 on January 30, 2009 at 4:00am

Is your JOB toxic?? We have all heard of toxic relationships and friendships. You know the ones that bring you down, lead you down the wrong path, or cause you more harm or hurt than good. So, is your JOB toxic? And how can you tell. If your immediate response to the question was yes, then case closed. If you are not so sure whether your job is toxic or not, I have some things you may want to think about. I'm not professing to be a career counselor, or anything like that, but I had a conversation with a friend that some people may be able to relate to...~ Signs your job may be "toxic" ~- Are you literally saddened by thoughts of your job or the thought of going to work?- Do you constantly go to work in a good mood, but leave angry or depressed?- Have you or are you developing health issues, (for example, high blood pressure, ulceres, anxiety) due to job related stress?- Does your job consumes all aspects of your life, even when you don't want it to?- Does your job interfere with your personal life or cause a strain in your personal relationships? You know, you are constantly missing valuable family time because you have to work late or bring the job home with you. ( Think carefully about this, don't confuse it with a toxic relationship at home)- Has your behavior change negatively since you have been working at your job.?- Do the practices of your company conflict with your personal values?I think that if you've answered yes to more than one or two of these questions then you may have a toxic situation on your hands. But what should you do about it? Now, with the economy today, I would not advise just quitting. 71,000 jobs were lost on Monday, 10,000 on Wednesday, and there are certainly more to come. So chances of getting hired somewhere else are slim.But in the meantime, see if there are other ways to survive and keep your sanity. Instead of griping about your job, thank God, that you have a means to provide for yourself or your family. While you are there, take comfort in knowing that you are doing the best that you can do while you are at work. Set limitations for your self try to work late only once or twice a week, and then set limitations on how late you will stay. Say I'm leaving at "x o'clock" no matter what. And stick to it. If possible, find something you do like, whether it be another job, or your own business. And by all means, be sure not to take the stresses of the day out on your loved ones. They will be there for you long after that job has passed.

A Dog is An Entrepreneur's Best Friend!

Posted by PaulaNQ on December 3, 2008 at 7:45pm

Pets are wonderful stress relievers for the weary entrepreneur. As a life coach, I can't think of a simpler health and wellness strategy than simply holding a dog in your lap and petting it. Or coming home to a dog who is so happy to see you they almost turn inside out.At any rate, I really just wanted to show off my new puppy, Twinkle, who received her first really professional grooming today. The one at one of the pet store chains was so awful - I wound up not paying :)This new dog is a handful -- I definitely need to show her who is Alpha dog. And actually, "Are you a Twinkle or a Starr?" will be the title of an article I will be writing. Starr was my late dog's name.The good news is that under all the excessive chewing, nipping at my heels and general mischievousness, is a dog with the cutest little face. Twinkle is a Shih Tzu, by the way!Shhh, baby's sleeping now. She is tired from her grooming and walk afterwards!

Stress, women and chronic disease

Posted by Robin Tramble on December 12, 2008 at 11:43pm

Did you know that stress can be attributed to 90% of all chronic diseases?This thing is serious!Many times as women we are in denial and feel that we havea grip on stress and are managing well, however, without becomingaware of stressors in your life you are basically yielding yourself totremendous damage to your health and well being.I use assessments to help individuals discover their subsceptibilityto stress. A few of the questions that I ask would include the following.Do you experience unidentified pain in your shoulders, neck or back?Have you experienced loss in the last year (i.e. loss of a loved one, job etc.)?Do you find it easy to take time for yourself at least once or twice per week?This is your life and you have a choice to make to either take aproactive approach to your personal development, health and wellnessplan or become a victim and shorten the time you have here on earth tobenefit from the fruits of your labor.I invite you to get my free new report "Stress reduction and thepowers of a positive attitude." You can find it at:http://tinyurl.com/68gvmsLive stressed-less and prosper!RobinEmpowering Mentor/Trainer/Coach

How to relax on a tight budget

Posted by Erica Johnson on September 12, 2008 at 3:14am

How to relax on a tight budgetWe all need a break away from all the stress at work and not to mention the husband and kids. Being a mom, wife, cook, driver, gardener, cleaners, maid and don’t forget being a business professional is hard work and you need time to relax. You must take time for your self. When you are taking time for yourself you become a better mom, wife, and friend.When you are on a tight budget it’s hard to find $100 just to blow on fun with friends, but this cannot be an excuse. You have to strive to budget $150.00 a month for you to relax and not for your family fun time. Don’t make any excuses like little Johnny needs extra lunch money for the week or my husband needs a new briefcase. Let your husband use that same briefcase until there’s a holiday or when you need a birthday gift to buy. Making excuses is the beginning of your failure to meet the goal of relaxation.Being a mom we are nurturers by design and we always put our self last. For one day a month we have to push that aside and think of ourselves. Explain to your husband and family that you will be taking some me time out for your self each month. Also explain to hubby that negotiated in this agreement is that the kids and the house are his responsibility for the day. Now ladies, let me prep you on line of defense number one that will surely come from your husband. He will say, there’s no way I can make it without you. It may not be in those exact words but it will be in some derivative of it. You rebuttal should be to simply tell him that he will also be getting something out of it. You will become a much better person to be around.Taking time out for your self can be cheap. A few things you can do are:1) Get a 30min. massage. Massages are my favorite as they are a great stress reliever. You can also catch up on old times by having a friend join you for the massage. You can create friends night out spa party and invite all of your friends.2) Go to the park and feed the birds and fish for free, assuming that you already have the bread at home. Just being by your self can relieve a lot of stress.3) Take a drive around the town to clear your mind.4) Get a gym membership which runs you about $30 a month. Look out for specials here in Nashville where you can join for $1.00. Working out at your local gym is a great way to trim up and relax.These are just a few ideas that could help you stay healthy and have a balanced life. It’s imperative that you take time for your self. If nothing else lock your self in your room with a huge bowl of fruit and your favorite movie or book.Author Erica Johnson is a mother and wife that focuses on healing the body mind and soul. She is the owner of three business in Nashville, TN. Pampered Luxury Mobile Spa, Young Leaders Preschool and Warm Spirit. She is a business expert and her goal is to see women succeed. She helps mothers with taking care of themselves by helping them learn how to relax and achieve overall wellness. If you would like to contact Erica Johnson please contact her at www.pamperedluxurymobilespa.com

MiniMizz ::: You don't HAVE to take the Client

Posted by Rikki on July 16, 2008 at 4:30pm

What??? What exactly are you talking about Mizz Rikki? Don't you see the gas prices? Hear the news? I'm trying to get every dollar I can!Is that right? How much stress are you willing to take with that? Here are some (real life) scenarios that may make you think seriously about that.1. From the initial contact, they really don't know what they want, change their mind 50leven times, and continuously ask you questions that you've answered time and time again. You can be sure that no matter what you do for them, they will ask for a do over.2. They want to barter with you, offering items that are not guaranteed to bring you income. I mean, it sounds good, but if you do the basic math...3. When presented with your rates, they tell you they can only afford x amount. Again, when you do the simple math, it works out to be less than the minimum wage. Not only is that disrespectful of a person's skills, IT'S ILLEGAL to pay someone less than the minimum wage.4. They want to pay you as an independent contractor, but treat you as an employee; call you at all hours of the day and night and weekends and holidays and expect you to drop everything you are doing to talk to them.5. You're told that the job entails certain tasks and/or hours, then once you agree it turns out to be way more - but don't want to adjust the pay rate. See #s 3 and 4.6. Don't want to sign the contract you give them; they give you a document that is not a binding agreement; or they give you a contract that totally protects them and asks way too much of you.Those six points are only the tip of the iceberg, and are indicators from the very beginning that scream RUN. I have personally experienced all of those, and most times the offenders were family or friends, but the occasional stranger has tried to get over like that too. The points are also a measure as to how much stress the client will cause you. Another hint? If you have to ask someone's opinion on the situation at hand, and your gut is trying to get your attention, it's probably not going to be a good working relationship.I like to provide solutions when I point out problems, so here's some things you can do to protect your mental and physical health from stress. Yes, you're in business to generate revenue but great customer service should be a goal as well. How can you provide excellent service to someone who grates your nerves?A. Know what goods and services you will provide, and the terms and conditions under which you will provide them. Do not waiver because you feel pressured to make a quick buck.B. Have your most basic terms of business displayed on your website. This should be the standard for all clients to know.C. Have an ideal customer in mind. I've even seen a website or two that spells out who their ideal client is.D. Save the frustration for after you hang up the phone. When their number shows up on your caller ID, take a deep breath and smile big when you pick up - or send the call to voice mail. Keep your cool when talking to that potential client. Save the vent for a trusted friend or colleague (who you don't do business with).E. Be tactful in turning down the potential client. Let them know what you find unreasonable or why you think that doing business with them won't work. Even if you're losing their money, they'll respect you more for being cordial while standing your ground, and eventually will see that you believe in your skills and have standards. If they can't, do you really want to do business with them anyway?I've seen too many instances where someone wants to hire someone else to do something, abuse them by underpaying/overworking and then leaving that provider for someone else who charges more and has clear cut policies and procedures.Don't sell yourself short. If the initial contact doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.Toodles!MizzRikki/MizzEllaneous.com

How do you handle the pressure - the stress?

Posted by DawnKA on June 13, 2008 at 5:02pm

As a business woman you are faced with many challenges. The pressure and the stress can be overwhelming. Pressure is an effect which occurs when a Force is applied on a surface while stress is defined as forces from the outside world impinging on the individual.Each day comes with a new challenge and how we handle the challenge determines how we work through the potential stress that comes along with the task at hand. Some days the pressure is more intense than others and it becomes so overwhelming - it makes you question yourself. Is it worth it? What am I a going to do? How will I get through this? Why after all that I have gone through getting things together is this happening now? and amidst all the wondering you ask Why does this happen only to me?Well the truth is you are not alone. As long as you are a living being, you will face pressures and challenges. The best way to handle the forces that appear to be crushing you is to face them head on as calmly as possible.• Look at the situation• Evaluate the problem• Devise a plan• Reach out to othersThere are those who feel that they are all alone but wait a minute you are not - you have joined the site. It's time to use your networking skills to find a way to resolve your problem. Go to the board and ask questions. Send an email. Don't be shy, chances are there is someone else who has faced a similar situation. Reach out to the friends you have on your business site list they may be able to assist you or encourage you through the process. It is a time to band together - a time to support and uplift.After all is said and done -- you can be sure that there will be more challenges ahead so don't allow it to overwhelm you. You have a business to run -goals to achieve - and a life to live..........

Note: this page contains paid content.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.