Entrepreneur | Loving Life Blog

“An automated Twitter tool”? Seriously. Why? August 20, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur,Social Media — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 12:00 am
Tags: automate following, automated twitter tool, following, increase, social media, social media marketing, TweetAdder, twitter

Yesterday I shared on facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter about a great tool that I have come across, which has been key in serving my social media marketing clients in an efficient way. The message was: “Awesome automated Twitter tool for getting 1000’s Twitter Followers & Customers quickly http://om.ly/rTwe ”

Today a comment on a LinkedIn discussion was: “Why would anyone want “an automated Twitter tool”? Seriously. Why?”

This was my response:

If you have a wish to connect with Twitter users with a certain profile (for example health coaches), or Twitter users tweeting about a certain topic (for example health issues), people who you would like to share your knowledge with – then an automated Twitter tool could be a very efficient way of connecting with them. Instead of getting recommendations or finding individuals one by one, you can make a search and start follow a number of them with one click. Similarly, you can make a search and find whom of them are close to your area, or located in the city where you will be for a presentation etc.

I for example will help promote a devise that will alleviate colic for babies. Help that is not available in the US today. If I can make a search and “automatically” follow those moms who has tweeted about that issue with their babies, and send a DM to those who choose to follow me (or the brand) back, that would be a very quick way of reaching out to someone who has that need.

Twitter today has $100M users. For most of them it is probably a very time consuming tool to use. For others it is a great way to find clients. This is the tool I am using to automate following for my clients: http://om.ly/rTwe , and I would be happy to provide you training on how to use it. Or – do it for you, should you choose to spend your time differently and still have the results.

Make real connections!

Enjoy,

Johanna

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Workation or Frimester? August 5, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur,Swedish-American — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:10 am
Tags: E-Myth, Frimester, Michael E Gerber, Semester, Social Media Marketing Consulting, Sweden, Vacation, Workacation

The Swedish language got 30 new words last year 2009, of which 10% relates to vacation… maybe not surprising in a country where the employees are entitled to a minimum of five-weeks paid vacation, usually taken 4 weeks in a row, during the month of July. Right – six or seven weeks is not unusual. You can get your one week ski-trip in too. No worries. And a couple of weeks to Thailand during the holidays to escape the cold darkness.

The word for vacation in Swedish is “semester”. The new words were:

“hemester” (home-ation or staycation), when you spend your vacation at the home location,
“svemester” (USation), vacation spent in Sweden (or US), and
“frimester” (freecation), vacation completely free and disconnected from work via mail, cellphone etc.

I on the on the other hand got what I asked for, “to be flexible in terms of where I work and be able to spend more time in Sweden”. Doing my best to squeeze in a little vacation too. Speaking with a fellow coach while in Sweden, she said “in America we call that workation“. I am not surpriced.

My experience, workation during a start-up phase in Sweden during the summer, is a recipe for burning the candle in two ends. It is easy to work from there, where ever and when ever. Computer, comviq surf and skype – that’s all I need. Great opportunity to get new clients in Social Media Marketing. There is also so much to catch up on with home, friends and family. The fact that the sun almost never goes down, and up very early, makes you believe that there is so much more time at hand… “It is possible to do it all”.

So the goal for next year is to E-Myth (by @michaelegerber) the business and also having a vacation – why not a Freecation. That should be possible. Maybe not 4 weeks in a row – but one. To start with. If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it. A little bit of action needed too, to make it happen.

Are you getting what you need to charge your batteries during vacation?

Make sure you do. It not only benefits you, it also benefits everyone around you.

Enjoy,

Johanna

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My Word is Law. May 25, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 6:28 pm
Tags: action, central park, coaching, commitment, completion, inner power, integrity, Life Coach San Francisco, Life Coach Sweden, manifesting habit, New York City, Personal Coach San Francisco, Personal Coach Sweden, Personal Coaching San Francisco, Personal Coaching Sweden, power of word, word is law

Wednesday night and I arrived in New York City. Staying on 50th Street and 8th Avenue, I was looking forward to finally getting my first chance to go for a morning run in Central Park.

Despite jetlag and getting to bed really late, I woke up at 6.30am EST. Was I tired? Yes. Did I think twice? Yes. Would it have been easy to go back to sleep? Yes. Did I still do it? Yes – and that was the best thing I ever could have done starting that day. Such a beautiful sunny morning, so energizing, so many impressions…

How often do you say you will do something without following through? What impact does it have on you? At times when you do what you said you would do – how does that make you feel?

When running I thought of a recent conversation about this with a fellow coach who’s word of wisdom on the topic was:

“Commit Slowly and Complete Fully“. By consistently doing that, you will strengthen your muscle of holding your word and manifesting it as a habit. Your inner power is equivalent to the power of your word. Eventually you will get to a point where your word is your law.

Do I always do everything I said I would? No. And mostly something great comes out of what I end up doing instead. But absolutely – what a kick there is ‘completing fully’. Now – running was easy. It required a little will power, but that’s all. As I am writing this I am pepping myself for something much bigger. Because I do want to keep my word and have the impact that I am envisioning.

In what area would keeping your word have the greatest impact for you? What is it that you find daunting or continually try to avoid? And for what reason? What is the cost of doing that? What do you need to make it happen?

I am just wondering…

Let’s make it happen!

Johanna

Below are some photos from my morning run in Central Park. Enjoy!

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Transform a Lone Nut Into a Leader April 25, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 2:16 pm
Tags: bay area national dance week, dance, Leadership, leadership lessons, Life Coach San Francisco, Life Coach Sweden, movement, Personal Coach San Francisco, Personal Coach Sweden, Personal Coaching San Francisco, Personal Coaching Sweden

Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy: How to create a movement in three minutes…

Lessons learned:

1. As a leader you need to have the guts to stand alone and look ridiculous.

2. Remember to nurture the first few followers and embrace them as equals.

3. Make everything clearly about the movement, and not about you.

4. Be public, be easy to follow.

5. Leadership is over glorified. It starts with the shirtless guy, and he will get all the credit. But, it is the first follower that transforms a lone nut into a leader.

6. There is no movement without the first follower.

7. We are told that we all need to be leaders, but that is really ineffective.

8. The best way to make a movement, if you really care, is to courageously follow and show others to follow.

9. When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to stand up and join in.

Which dance do you want to dance? Whom’s dance do you want to follow?

If you are unsure – there is a great event this week in the Bay Area: Bay Area National Dance Week. You can try all different kinds – for free! http://www.bayareandw.org/

Enjoy,

Bay Area National Dance Week, Loving Life Blog, Leadership, Movement

Raisa - the only soloist performer at the Grand Opening flashmob. Would you have the guts to join her dance?

Johanna

Bay Area National Dance Week, Loving Life Blog, Leadership, Movement

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04/22/2010: Origination April 24, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 1:47 pm
Tags: Big Voices, Economic Revolution, Entrepreneur, Michael E Gerber, New Age Entrepreneurs, Origination, Small Business

It’s happening. All over the world. A global movement to create a better place. Many actors large and small, all with a similar purpose, and yet different approaches depending on their individual gift and need in their community. There is no surprise why the coaching profession is gaining ground, why the numbers of self-employed are increasing and bartering is a common currency to make things happen.

One man on the forefront with a grand dream, vision, mission and purpose is Michael E. Gerber. April 22, 2010 and he launched Origination. Pay attention. Notice. Look around. This is how it is now – remember and compare to a later date.

Origination: Awakening New Entrepreneurs, Growing a New Economy, Creating a New World http://www.bit.ly/MEGerber

Origination. Listen to the message from Michael E. Gerber himself. “An invitation is being sent to you to engage you in the most meaningful entrepreneurial conversation you have ever had. The world’s economy has been shattered in a way not experienced since the Great Depression. Do you want to join the economic revolution and transform the state of entrepreneurship?” Click here to see and hear the presentation.

And as Michael said:

New Age Entrepreneurs – we are changing the world. Nobody owns this. Anyone personalizing this is doing the biggest mistake in the world.

There is a reason why Michael’s daily radio show is called “Big Voices in Small Business“. Not only because he has a big voice himself. Join the conversation – if you have already been successful in your business implementing the E-myth or if you have the biggest problem to take your business to the next level – you can get on there too.

I know there are many other efforts cooking. It’s all great. Make your voice heard, draw on each other and make it happen.

Johanna

And – are you one of them? Let us know in the comment section and bring us to your site. How can we help you? Spread the word? Buy the product? Need some sort of expert?

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Sweet Victory is Yours April 16, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur,Inspiration,Promotion — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 11:40 am
Tags: diabetics, dieter, Entrepreneur, fearless, Health, healthy cakes, laura guy, low carb cakes, revolutionize, sf underground market, sweets, treat

From small beginnings come great things. Proverb

Laura Guy - Founder, Healthy Cakes

I got a card with this text from one of my acappella friends Laura Guy after having hosted a dinner for them 3 years ago. She is a great friend, talented singer, yogini, real estate agent, attorney and… entrepreneur with a passion for health and wellness. Now I am inviting you to take part of her new small beginning that I know will become a great thing.

My first interaction with it was when we met for coffee in November. “I baked brownies – try this”, she said, “it’s got a secret ingredient and you have to guess what it is. It doesn’t contain flour and it doesn’t contain sugar”. I had no chance of guessing. And it was one of my least favorites as a kid. But it was DELISIOUS!

At this very moment she is making the premier commercial batch of Healthy Cakes for first participation at the SF Underground Market tonight 5-11pm! Come and taste!

“OMG! This cake is perfection. It is moist, cakey, with just the right amount of sweetness and a nice thick layer of fudgy icing. I’m in heaven! Would not know it is low carb if you hadn’t told me. “~Michelle

What if the dessert below was healthy?

Do you see how this can revolutionize the way we eat and treat, become healthier and also open up for allowable sweets for diabetics and dieters. Sweet Victory with Healthy Cakes!

If you also want to become a fearless entrepreneur, you should check this link out: http://www.fearlessnessinc.com/fearlessentrepreneur.php

As Laura said: Planning is good, but doing is better. And obviously, it can go quicker than you might think!

Just do it!

Johanna

I am very good at saying it, and promoting others, rather than doing it myself – at least I am doing this ;). One step at a time…

Photo: Anastasia Hockinson

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The Door to Success – In the Service of Life March 25, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 11:21 am
Tags: Entrepreneur, fixer, helper, Leadership, server, sillicon valley, start business, success

The below is a handout I received in Leadership. It followed a great group exercise that really brought home the message. Recently I have been referring to it in conversations with clients and friends – I hope it will serve you too…

A FIXER – A HELPER – A SERVER

A fixer has the illusion of being causal.
A server knows he or she is being use
in the service for something greater,
essentially unknown.

We serve always the something:
wholeness and the mystery of life.

Fixing and helping are the work of the ego.
Serving is the work of the soul.

When you help, you see life as week.
When you fix, you see life as broken.
When you serve, you see life as whole.

Fixing and helping may cure.
Serving Heals.

When I help, I feel satisfaction.
When I serve, I feel gratitude.

Fixing is a form of judgment.
Serving is a form of connection.

In this context – what is your pattern? Are you a fixer, a helper or a server? Do you choose to help because someone has asked you to? Or what is really the driver? There is a difference in-between helping someone who ask for it, verses helping someone because you think s(he) needs it.

As Rachel Naomi Remen expands on it “When we help we may inadvertently take away from people more than we could ever give them, we may diminish their self-esteem, their sense of worth, integrity and wholeness.” Read her full reprint “In the Service of Life” from the Noetic Sciences Review by clicking here.

However – in life, and business, it may be very powerful to ask for help. It may even be key to get ahead and get things done. It may be the perfect way when it comes to starting a business. I stumbled on an article this morning in Huffington Post by Tanja Aitamurto, a Silicon Valley-based Finnish writer: Woman: How To Start a Business Without Money. “According to my observations, the older and the more successful the women are, the more likely they are to share their knowledge and the less hesitant they are to ask for help. Also, they seem to integrate fun and friends with work more often than we younger women do.” Not only women do it. An example is Chris Lindland from Cordarounds, who traded pants and meals for web design and ads. Read the article for more juice.

Bottomline: The door to success is to ask for help when you need to. And serve others.

Be Kind - Serve - Ask for Help - For Success.

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Screwed or Nailed? March 22, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 11:25 pm
Tags: AAA, Achievement in action, Christine Comaford, Earth, Entrepreneur, eureka, facebook, Henry Kimsey-House, Leadership, Michael E Gerber, Nail it!, potential, starbucks, Wheel Works

So you got screwed today – most people nail it.

That was a joke by the associate at Wheel Works when I came in with my flat tire today. Screwed big time. I mean the screw was big. But wow what such an incident can be seamless when everything just works. AAA roadside assistance showed up after 30 minutes at no cost thanks to great insurance. I made it on time to the next meeting and Wheel Works was on the way home, with drop-off and instant service for a low cost. Meanwhile I enjoyed a cup of tea at Starbucks and got some work done on my computer – with a gift card worth $5 you have free internet during two hours per day.

I experienced something new today: traveling with my mobile office wasn’t just to bring the computer(s), the phone, and the coaching client folders. Today I traveled with the white board filled with colorful Post IT notes. Size big enough to just about fit in my Subaru Outback. I got the comment once: “Why… do you have this kind of a car? Either you are lesbian, or a great skier.” If I would have listened to my mentor in San Diego, I would be driving a truck – I wonder what the assumption would be then? Anyway – back then I didn’t respond – he could well wonder. Today I would say “no – a software designer”. I kind of like that. But I guess – that is just part of the picture.

Coming home tonight, seeing my bedroom wall without the storyboard made it look so empty. I put up a blank piece of paper and started sketching out the Meta view perspective of my idea. Pulling together the bits and pieces I have gathered in conversations with or readings by different people, and added some new. Holy moley – I think I had a eureka moment! Talk about potential – now I just need to figure out a way to make it happen… The face of the book won’t be the same… and the face of the Earth neither I guess.

Thanks for the inspiration guys and gals: My dear Dad, my bro’ Johan, Henry Kimsey-House and Leadership, Vikram Lamba, Michael E. Gerber, Laura Guy, Tim Shaw, Christine Comaford, Rob Espinosa and Sally Grisedale. I think we nailed it!

Johanna

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Nothing Happens Until Something Moves March 19, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 6:45 pm
Tags: Achievement in action, Albert Einstein, bolibompa, Bounce, dance, Enjoy, Flashmob, Michael Jackson, movement, svt, yoga

“Nothing happens until something moves.”
Albert Einstein

A friend of mine sent me this quote recently – in relation to the software I am working on. That is my interpretation. 😉 Because it makes things move. Also, as an entrepreneur – movement is the force of creation – so act now!

Talking about movement – that instantly makes me think of dancing. Surprise.

Last week the dance project was in the form of a dance flashmob. The first I participated in, which was interesting. If you want to know about other flashmobs, or create one, you can check on www.flashmob.com.

Watching the instructions for this one on youtube made me think of a visit with one of my friends in Sweden in January. He opened the door and all of his three sons came running, “here she is – the dancer”. (Talk about riding on an old wave). They were all (age 1.5-5 years) practicing for something that would be a REALLY cool flashmob…

They showed me, and expected me – since “I am a dancer” – to show them how to do the more advanced stuff. I would propose that you all do it. Kids and grown ups – from beginning to end. Perfect little break before you cook your Friday night dinner, or when you have a party or gathering with your friends, or if you just woke up. Just click here now, turn up the volume and click on the “Discodans”- sign on the right bar. Click on step (steg) 1 through step 9, one at a time and do the movements until you master them… Really – give it a good try.

I know – for this you don’t only need to be a good dancer, but also an advanced yogi or yogini… Or a very flexible child. My friends children gave it all what they had. Hope you tried it out – your body’s way – unless you have good health insurance…

Moving – almost any form – is good for you, and your business.

Enjoy,

Johanna

If you prefer to be entertained by others, here is a flashmob initiated by the Swedish dance group Bounce as a tribute to Michael Jackson.

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As Timely as the Tax Forms March 10, 2010

Filed under: Entrepreneur — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:56 pm
Tags: CPA, navy escape training tower, scuba diving, Svenska Dykhistoriska Förening, tax submission

And ever since, the phrase has popped up in my mind, especially around tax season. Eight and a half years later. Why? Because it was so unexpected.

There I was, with my father, at the Swedish Historical Diving Society (Svensk Dykhistorisk Förening) on Djurgården in Stockholm. They were having a movie evening, showing an old film about a sailing and scuba diving excursion to the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. There was this classic story-telling voice, and the black and white pictures. The whole project was very well planned. They made all preparations necessary and arrived – “as timely as the tax forms!”

I am fascinated about expressions and sayings, but that one… I haven’t heard before or after, in any language. How about you? Is that because of a country like Sweden relaying heavenly on tax to support the social system and someone being slightly ironic about it? Maybe.

In any case, it is important to file your taxes on time. If you live in California, I can warmly recommend my CPA to my fellow business owners, and also for personal filing. Steve Kopff is exceptional. Just click this link to yelp and you’ll get why. Efficient, accurate, organized. March 15… it’s coming up! (For Corporations that is – April 15th is the US tax deadline for us normal deadly. So no stress.)

If you are interested in scuba diving – the Swedish Historical Diving Society is a gem you probably haven’t heard about. It’s a society that was founded 1979, in order to save the old Navy escape training tower to future generations. It’s located just next to the Vasa museum and is run as a private museum with limited opening hours during the summer months. Confirm with their website or email if you want to go there. Slightly different than the modern version used by the American Navy Seals on Coronado I can imagine…

I celebrate this evening, because I just got my tax submission in. Everything is OK. 😉

Take good care,

Johanna

Everything is "OK".

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Loving Life Blog

Spur of the Moment Reflections

My Word is Law. May 25, 2010

Transform a Lone Nut Into a Leader April 25, 2010

Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy: How to create a movement in three minutes…

Lessons learned:

Which dance do you want to dance? Whom’s dance do you want to follow?

04/22/2010: Origination April 24, 2010

Origination: Awakening New Entrepreneurs, Growing a New Economy, Creating a New World http://www.bit.ly/MEGerber

New Age Entrepreneurs – we are changing the world. Nobody owns this. Anyone personalizing this is doing the biggest mistake in the world.

Sweet Victory is Yours April 16, 2010

The Door to Success – In the Service of Life March 25, 2010

Screwed or Nailed? March 22, 2010

Nothing Happens Until Something Moves March 19, 2010

As Timely as the Tax Forms March 10, 2010

Author: Johanna C. Nilsson

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