Inspiration | Loving Life Blog

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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Make Yourself Heard April 15, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration,Swedish-American — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:53 am
Tags: Ericsson, Jante Lag, Jante Law, Life Coach San Francisco, Life Coach Sweden, personal branding, Personal Coach San Francisco, Personal Coach Sweden, Personal Coaching San Francisco, Personal Coaching Sweden, sacc, social media marketing, Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, trainee program, Web 2.0, wireless advertising effectiveness

I quickly checked my email early this morning and had received one that ended with “Nu kör vi!” – Let’s do it! It got me so excited – no reason to even try getting more sleep.

So here is the story why. September 11 2001, I left Stockholm for a four, maximum nine, month’s assignment at the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in San Diego (SACC). The actual timing is a different story. I loved the experience of living in San Diego, the people, the weather, and my job. As a Marketing Manager for SACC, the only full time employee for the organization, I got a chance to immediately dive into all aspects of the organization. Internal systems and information management, events, membership, website improvements, newsletter creation, branding, outreach, local and international networking, board meetings, managing team of volunteers. Excellent experience; excellent way to get a foot in to the US and establish a network. The only problem was: it wasn’t paid. I guess the underlying problem to that was type of Visa.

Ericsson Mobile Applications, Make Yourself Heard

Ericsson watch: Make yourself heard.

I would have loved to turn SACC into a profitable organization, but that was a little difficult to do in four months with an initial membership base of 40 people paying $50 per year and some key corporate members. The survival strategy was to do really well and make myself a name. Is there any other good way to establish yourself?

On my hand wrist I had a watch that I had received as a gift from Ericsson Mobile Applications when together with Annica Andersson finished the masters thesis in marketing: “Wireless Advertising Effectiveness”, which was an evaluation of one of the first advertising trials done through SMS (text message) in 2000. The dial had the text “Make yourself heard”. That became the trigger for my own mantra.

So, why am I telling this? Because it worked. And it works. The advertising trial evaluation showed that the phone as a vehicle can work with merit as an effective advertising channel. We all know that today, with many different applications. And more importantly: do your very best, share with people who you are and what you want, and things will happen.

There is a difference in-between being full of yourself, and sharing with the world who you are and what you are up for in order to create something good. If you have a gift to bring to this world, which all of us have, then isn’t it your #*@%* responsibility to let the world know and make it happen? Seriously. I think we have passed the age of Jante Law. Thank God for social media and Web 2.0 for making it easier to get the message out there!

What trigger do you need? Join the ride.

Johanna

Oh – and the email this morning was from a real talent who had decided to step out of the box. Joy for the world! Nothing makes me so excited hearing voices/talents/idees that has been quiet far too long, eventually getting out there.

Also, SACC-USA has since then become J1 visa accredited, and offers a great internship program that American based companies can take advantage of and contribute to a unforgettable experience for an ambitious Swedish newly graduated young professional.

If you are a SACC Marketing Manager in any of the 19 regional chambers all over the US and want coaching on how to make the best out of your period here – please let me know.

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Perfect Union April 11, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 9:40 am
Tags: Chanting, Child Inspiration, Experience life fully, Jai Uttal, Kirtan, Love, Mantra, Perfect Union, rusty wells, Singing, Sita Rama, Sweden, Urban Flow, yoga

Last week I had the pleasure to go to a kirtan with Jai Uttal at Urban Flow Yoga. The room was full with people and the atmosphere was sort of upbeat, friendly and loving at the same time. Rusty Wells yoga teacher training had kicked off with the first session that very day, and those participants were in the room, with a big relaxed smile on their face. It’s interesting – I could see the same light in their eyes, that I feel when I come from his class. I can only imagine how the teacher training is… I so hope there is someone there that will open up a kick ass Urban Flow Yoga studio in Stockholm one day. I’m just putting it out there.

Jai Uttal opened up singing a mantra with us called Sita Rama. The lyrics mean, “you represent perfect union, you are love.” The introduction was that when Jai started with kirtans 30 years ago, he used to feel afraid initially sitting on stage with a room full of strangers looking at him. He felt that they would judge him, dislike the music, etc etc – and so he always made sure to know where the EXIT door was. (At this moment all of us knew where that door was!)

Today we started with that mantra through which he could greet everyone welcome. Singing Sita Rama, Sita Rama, Sita Rama Jaya Sita Rama, with that very message of perfect union and love directed to each and every participant; seeing them and inviting them instead of being afraid of them. I think we chanted two mantras in two hours, so I am sure we did it long enough for every one to get their personal greeting and feel that we were in it together.

How do you greet strangers, or handle a situation of discomfort? Do you always keep your back-door open, eyes on the exit door, or do you stay to meet the person or situation to find out what it really is about and create the best of it? Do you invite the connection to your audience when you are in the spotlight? Do you invite the perfect union?

The following day I walked on Union Street where there was a fair in relation to Easter. The golden moment was to see children in a fenced little area get aquainted with some animals. In particular this little British boy, who with curiosity and care really was seeking contact with this creature, for him something or someone unknown. That is a perfect example. The children are such good teachers and sources of inspiration.

Sita Rama, with love,
Johanna

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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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Where did the Vikings go? March 17, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Health,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 1:37 am
Tags: Anja Pärson, Jante Lag, Jante Law, Johan Serrander, Life Coach San Francisco, Life Coach Sweden, medals, Michael E Gerber, Naprapath, Personal Coach San Francisco, Personal Coach Sweden, Personal Coaching San Francisco, Personal Coaching Sweden, Spinex Naprapater, svtplay, Swedish brands, The Swedish Wire, Viking Spirit

Jantelagen – or, the Jante Law – I find it interesting. 1) How come that everyone in Scandinavia knows about it and refers to it as a limiting factor for self-expression and self-realization? 2) How come international analysts recognize Jantelagen as the factor holding back Swedish brands? 3) How come no one wants to be supporters of it, and yet it continues to permeate our society??? “A typical Scandinavian pattern of group behaviour that negatively portrays and criticizes success and achievement as unworthy and inappropriate.”

Don’t think you’re anyone special or that you’re better than us. That is the bottom line.

Isn’t it time to revert this, once and for all? I know, I know – change is in the air. And that is good. But I did get the comment when I was home – “Well, if you want to start your own business – do it in America. It would be much easier over there than here.”

In a conversation with Michael E. Gerber about entrepreneurship and the Jante Law, he asked, “How did it start? Where did Sweden come from?” I laughed and said “The Vikings!” He responded “Well – that is one kind of an answer – so, where did the Vikings go? Are you one?”

As my friend from Leadership said when reading the laws: “the Chinese culture is also very much about putting the “we” before the “I”, it is about sacrificing the self for the greater good of the group, and in reading these “laws” – it sounds more like degrading the “I” rather than raising the “we”.” Now that is a perspective to think of.

Another comment was “This sounds all very related to Shame… and what is behind it. Particularly taught shame, passed down from shame-based parents. If it is at the very core of your community, it may be that healing is required.” Could there actually be a connection?! Do we all need to heal the scars from the behavior of the Vikings?

What would it mean to bring the Viking Spirit back? Not to steal and rape, but to honor and collaborate? A Viking Spirit that has evolved from “power over” to “power within”.

And if I am a Viking? Of course I am. Are you? New Age Viking. How about that?

And by the way – here is an example of a team in training, with Viking Spirit – the Swedish cross-country skiing team. In total 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medals in the Olympic Games. Remarkably well-edited documentary by Johan Serrander! Click this link for Gröt Svett och Klistervalla. The film is available on svtplay until April 5, 2010

While on the go, I can also recommend the documentary “In the mind of Anja Pärson” (available limited time on svtplay). Did you know that behind every successful athlete stands an outstanding naprapath? Today I came accross the article in Aftonbladet with heading “Anja Pärson is flying in her own naprapath”. That was true – Carl-Fredrik Andersson resides at Spinex Naprapater in Stockholm. Always good to know good-to-go-to people.

And if you are too late for the films – the below is the alternative I can offer…

Which medal are you off to win? Let’s celebrate!

Johanna

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Here is Your Life March 6, 2010

Filed under: coaching,Entrepreneur,Inspiration,Swedish-American — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 7:19 pm
Tags: dream, Jan Troell, Journey, Life Coach San Francisco, Life Coach Sweden, Loving Life, Michael E Gerber, Nobel price, Personal Coach San Francisco, Personal Coach Sweden, Personal Coaching San Francisco, Personal Coaching Sweden, yoga, your life

I came back from another movie by Jan Troell last night. The Spirit Awards that took place in Los Angeles had nominated the previous film I saw, “Everlasting Moments” for “Best Foreign film” – but Jan Troell himself was present with us in San Rafael.

The movie “Here is your life” (1966), taking place in the early 20th century was based on Eyvind Johnson’s semi-bioautographical books. The film was mainly in black and white and almost 3 hours long, with a built in 10 minutes break. Here are three things that stood out for me in the movie:

1) Business practice reminder. Olof, 16, was about to bike away to set up posters for the next movie at the Cinema graphic Theatre – the owner leans out the window and shouts, “The life of the nation is business! I want you to wear tie – remember that you represent the business.”

Not only is it important that you make sure your employees/colleagues have the same values and represent the company in a unified way – ultimately, you would also want to make sure that your 3rd parties represent the same values. That stroke me earlier this week when I went to yoga. Stressed from not finding parking and eventually finding out about the deal the yoga studio have with a garage close by, I pull up by the entrance to get a ticket by the gatekeeper. That man said “Welcome to your yoga practice” in a way and with a warm smile, so that I felt as if I had already come to the yoga studio. Brilliant. I’d be happy to park there again.

2) Make the Dream significant. As a special effect in the movie, there was a reoccurring sequence of a flying bird with a colored background, which gave a contrast to the otherwise black and white picture. In the Q&A Jan Troell gave the explanation why. The color was a symbol for the dream; the bird was a symbol for Olof’s longing for a new life and freedom; for this boy becoming an author or writer.

Intentional dreaming is powerful. Eyvin Johnson grew up from the working class up north, to receiving the Nobel price in literature 1974.

3) Freeze the frame. In a bicycle lecture scene John Troell had chosen to include a series of frozen frames. “The expressions in the face of the girl was so fantastic and they would just disappear if you did it the normal way.”

If you experience an extraordinary moment – take some time to freeze the frame and enjoy. Take a photo or a note to self, and make the moment last.

Coming home I researched the result from the Spirit Award and came over an article from New York Times with the below photo. I can’t help believing that there is no coincidence why Jan Troell is here right now. The man behind the masterpieces “The Emigrants,” “The New Land,” “The Flight of the Eagle” based on Vilhelm Moberg’s books. Just days after a conversation with Michael E. Gerber about the above, the Law of Jante in Sweden, and the question: where did the Viking spirit go?

Looking at the photos, I believe there are more things than the hat that the two gentlemen have in common. As the last comment was at the Q&A last night: “Jan Troell brings life [and soul] to the movie, and to us”. I would say: “Michael E. Gerber brings life and soul to business, and to us.”

If I can bring just a little bit of joy and love of [or in – or both?!] life to you – I would be happy. Ultimately, I would love for you to capture your journey. Here is your life.

Stay tuned,
Johanna