Experience - Less is More

I have been asked about what things I have done in the last year since I moved to California. My dream is to go out and help build a creative business where I help people thrive, untangle, unlock blocks, see themselves, get vulnerable, purge, discover the desire, pursue their dreams, get out of their comfort zone, you name it. Because people are amazing. Throughout our lives, we accumulate memories, impressions, thoughts, we are merely a heap. It is our power to create an experience that radiates what is inside us. Underneath all that, there is joy within us. Have you noticed that? I was reminded that we are, after all, makers and creators. It is inside us all.

I am knocked down and gratified to have the time, space, resources, location, opportunities to meet new people to go out for ramen and explore. My initial thought of exploring areas has expanded to a deeper level of experience spiritually. I am not getting paid for these, well at least not yet; but I am going to need some help from you, the people I meet on this journey. I am terrified. I am faced with reality checks and society’s narrative of “normal,” but really? Who wants to be so-called “normal” anyway?

My dream is I am not endorsing any places yet although there are so many incredible ramen shops here that are to be celebrated and most importantly, people to be honored and rocked. I am not again advertising, but the thought is there because I am here, after all, to help people, help business be “un-behind-the-scenes” to be honored. It has been helpful for people to ask about pictures of ramen and places. Things are brewing. Can you help?

In this present moment, though. I reflect on what life has brought to me. No job is worth more than this current experience; this opportunity to get to observe and understand to embrace my family. It is an abundant life to be able to have the time of doing nothing to learn what is there; doing absolutely nothing in the heart of Silicon Valley where every turn everywhere you look, people are coding, creating, making, doing, doing, doing. Any time you’re in doubt where the mind takes you to a place where you are comparing or misery wants to flirt with you, take time to be alone, see and watch where it stems from. If you can or if you are visual, make time to write it down on a journal or post-it notes. See it. Is it true? You decide. Remember, the mind is incredible. You can live like a miserable unpleasant human being; wallowing and whinging in self-pity; easily going down the spiral of the rabbit hole of sorriness. The choice and power are yours. The hard part or work is to take time for yourself to be silent, quiet and reflect. You are more amazing than you think. Let’s experience life. I am here. No expectations. Epic love to you. Whatever.

Current song: Monocle Twins - Breathe on Spotify

Personal Playlist: my california - an exploration on Spotify

On Building Rapport and Trust

When I was attending The Ohio State University, to help pay for my daily living expenses, school supplies, and textbooks, I worked for The Gap. There I learned the pure art of selling. Even to this day, I often refer to what I learned working there as I relate to people who I work with to guide me on how to build rapport. I am forever grateful for that experience of becoming a Denim Expert. I will write more about this later, but I want to share the video “5 Rules on How to Run Your Next Sales Call” because it expands on the idea of building relationships when on-boarding. Self-respect: both self and for our clients plays an impact on how we build trust as we work with people. I have been following a great group of guys in The Futur. The ideas they share resonate deeply. I get pretty excited when I listen to their talks. One of the most important things is fostering the relationship with our client. It is simple. People are important. Building rapport is a practice and a frame of mind where we can cultivate trust and respect, and it centers on people. It is focusing on our client's needs. It is important to ask our clients’ pain point and challenges in order to figure out what product they will need. It is like building a house, using nuts and bolts to strengthen the foundation. This is the connection. A connection is being upfront and honest of your intention. I'll be delving on this some more in later posts.

The Futur is a valuable resource. I am super grateful to founder Chris Doh for sharing and educating so many who are pursuing their dream to launch their own business.

Takeaway gems that I got from this video: Price early. Build rapport. Show don’t tell. Ask more questions. Build trust.