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It's pretty amazing how, when you look back over your life, all the twists and turns and paths you've followed have led you to right this moment. There are so many lessons and learning opportunities. Do we ever really 'get it'?
In my own case, I had three paths I could have chosen right out of high school -- the military (my ASVAB scores were good), college (I earned two partial scholarships) or go to work.
Because I got engaged at the prom (so cliché!), the military was out. And as much as I wanted to go to college, there was no money for books or incidentals, so by default, work it was.
In the small town where I graduated high school, the only real employment was a manufacturing company making farm equipment. My mom, aunt and future mother-in-law all worked there so it made sense to work there too.
From that day forward my entire career was Operations Management bound.
Assembly and soldering, inspection, testing, stock clerk -- I said yes to everything. Ultimately, I became a planner, then schedules and budget compliance became central to my day-to-day work efforts.
In the 80's computers were introduced at our company and luckily, I was not only a part of the implementation team, I began writing the specifications to pull the data out of the new system so our operations group could have the reports we needed.
All of this led me to consulting, where software implementations, report writing and process engineering became my life. As a consultant, customer service and effective communications were the new skills to hone. I loved every minute of it.
And then, almost 11 years ago, I decided to start my own business and Executive Errands® was born. All the skills I'd learned over the years, every one of them, apply to being a small business owner. Well, not soldering! But everything else. I even took what I know about software to create my own data collection system!
My life has been primarily consumed with work. Married at 18, divorced at 26, work filled a void. I'm good at it. I'm comfortable in a work environment. There have been ups and downs, but overall, my work life has been amazing!
But the older I got the more I realized I lacked balance in my life. And while I'm perfectly comfortable alone, there is something to be said for sharing your life, to ooh and aah and laugh with someone who cares about you and shares your interests.
Eighteen months ago I met the man who will be here for the next 30 years (if I live that long ha!). Together we've started a new path; one that's filled with laughter and fun and yes, even a few tears along the way.
After so many years alone (more than 20), I find I am a bit set in my ways. (who knew?) He was married for the better part of his adult life. I've been single the better part of mine.
It's fair to say that my perception of romance and relationships is idealized and not rooted in reality. I am comfortable and confident at work, but sometimes feel inept in my personal life. Thankfully, he is patient and sweet and the really wonderful part is that we work through any bumps together.
And that's the thing about all paths we follow -- sometimes we choose them, sometimes they choose us, but there is always something to be gained. And if we find ourselves on a path that does not serve us in a positive way, we have the ability to change it, to veer off that path onto a completely new one.
The unknown is sometimes scary, but it is also filled with possibilities. If I've learned nothing else, I have the understanding that everything we do on every path we follow can be applied and that we can choose to stay or go on any path we want. And, most importantly, it is our experiences coupled with the knowledge we gain that creates wisdom.
Hmmm... maybe I do 'get it' after all..... How about you?
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The End of Summer
Is it possible that the summer is almost over? It is still mighty hot outside (the forecast calls for 118 degrees tomorrow!) , but the schools are back in session and once we pass Labor Day, still hot or not, the desert starts filling up again.
It's seems like it was much hotter this summer than the last few years -- I tried to get a statistic but could only find general averages of about 109 -- these are the numbers people find when searching 'climate' and our area before traveling here. Somewhere those weather sites aren't taking into account sustained weeks of 115+ like we had this year!
We did a fair amount of projects over the summer, which is always fun. Epoxying garage floors, lots of paint projects, window treatments, installing security systems, landscape remodels, roof inspections, plumbing repairs, pool repairs - way too many to list! We love doing projects in the summer!
Even though the shimmering asphalt might not make it seem like it, the holidays are fast approaching. It is not too soon to begin scheduling any or all of the following to prep for your return or for the holidays:
--Housekeeping(s) (if you want regular cleanings during season, just let us know)
--Window Cleaning
--Service HVAC units & change filters
--Power Washing the exterior of the home (after scalping)
--Power Washing the patios, walkways and driveway
--Power Washing/wipe down of patio furniture
--Carpet Cleaning
--Tile Cleaning and sealing
--Blind or Shutter Cleaning
--Upholstery cleaning (both inside and patio cushions if you'd like)
--Plant seasonal flowers (late Oct/early Nov)
--Change out smoke alarm batteries
--Any handyman work you might like to have done
--Putting out patio furniture or cushions
--Change the locks
--Have your roof inspected
--Service pool heater
--Grill cleaning
--Automobile(s) washed and/or filled with fuel
--If you think you might want a decorated Christmas tree -- it must be requested before Sept 30th (subject to availability)
Don't see something you need? Please ask. We are here at your convenience by email or by phone: 760.898.9604
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Exciting New Services
We are always searching for new and exciting services to offer our clients. About a month ago we told you about the new window film that filters out 99% of UV rays (no more furniture fading) and about 65% of the heat (lower utilities!).
I put this film on one of my larger East facing windows -- what a difference! If you'd like to take advantage of this service, just let us know and we'll get you a quote!
Now, this month we are offering area rug maintenance! This is really exciting because area rugs are a fairly big investment and cleaning or repairing them can be a challenge.
Like tile cleaning/sealing, area rugs should be cleaned every 3-5 years (depending on foot traffic) to help prolong their serviceable life and to keep them looking their best.
We address all types of area rugs - wool, silk and viscose nylon, even bamboo silk!
Our area rug maintenance includes the following services:
--Cleaning (offsite cleaning, dry flat, includes moving and replacing the furniture, pickup and delivery - no brushes used, ever!)
--Stain removal including pet stains, wine, juice, vomit, etc
--Repairs - chewed areas (usually puppies, not humans), tears, pulled threads
--Fringe restoration
--Spot dying in repaired or discolored areas
Area rugs can be a major investment but even if the original cost was not high, the rugs should be properly maintained. For more information or to schedule any of the area rug maintenance services, please contact us by email or by phone 760.898.9604
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Thank You Gifts
We are once again offering our gift certificates for two free hours of concierge services along with a copy of our new booklet 'Old Wives' Tales -- Prepping Your Home for Summer©'.
These gift certificates are free to you and include a place to enter your name as the 'From' person or company saying thank you!
Realtors in particular love these gift certificates as they make a lovely closing gift and help ease the transition from buyer to homeowner (less separation anxiety!). Other companies already using them include community sales & resale offices, insurance companies, builders, and decorators.
The Executive Errands® gift certificate is appropriate for all service companies. If you would like to say thank you to your clients, please contact us -- we'll give you as many of these gift certificate/booklet packages as you'd like!
Order your gift certificates by email or give us a call:
760.898.9604
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Live with Leslie
As you likely know by now, I do a weekly Facebook broadcast for my other company, Concierge Business Solutions®. The goal is to help other small business owners solve problems, improve their businesses, and encourage them along their own path(s).
The topic tomorrow is 6 Tips to Writing a Business Proposal that WORKS! The show goes live at 3pm PST on the Concierge Business Solutions® Facebook page.
This will be our 27the episode! That means we've been doing this for more than six months! Right now, there are a total of 33 videos and all of them are available on my YouTube page.
Either go to YouTube and search 'Leslie Spoor' or click here.
I can't promise to be able to do this every month, but for September we already know all the topics (I got ambitious one day!). For September we'll be discussing:
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Close a Sale faster with these 6 Tips
--Before you Give Up and Throw in the Towel
--Data Science & Business Analytics
--Bad Habits to Avoid in Business
I really hope you'll join us! The Concierge Business Solutions® Facebook page can be found here: Live with Leslie. << Join us!
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I always wanted to be a nurse but my life took an unexpected path. Once I got into manufacturing, I just stayed there. There was always something new to learn and I enjoyed it but once I became a consultant, my path changed again.
I found myself on the road 52 weeks a year. There were always new clients to meet, new parts of the country to explore, new projects, new challenges. It was never boring, to say the least, but it was a solitary life and I grew to be very comfortable alone.
(In fact, when I first stopped traveling, it was challenging being near large groups of people. The mall at Christmas nearly sent me into a panic! Looking back that is so humorous now.)
Today I am on a brand new path, planning a life with someone, learning to be a couple, still working/building two companies, but this path is telling me that balance is key.
Every path has a lesson (or many lessons). Right now, today, as I write this, I know my current lesson is to learn how to slow down a bit, to smell the roses more, to enjoy the fruits of my labors.
Even though I still feel guilty when I don't work on the weekends, I make myself (for the most part) not do it. The boyfriend (aka the BF) and I go on day trips or weekend getaways. We laugh a lot. We hunt antiques. We stop at every historical marker. We talk until we can't talk anymore. And, we find the best diners and coffee shops in the smallest towns!
The best part is I get to do all this with the man who has become my best friend. Yes, so far, this is my favorite path. I can't wait to see where it takes us...
Until next time, what path are you on? Does it make you happy? I truly hope so....
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Leslie Spoor
Executive Errands®
CL#944447
Leslie is a consultant, mentor and author helping small business owners around the globe. She is founder and CEO of two successful companies, Concierge Business Solutions® and Executive Errands®. In addition to her wide selection of training videos and webinars, documentation and forms, Leslie also is the creator of a data collections software system, Essential Elements™ and a Six DVD educational series, How to Start Your Own Business with Leslie Spoor, available on her website and at Amazon. To work with Leslie or for more information, please visit her website or contact her at Lspoor@executive-errands.com
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For a list of our most popular services, please see our brochure here:
Last year, after traveling to Cuba (another beautiful country!), I wrote a travel guide! To download our
American in Cuba e-book travel guide, please
click here.
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This documentation, including sample applications herein, is provided for informational purposes only, and Executive Errands® makes no warranties, either expressly or implied, as to this documentation or its efficacies. Information in this documentation, including any URL and other Internet Web site references, is subject to change without notice. The entire risk of the use or the results of the use of this documentation remains with the user. This documentation is copyrighted by Spoor Enterprises Inc, DBA Executive Errands®, 2017.
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