Category Archives: partnering business with non-profits

Rising to the Occasion

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“Life is like a book we can either study it or let it gather dust on the shelves of the world.” — Rene Godefroy

On Wednesday, we celebrated the first year anniversary of the meet-up group WIN Steamboat (Women in Networking – Steamboat) with a beautiful palette of food prepared by chef Lulu Martin of Amuse Bouche Private Chef Service. http://bit.ly/qvtK9o.  The luncheon at the Alpine Mountain Ranch Club http://bit.ly/pQEs0v  was served on the patio, alongside the trout pond. As I took in the panorama of beautiful vistas and views, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fulfilling accomplishments of individual women throughout the year. Like the trout that were rising in the pond,  the women in the group are go-getters in their own companies or in their fields of business. The relationships we have built over the course of the year have been beneficial to each of us.

A new dawning came to me as we gathered for our 1st annual celebration. That was the thought of how powerful a motivating force books play in peoples lives (not just mine). They help inspire and keep us on task in our personal, career and spiritual lives. Each woman brought a “slightly used book” that had been helpful to them in finding the will to put one foot in front of the other, each and every day despite setbacks, disappointments and new beginnings. We each came away with a “new” book to help us in our journey through life. 

What book did I bring to swap with another person? An independently published book, of course! The title is “Waiting for Jack” by author Kristen Moeller. http://bit.ly/bUy3pu.  It is a book about “seizing the moment” for success in life. Although, I had mixed emotions about passing it on, it meant that I had made a promise to remember the principles set forth in the book. 

The donator of the book that I received said “she realized that I had been in business for quite sometime, as has she, but she has referred to the book, Secrets of Self Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being Your Own Boss, time and time again.” It will help me to continue to assess my strengths and weaknesses and it will provide fresh perspectives on taking adversities in stride. 

Each of us has had fulfilling personal and career growth over the past year. The size of the group has grown as well. Never underestimate the importance of networking in the business world. Each person brings to the group individual talents and knowledge that we can share with others. We are all richer in spirit when we pool our strengths.  We owe a big thank you to Kate Z http://www.katezphoto.com for bringing this group together last year.

Another independent word, thought and view from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Honest Assessment of DYI Publishing

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“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” ~ Thomas Jefferson 

As a follow-up to yesterday’s blog Goals and Objectives in Publishing, there are more questions that you should ask yourself before embarking on an independent publishing project. Your response to the questions may very well help you control the financial outlay and  determine the costs, too. 

For some (such as for those wanting to publish for family and friends and not wishing to commercially sell their publications) an independent publishing project can be do it yourself. Researching the steps and deciding what parts you can do yourself and what parts you need to seek professional help with, is an important task in and of its self. 

  • Are you equipped with good computer skills to tackle DIY publishing?
  • Do you have time to engage in the process?
  • Are you a self-motivated person?
  • Do you finish what you start?
  • Would you find satisfaction in learning the process? 

If you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, perhaps DIY would be for you, thus reducing your need for professional help.          E-books are one of the best options for a Do It Yourselfer! Some of the process involves choosing and using templates, thus simplifying steps and reducing costs. 

Making decisions that are right for YOUR goals and objectives will reduce some of the frustration and will cut-down on an outlay of unnecessary financial resources. Research, compare and ask yourself those very necessary questions before you start down the path to independently publishing. Talking with others about their experience regarding the right and wrong decisions they made will give you information that may help you too.

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Objectives and Goals in Indie Publishing

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” Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor.” ~ Brian Tracy

Last week, our SHe Writes Steamboat meet-up  group hosted the Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipacatalog.com for an event at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. The afternoon sessions were educational in nature and the President of the organization talked about various options in publishing and also the costs of independent publishing. 

Over the weekend I reflected on what was presented and truly, there are so many variables that it is difficult to answer this question of what independent publishing costs without knowing which options best fits a persons needs. The presentation reinforced the importance of researching all the options, and also the importance of identifying your goals and objectives in independent publishing. Are you independently publishing a book for:  

    • a personal project – for family and friends only (such as a family memoir)?
    •  advancing your career and for gaining  recognition in a field?
    •  becoming a professional speaker and for using your book as a resource in your speaking engagements?
    • starting a small or medium sized independent publishing company?

    Determining your reasons for publishing will help you narrow down whether your project will be low-end budget (personal project) or whether it will involve a more substantial investment and commitment of resources. Also,  would an e-book suit your needs as a starting point? Consider that. 

Tomorrow we will be addressing more questions that you should ask yourself before starting the process of independent publishing. Do return!

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Fulfill Your Need to Tell Your Story!

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“Knowledge is Power.” ~ Sir Francis Bacon 

Tomorrow, SHe Writes Steamboat will be hosting the Colorado Independent Publishers Association at the Bud Werner Library. www.steamboatlibrary.org.  What an opportunity this will be to find out more about writing your own story. Learn about the educational programs, vendor affiliations and services that are available from CIPA to help you through the process of independently publishing your story. 

We are so rich in individual narratives in this corner of Northwestern Colorado and the Elk River Valley. Retirees, career professionals, and interesting individuals who have unique stories to tell of their lives in other places seek out this part of the country so they can begin a new chapter of their lives – one that includes fulfilling dreams, passions and interests. 

If you have ever had the thought “I could write a book about that!” join us, tomorrow at 9:30 am at the Bud Werner Memorial Library in Library Hall. The morning informational session is free and open to the public. Stay for the afternoon, but do pre-register, please, through this link. (look for the September 9 Steamboat seminars) http://bit.ly/p9GbYG. 

Can’t come, but still interested? There is an 18 minute webinar now available on-line that will give you an overview of the independent publishing industry. It explains how a new generation of book publishing including e-commerce and e- marketing has evolved. The publishing universe in this new century now includes anyone willing to tell their story. That includes you!  http://bit.ly/oIkV2g. 

See you tomorrow at 9:30 am sharp!

Another day of  independent thoughts, words and a views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Steamboat Supporting Literacy

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“The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest men of the past centuries.” ~ Descartes 

International Literacy Day is just around the corner.  Here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado  two literary events are planned for September 9th and September 10th.  On Friday, September 9th, the meet-up group SHe Writes Steamboat is hosting the Colorado Independent Publishers Association for an event open to the public at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. www.steamboatlibrary.org.

The event will be fulfilling a need for education about publishing options including the dynamic, growing industry of independent publishing and e-books. Non-traditional publishing (independent publishing) now represents over 50% of all publishing revenue and it is providing a more sustainable way to publish. For more information on the event, please go to http://bit.ly/pdUNxz. 

On Saturday, September 10th  the 18th annual Literary Sojourn http://bit.ly/pMfxl9   will be held at the Sheraton Hotel Resort in Steamboat. More than 500 readers arrive yearly from all over the country to attend this celebration. Notable authors in attendance this year will include: Jennifer Egan, Peter Matthiessen, Paula McLain, Julie Orringer, Jim Shepard and Julia Glass. The Literary Sojourn typically sells out early.

On September 8th, communities around the globe will recognize this International Literacy Day by bringing awareness to others that there are many who can not read. In fact:

  • One in 6 Adults are Illiterate
  • 67.4 million children do not attend school or have dropped out
  • 796 million adults lack minimum reading skills

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and their partners such as reading associations and libraries are promoting this day with literacy day projects. This year there is special emphasis on technology paired with literacy.

Check to see if there are any special events to celebrate UNESCOs International Day of Literary at your local library. Or become involved, as a concerned citizen, to raise people’s awareness that high rates of literacy build strong societies and a better, more sustainable and peaceful world.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

I Wish Upon A Star

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Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” -Franz Peter Schubert 

Three years ago, when I moved to a new community, I met a woman my age and her husband and three boys at church. She and her husband were given the responsibility and honor of raising a special needs son. When we first met, she talked with  me about their family’s involvement with the Special Olympics and what their volunteer efforts have meant to their entire family. They have found such enjoyment in the athletic events, the camaraderie felt between Special Olympians and other families with special needs children. She visited our Kiwanis Club and described the mission of the Special Olympics, too. http://bit.ly/oDJ4n3.

As time has gone by our friendship has grown closer. We have had meaningful talks about her special son, and how God has endowed him with the ability to communicate with others about faith in very unique and profound ways. 

The other day, I began to think what an opportune time it is for parents, families and individuals to share stories of special needs children who are making their distinctive mark on the world. The dynamic and growing world of independent publishing provides a fulfilling platform for teaching other families about the lessons and gifts their special needs children contribute to their family’s life. 

I wish upon a star that more families everywhere will find the means and a voice to tell their stories so others will better understand the joys and challenges of raising special needs children. 

 For more information on how ordinary people are telling extraordinary stories by educating, inspiring and informing others through non-traditional books and films, there is a new 18 minute on-line webinar published by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association that discusses the basics of independent publishing. Please visit http://bit.ly/oIkV2g.

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Giving Back for Children’s Sake

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“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”               ~Anthony Robbins 

I love reading stories of people who have a deep understanding of the value of life and convey that understanding by reciprocating their gratefulness through random acts of kindness or by a creative or a uniquely meaningful approach. 

The other day the August 2011 issue of Kiwanis Magazine arrived in my Post Office Box and I began to read it. I was interested in knowing  about the Kiwanis International  Convention, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland this year. www.kiwanis.org. 

As I browsed the articles, I learned something about actress Jamie Lee Curtis. She was honored at the July 2011 Convention with the World Service Medal for her charitable work for children’s hospitals. She is also a best selling author of children’s books such as and “Tell Me About the Night I was Born” and “I Feel Silly: And Other Moods that Make My Day.” These books are illustrated by Laura Cornell and are geared for young children four and up. 

Philanthropy in the world of entertainment often gets drowned out in the media by the stories of those that create sensationalism of another kind. Entertainment and media “notables” partnering with organizations such as Kiwanis International for the purpose of accomplishing fulfilling missions and goals that make this world a better place inspires ordinary people to become superstars in their own right by volunteering for causes that are near and dear to their hearts.

 All around the world there is a service club and it’s members are “dedicated to improving children’s lives one community and one child at a time” they are tagged as Kiwaniians! I am very happy to be included in this group.

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Mellifluous Monday

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Mellifluous: “Flows like honey, smooth and sweet.” Sounds like a very fulfilling way to live life and an apropos adjective to describe my week ahead. 

The first day of the business week – attending weekly Kiwanis meeting. Always worthwhile because it’s “an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, one child and one community at a time.” www.kiwanis.org

  • Tuesday – Meet-up at City Café in Steamboat Springs,Colorado at 4pm. Our third monthly meeting of SHe Writes Steamboat. Lots of independent publishing business to tend to this month. Susan Mead, MH will also be presenting her book “Take Back your Body.”
  • Wednesday – stay tuned to the back story of an author and actress who took the stage on The Days of our Lives.
  • Thursday – Come on back to All Things Fulfilling. We will be on a blog tour with an interview of an author and actress whose life converged with mine due to common interests.
  • A music banquet feast at the end of the week. On Friday night Grammy nominated artist Eliza Gilkyson, world-renowned, singer-songwriter  John Gorka (with 11 albums to his name)  and  Winner of Best Pop Album of the year for the Association of Independent Music, Lucy Kaplansky will join forces. Their band Red Horse will entertain at Strings in the Mountains www.stringsmusicfestival.com. I’ll be there to help people to their seats! 

    This summer is slipping away quickly. Kids will soon be back to school. Take advantage of the next few weeks by treating your children to a museum, the theatre, art or culture of your favorite kind. It will broaden your child’s life experience and you may just stir up their  life-long love for the Arts.

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Little Things Mean Alot

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My husband has been glued to the news channel, following the ups and downs of the stock market, as well  being engaged in squabbles in politics. The other day, I said to him, “I refuse to get drawn into listening to too much of this. Yes, I have my opinions, but, at the end of the day, I really have zero control in what Washington and the Stock Market does. I am going to disconnect and pay attention to what  I have going in my own life that I am grateful for.” 

This week and next is what matters to me most, right now. They are full of little things that will mean a lot. On Tuesday, I ushered for a Youth and Family concert that tickled my funny bone and warmed my heart. Bill Harley, longtime commentator for NPR’s All Things Considered http://n.pr/qSraRp helped me to recollect my own days of going to school and as well as hilarious moments of parenting a child. Many of his “slice-of-life vignettes” made me realize that many things that I worried about as a child,  really didn’t quite matter at all.

Last night was a special treat, too. Volunteering my time once again brought me perks of getting to see a show that I would not have wanted to miss. Strings Music Festival http://bit.ly/qYxQ5R Director and Conductor Andres Cardenes led a night to remember of a picture perfect program, focused on famous movie musical scores which incorporated classical music. Tunes from Fantasia, Amadeus, Psycho, Platoon, a 2011: A Space Odyssey, Titanic and the God Father brought great pleasure to my evening. 

Next week on All Things Fulfilling will be my interview of an author and actress. The back story will appear on Wednesday, August 17. On Thursday, the interview will appear on this site as well as on the author and actress’ virtual book tour. 

Join us next week as Mara and I discuss how our lives came together and what we find to be mutually important in this big wide world called Life.

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Building Partnerships for Community

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“We are not lacking in the dynamic forces needed to create the future. We live immersed in a sea of energy beyond all comprehension.” ~ Thomas Berry, The Great Work 

For those who follow this blog site regularly, you know that I have been curious for some time as to “What Do Men Really like to Write About?”  Weekly, I try to get some insight into this nagging question when I sit in on the Steamboat Writers Group. www.steamboatwriters.com. 

At the beginning of the summer, a new community meet-up group for independent publishers called She Writes Steamboat was introduced. After two consecutive monthly meetings, we concluded that She Writes Steamboat does not fit the description of the group. There are men who want to be involved, too! We’ve changed the name to SHe Writes Steamboat so we will be fulfilling the needs of both genders for independent publishing support.  

On September 9th, SHe Writes Steamboat http://on.fb.me/oOWKWm   will be hosting their first major event. The President of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, Dr. C. Daniel Miller will be arriving in town. The purpose of this blog today, is to make it clear that SHe Writes Steamboat welcomes anyone who has ever even thought “I Could Write a Book about That!” to attend. In fact, artists, illustrators, independent filmmakers and musicians are also welcomed too. 

Join us one month from today, at the Bud Werner Library www.steamboatlibrary.org  on September 9th beginning at 9:30 am. Find out more about the wonderful support that the Colorado Independent Publishers Association has available through their organization and the e-book partnership they are building with libraries. Stay for the afternoon CIPA College offerings to learn about various options in publishing and the costs involved in independent publishing. Please pre-register by going to http://bit.ly/pdUNxz. 

Building a strong affiliation with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association would be a great asset to our entire community of creatives throughoutRouttCounty. Join in!

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