Archive for the ‘Passion’ Category

Never Burn a Bridge

Friday, November 26th, 2010

I always find it amazing how life comes full circle. While I was learning and networking at an event I attended I was able to reconnect with a former colleague, Kym Yancey. He and I had worked on a project as independent contractors in 1999. Back then, I was a lot less experienced but still just as passionate. It was a short-lived project of only a few months but he and I both left that interaction with a positive lasting impression of each other.

One of my core philosophies is to always leave every project, relationship or opportunity positively. This is a critical, foundational element of what I call Brand:You. Every interaction presents an opportunity to leave a positive impression. No interaction is too small or too big to not give the attention and positive energy it deserves. I encourage you to clearly understand that what you do and say is ALWAYS connected to your Brand:YOU.

Kym Yancey and I at Lisa Sasevich's event Big Sale, Big Mission, Big Life in San Diego, California.

Kym Yancey and I at Lisa Sasevich's event Big Sale, Big Mission, Big Life in San Diego, California.

Ten years later Kym and I are both living our passions through businesses we embarked on after we had lost touch. When we saw each other, though, we were able to pick up right where we left off. The company he built with his wife Sandra, eWomen Network, and their foundation, eWomen Network Foundation, have grown into an amazing powerhouse and a true testament to Success on Their Terms.

Love & Light,

Star**

I Have Failure to Thank…

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Yes, I said failure. When we experience failure in our lives, it is often actually a gift. A gift that is underrated and not appreciated for the value it brings.

If it weren’t for all the times that I screwed up or made a mistake and fell flat on my face, I wouldn’t be where I am. And I really have failure to thank. Maybe it’s that failure was the conduit and vehicle to test my resolve, desire, passion and ability to push myself beyond what was expected and into areas uncharted. I know this to be true – that it’s really not failure if you just keep getting up and problem solving your way to the next threshold or challenge.

After all, where would we be if we had no more challenges to overcome or mountains to climb?

Wishing Success on Your Terms.

Sending you Love & Light,

Star**

Climbing a Mountain

Thursday, November 18th, 2010
View of Vacaville in Northern CA from the top of the mountain

View of Vacaville in Northern CA from the top of the mountain

Recently I had a chance to have a few of my team members together in Northern California for a day of brainstorming and planning. I was asked to be a speaker on a panel, something I love to do, with two other female entrepreneurs for the launch of Tribal Truth in the Bay Area and thought it would be a great opportunity for us to get together.

While I was there with my team we took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that was all around us. Several of us decided to go on a 5-mile nature hike. The trail to the top was long and uphill. It pushed me to my max. As we climbed  I noticed that at different points during the journey each of us took the lead based on what we were good at: sprint, steady, speedy, head down, moving forward. We naturally fell into a rhythm of recognizing our unique strengths and using the to help the rest of the team.

This experience of climbing a mountain is very similar to running and leading a business. As  the entrepreneur or visionary you may hold the space for the vision, but to reach growth potential each of us need to lead with our strengths. It takes a leader to understand individual strengths, and more importantly, weaknesses. Why? Because it takes self-knowledge to attract and bring aboard people who are better than we are at our weak spots. And one thing I know for sure is that it is important to realize and know that nobody builds a successful business or life alone.

It was wonderful to connect with nature, breathe in fresh air and get a clear perspective of how we are all connected. We all made it to the top of the mountain in our own time. As I sat at the summit, reveling in the satisfaction of reaching the top, I knew that I did it on my own terms and with people I am proud to share the experience and the success with.

Love & Light,

Star**

Align your head and your heart

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Your Truth is unique and yours alone to reveal. When we find ourselves off track, it usually means that we have become disconnected from our Truth and are off course. To get back in alignment with your purpose and life work trust in your heart. Only good will come of it.

It is said that as humans we are not able to feel both fear and love at the same time. I know that when you follow your heart as you work your business, you will never go wrong.

I see so often that people get stuck in their head, letting their fears distract and hold them back. I know this because when I am having a challenge at work it is most often because I am listening to my head and not my heart. So be aware of where you are, make an observation and decide to connect your head and your heart.

A few weeks ago I was with my coach Ali Brown in Phoenix at Baeth Davis’ event. I decided to bring my two children with me so while I attended Baeths event my family joyfully played at the hotel pool with the kid’s club. They had a total blast and we made great memories together. At night we toasted s’mores, swam in the pool and ordered room service. Enjoying each other and combining work and play. Would you call it PLORK? Hmm, maybe not, but any way you say it – it’s fantastic!

Combining my professional trip with quality time with my family once again confirmed for me that being in alignment with your heart and paying attention to your work-life balance is the only path to Success on Your Terms.

Love & Light

Star**

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Office Camera 013There are weeks that pass that are devoted to implementing tactics and there are weeks where strategy and connecting with others rules. This past week was about both and in a BIG way. For those of you who are connected with me on Facebook I spent the entire week on a studio set filming a reality show where I was asked to be a judge sharing my expertise as a Brand & Business Strategist. I shared the panel with amazing, accomplished people. It was an incredible experience and I gained so much from it.

I am currently reading “Ask And It Is Given” by Abraham-Hicks and the title of his book couldn’t feel more true to me. A few months back when Oprah was asking people to present their ideas for a reality show it got me thinking. I suggested to my General Manager Brittany Copsey that I would like for us to be in a TV show. I felt it would be good for us to share and help many by reaching out on broadcast TV. Office Camera 433Well, within 60 days of that flippant comment I was asked by my good friend Jessica Sitomer to be a judge on her reality show she was filming in August. Without giving it a second thought I said “Yes! Of course I want to help my friend out.”

Three weeks later I found myself saying goodbye to my husband and kids with a kiss on the cheek. With makeup and hair done in our trailers we were on set shooting six episodes of a show meant to transform people’s lives in a positive and fascinating way – and it did. I met the most talented and Office Camera 104heart-centered people, contestants, staff and artists.

Words don’t express the positive energy that lead this project.  Even though the days were long and I was away from my family I found myself enjoying every moment. I am honored to have been a part of such goodness! It turns out it was Jessica who was doing me the favor. Thank you Jessica for such an amazing week and opportunity!

For those of you dying for more details, I am not allowed to tell you much more as I am sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you “Believe and You Will Receive.”

WOffice Camera 117ishing you all the success life has to offer!

Love & Light

Star**

Face Fear Head On

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Spencer and Lily 460My family took a trip up to the Pt. Mugu Navel base and went to the air show last week and it was spectacular.  We saw amazing things: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying in formation with barely a wing’s span between them, executing amazing aerial flips, turns and choreography timed to the millisecond. There was also a female wing walker – one of only 12 in the world. She braved climbing out of the plane, without a safety parachute, and ascended to the top wing to do handstands, flips and choreography while the plane soared through the air. She faced fear head on, Spencer and Lily 358with clarity and grace. She dared to do what most would not be willing.

TRUST: The analogy of brand was in my mind as the sun was shining brightly on that beautiful California summer day. Trust was number one. The trust between the team members flying had to be of the utmost to achieve success. Literally, they all trusted each other with their lives. Do your clients trust you and your brand?

Spencer and Lily 360EXPERT SKILL: Everyone who participated in that airshow had honed their skill with education, practice and enthusiasm for performing the activity that was most in alignment with themselves, their passion and what they most desire to do.

PRACTICE: These acts of bravery and skill take teams that have practiced and practiced in order to achieve this amazing level of success.

SERVICE: How can you serve your gift to the Spencer and Lily 419world? Not only did these gifted pilots accept and nurture their passion, but they take it and package it in a wonderful day of amazing service in sharing their gifts with the world, inspiring us all.

A trusted brand or team can achieve amazing results and never-done-before feats when the above elements are involved. Trust, skill, practice and service. I ask you to ask yourself does your Brand You do these things?

Love and Light,

Star**

Do you believe it’s possible to create your ideal profitable business on your own terms, or have you compromised along the way?

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

By Star Ladin

employee-overworkedWhen a tough decision comes along I think of what Abraham-Hicks said, “If it’s not a hell Yes, it’s a hell No!” I believe as business owners we often get lost in our head and we ignore the gut feeling, that instinct.  But how much time, money, and energy is lost trying to be someone you are not, or continuing to serve a client who doesn’t value you?

Have you ever felt like you were working so hard, for so long and so much, that you were unable to enjoy life or what you had worked so hard to build? In the beginning you worked harder to make more money but now that you have made the money you have no time and no freedom to enjoy it?

Or have you built a successful business based around something you were good at only to realize the passion is gone and now you are burnt out and feel stuck?

Or have you “accepted” that you have to compromise what you love to do in order to fulfill your financial obligation to support your family?

Aligning your business with you foundational core, what you are passionate about and what invigorates you is critical to having not just success but Success on Your Terms.  To me, success is not truly success unless it is achieved on your terms.  If you are constantly frustrated, work so much you see your family for dinner on the weekend, hate the clients  you work with, but make a seven figure income, have you a achieved success?

In my view, you design the life you desire, the business you desire, and are free to adjust the design whenever you choose.  BUT in order to design a life that allows you success on your terms you must align your values and passion with your brand and business.

So, I have a couple of questions for you:

  1. Do you believe it’s possible to create your ideal profitable business on your own terms?
  2. What are some specific scenarios where being in alignment would be helpful when growing your business?

Post your comments below and you WILL be rewarded. Here’s why…

Star with Beeny_lo resIn August I plan on holding a teleseminar for you.  After working with business owners in hundreds of different fields I am convinced that businesses succeed or fail depending on the alignment of their business with their foundational core.  I have helped hundreds of women reignite their business passion and find success on their terms.

This session will be free of charge, BUT I do need some input into what topics you would like to have covered during the call.  Could you help me by posting your comments?

One Person Can Make A Difference

Monday, July 19th, 2010

When I sat down to write to you this morning I was sidetracked by a Facebook message from a friend saying hello. Twenty minutes later I realized I was still engrossed in connecting with friends and decided I would check my Inbox before signing off. I am so glad I did.  Sitting in my Inbox was a message “Ode to a Joy” from my cousin Cara. Today marks the 9th anniversary of Cara’s sister and my dear cousin Rena’s early passing from breast cancer. After reading the message I found myself tearful and melancholy, with that mixed feeling of being both happy and sad. I was missing Rena, but also remembering her kindness, loyalty, friendship and wisdom beyond her years. Cara ended her letter with, “Rena’s joy was a gift. One that she was able to simply open up and receive from the very beginning.”

My mom Roseanne with my daughter Lily at Grandparents Day

My mom Roseanne with my daughter Lily at Grandparents Day

I have decided to take today to celebrate Rena as well as the strong women in my life whose joy and wisdom made an imprint on me and shaped the woman I am.  I would like to share with you four of these women.

My mother, Roseanne, an eccentric artist who has always showed me that having the courage to be myself is the only way to really live. She has shown me that anything is  possible for me if I put my mind to it and just figure it out for myself.

My Grandma Annie, known as the “Cookie Lady,” doled out an abundance of joy and a smile with every tasty treat. She worked at the bakery around the corner from her house for 35 years. Her quotes still ring true to me today. “Choose your friends, don’t let your friends choose you.”

My Grandma Savo was a women of few words who spent most of her time in the kitchen sharing her love through food. She stood all of 4-feet 11-inches tall and never weighed more than 79 lbs. She would tell me “Never do anything you wouldn’t want posted on the front page of the NY times” and “When it’s all said and done all you have left is your integrity.” Small but mighty is the only way to describe her.

My son Spencer with Grandma Annie and I in New York 2007

My son Spencer with Grandma Annie and I in New York 2007

My cousin Rena was wise beyond her years. She was a Love, a Light, and a Joy. Her sister, Cara, writes that she was “the 5 to my 6. Her faith, genuine. Her friendship, true.”

Rena was a musician, a teacher and an artist. Her legacy she leaves behind has nothing to do with business but all to do about her Brand and Imprint.  Nine years later people remember and honor her by sharing stories about the imprint she left on their life and the gifts she left behind.

Are you spreading your joy, your gift? What is your imprint? One person can make a difference.

Love & Light,

Star**

Life gives us valuable lessons – if we pay attention

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Ladin_AlghiniFeb08 091

Lily and I on our avacado farm in Santa Rosa February 2008

It’s funny how life always gives us the lessons that we need. Or reminders of what we need to learn if we pay attention. For example, parenting and raising well-balanced and self-sufficient children is much like building a well-balanced and self-sustaining business.

I was out with my 5-year-old daughter, Lily, the other evening. We were headed to Michaels craft store to get a gift for my niece’s birthday. As we walked in, there was a free craft table for children to create an art project. Lily was so excited – just like her mother, she loves to be creative and get her hands dirty.

She made me the sweetest decoupage of a farm and signed her name on it. She was so proud and so was I. These are the gifts that make for lifelong childhood memories. We carried out her gift, beaming.  We had a bonding moment and it was a wonderful mother-daughter  time. Next stop that day was to do a little shopping next door. So Lily got her own cart and put her art project in the cart and wanted to push it around the store herself to make sure it didn’t get banged or damaged as it was drying.

IMG00098-20100526-0954

While we were shopping and our backs were turned, someone unknowingly took Lily’s cart – with her art project in it. The cart was nowhere to be found. I look into Lily’s gray-green eyes, welling up with tears, and jumped into mommy action mode. “Lily, don’t you worry,” I comforted her. “We are not leaving the store until we have checked every last cart, or until the store is closed and we have exhausted every one of our options.”

I asked Lily, who is learning about impatience, if she was up for this challenge. “You will need to dig deep and put your patience hat on.” She answered me, very seriously, “Yes, Mommy, I will be patient.”

Now, it was already a late night, my kids are the type that are up early and in bed early and it was already 7 p.m. Lily and I went around the store looking in the bottom of many carts. We then enlisted the help of the store manager to do a store-wide announcement. Our last option was to wait at the checkout section and check every cart as they were emptied.

The whole time I was talking with Lily and telling her that we will do everything in our power to find her art project but we are not going to get attached to the outcome. Whatever the outcome is, it is, and we will do our best and let the rest go.

IMG00096-20100526-0952I tell you that nearly two hours later the store was closing, we had exhausted every option and solution and then…. I checked a cart and there it was!  Lily, the store staff, and I literally jumped for joy! We had done what we set out to do and the outcome was what we had hoped it would be.

Today that picture frame sits on my dresser and every time I look at it I am reminded about how precious life lessons come in unexpected packages. The important message of persistence’s power and how if you stick to your plan and stay focused on the positive was imparted to my daughter and I that day and, because we paid attention, is something we both benefited from in our lives.

Passion is Contagious

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Witnessing the magnificence and courage of people sharing their gifts with others can inspire our own insight into our passions and our unique gifts that we also are meant to share with the world. This natural and beautiful process ignites inspiration and passes an unspoken permission to look inward for our own magnificence.

By sharing your  passion, desire, gift, magnificence or purpose with either one person or many, you are passing along the permission or encouragement for someone to do the same.

Love & Light,

Star **