ECP logo
28.April.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 15
A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights

Colleague


Hello and Welcome to EditCopyProof's weekly outpouring of valuable information to propel your business and inspire your soul.

Every edition contains an eclectic compilation. Whatever happens during the week ends up in this UNnewsletter.

You are in the yawn-free zone when this publication arrives in your mailbox each Monday because I promise to deliver the best of the best. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

Business and pleasure. Pleasure and business. The lines cross so frequently for entrepreneurs, it's often impossible to separate the two. They blend so beautifully, why even try?

That's the basis of this publication. You get a full dose of business-related topics as well as content having nothing at all to do with business. I have no doubt you'll find something to enhance your life. Enjoy!

In This Edition
by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo   Charlon Small




Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to increased, measurable results, this week's features include:

  1. SETTING BOUNDARIES 101 | What to do when they call you names
  2. WHAT DO YOU THINK? | Email me your comments on laser coaching days
  3. BUSINESS 101 | My clients teach me how to be a better client myself
  4. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Living the dream



Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing and Editing Solutions -- Transforming Words Into Profits. Proficient in many diverse writing roles, her expertise spans more than 25 years. This solid foundation offers you a single and final destination in your quest for extraordinary press-ready services including copyediting, copywriting and proofreading. Visit us TODAY at EditCopyProof to submit your Request For Proposal.

Setting Boundaries 101
Charlon Bobo   Female Entrepreneurs Ask... I loved the reference in your UNnewsletter about setting boundaries, but how to I do this without being called or considered a bitch?

Bitch
Answer: The best thing you can do for yourself is redefine your ideas of being a bitch and make peace with it. In other words, embrace it.





I bet you thought I would give you suggestions for changing the behavior and thoughts of others. I could, but it would be a colossal waste of my time and yours.

People are going to do what they do, think what they think, and say what they say... regardless of what you do, think, or say. So,

you may as well
let your light shine so brightly it is blinding
and be okay with offending others,
if that's what happens


I mean, it has to be okay with us that others consider us to be so threatening that they resort to calling us names!

People have a need to label and categorize because it helps them make sense of things. The intent of this article would be well-served if I dig into what's behind the need for someone to call someone else a bitch, or even have the thought.

That's a tough one because the reasons are myriad based on the person, but here are some guesses:
  • They're insecure (duh!).
  • They haven't embraced their own power.
  • They don't understand power and the healthy female expression of it.
  • They are intimidated by other women.
  • They feel separate from other women.
  • They have not been taught how to encourage and celebrate the personal and professional growth of others.
  • They have a limited capacity for understanding the many differences in women.
  • They have limited life experience.
  • They are just plain mean!
That being said, the reasons don't matter. Don't invest precious life energy or time. The return-on-investment just won't materialize.

Here are some pointers on what to do the next time you're called a bitch:

1. Don't deny, defend or explain. This erodes your personal power and does nothing to convince the other person you're not what they say or think you are. Let it be okay that they have their own experience and perspective of you. What is the saying about, "He who protesteth too much...?" Who cares, anyway?

2. Be the model of self-acceptance. If you are at peace with yourself, others can learn much from you.

3. Maintain a state of calm. If you really want to throw them off, dig deep for all the dignity you can muster. When you get good at this skill, it is extremely unnerving to those who try to get a reaction from you. This exercise leaves 100% of the power with you.


Very often, a bitch is someone who is simply taking care of her life business. Somehow others find that a threat. How did THAT happen? I dunno. It's a stumper, but we can build our muscles and not take things personally.

Remember: It's never about you! It's always about the person in front of you and the filter through which they see you and all of life. There's likely nothing you can say or do that will change their opinion. That's okay. You're not here to make everyone understand you. You're here to do your life's work and remaining true to that mission means they may call you names... like bitch.

So, you see it's not about anything needing to change except your own mindset.

Great, Charlon, it sounds so evolved and etheric, but what do I say in the moment?

Here are some suggestions:

Response 1: Bitch. Hmmmm. I can certainly see why you might feel this way.

Response 2: That's an interesting label. I think you might be right!

Response 3: I'm truly sorry you see me (or the situation) that way, but everyone is entitled to his/her perspective and I respect yours.

Response 4: I am quite clear on boundaries. This obviously makes an emotional impact on you. I'm available when you'd like to discuss it further.

Response 5: Yeah, I get that all the time. When women set boundaries, it upsets people. I'm okay with that.

Response 6: I am a strong woman and that means others don't always understand me. I have no attachment to what others think because I am clear in my convictions.

Response 7: What others say about me is rarely the whole truth. They can think what they like.

Response 8: I have worked hard to be where I am and I'm proud of that. I cannot allow the insecurities of others to wear me down.

Response 9: Powerful women have been a threat throughout history. This is just another attempt to control me and "keep me in line." That's just not going to happen!


As you can see, setting boundaries has less to do with managing the actions of others than standing strong in ourselves. It's not easy, but it does get easier the more aware you become to the subtle attempts to dim your glow, and address those circumstances without hesitation as they arise.

If you relate to the term, wear it proudly. If it doesn't resonate, toss is out like everything else that isn't a perfect fit for this perfect life experience.

What Do You Think?
  EditCopyProof Laser Coaching Days

LaserCoaching
The only way I know I'm providing services you need is to hear from you. Feel free to email me anytime to let me know your thoughts.

Until then, I have a specific question: What do you think about a regular schedule of 4-hour laser-coaching days (weekly? monthly?) with 15-minute and 30-minute telephone appointment times at affordable rates? I want to be more accessible to you and think this could work.

With a reservation and payment, your appointment time is held exclusively for you.

15-minute session | $35
30-minute session | $50


There is no limit to what we can accomplish together. Maybe we focus on prioritizing or developing a plan for one small facet of business with big potential. Maybe we talk about how to market your new product line or increasing online sales. Maybe you need proven techniques or support and encouragement from someone who understands the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Whatever your unique circumstance, we deliver results you feel good about because we cater our services to you. No cookie-cutter approaches here!

So, email me your constructive thoughts about whether or not you would use this service.

Business 101
Charlon Bobo   Clients who shine

Sunshine
I LOVE my clients. They are hard-working, responsive, conscious and driven... boy, are they driven! And they keep me on my twinkle toes.

There are a few characteristics, however, of one particular client (you know who you are, girlfriend!) and the experience with her has taught me about being a better client for the pros I hire. Here they are:

  1. Asking questions about pricing -- This gives the pro an opportunity to explain the pricing structure and offer alternate payment solutions or service alternatives, if necessary. It provides the client clarification and an opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding price.
  2. Asking questions about the process of working together -- This lays the solid groundwork for a mutually-understood professional arrangement.
  3. Asking for clarification on anything that doesn't make sense -- This is yet another opportunity to determine if the arrangement will be workable for both parties.
  4. Being actively involved -- How can anyone care more about your business than you do? If you want to achieve maximum results, you must do everything in your power to be a part of the program.
  5. Being responsive -- Return calls promptly. Email information ASAP. Fulfill your obligations to the process in a timely manner. Be accessible so your pro can deliver the best of the best.
  6. Being fully present during conversations -- Distractions only serve to diminish the value of your experience. If you cannot be fully present -- for whatever reason -- it's best to postpone.
  7. Making all components of the relationship a priority -- Like any relationship, you get out what you invest. Make the most of the time you have with the people you're paying by making it a priority.
  8. Doing the assigned exercises without excuses -- For the most part, entrepreneurs don't hold anyone else accountable for their success or lack of it. Making excuses instead of doing your work is a revelation of epic proportions. It means you aren't serious about business. Very few business owners I know will take on a client when they know about this characteristic. It never delivers positive results.

Based on this list, are you a client who shines?

From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   Living the dream

C-face
I once overheard a conversation that changed my life. I happened in Starbuck's between a customer and an employee. The customer asked how the employee was doing and he replied, "Living the dream." He was sincere and I knew he meant what he said.

You know how you don't know precisely why something happens, but you know that was only meant for you? That's what this experience was for me.

I adopted this response and made it my own. When I say it to others, I am empowered. No matter what's in front of me, I'm living the result of everything I have felt, thought and said and even a few components of which I have no control. I'm living the dream.

That doesn't mean I don't sometimes feel that I'm living more of a nightmare than a dream, but it's all a part of this soup called life.

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,




 

Contact Information

805.405.4944
Join our mailing list!

Email Marketing by