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November 2011
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Our 50th Issue - Giving Thanks...
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - Go To Meeting
The Face of Hunger
How to Be a Good Client
New Services - Indoor Plant Care & Artificials
Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary
Freshening Up for the Holidays
Holiday Services
Charitable Updates
How You Can Help
Announcements
Don't Forget
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Greetings!    

 

[Editor Note:  We missed publishing October's issue of this newsletter - and we missed it due to illness.  Thank you to all of you who wrote to say you noticed the newsletter didn't arrive and for your concern that something was wrong.  You are all very kind and I thank you from the bottom of my heart]

twist tieAt the end of September I had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction.  While it was a painful ordeal at the time, I am fine now.  The obstruction was caused by scar tissue from a 35 yr old surgery.  The adhesion wrapped itself around my colon and, like a trash bag twist-tie, it twisted upon itself until eventually it squeezed my colon shut.

The reason I am explaining it so graphically is to help you understand a subsequent epiphany.  As I lay in the hospital bed after surgery, I reflected on what had just happened and wondered why I suddenly found myself so unbelievable ill when normally I rarely even get a cold.  I am a firm believer that illness is more often than not a manifestation of some emotional burden or baggage so this situation was a cause for introspection.

For a few months prior to this emergency, there had been quite a bit of drama in my life.  I allowed myself to get swept up in it and despite knowing better than to do so, my ego insisted on being 'right' even to my own detriment.

tied in knotsI was agonizing over this drama, losing sleep, discussing it endlessly with family and friends until my soul and emotions were tied up in knots.  Then (and here comes the epiphany), my body literally tied itself up into knots.  What a revelation!  When that realization hit me, it was sobering, to say the least. Talk about putting things into perspective, wow!

 

So I stepped away from my ego and took a look at the drama from an objective point of view.  Even though I believed in my heart I was doing what was best for all concerned, was it really necessary to dig in my heels? Was it worth losing friends over? Did it really matter if I was right?

Would all this matter a year from now? Five years? Tomorrow? The answer to all those questions is, of course, no.  It is so easy to allow ourselves to twist deeper and deeper into a situation just because we want (or need) to be right.  Or because we can't let an email go without an answer.  Or because we think if we refuse to engage, others will think they 'won'.

no dramaLife is not about who wins.  It's about people and the relationships we nurture with them.  Life is not about being right.  It's about doing what's right, with integrity and love.  And you know what?  Life is infinitely more fun when you refuse to participate in the drama.

In a way I am grateful for this emergency surgery.  It reminded me in a deep (and scary) way that life is so short and about what truly matters.  This surgery made me realize that I don't need all that drama, so I consciously stepped out of it and back into the joy of service to my friends and to my community.

And now, when a controversial topic or issue comes up or when my ego is tempted to get in the way, no matter what it is, I stop and think - is this worth getting twisted up over? And always, always, the answer is NO.

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Untwist your life and choose to enjoy it more!  Outsource your errands, chores and tasks to Executive Errands.  Let us help simplify your life!  www.executive-errands.com  760.898.9604

Our Favorite Things... Go To Meeting


go to meetingDespite the fact I'm still concerned we, as a society, are becoming more and more isolated due to technological advances, in some cases you can't help but fall in love with a technology product.

So is the case with Go To Meeting, an online conference meeting application that allows you to do webinars, product demos, provide online support or just have a regular group meeting without ever setting foot in an airport to go meet someone in person.

Go To Meeting works with both PC and MAC and meeting attendees can join a meeting from a computer, iPad, iPhone or Android.  And it is a totally intuitive application.

go to meeting2One of the features I like best is the fact Go To Meeting uses all US support personnel and one of them will contact you before your first meeting to walk you through a tutorial and to make sure everything is operating properly.  What great customer service!

Go To Meeting is not only for business either.  If you have a large family that is located all around the country or globe, you can have a family conversation easily with Go To Meeting.  The use possibilities are many.

For more information or for a one month free trial, go to www.gotomeeting.com Check it out - Go To Meeting - one of our favorite things!

["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too.  We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here.  We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
The Face of Hunger...

 

hungryDo you know what "hungry" looks like?  If you're like most people, the images that usually come to mind are either the people who stand along the freeway off ramps holding cardboard signs or the picture of an emaciated child in a television commercial requesting donations.

Yes, as sad as they are, both of those images represent hunger, but did you know that most hunger, the hunger that passes right by us every day, has a completely different face?

Most often the face of hunger looks just like you and me.  In fact, twice in my lifetime, I have been the face of hunger. 

The first time I was in the second grade.  You wouldn't think I would remember back that far but what happened was so profound, it stays with me to this day.  It was fall and there was a food drive at school.  The intent was to collect food, and then someone at school would make up baskets and deliver them to needy families for Thanksgiving.

canned goodsI remember taking a single offering of canned goods to school.  A can of what, I don't recall.  But here is why this is such a profound moment in my life:  The day before Thanksgiving, one of those baskets was delivered to our home. 

As a young child I had no idea our family qualified as poor or hungry or needy, but apparently we were and we did.  I'll never forget that.

The second time was many years later and this I remember like it was yesterday.  It was 1979, another poor economic time similar to the one facing so many around us, and I was pregnant with my eldest daughter.  About three months before she was born, I lost my job.  My husband worked in construction and wasn't being paid regularly either.  We were surviving but just barely.

After my daughter arrived we could scarcely afford formula or diapers and food? No way.  I tried applying for food stamps, but because we had a mortgage, the county's response was offensive: They offered us just $1.72 per month.  There was no way we could afford food, diapers and formula.  I was at my wit's end.

dinner with friendsThankfully my best friend at the time, Donna, came to our rescue.  She literally fed us 5 nights a week for almost six months until my husband found a steadier paying job.

Here is the point:  hunger looks normal.  You may not know that the person who lives next to you, the single mother from your child's classroom or the elderly gentleman you see shuffling down the street are all hungry and struggling to buy groceries.

The lucky ones get food stamps.  But before you condemn the person in front of you at the grocery store with the basket full of junk food who is paying with food stamps, please keep in mind, calorie for calorie you get more for your money when you buy junk rather than produce or meat.  Why? I have no idea (although I could posit a theory), but those who are trying to feed their families are also trying to stretch their food stamps as far as possible and nutrition is far away from their thoughts.  It's quantity over quality, unfortunately.

FIND Food bankI tell you all this because I met Lisa Houston, CEO at the FIND food bank (www.findfoodbank.org) and she inspired me to help where I can in the fight against hunger. 

FIND is an amazing organization and it wasn't until we were talking about "the face of hunger" that I realized I too fell into the "hunger" category a couple times in my life.  And if I did, then it is likely many more people have too and people we most likely would never suspect.

This month, as we move into the holiday season, it's more important than ever to hold food drives for the hungry around us.  We here at Executive Errands encourage you to donate what you can. 

Even one can of corn or some yams or green beans may help a second grader somewhere.  It helped me once upon a time and for that I am forever grateful.

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If you'd like to donate some food to FIND but don't have time to take it there, Executive Errands will either arrange for a pick up or will pick it up ourselves and deliver it free on your behalf.  760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com 

How To Be a Good Client....

 

good clientExecutive Errands is a service business and that means we're available at your convenience to do whatever we can to help make your life easier.  This last month we were interviewed for a magazine and the reporter asked:  "What shouldn't a client do?"

I thought, hmmmm, now that is interesting.  Our clients have always been so good; I never gave this much thought before.  And we've certainly never broached this topic in the newsletter.

So I thought, why not?  Here you are then, a few tips on how to be a good client:

  1. Treat us with respect.  Yes, you pay us to work for you, but you pay us to be you when you're not here.  We care for your home as if it was our own and all the actions we take are with your best interest at heart.  We act on your behalf and as such, we should be treated as you would want to be treated.
  2. clock247Consider our family time.  Yes, we are a 24/7 service and if you need something done you are welcome to call us at any time, day or night, weekday or weekend.  But because we have built such a great relationship with you, many clients often think of us as family and sometimes they just want to chat.  If that is the case with you and you just want to talk (but there isn't really a sense of urgency or a task to be accomplished that evening) please take a look at the clock and if it is after 6 pm, maybe the conversation can wait until tomorrow.  Or maybe an email will suffice until tomorrow.
  3. Communicate clearly.  Everyone has their own hot buttons, likes and dislikes.  Please be specific in what you want done at your home or for your personal errands.  The more specific you can be the more likely tasks will be done to your complete satisfaction.  And please don't assume we know what you want just because we've been working with you for years. Treat every set of tasks as if it's the first time we've worked for you.
  4. scheduleKeep us informed of your schedule.  If you're one of our absentee home clients, we understand schedules change, but we like to make sure your home has a few extra touches before you arrive, so do your best to keep us informed.  It's helpful to know you're coming and when you plan to leave so we can provide the most thorough care possible.  Nothing is more embarrassing than walking into someone's home only to realize they are back in town (that is, assuming we don't think your home has a squatter and we call the police).
  5. Don't try to steal the concierge.  You like us.  You like the service we provide.  You like everything we do - so much so that you think maybe you can lure the concierge away to work for you exclusively or perhaps for a lower hourly rate.  Please don't put our concierges in the position of having to say 'no' to you.  They are loyal to our company and won't accept your offer and even the act of asking will taint our working relationship.
  6. MentoringRespect our service provider network.  We work diligently to build a network of quality-conscious, customer-service-focused, insured and properly licensed service providers.  If you worked through us for a service, please come back to us when you need them again.  We do everything we can to keep our prices at or below retail so you're getting the same price either way.  So even though you will know who the provider is once they've been to your home or office, please let us continue to facilitate your services.

There you have it.  The top six (6) tips for being a good client.  And I can honestly say with only a very few exceptions over the last five years, our clients all adhere to these principles.  We are so thankful for each of you!

Executive Errands wants to help free up your life and we are here at your convenience.

For more information or to become a client or to request a referral, please contact us at 760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com

New Services - Indoor Plant Care & Artificials

science of plant careMy thumbs are black.  Seriously.  I can't grow a plant to save my soul.  A friend once bought me two beautiful hanging flower pots and within a week they was nothing left but brown wisps that turned to dust when you tried to touch them (and yes, I watered them).

I do love greenery and having plants in your home or office is wonderfully beneficial.  They live off carbon monoxide (which we exhale) and they exhale oxygen (which we breathe).  Plus, their cheery green leaves make us feel naturally happy.

Our newest service provider thrives off clients like me - those who love plants but can't grow them or who don't have time to tend to them properly.  This service will take care of your plants - watering, feeding and fertilizing - and if the plants come from them, they even go so far as to guarantee to replace the plants if one of them dies or otherwise doesn't grow.

Plants in officesThey also offer silk plants for those of us with allergies or who don't want live plants in their home.  They can provide the artificials on a sales or rental basis and also offer refreshing and restaging services to present your artificial plants in their best possible way.

These services are available for both residential and commercial spaces.  Like all our services, this one may be contracted through Executive Errands or as a referral.  For more information or to start a plant service in your home or office, please contact us at www.executive-errands.com 760.898.9604

Happy Birthday & Happy Aniversary...

fifth birthdayExecutive Errands just celebrated its 5th birthday and this is our 50th issue of this newsletter.  Wow, hard to believe - the time has flown by so fast!

We want you to help us make this year our best yet.  To celebrate both these milestones, we are offering the following: 

For every person you refer to us who becomes a regular monthly client, dinner is on us!!

We'll give you a $50 gift certificate to the local restaurant of your choice.  Any restaurant you choose between Palm Springs and Indio. 

Fifty DollarsAnd it's easy.  While you're here this season, just talk about us to your friends.  Tell them how much you love our service. How much you trust us.  How much you think your friends will benefit from working with us. And how affordable we are.

Your referrals are the best birthday gift we can receive.  We are so grateful for each of you and hope you'll turn year 6 into a banner year!

To schedule a no-cost and no-obligation meeting to see if Executive Errands can help simplify your friends' life, or if you'd like some brochures to give to your friends, please contact us at 760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com

Freshening Up for the Holidays...

paint a roomThe holiday season is officially upon us and many of your thoughts are already turning to sprucing up your homes and offices.  It's amazing how quickly a coat of paint or some new wallpaper will freshen up your living spaces!

Executive Errands reminds you that we offer all sorts of decorative finishes including Venetian plaster, texturizing, wallpaper and faux paint finishes.

We can refinish your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, repair drywall, remove old wallpaper, and repaint or refinish shutters and wrought iron.  It doesn't matter if you need interior or exterior color, repair or update - we do it all.

We also offer the following services to ready your home for the holidays:

--Shutter & Blind cleaning (same day service)

--Carpet and Upholstery cleaning

help you--Window cleaning

--Housekeeping

--Tile and grout cleaning

--Exterior pressure washing of house, patios, patio furniture

--Don't see something you need?  Just call to ask...

For more information or to schedule a quote, please call Executive Errands at 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com 

For referrals, you may contact us at the above or you may access our website and click on 'Contractor Services'.  As always, referrals are free.

Holiday Services...

SantaSince we're talking about the holidays (did we just hear a collective groan out there?), we totally understand how busy everyone is and how just the idea of trying to get ready for the holidays can be overwhelming.

We're here to help.  Executive Errands can do your holiday gift shopping, address your greeting cards, wrap your packages, go to the post office, process your returns, and write your 'thank you' cards. 

We can do your Thanksgiving or holiday grocery shopping, assist you with desserts, create beautiful gift baskets and coordinate your holiday cookie exchange.  We can even plan your private and company parties (although we are quickly running out of time to find good venues).

We can take excess food to FIND food bank, drop donations at the charity of your choice and help you find a family to provide for this holiday season.

concierge to do listExecutive Errands is your personal elf program.  All you need to do is create a list.  We'll check it twice and get everything done for you in a quick shake.  Yes, we charge for the time to do all these services, but you can use us as you need us as opposed to hiring a full time personal assistant.  And for some of you, Executive Errands services may well qualify as tax deductible. That's a win-win!

Wouldn't you rather relax and enjoy your holidays this year?  Let Executive Errands help simplify your life.  We say here's Ho Ho Hoping you'll having a wonderful, calm and stress-free holiday season this year!

To discuss your holiday tasks and to schedule a concierge elf to help, please call Executive Errands at 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com  You'll be thankful you did!!

Charitable Updates...
  
Soroptimist logoThe Cathedral City - Rancho Mirage (CC-RM) Soroptimist Club produced a public awareness video for Soroptimist House of Hope (SHOH), a recovery program for women with alcohol and drug dependencies.

 

To view the video, Soroptimist House of Hope Video
 
SHOH needs your help to continue their great work.  Private donations would help so much. If you'd like to help, please see the donation form in the section 'How You Can Help' below.
  
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SI TreeIt's a Winter Wonderland Saturday, November 19th - the SI Cathedral City-Rancho Mirage 17th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon is slated for that day.

The event is at the Westin in Rancho Mirage and the theme this year is Winter Wonderland.  Ms. Lisa Houston of FIND Food Bank is being honored for her great work to help end hunger here in the desert.

Fashions are provided by Soma, White House Black Market and Trio.  There will be lots of surprises.  Your support as always is needed to help make this event a success. 

 

Registrations may be made online at www.holidaysinthedesert.com or if you'd like to be on our mailing list for this event, please send a note to us at [email protected] or call 760.898.9604

 

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Dancing With Our StarsYours truly is scheduled to be a 'star' in the Dancing With Our Stars event scheduled for February 12th at Agua Caliente. 

My dance partner is Gary Butler, owner of Asphalt MD's and all around nice guy.

 

You can vote for us!  All votes are $20 and of that $16 goes directly to Soroptimist House of Hope.  Look for more information about this event in upcoming newsletters.  If you'd like to buy a vote now, please call at 760.898.9604

 

More information about the event is available at www.dancingwithourstars.com Our practice video should be up sometime this month so check the website often!

How You Can Help...

how you can helpExecutive Errands is extremely dedicated to doing what we can to help others less fortunate than ourselves. We are especially concerned with Soroptimist House of Hope www.recoveryhouseofhope.org and the FIND food bank www.findfoodbank.org

Here are some easy ways you too can help both these worthy causes:

--One painless way to donate for the food bank is to text FIND to 20222 and give $10. Your $10 is the equivalent of 70 meals for the hungry (yes you read that correctly - SEVENTY MEALS). Don't let another Thanksgiving pass without helping make sure someone else has enough to eat.

 --If you can't attend the Fashion Show on November 19th but would like to contribute to the SI CC-RM Service Account which is used to help several local charities, including Soroptimist House of Hope.  THe SI CC-RM EIN number is #95-3762089. You may make checks payable to SI CC-RM and they may be mailed to SI CC-RM, PO Box 4813, Palm Desert, CA 92261
food bank groceries--If you enjoy the Beer Hunter, they have a community contribution program called the Beer Hunger Gives Back where a percentage of your bill may be dedicated to SHOH. You'll have to remind them each time you pay your bill, but this is another painless way to contribute without costing yourself anything. You may sign up for this program using this form: Beer Hunter Gives Back Application

--If you'd like to support Soroptimist House of Hope (SHOH) through a monetary donation, please download the attached donation form here: SHOH Donation Form

--For the entire winter season, all Tarbell offices have FIND donation buckets. You can drop canned goods, beans, diapers, peanut butter or any food off and Tarbell will get it to FIND. Or you can call us here at Executive Errands and we'll either arrange for pick up (large donations) or pick up your small donations and get them to FIND. Call us at 760.898.9604

garage sale--If you're cleaning out your garage or closet and have items for donation and would like to donate them to Soroptimist House of Hope, please contact us to arrange pickup 760.898.9604 We'll take all items except clothes, shoes or exercise equipment. SHOH holds a garage sale each quarter to help raise funds. A donation form for tax purposes may be found here SHOH Donation Goods.

--If you shop at Ralphs, you can painlessly donate to the Soroptimist House of Hope through Ralphs community contribute program. A percentage of your grocery purchase is donated to SHOH without costing you anything. For more information or to find out how to sign up, please go to www.recoveryhouseofhope.org/Patronpartners.htm 

The SI CC-RM club, Soroptimist House of Hope and FIND are all non-profit 501(c)3 organizations and your donations are tax deductible.

Please show your thanks this year by giving back into your community. What you give out comes back ten-fold. We thank you for your support of these three charities.

Announcements...
  
SHOH logoEffective in September, Executive Errands president, Leslie Spoor joined the Soroptimist House of Hope Board (SHOH) as Resource Director.  The responsibilities of this position include identifying potential sources of funding, fundraising ideas and helping to raise awareness for SHOH along with the general voting responsibilities as is standard with a BOD position.
 
The SHOH Board of Directors are actively seeking new Board members - and are hoping to find people who are community leaders and who will assist in elevating SHOH within the Coachella Valley.  In particular we would love to have someone from each of the legal, law enforcement, educational, and banking professions.
 
This position is gender neutral and applications will be considered by everyone who applies.  You may download an application here: SHOH BOD Application completed applications may be emailed to Dot at [email protected]
 
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Executive Errands is very pleased to announce we are the first Concierge company to institute electronic absentee home checks!

 

EE Print AdThe electronic forms are maintained in our secure website.  Upon completion of the home check, the Concierge fills out the form online and when it saves, an email is automatically sent to the homeowner, letting them know a home check was just completed and the form is available to view online.

 

The client can then access their own account in the website and view their home check forms from anywhere they have internet access.

 

This technology was developed specifically for Executive Errands using specifications defined by us.  We have full transparency for our clients, allowing them to view their Hours Logs and account information at their discretion.  All non-critical information is communicated electronically. 

 

Electronic communications include automated referrals, automated billing, automated receipts, online Hours Logs and now electronic absentee home check forms.

 

Executive Errands is a member of the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Organization www.iclma.org and we hold a Certified Concierge Specialist designation - one of less than 20 in the world.  Executive Errands is proud to be a leader in the Concierge industry! 
 
Feel at Ease..... Leave Us Your Keys!
Don't Forget...

 

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1)  If you enjoy this newsletter, then this is a reminder that all of our newsletters are available at our archive by clicking here: EE Newsletter Archive 

  
2)  As always, both client testimonials and newsletter testimonials are available on our website at www.executive-errands.com

 

3)  If you'd like an electronic copy of our Homeowner Reference Brochure, please give us a call at 760.898.9604

I just finished reading a book called 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz.  The four principles he offers are:

four agreements1.  Be impeccable with your word

2.  Don't take anything personal

3.  Don't make assumptions

4.  Always do your best

It was an amazing book and was especially timely after twisting myself into a knot over NOT following these principles.  At a very high level, these Agreements can be explained as follows:

When you are impeccable with your word, that's even more than just integrity.  It means to use your words for good. It's so easy to be hurtful or meanly sarcastic or gossipy, but each of those put negativity into the world which really hurts you far more than the person or persons for whom your words are aimed.

If you don't take things personal, nothing can hurt you.  This means both negative and positive feedback.  Other's opinions are just that - their opinion.  It has nothing to do with you and we must strive to let things wash over us rather than absorb them in and obsess over perceived wrongs.

flowersWe are almost always incorrect about assumptions.  How many times have we assumed someone meant their words or actions one way, when in fact they meant them in a totally different way?  This happens all the time and is especially true with email where there is no voice inflection and no eyes to look into.  We read and hear with our own perceptions and we interpret words based on our own way of thinking and our own baggage.  More often than not we are incorrect in doing so.

When we strive to do our best, that's the best we can do.  Yes, sometimes we lapse, as was the case when I let myself get wrapped up in a bunch of drama.  But it's like being on a diet.  You may have an occasional 'bad' day, but you just start anew the next, always striving to improve.

You know, there is absolutely no reason to be miserable in life. Yes, sometimes circumstances can seem particularly grim, but we do get to choose how we react to the challenges we face.  We've all heard about or seen someone who has endured unimaginable pain or trauma, yet who maintain a positive and inspirational attitude.

four agreements in writingMost of the time though, we create our own drama through gossip or ego or misinterpretation of another's actions or words and then we find ourselves mired in misery.  Why? It's all so pointless.

Abraham Lincoln once said "You're about as happy as you make your mind up to be".  Since both happiness and suffering are a choice, I choose to embrace happy.

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I am thankful all year long but this time of year tends to make me feel even more so.  I am thankful for my family and that they are all happy, healthy and employed.  I am thankful for my friends who support me no matter what. 

thanks pumpkinsI am thankful for the charities with whom I work and that they are able to help so many disadvantaged women and children.

I am thankful for my clients and that my business is thriving despite a challenging economy.

And I am thankful that my health has returned and that this emergency wasn't worse than it was.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, do your part for charity and please, let us help you have a peaceful holiday season.  We're right here, always available at your convenience.

Until December,

 
Leslie Spoor, CCS
President, Executive Errands
760.469.2487
CL #944447
 
We value our clients' privacy.  Therefore we do not, distribute your email address to anyone, ever.

 
  
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