Own Your Power

One of my favorite guys… Mr. Wayne Dyer. Set your intentions each day. What would you like to happen in your world?

Own Your Power!

Simone

Kimberly joined our family as a Give ‘n Take member over five years ago! She’s a pleasure to know and passionate about what she does…hence the name of  her NYC business, Passion For The Palate.

Main service/product:
As a Culinary Instructional & Catering Company, we provide women with the necessary cooking skills to empower them in the kitchen. Passion for the Palates’ services are specifically designed to our clients needs. We will bring gourmet delicacies to your door, and create events that will be forever memorable. If you are looking to do something different on a Friday night? Get a group together or enjoy a date night for a fun-filled evening while learning, laughing and eating.

How long in business?:
I have been catering events for 10 + years. I began my business late 2008, when I started offering personal chef services to high profile, corporate and celebrity clients.

What does your business do?
We are a full-service Instructional & Catering Company. We also offer Gourmet Cupcakes ! Tourists often sign up for our Soul Food Cooking Lessons.

Any interesting fact(s) you can share about your industry?
Food is the bridge that connects people; I am the architect of that bridge. Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, once you have the basics and learn the main techniques! You will be whipping up tasty dishes in no time.

Most popular problem you help people solve?
Time Management Cooking. I teach my clients that they can have healthy tasty meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. It’s all about planning in advance and preparing.

What year did you kiss Corporate America goodbye and why do you hope to never go back?
Great question! I officially will kiss Corporate America goodbye June 19th 2010…

How do you stay motivated?
I am always eager to learn new dishes and techniques. I buy tons of cookbooks and test numerous recipes to perfect my dishes. I look for new and different ways I can incorporate great food into my clients’ lifestyles. I am a very spiritual person, and I have a talk with God regularly.

Biggest pet peeve in business?

When clients text me questions instead of picking up the phone. When I am conducting business, I always remain professional. I want my clients to know and feel they have my undivided attention! If you cancel at the last minute, there will be a fee. I value my client’s time and they should value mine.

What’s a bold move you took that turned your business around?
I have to say finally getting my Website done! Instead of giving out my business cards hoping I’d get a call, I just now tell them check out my website for the services I provide. Business is starting to boom since the site launched!

One thing that you would change if you could?
Make a NO BLACKBERRY Holiday !!!! LOL, no one will be able to use their BlackBerry to call, check emails or text! This would be a day to reflect and spend with family and friends with no interruptions unless you are Barack!

What’s a unique talent that you have that might surprise us?
I created a Sugar Scrub line for the body. They are very nice Spa-like quality. I love creating things. I am a very creative person, and it’s one of my gifts that God has blessed me with.

You know the expression, “You can’t take it with you”… well, if you could, what would ‘it’ be?
My make-up bag (I love Mac) LOL

It’s sadly time for your last meal on earth…what would it be?
My last meal would be Fried Chicken, Cream Corn & Rice, String Beans and My Grandmother’s Infamous Rice Pudding, Ahhhh I am hungry now!

Have you used Social Networking to gain new contacts/business? If so, what have been any results?
Yes, I mostly use Facebook and I’m getting acquainted with Twitter. I have gotten new clients to sign up for my classes on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/chefvankline

Most exciting moment that you got your time to shine?
When I cooked for the Rapper/Actor Common.

What was your last barter and what was if for?
Made a Romantic Dinner For Two in exchange for bookkeeping for my business.
Add Kimberly as a friend on Own Your Power!

Website (s):
http://www.passionforthepalate.com

http://www.thespicerack.blogspot.com/

Contact info:
hello@passionforthepalat.com
212.862.1800

I came across this on DailyOm.com and wanted to share. I know there are many people who have experienced this whether its in a social setting or even on their resume so that they won’t intimidate others.  Ask yourself where have you been out of intergrity with WHO YOU REALLY ARE. Don’t dim your light for anyone!

Own Your Power,

Simone

DAILY OM:

There is a difference between shifting our energy to accommodate people we are around and dumbing ourselves down. The ability to go into any social situation and sense the level of consciousness in that situation is a gift. It enables us to move considerately in a world that holds people of all levels of awareness. However, there is a difference between shifting our energy to accommodate people and dumbing ourselves down to a regrettable degree.

Sometimes, when we get into a particular social situation, we may feel pressure to play it small in order to fit in. Perhaps everyone is drinking or smoking excessively, engaging in gossipy small talk, or complaining bitterly about politics. It is one thing to notice this and modify our expectations and another thing entirely to join in. When we notice where people are coming from and acknowledge to ourselves that their energy is not in alignment with ours, we have several choices as to how to proceed.

One viable option is to quietly endure the situation, keeping to ourselves until it is time to leave. In this way, we take care of our own consciousness and protect our growth process. Another option is to interact in a way that honors and pays respect to the people in the group, while gently attempting to shift the level of consciousness with our input. In order to do this, we must maintain our own vibration, which means that joining in by dumbing down is not an option. When we choose to dumb ourselves down to fit in, we not only sell ourselves short but we also lose a possible opportunity to influence the situation for the good of all concerned. Our desire to join in may come from our natural yearning to feel connected to the people around us. There is no shame in this, but being able to stand on our own, separate from the crowd, is a powerful milestone on any spiritual path. It can be difficult in the moment, but when we arrive on the other side, our integrity intact, we may find ourselves feeling positively smart.

“100 and what degrees? Are you freakin’ crazy?” , was what I first yelled when my girlfriend Lisa told me about Hot Yoga AKA Bikram Yoga about nine years ago.  I took my first class in NY and became addicted. No matter where I moved, I would always find a Bikram Yoga studio.

It’s one of my favorite forms of yoga because you feel SOOOOO good after. It’s absolutely uphoric even! (A legal way to get high if you will. LOL)

The class is 90 minutes though, so make sure you bring LOTS of water and a towel. I’ve been in classes where it actually sounded like a RAIN FOREST from the perspiration dripping on the mats. You can burn a lot of calories in one class. I’ve heard anywhere from 500-1000!  Find a local class near you and try it out. I’ll admit…it’s isn’t really cheap, but if you buy the package deals it works out sometimes.  Read on for more ….

Simone

BIKRAM YOGA

–>written by craig villani

Making the practice of hatha yoga accessible to six billion people worldwide is the primary philosophy underlying the development and growth of Bikram Yoga. Created by Yogi Raj Bikram Choudhury as a practical distillation of the classical eighty-four postures as set forth by oral transmission and recorded by the Vedic sage Patanjali, Bikram’s method of Hatha Yoga stands as a structured and foundational approach towards balancing the modern bodymind.

The ninety minute, twenty-six posture sequence is specifically designed to stimulate each organ, gland, muscle and system of the human body, forming a comprehensive system of practical health-maintenance and disease prevention. The proper application of Bikram Yoga has been shown to consistently reverse the effects of aging, regulate metabolism, reduce the effects of stress and strain, and substantially aid in the cure of chronic disease for many practitioners. Each posture in the Bikram Method sequentially prepares the practitioner for the next, with the overall effectiveness of the series relating directly to this scientifically-comprehensive and systematic approach.

Trained from a very early age in the practice of the traditional eighty-four asanas from which many modern styles have derived, Bikram won the prestigious All-India Hatha Yoga Asana Championship for three consecutive years under the continuous guidance of his Guru, Bishnu Charan Ghosh. Youngest brother and life-long disciple of Self-Realization Fellowship founder Paramahansa Yogananda, Bishnu Ghosh instructed Bikram in the therapeutic applications of yoga asanas as a time-honored and effective form of natural healing. In Ghosh’s words, “Yoga maintains youth. It keeps the body full of vitality, immune to diseases, even at old, old age. Where medical science stops, there the science of yoga begins.” Professionally teaching hatha yoga from the age of six, Bikram developed his unique sequence for the widespread promotion of overall health, expressing what he believed to be the most essential combination of postures from the extensive eighty-four.

Classical yoga asanas were originally developed with the intention of holistic integration, affecting positive change in all bodily systems by addressing their energetic roots. Hatha yoga, when practiced properly, should not damage the body. The primary focus of true hatha yoga is to heal and maintain the physical body through balancing the latent potential for strength and flexibility, ultimately leading to the experience of a happier, healthier life. After all, the motivation underlying the practice of asana is for the aspirant to receive the unique physical, mental and emotional benefits associated with the expression of each posture. Those who insist upon seeing the posture as the object of their practice may needlessly continue to injure their bodies for the sake of performance. In Bikram Yoga, the emphasis is placed upon the healing benefits attained through maintaining depth of expression relative to proper application of form. Thus, the posture is never seen as the object – the body is the object.

Using the physical body as the template for unlocking the secrets of the more subtle anatomy, the Bikram Method supports the conscious integration of raja yoga, the yoga of mind, into the physical practice. Outlining a continuous process for regaining control of the mind, the following five steps are woven into the fabric of the classroom experience:

1. Faith

2. Self-control or moral discipline

3. Determination or will-power

4. Concentration

5. Patience

When practicing Bikram Yoga under ideal conditions, the room should be evenly heated up to 105° Fahrenheit. Those questioning the role that external heat plays in the practice may concede that yoga was developed in India, a country that sustains relatively high temperatures year-round. In order to mimic that intended environment for beginners who have quite possibly never touched their toes or attempted a single backward bend, adequate external heat can be viewed as essential. The heated room initially serves to prevent injury until the practitioners learn to generate their own internal heat and gradually come to welcome the warm environment as a tool for enhancing flexibility and deepening an awareness of breath. Beyond the obvious physical implications, environmental heat acts as a powerful and tangible psychological force that compels students of all levels to overcome attachment to external distractions. This enhances the practice of meditation, considered the primary vehicle for Self-realization when properly supported by the science of hatha yoga as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

While conducting a proper Bikram Yoga class, qualified instructors continuously utilize a complex, comprehensive and distinct set of verbal instructions to guide students through the complete series of twenty-six postures and two breathing exercises. This Bikram Yoga Teaching Dialogue serves to effectively describe and relate essential elements of the physical practice within the series, including what to do, how to do it, and the effect of what you are doing on the body. Through The Dialogue, the instructor verbally engages the rational and operational mind of the students, better enabling them to direct their attention inward for much of the rigorous ninety-minute meditation. Concentration, meditation and awareness of breath – these are the fundamental skills that are to be continuously evolved and applied through the mindful practice of Bikram Yoga. Although designed primarily for beginners, many advanced practitioners rely on the ninety-minute class as a challenging foundation upon which they continue to support and build many aspects of their Self-development. As Bikram is fond of saying, “In this class, we’re all beginners – it’s never too late, it’s never too bad, you’re never too old and never too sick to start from scratch once again.” For those aspirants seeking additional challenges, Bikram teaches the original eighty-four posture series as an advanced class to his qualified instructors and a few select students.

All certified instructors are personally trained by Bikram through his Intensive Teacher Training Course held at the International Headquarters of Bikram’s Yoga College of India in Los Angeles, California.

Bikram Yoga College of India
www.bikramyoga.com
323.810.1124
Provided by Yogi Times Magazine – www.yogitimes.com

Do you remember the story of Chicken Little? If one person tells you the sky is falling, you laugh at him. But if you’re told the same story over and over, pretty soon you believe it. This also rings true with branding–just because everyone else is saying or doing something doesn’t mean that it works. 

Time and again I see entrepreneurs throw thousands of dollars away trying to grow their businesses with traditional branding techniques because everyone else is doing it. These branding myths can break a company before it even gets off the ground. Times have changed–technology has created new ways to build and brand your company; traditional techniques don’t always work anymore. Being aware of the following five myths will help you avoid these mistakes and save countless hours of frustration.  

Myth 1: Offering a consistent and great product will produce a successful business. Is the quality of your product or service important? Of course it is, but it has very little to do with how successful your new or established business will become. The truth is that some very profitable, successful brands offer a marginal product while some failing businesses offer amazing products. The success of your brand venture is dependent on much more than just the quality of your product. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that creating the perfect product or service will have the world beating a path to your door. Your superior product or service will make you proud, but it won’t make you money by itself. 

Solution: You can always launch a beta test for your product or service to start getting exposure.  Post on social networking sites and ask readers for their opinions and feedback. A great way to start to build your e-mail list is to post on a social network and link back to your site with e-mail capture and a survey readers can download and participate in. Make the survey about them, not about you or your product or service.  

Myth 2: The more you spend on advertising, the more profitable you will become. You’ll hear this mantra from every advertising salesperson out there. Unfortunately, constant repetition gives this myth credibility. If you do anything in business just because it’s what everyone else is doing, you’re in big trouble. Many current brands spend huge amounts of money on their monthly advertising budget; most of this money is wasted on ineffective ads. There are much smarter ways to build a brand. Don’t get me wrong; there is a place for advertising in branding–but it’s brand maintenance, not brand building. Advertising lacks the credibility that building a brand requires. 

Solution: The best way to build credibility is to utilize the media. Online, print and broadcast media outlets are looking for quality content and contributors daily. Offer valuable tips tied into current events for readers, viewers and listeners. You’ll gain massive exposure and credibility if your campaign is planned and executed properly. 

Myth 3: Word-of-mouth and referrals will make you a successful, profitable business. This myth is the major cause of failure for underfunded startup brands. I’ve heard many new business owners say that they don’t spend a penny on advertising or any other branding method because they’re waiting for “word-of-mouth” to kick in and build their brand. Years ago this was possible; in a small industry without a lot of brand competition or mass messaging, it didn’t take long for word to spread. Those days are over, though. With a different customer attitude and the many options available to the consumer, waiting for word-of-mouth to build their brands leads many businesses to shuttered doors. It’s a great way to increase business over time, but it isn’t something to base your business plan and success on. It isn’t proactive, and it simply doesn’t work in today’s competitive climate. It’s wishful thinking, not a realistic business plan. 

Solution: A great way to build a list and incorporate word-of-mouth into your marketing is to launch a blog. They’re free to set up and, if used correctly, you’ll not only engage your potential customer, but you’ll also build loyalty and word-of-mouth. Blogs provide valuable content for your customer in your area of expertise. They’re excellent education and relationship-building tools. 

READ FULL STORY HERE…