GRATEFUL FOR FEAR AND RESILIENCE

During my morning practice on this Thanksgiving Day, I read a passage on resilience from Oprah's book, 'What I know for Sure"  (I shared below)

It made me reflect on how I am grateful for the last two years as I made a decision to take on fear.  I found myself tired of operating from fear based on peoples words or my wild thoughts.

What did I do?  I studied fear ..  I leaned into fear and I got curious.  I asked myself internally, what do I need for myself to get beyond fear.  . in anything.  I also asked, what am I learning from fear?  I came to the understanding that when I and others are scared, and not feeling safe, we will use words to create an illusion of battle or protection.  I was experiencing this with myself and others.

So I bought a couple of books - "Fear" Essential Wisdom For Getting Through theStorm" by Thich Nhat Hanh and Gabrielle Bernstein's book - May Cause Miracles. I read, reflected on each word that spoke to me every day for 40 days.  Pretty powerful stuff.

So I offer this, when you operate from fear . . stop and ask yourself, what do I need to get beyond fear?  and What am I learning from fear.  . then listen to the little voice inside, reflect, be curious and study for YOU and see what you need for yourself to move beyond fear.

Happy Thanksgiving.  I am grateful for you.

Warmly -

Debbie

What I know for Sure - Oprah Winfrey

Every challenge we take on has the power to knock us on our knees.  But what's even more disconcerting than the jolt itself is our fear that we won't withstand it. When we feel the ground beneath us shifting, we panic.We forget everything we know and allow fear to freeze us. Just the thought of what could happen is enough to throw us off balance.

What I know for sure is that the only way to endure the quake is to adjust your stance.  You can't avoid the daily tremors.  They come with being alive.  But I believe these experiences are gifts that force us to step to the right or left in search of a new center of gravity.  Don't fight them.  Let them help you adjust your footing.

Balance lives in the present.  When you feel the earth moving, bring yourself back to the now.  You'll handle whatever shake-up the next moment brings when you get to it.  In this moment, you're still breathing.  In this moment, you've survived.  In this moment, you're finding a way to step onto higher ground.

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - The Great Challenge of Life

Today's story to inspire is from Jim Rohn who shares a bit of wisdom - YOU count.  You matter. It takes you, no one else but you to choose what you want. 

How does this apply to business, and finances?  read on . .  enjoy!

The Great Challenge of Life

Here's the great challenge of life - You can have more than you've got because you can become more than you are.

I have found that income seldom will exceed your own personal development. Once in a while income takes a lucky jump, but unless you grow out to where it is, it will go back to where you are.

Somebody once said if you took all the money in the world and divided it among everyone equally; it would soon be back in the same pockets. However, you can have more because you can become more. You see, here is how the other side of the coin reads - unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got.

The marketing plan won't do it. It's a good plan but it won't work without you. You've got to work it. It is the human effort that counts. If you could send a sales manual out to recruit - wouldn't that be lovely? The major thing that makes the difference is what YOU do.

In order to have more, you need to become more. The guy says "If I had a good job I would really pour it on, but I have this lousy job so I just goof off." If that is your philosophy, you are destined to stay there.

Some people say if I had a lot of money I would be really generous, but I don't have much so I'm not generous. See, you've got to change that philosophy or you will never have "the lots of money." Unless YOU change, IT won't change.

Amazingly, however, when we throw out our blame list and start becoming more ourselves - the difference is everything else will begin to change around us.

Jim Rohn
1930-2009, Author and Speaker
www.jimrohn.com 

What spoke to your heart about this story?  What spoke to your head?  What ever challenges you have in life around finances, it will take YOU to step up and choose to want to do it differently.  There is no magic formula, no magic pill, or magic wand it just takes you.

What's stopping you with your finances?  Business or personal?  How do you know what you don't know?  Start asking questions. Start asking for help. It's that simple, it's that easy.

I would love to be your financial coach,  are you ready?

Please share your comments below and share this blogpost with your friends and colleagues.  I am here to support you with moving forward.  d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

BABY STEPS - STEP 2 OF A 4 STEP ACTION PLAN FOR MANAGING CASH

For a good twenty years, I managed cash daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly at the privately held companies I worked for.  Consistently working cash flow so we were prepared for anything.

Step two for managing cash is using a weekly cash management tool.

This is a 52 week spreadsheet that tracks cash flow going in and coming out of your bank accounts. General checking, payroll account (If you have a separate account) savings account, and line of credit. In addition, this spreadsheet tracks accounts receivable, account payable and any credit card debt you may carry. 

Using this tool will have you looking at your accounts consistently and allows you to manage and plan, when you need to borrow from a line of credit, pay down the line, and or transfer money into savings.

We have a savings account for the gym and we sock $500 each month to cover the semi-annual real estate property taxes.  In addition, if there is a little cash left over we will put additional funds aside to cover new equipment for the gym.

You can purchase the weekly cash management tool to your right for $175, equal to $3.37 a week, which is equivalent to less than one Grande latte.

Why manage cash weekly? This is the path that provides knowledge and direction for your financial goals for your business. This is so you see where you have been, know where you are and plan where you are heading at all times. Knowledge is power. Mapping out cash coming in and going out weekly, allows you to see and plan what is needed.

A question I am constantly asked - Why do I need to manage cash flow daily when I use QuickBooks.?

Great question - the answer - CASH is KING. It is the lifeblood of every business. If you don't manage the cash coming in from accounts receivable and going out, accounts payable you run the risk of putting yourself out of business.  When you don't manage sales and accounts receivable you run the risk of missing income. (See previous post REVENUE PATROL ALERT ) If you are not managing your expenses. i.e. accounts payable you can run the risk of negative circumstances where you have to scramble.  The numbers are only information, with that information, you make choices and decisions how to move forward.

A short story about cash flow. Back in 2008 I was working with a company that sold goods wholesale to large retailers.  There was one company that we had to constantly monitor as there were rumbles of bankruptcy in the air. Frightening, especially when there was over $500k in outstanding receivables. They continued to make promises to pay, however at the end of June we were notified they filed for bankruptcy protection.

The good news, we had one advantage, our product the bankrupt business was selling, was their best seller. They needed our product.  I immediately created a letter to the President of the bankrupt company stating all sales will be paid for in advance by a wire. The President agreed. How did we do with cash flow? The cash sales from the bankrupt company provided cash in advance and funded our growth as the business grew 74%that year.  You need cash to grow.

Your business will fail with poor cash flow management, so why run the risk?

Create that new muscle, a new habit and learn how to work your cash flow differently.  As I shared in Step One, Cash happens right now, in this very moment when you receive a payment or are purchasing goods or services. Working cash daily and weekly forces you to look and plan.  You are the CEO of your business and the CFO. Lead your finances as you lead your business.

Remember, CASH is KING, so you need to know where you are at all times.

Creating simple, easy baby step habits opens the door to new possibilities for you and your business.

Next is step three - Cash Flow Management - Planning and mapping out sales i.e accounts receivable, expenses, i.e. accounts payable and credit card debt weekly.

Get in to action, invest in yourself and your business. Purchase the weekly cash management tool and get cracking on managing your cash. If you have any questions please leave below or e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer.

CFO Made Easy - First Radio Spot Commercial

I am so EXCITED, this is my first ever radio spot commercial.  It is 30 seconds and it was created for the radio program I was on earlier this week on KKNW, called Conversations that Heal with Susan Jacobi.  A very powerful conversation.

Listen and share the 30 second spot with others.

Have a question or a comment, leave it below or e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@CFOMadeEasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - REAL CHANGE TAKES TIME

Today's story .  . AMAZING ... . As you read, ask yourself inside . . what story am I creating in my day, every day? What do I want to change about me so I can move forward with creating financial success for my business, and my life. 

Listen to your gut . . your intuition . Know .. YOU have all the answers.

Enjoy!

Real Change Takes Time

Did you hear the one about the country bumpkin who took his family to the big city for the first time? Lost in a strange place, he stopped in front of a multi-story hotel building. Father and son went inside to get some directions.

Standing in the lobby, they were looking around for someone to ask. They spied a kind-looking old man with a cane and started toward him. They drew back, though, when the wall opened up for him! They watched in amazement as the wall closed, numbers above the opening grew larger than smaller, and the doors opened again. Out came a young man in confident stride and business suit. "Son, wait right here," said the farmer. "I'm going to get in that thing!"      

All of us could wish change came so quickly and so painlessly. I'd rather lose 20 pounds with a pill than deny myself extra helpings or desserts and begin to exercise. Some people prefer to saddle themselves with debt to buy a house full of furniture rather than buy furniture as they can afford it or to buy a new car they could easily do without. And so the stories go. We want what we want - now.           

I even think I see a lot of anger in today's world that is tied to the same thing. Petty people get mad at the good fortune of others. They want immediately what someone else attained over time. Immature people want the recognition and life status other people earned over years, but they want it on a silver platter - today.           

We laugh at the bumpkin who thought an elevator was a magic box that made old into young, stooped into sprightly, and plain into stylish. Maybe we should be laughing at ourselves. Going to college doesn't make one wise. Driving an expensive car doesn't confer refinement or personality. Living in an exclusive part of town says nothing about the happiness of the people who live in its newest and nicest house. And going to church doesn't confer spirituality.           

Authentic change in looks, lifestyle, and personality takes place over time. If there is an outcome you'd like, the surest way to achieve it is not to waste your money on dangerous pills or to squander it on lottery tickets. Set a worthy goal, identify the incremental steps necessary to get there, and begin your journey. Know in advance that the wisdom, discipline, and understanding that come from the journey are equally as valuable as anything at its end.

Rubel Shelly

Rubel Shelly is a Preacher and Professor of Religion and Philosophy located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. In addition to church and academic responsibilities, he has worked actively with such community projects as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, From Nashville With Love, Metro (Nashville) Public Schools, Faith Family Medical Clinic, and Operation Andrew Ministries. To learn more about Rubel please go to: www.RubelShelly.com

What did you hear for yourself in this story?  My message for you. . it's time, it's time for you to change the feelings of making yourself wrong, feeling shame, fear and frustration about finances.  What purpose does it serve? What I know is those feelings keep you going in circles. Shame, fear, guilt, frustration, you hide, shame fear, guilt, frustration, you hide.

Step out if the circle and CHOOSE, make a DECISION to learn to be with business finances in a new light, heck even personal finances. You think it's hard because you make it hard.  Keep it simple and easy.  It's about taking one step, one small step to moving forward.

When you allow yourself to feel where you are right now in this moment and each moment you value YOU, you acknowledge YOU. Through the process of allowing yourself to feel, you will learn more about self acceptance.

Questions or have a comment to share, leave it below or reach out and ask for help, e-mail me at Debbie Rosenfelt, Chief Heart Officer.
I hear what you don't see or notice for you.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - "TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD"

Today's GREAT inspiring story . . I LOVED it as soon as I read it and thought this is PERFECT to share.  Of course I am always thinking.  . how can I apply inspiring stories around finances . . business and even personal . .

So as you read.  . apply this to how you think about and work with your finances . . this is about shifting your perspective . . look at the positive . . .
Tell me something good  . . .below . . Be inspired to just be with where you are.

Enjoy!

Here is your Friday story,

"Tell Me Something Good"

Many people that work at the hospital know me by the phrase/question: "Tell me something good!" Of course there are many things in this world that are bad; HOWEVER, there are also many, many things in this world that are good.

It took me years before I realized this valuable life's lesson, but I finally learned it! Therefore, I "spread" this message around work at the Harris Healthcare System, mainly at Ben Taub General Hospital on the trauma floor, to patients, families and staff.

On one occasion I called a discharged patient, Barbara, whom I had worked with over a lengthy hospitalization. Every time I would enter her room, I would ask her to "tell me something good!" At first, she did not have any answers because she felt that "nothing was good." However, eventually she started thinking deeply and realized, "Sure, I have many problems, but I also have many positive things. At least I am able to say I woke up."

She became positive and started smiling more and more, as she progressed daily. Eventually, she was discharged from the hospital. After a week, I called her to see how she was doing. Barbara answered the phone and I said, "Hi, this is Mike Segal." I waited for her to respond . . . and waited . . . and waited some more. I heard nothing but breathing on the other end of the phone. I broke the silence by repeating, "This is Mike Segal" and added "from Ben Taub Hospital." I was sure she now would realize who I was; however, again "nothing" but silence on the other end of the phone receiver. Quickly I said, "Tell me something good!"

I could "feel" Barbara's smile as she screamed, "MIKE!" She started yelling out questions and said she was doing very well. Now, it was my turn to smile!

I never know what to expect when I ask that question. One day I walked into a room and saw a patient in his hospital bed with his wife close by in a chair. "Hi, it's Mike. Hello John . . . Hello Sara. John, tell me something good."

I had been working with his wife, mainly in the waiting room, so I had not had much interaction with John, especially since he had been in the ICU, heavily sedated. However, now it was my time to ask my question, "Tell me something good."

John calmly answered, "Peanut Butter."

I started laughing and said, "Yes . . . Peanut Butter is good, but tell me something good ABOUT YOU!"

"I am looking forward to eating a Peanut Butter sandwich."

I continued to laugh as I thought, "At least he is not thinking negatively!"

Yet another patient, Mary, had been in the hospital for many weeks. She was beginning to get somewhat depressed, thinking on more than one occasion "that she would never be discharged from the hospital." I tried to encourage her, having her focus on what was positive in her life: family, friends, improving . . . I told her about one of my favorite books (out of print), which was a collection of positive short stories called, "Focus On The Bagel, Not On The Hole." I explained that, "Sure, there are many bad things in life; however, there are so many great things: Like the bagel!" I always tried to encourage her to "FOCUS ON THE BAGEL!"

One Monday when I walked into Mary's room, I saw her smiling from ear to ear. I quickly asked, "Mary, tell me something good." She hurriedly replied, "Mike, the doctor said maybe I could go home at the end of the week!"

I jumped back in, asking, "So what's the first thing you're going to do when you get home?"

Mary calmly smiled and said, "I'm going to eat a bagel . . . with Philadelphia cream cheese spread over and blocking the hole!"

I laughed, but realized how far she had come - both physically and emotionally. Sure, life can hurt, but Mary taught me that with a positive attitude, plus the Philadelphia cream cheese, most things are possible!

Michael Jordan Segal ©2012
Michael Jordan Segal, who defied all odds after being shot in the head and then returning to college, is a husband, father and social worker. He works at a level one trauma center (giving emotional support and hope to patients and families), freelance author (including a CD/Download of 12 stories, read with light background music, entitled POSSIBLE, as well as working on his autobiography, which will be entitled A SHOT OF INSPIRATION), and inspirational speaker, sharing his recipe for happiness, recovery and success before conferences and businesses. To contact Mike or to order his CD, please visit www.InspirationByMike.com   as well as checking out his youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZLkyz4KG7A

How did that feel?  Share . .  Tell Me Something Good below . .about your business . . about your finances   .about your life.

Make it a great weekend . . and share a story to inspire . .

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt
Chief Heart Officer

FRIDAY'S STORY OF INSPIRATION - KEEP PRESSING ON

A few thoughts to share . . I have been working away in the background seeking and searching what to share with all of you that will help you with your business finances.  For me it's not about telling you what to do, I want to lead you as I know you just want direction, support and learn what the next step is for your business finances.

In the 28 years I have worked with many CEO's, entrepreneurs and small business owners, to stay afloat, make sound business decisions, the bottom line is, business finances need to be organized.

With that said, I am struggling, thinking "am I sharing the right message?", do they hear me, what more do business owners want to hear, what does my community need to hear. Struggle, struggle, struggle, struggle. . .  does this sound or feel familiar?? 

And when I woke up this morning I walked thru my morning ritual of vitamins (usually at the gym, didn't go this morning as my body is feeling yesterday's workout with my trainer) feeding the cats, reciting my "Gratitude Prayer" from the Four Agreements By Don Ruiz, read the daily message from the Science of Mind an last read my morning inspiration.  Since it is Friday, I receive a "Friday story" and it is exactly what I needed for me.  If I needed it, I thought possibly a few of you might like to hear it, so I am passing it on to you.  PLUS, I am committed to sharing an inspired story with YOU each Friday, so you have something to look forward to, just as I do.

As you read this, think of where you are right now, and breathe it in, soak it in and hold the space for you, just allow the beingness of right now to be ok.  Happy Friday!

Keep Pressing On

A famous mountain climbing resort in the Swiss Alps caters to businesses that encourage their employees to hike up the mountain trails together. The goal is to build camaraderie and to teach teamwork. Although it is about an eight hour trek to the summit, anyone in reasonably good shape can ascend to the top. In the morning, the hikers gather at the base of the mountain for a pep talk before starting the climb. Usually the group is so excited, they can hardly wait to head up the slopes, have a group picture taken, and celebrate the excitement of the journey they are embarking upon.

They hike for several hours before taking a break. Approximately halfway up the mountain stands a quaint alpine restaurant. About noon, the weary hikers trudge into the restaurant, peel off their hiking gear, and plop down by the fireplace to have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and eat their lunch. With the mountain as their backdrop, the hikers savor the warm, cozy, picturesque setting.

Interestingly, after they are full and comfortable, fewer than half the hikers choose to continue climbing to the top of the mountain. It isn't because they aren't able; it isn't because the climb suddenly appears too difficult. Their reluctance to continue is simply because they are satisfied with where they are. They've lost their drive to excel, to explore a new horizon, and to experience vistas they'd never previously imagined possible. They have tasted a bit of success, and they think it is good enough.

Many times, we approach life a lot like those full and comfortable hikers sitting in the restaurant enjoying the view. We have a goal to break a bad habit, to lose some weight, or to pay off our credit cards. At first, we're so excited. We're fired up and we go after it! The first leg of the climb up the mountain is powered by enthusiasm for our new goal. But over time, we get lazy and complacent. Maybe we see a little improvement, but then we get comfortable right where we are. This might not be a bad place, but we know it's not where we're supposed to be. Like those hikers sitting in that quaint restaurant, we are still perfectly capable of craning our necks and looking up the mountain. We're not stretching our faith or our potential and we know it. Maybe you own a business, and you've experienced a bit of success. Lately, however, you've been coasting. Or maybe you set out to lose 20 pounds, you lose 10, and feel like all is good and you get complacent. Don 't stop halfway just because it's easy! Instead, remember what it is that you really, really want. Put out the effort and go the whole way. to the top of the mountain.

Step out of your comfort zone today! Keep pursuing and keep believing. It doesn't take any more effort to believe and stay filled with hope and faith than it does to develop a negative and defeated attitude. Get up every day and say, "This is going to be a great day! I believe my dreams are coming to pass. There are great things in store for me and everyone around me." When you have that kind of attitude you are releasing God's goodness. But it doesn't come easily.

People who see their dreams come to pass are people who have resolve and backbone. They are the ones who refuse to settle for the little victories along the way and see themselves at the finish line, instead continuing on, pushing on toward the ultimate goal. No one wants to be mediocre. You are made for so much more. Realize that what your mind focuses on, it can achieve. It is up to you. Pay attention only to those silent whispers within that say "You can do it!"

Linda McLean

Linda McLean is an internationally respected business and life coach. Her company, http://www.mcleaninternational.com/, helps businesses and individuals reach their next level using a customized solution-oriented approach to business and life planning. This story was from her newly released book: Next Level Living: Today's Guide for Abundant Life. Next Level Living

HOW TO USE A FUN-NANCIAL TOOL

Watch this video to see a great example of a FUN-nancial tool that is the single most meaningful measurement tool in business.  The tool,TTM - which stands for trailing twelve month map.  It's a rolling annual total map that reads instantly and true for every key business indicator. This tool is used to measure the performance of sales, expenses, profits, etc.  The video will share with you the purpose of this GREAT tool, how to use this tool, and the three questions you should ask as you are reviewing the results.

CFO MADE EASY - FUN-NANCIAL TOOL

As I shared in the video, I am PASSIONATE about business and finances. 
I LOVE revealing results that informs you of what is possible for the heart of your business. Transforming financial frustration into financial power.

What results would be revealed on a Trailing Twelve Month map for your business?

Was this video and tool helpful for you and the heart of your business?  Share a comment below or a question, or e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt
Chief Heart Officer

The ABC's of the Heart of Your Business Finances

Let's keep this easy. 
What do you need to get started on the heart of your business finances?

Awareness - Make a decision to consciously learn and understand the heart of your finances.

Build Confidence - Create new daily habits to embrace the heart of your finances. 

Clarity - When we are clear about what we want we can create a plan to manifest our financial goals for our business. When we have a good plan there is no way to fail.

What do you need to get started?

Debbie Rosenfelt
Chief Heart Officer

Compassionate support that transforms financial frustration into financial power.

You are, you are a CEO!!!

I was really surprised to hear an underlying message this past week.   Entrepreneurs aka small business owners do not believe or consider themselves a CEO.  So to serve you with a kick in the arse my dear small business owners, I am placing a Kibosh on that idea right now.

First, what is a CEO - The Chief Executive Officer aka Entrepreneur, aka business owner, aka YOU, who owns the business is a CEO.  Based on Wikipedia's definition, a CEO is the highest ranking officer in charge of total management of an organization.  Well, it just so happens that you wear, hold and carry all the hats for your business also known as an organization.

So, YOU who owns your business, aka business owner, aka Entrepreneur, aka CEO, you are the highest ranking officer in your business and YOU are in charge of total management of your business, which too is an organization.  Are you following me here?

All CEO's, Entrepreneurs, business owners and YOU who owns your business needs a CFO.

Now, let's go one step further, what is a CFO - The chief financial officer (CFO) is traditionally viewed as a financial gatekeeper, a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO, that's you.

The CFO primarily is responsible for managing the financial risks, financial planning, record-keeping, analysis of data as well as financial reporting to the CEO. Primarily, CFO's create a roadmap of the financial position of the business.

Now as the CEO aka Entrepreneur, aka business owner, aka YOU, who owns the business, started this great adventure because you love doing what you do, right?  and you're really good at it too, right?  Well, I ask you this, what don't you know about the heart of your business, and how do you know what you don't know about the heart of your finances?  And, what do you need to know? 

Such a puzzle isn't it?  Yet the facts are, it is a puzzle if the heart of your finances is not organized.  How are you suppose to know, what you don't know if the heart of your business finances are not organized?  How do you grow your business if you don't have a financial map?

Here's what you need to know as a CEO of your business - You need to know where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to go.  What you don't know renders you powerless.

So you’re next steps: create a financial foundation, organize your finances, setup QuickBooks, so you know where you have been for 2011, know where you are now for January 2012, (it is Jan 30) and create a financial projection for where you want to go for the balance of 2012 and beyond.  

CFO Made Easy provides compassionate support that transforms financial fear into financial power.

What is your next step for turning financial fear into financial power?

Share what your next steps are at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com or leave a comment below.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer