So for many years I have chatted about running a creative life retreat centre this came about after a huge shift in my life about 8 years ago. Ahh yes the magical number. Well it's a favourite of mine.:)
Now last year I moved back to England and even before then started conversion work. I have kept my focus undeterred by all the gloom and doom of the economy. It did make raising finds harder that acted as a catalyst to change my mode of operation. Out with long term rentals yielding negative return, in with self-catering of excellence. Earlier this year I was awarded 5 Stars on all 3 places.
How have I managed to get this? Well I found the Internet a very useful tool in business. It is my key vehicle for promoting and operating my self-catering retreats. Over the last 6 months I have managed to get myself on front pages on Internet search terms for my line of business.
Advertising has been massive part of getting thi s off the ground including investment using Goggle and Yahoo. It did take a while as I am up with big businesses including hotels and I have to be inventive to get noticed! My website gets a huge amount of hits, this was achieved in part by using keywords called metatags to direct traffic my way. ¿ For my hosting I bought a resellers account to create as many websites as I like and have created 50 no sorry 80 + website aliases as which direct traffic to my main website according to the keywords searched. I have been asked to advertise other peoples holiday properties on my website but this would divert me from my purpose. I included links on my website to highly frequented sites in the tourist and leisure industry and targeted investing with the key players. I have also made some costly mistakes.
My places are 5 star self-catering for large groups mostly people coming to have a weekend breaks. I focused on offering a niche service and am the only large 5 Star in the area. I think is key to succeess is looking to offer something different to the rest and improving on it. I believe you also have to be passionate about your business venture to put in the hard work required including at times long hours.
I have advertised my art retreats and now I need to do even more work promoting these courses. I am working steadily towards my goal with the sure knowledge I will succeed. Charging for a service is important, as it is an exchange of energy so to speak. There is also room for demonstrating to the universe my intention, as there are people who cannot afford the high costs of many retreats. It is also something I love doing. It is about getting the balance between meeting my spiritual needs and my more earthy needs and working towards combining them. Even with the self-catering I have used my artistic side in the interior design and on my websites. The houses have also become live art galleries for my work.
It is very hard work at the moment and also good fun. I do get hen nights too ! There is a trend in Brighton towards the ladies hiring bare bottom butlers. I have seen these bums so frequently I think I am starting to recognise them! LOL☺LOL. I have not had any complaints yet from the neighbours. It is quite good they clear up after garden dinner parties so I just turn the other cheek so to speak. Lol
My thoughts are creating the balance with the high seasons yielding high returns from the self catering weekdays and holidays and during the low season being free to run creative life courses during the week at reduce costs. I aim to work with other therapists who have like myself donated their time freely to help people recovering from life altering dis-eases.
Last weekend I had my first booking from someone using it to run a workshop retreat. This weekend it is all hen nights!
Hey variety is the spice of life!
I am interested to learn how others have got their business and or dreams off the ground care to share this information? ¿ Namaste Vida xxxx xxxx
So for many years I have chatted about running a creative life retreat centre this came about after a huge shift in my life about 8 years ago. Ahh yes the magical number. Well it's a favourite of mine.:)
Now last year I moved back to England and even before then started conversion work. I have kept my focus undeterred by all the gloom and doom of the economy. It did make raising finds harder that acted as a catalyst to change my mode of operation. Out with long term rentals yielding negative return, in with self-catering of excellence. Earlier this year I was awarded 5 Stars on all 3 places.
How have I managed to get this? Well I found the Internet a very useful tool in business. It is my key vehicle for promoting and operating my self-catering retreats. Over the last 6 months I have managed to get myself on front pages on Internet search terms for my line of business.
Advertising has been massive part of getting thi s off the ground including investment using Goggle and Yahoo. It did take a while as I am up with big businesses including hotels and I have to be inventive to get noticed! My website gets a huge amount of hits, this was achieved in part by using keywords called metatags to direct traffic my way. ¿ For my hosting I bought a resellers account to create as many websites as I like and have created 50 no sorry 80 + website aliases as which direct traffic to my main website according to the keywords searched. I have been asked to advertise other peoples holiday properties on my website but this would divert me from my purpose. I included links on my website to highly frequented sites in the tourist and leisure industry and targeted investing with the key players. I have also made some costly mistakes.
My places are 5 star self-catering for large groups mostly people coming to have a weekend breaks. I focused on offering a niche service and am the only large 5 Star in the area. I think is key to succeess is looking to offer something different to the rest and improving on it. I believe you also have to be passionate about your business venture to put in the hard work required including at times long hours.
I have advertised my art retreats and now I need to do even more work promoting these courses. I am working steadily towards my goal with the sure knowledge I will succeed. Charging for a service is important, as it is an exchange of energy so to speak. There is also room for demonstrating to the universe my intention, as there are people who cannot afford the high costs of many retreats. It is also something I love doing. It is about getting the balance between meeting my spiritual needs and my more earthy needs and working towards combining them. Even with the self-catering I have used my artistic side in the interior design and on my websites. The houses have also become live art galleries for my work.
It is very hard work at the moment and also good fun. I do get hen nights too ! There is a trend in Brighton towards the ladies hiring bare bottom butlers. I have seen these bums so frequently I think I am starting to recognise them! LOL☺LOL. I have not had any complaints yet from the neighbours. It is quite good they clear up after garden dinner parties so I just turn the other cheek so to speak. Lol
My thoughts are creating the balance with the high seasons yielding high returns from the self catering weekdays and holidays and during the low season being free to run creative life courses during the week at reduce costs. I aim to work with other therapists who have like myself donated their time freely to help people recovering from life altering dis-eases.
Last weekend I had my first booking from someone using it to run a workshop retreat. This weekend it is all hen nights!
Hey variety is the spice of life!
I am interested to learn how others have got their business and or dreams off the ground care to share this information? ¿ Namaste Vida xxxx xxxx
Hi, well I'm about to start with my very own class in mid August. So I'm just starting to prepare. I know the first topic is going to be Ancient Egyptians which I taught to a p6 class. My class will be p4/5 but I can just set it to their level more. I've ordered about 5 books just to get some extra ideas. I might even check out eBay for props as I've not visited Egypt yet. Although a friend of mine is visiting this summer, so she is going to pick u a few things.
sarah :-)
Hi, well I'm about to start with my very own class in mid August. So I'm just starting to prepare. I know the first topic is going to be Ancient Egyptians which I taught to a p6 class. My class will be p4/5 but I can just set it to their level more. I've ordered about 5 books just to get some extra ideas. I might even check out eBay for props as I've not visited Egypt yet. Although a friend of mine is visiting this summer, so she is going to pick u a few things.
Quoting: Originally posted by OrientalGem2008 Vida,
Good work, especially the garden : herbs ,fruit trees and bushes are superb ! Maybe you can fully use the garden as a yoga or meditation center ?
Sparkling Gem,
Yes indeedy that is part of the plan. I am looking to get back into Chi Kung, which I have let slide for, a bit. It does not require an amazingly flexible body such as yours but it does build up strength, flexibly and most importantly wellbeing.
Inside the house the rooms are currently not large enough to run Yoga classes plus there is heavy furniture in the biggest rooms.
My next venture will be to raise funds to convert the loft in the creative life centre into a huge workspace to run larger classes. The rest of the house has sleeping areas for up to 16 guests.
I am thinking of one bedroom being put aside for massage therapy. I am happy with this size retreat as I am interested in retaining a smaller intimate gathering to help people connect with their creative side. The residential groups will be approx 8 in number, which is also my favourite number!
Quoting OrientalGem2008:
Vida,
Good work, especially the garden : herbs ,fruit trees and bushes are superb ! Maybe you can fully use the garden as a yoga or meditation center ?
Sparkling Gem,
Yes indeedy that is part of the plan. I am looking to get back into Chi Kung, which I have let slide for, a bit. It does not require an amazingly flexible body such as yours but it does build up strength, flexibly and most importantly wellbeing.
Inside the house the rooms are currently not large enough to run Yoga classes plus there is heavy furniture in the biggest rooms.
My next venture will be to raise funds to convert the loft in the creative life centre into a huge workspace to run larger classes. The rest of the house has sleeping areas for up to 16 guests.
I am thinking of one bedroom being put aside for massage therapy. I am happy with this size retreat as I am interested in retaining a smaller intimate gathering to help people connect with their creative side. The residential groups will be approx 8 in number, which is also my favourite number!
Quoting: Originally posted by shazbot82 ive paid attention to your progress over the years here and am happy you are reaching success in your chosen endeavors.
I ve been sideswiped by the economy on housing but still hope to make my plans come to fruition. A huge part of my troubles is ending this monday,,the very last trial of a 3 years court battle.If I emerge victorious, I will be restored to my previous financial health and most of my " road blocks " will disappear.
Ive always admired certain women on this site for their intelligence, vision, fortitude and persistence. You are one of them. At some future point. I would really like to personally speak to you of how you went about all this,,and visit your establishments as well.
congratulations on the 5 star ratings and wishing you much continued success.
Ah Sazzy Shaz,
I have been thinking of you today and whatever the outcome you will find the resources to come through.
You have the balls to do what most women do not and so your comments are praise indeed.
This blog is designed for us to share how we managed to promote our businesses to get the best results and the type of attitude that is required.
I only had guests for one of the larger properties this weekend another hen night! Friday is always flat out with final preparations for the arrivals of guests including possible last minute bookings. I will be including all my places into this new venture next year. This will mean hiring a group of people to get the places ready for one-day turn around as I am confident next year will be even more successful.
This week I was starting to feel tired with the long hours and have decided to hire in more help especially with the preparations, which until now I have been mucking in on. I am taking some time out at the moment to have a break.
If you do not already have a website to promote your business Shaz I think this is vital. And to get the hits until you find ways to push your ranking up using tools such as Google adword.
With Google adwords I tested the key words to see if I really needed to pay the rate they suggested was required for certain sets of words to get a front page hit and found I could half the cost per click rate and still hit front page. Also I stopped using their placement targeting after tracing the places my adverts were appearing. I have now selected a range myself of websites I am happy to appear on and of course people searching on google and yahoo specifically using key words to search for the service I am offering. I found it was best to create many Google adword campaigns and exactly or closely match the advert titles to the keywords, this placed it higher in ranking and is much more cost effective.
Google adword contacted me several times to manage my account, which I did for 1 month but as prefer having control of my own account and discontinued the service. Even though it costs me more, I have approx 30 campaigns with a wider umbrella of words and terms used in searches to find my kind of business. Yahoo I found is very expensive however I found they were very flexible with the pricing and the number of keywords.
You have to become a hard negotiator to get good deals and not spend ridiculous amounts on advertising. Even with due care I spend thousands on advertising per year. For leisure business linking to the official tourist board is a must. One that really was worth it was Visit Brighton they only let you join once you have had your property inspected and rated by an official tourist board. This gives guests security in knowing they are booking a real holiday property and that it has been assessed independently. My bookings took off after getting the 5 Star on all of them. I have no weekends free in the larger properties until last weekend in August. I would not advertise all 3 properties with them next year though as it is a big expense.
If in future you come to this neck of the woods it would be my pleasure and honour to meet you. Hey a 3 some and of course anyone else who wants to join what do you think of the fruit hat idea for promotion. Pretty fruit and nutty idea.
May you future be filled with abundance, which does come in many forms other than financial.
Namaste
Vida
Quoting shazbot82:
ive paid attention to your progress over the years here and am happy you are reaching success in your chosen endeavors.
I ve been sideswiped by the economy on housing but still hope to make my plans come to fruition. A huge part of my troubles is ending this monday,,the very last trial of a 3 years court battle.If I emerge victorious, I will be restored to my previous financial health and most of my " road blocks " will disappear.
Ive always admired certain women on this site for their intelligence, vision, fortitude and persistence. You are one of them. At some future point. I would really like to personally speak to you of how you went about all this,,and visit your establishments as well.
congratulations on the 5 star ratings and wishing you much continued success.
Ah Sazzy Shaz,
I have been thinking of you today and whatever the outcome you will find the resources to come through.
You have the balls to do what most women do not and so your comments are praise indeed.
This blog is designed for us to share how we managed to promote our businesses to get the best results and the type of attitude that is required.
I only had guests for one of the larger properties this weekend another hen night! Friday is always flat out with final preparations for the arrivals of guests including possible last minute bookings. I will be including all my places into this new venture next year. This will mean hiring a group of people to get the places ready for one-day turn around as I am confident next year will be even more successful.
This week I was starting to feel tired with the long hours and have decided to hire in more help especially with the preparations, which until now I have been mucking in on. I am taking some time out at the moment to have a break.
If you do not already have a website to promote your business Shaz I think this is vital. And to get the hits until you find ways to push your ranking up using tools such as Google adword.
With Google adwords I tested the key words to see if I really needed to pay the rate they suggested was required for certain sets of words to get a front page hit and found I could half the cost per click rate and still hit front page. Also I stopped using their placement targeting after tracing the places my adverts were appearing. I have now selected a range myself of websites I am happy to appear on and of course people searching on google and yahoo specifically using key words to search for the service I am offering. I found it was best to create many Google adword campaigns and exactly or closely match the advert titles to the keywords, this placed it higher in ranking and is much more cost effective.
Google adword contacted me several times to manage my account, which I did for 1 month but as prefer having control of my own account and discontinued the service. Even though it costs me more, I have approx 30 campaigns with a wider umbrella of words and terms used in searches to find my kind of business. Yahoo I found is very expensive however I found they were very flexible with the pricing and the number of keywords.
You have to become a hard negotiator to get good deals and not spend ridiculous amounts on advertising. Even with due care I spend thousands on advertising per year. For leisure business linking to the official tourist board is a must. One that really was worth it was Visit Brighton they only let you join once you have had your property inspected and rated by an official tourist board. This gives guests security in knowing they are booking a real holiday property and that it has been assessed independently. My bookings took off after getting the 5 Star on all of them. I have no weekends free in the larger properties until last weekend in August. I would not advertise all 3 properties with them next year though as it is a big expense.
If in future you come to this neck of the woods it would be my pleasure and honour to meet you. Hey a 3 some and of course anyone else who wants to join what do you think of the fruit hat idea for promotion. Pretty fruit and nutty idea.
May you future be filled with abundance, which does come in many forms other than financial.
Quoting: Originally posted by Tinkerbelle Vida this is fantastic!!!! fancy a visit from me?
Bella Belle,
Yes of course even though I see you have been rubbing bums with royalty again Lol:)LOL and wearing funny hats. You know I think meeting you would be a blast! Here I found a hat we could all wear to promote the retreat! Like have a fruit hat open day. Everyone could just chomp on peoples heads and save washing dishes! Lol:)Lol
Quoting Tinkerbelle:
Vida this is fantastic!!!! fancy a visit from me?
Bella Belle,
Yes of course even though I see you have been rubbing bums with royalty again Lol:)LOL and wearing funny hats. You know I think meeting you would be a blast! Here I found a hat we could all wear to promote the retreat! Like have a fruit hat open day. Everyone could just chomp on peoples heads and save washing dishes! Lol:)Lol
I did some weeding this week but have been too busy with work. I have used teak oil on the furniture to keep the colour light or it goes silver/grey after many years. Well I have not yet mastered having something in bloom from May to October it is more potluck with me. Literally pot luck. LOL☺LOl.
I bought some grapes and tomatoes last week and more blueberry bushes. ~I will be putting up a frame for the grapes to grow on. I do not even know if it is possible in this climate. Lol☺Lol. I¿ve just finished the website for my 1 bed flats one has a patio and the other a conservatory no edible plants there.
The tree is going to be chopped into pieces tomorrow I keep going out and touching it. I feel sad it has fallen. Apparently plants do feel pain ☹
I was going to spend some time in the garden today but it is raining and I am not that die hard a gardener.Lol☺Lol
It figures you helping people with self development very early on I got to know that about you.
Your friend was right ¿never give up on your goals, to be very clear as to what you want and take action to make it happen and it will happen.¿
Also I totally agree with your comment ¿I'm a big believer that the Law of Attraction puts what you need right in front of you if you're consistent with what you want.¿
Thank you too for your lovely comments on my retreat centre. Yes the dinning room is one of my favourite rooms without a doubt especially as it overlooks the garden.
Funny thing someone who is a passionate gardener has contacted me recently and I quite like him. I think I am at a different pace to him though, with me in the slow lane. Lol☺Lol He is not from this site needless to say.
The photograph is of the conservatory of one of the 1 bedroom apartments I used to live there and find it still a very calming place to stay even though it is in a central location. I do have a passion for orchids and the one on this table is a fine example. I find that even if they loose all their flowers they often come back to life in a big way and bloom even more :)
Happy gardening Ready. Yes you are right people like you have been a huge plus and an unexpected bonus when joining a dating site and who would have thought indeedy. :)LOL:)
Hi Ready,
I did some weeding this week but have been too busy with work. I have used teak oil on the furniture to keep the colour light or it goes silver/grey after many years. Well I have not yet mastered having something in bloom from May to October it is more potluck with me. Literally pot luck. LOL☺LOl.
I bought some grapes and tomatoes last week and more blueberry bushes. ~I will be putting up a frame for the grapes to grow on. I do not even know if it is possible in this climate. Lol☺Lol. I¿ve just finished the website for my 1 bed flats one has a patio and the other a conservatory no edible plants there.
The tree is going to be chopped into pieces tomorrow I keep going out and touching it. I feel sad it has fallen. Apparently plants do feel pain ☹
I was going to spend some time in the garden today but it is raining and I am not that die hard a gardener.Lol☺Lol
It figures you helping people with self development very early on I got to know that about you.
Your friend was right ¿never give up on your goals, to be very clear as to what you want and take action to make it happen and it will happen.¿
Also I totally agree with your comment ¿I'm a big believer that the Law of Attraction puts what you need right in front of you if you're consistent with what you want.¿
Thank you too for your lovely comments on my retreat centre. Yes the dinning room is one of my favourite rooms without a doubt especially as it overlooks the garden.
Funny thing someone who is a passionate gardener has contacted me recently and I quite like him. I think I am at a different pace to him though, with me in the slow lane. Lol☺Lol He is not from this site needless to say.
The photograph is of the conservatory of one of the 1 bedroom apartments I used to live there and find it still a very calming place to stay even though it is in a central location. I do have a passion for orchids and the one on this table is a fine example. I find that even if they loose all their flowers they often come back to life in a big way and bloom even more :)
Happy gardening Ready. Yes you are right people like you have been a huge plus and an unexpected bonus when joining a dating site and who would have thought indeedy. :)LOL:)
ive paid attention to your progress over the years here and am happy you are reaching success in your chosen endeavors.
I ve been sideswiped by the economy on housing but still hope to make my plans come to fruition. A huge part of my troubles is ending this monday,,the very last trial of a 3 years court battle.If I emerge victorious, I will be restored to my previous financial health and most of my " road blocks " will disappear.
Ive always admired certain women on this site for their intelligence, vision, fortitude and persistence. You are one of them. At some future point. I would really like to personally speak to you of how you went about all this,,and visit your establishments as well.
congratulations on the 5 star ratings and wishing you much continued success.
ive paid attention to your progress over the years here and am happy you are reaching success in your chosen endeavors.
I ve been sideswiped by the economy on housing but still hope to make my plans come to fruition. A huge part of my troubles is ending this monday,,the very last trial of a 3 years court battle.If I emerge victorious, I will be restored to my previous financial health and most of my " road blocks " will disappear.
Ive always admired certain women on this site for their intelligence, vision, fortitude and persistence. You are one of them. At some future point. I would really like to personally speak to you of how you went about all this,,and visit your establishments as well.
congratulations on the 5 star ratings and wishing you much continued success.
Thank you BrownB09, Are you new member? Either way a pleasure to meet you :) Real busy day today Guests arrival day for the weekend! Hope to get some time to blog later. Until then sending some love :) across the airways to all the wonderful souls I have met on MM and the ones I have yet to meet
Namaste Vida
Thank you BrownB09, Are you new member? Either way a pleasure to meet you :) Real busy day today Guests arrival day for the weekend! Hope to get some time to blog later. Until then sending some love :) across the airways to all the wonderful souls I have met on MM and the ones I have yet to meet
Thank you Queen I am glad it looks good in the photographs, everyone who has stayed comments it looks better in real life. I am thinking of ways to improve this and I saw a dreamy camera yesterday whilst out getting supplies. Whilst I do not care for the really wide-angle lens as I think it looks like a fish bowl this camera might help. I have thought of video but do not want to slow the website down. One can load a video onto Utube and create a link. That would be a good alternative.
Thanks for the comment Kahuna link I will do some research into that one. Facebook was one of the first links I used to introduce the project to my friends who are mostly interested in alternative and spiritual health matters Myspace was added more recently and I was thinking about Twitter after seeing a friend who offers workshops in ¿physiology of vision¿ had one on her email. This is a philosophy and way of life based around the book ¿A Course in Miracles¿ much easier to read though. LOL☺LOL
I am focusing on an area that I do know well even though it¿s a new branch it¿s a field I am passionate about. Offering self-catering holidays even without my creative life workshops gives me pleasure. All my guests have left saying wonderful things afterwards and it is fabulous to know they had a great time and one that they will always treasure. And hopefully repeat again! Lol☺lol.
We seem to be quite parallel Queeny in our current paths I too am now focusing on using the internet tools to promote my creative life courses and know that there is a lot more work to be done. I do make a note of all the places I place adverts as I need to update them regularly. I found that the best way to find key sites to advertise with apart from my own website was simply to do a search and see which companies came on the first page. Some websites are actually free and others are relatively expensive.
I totally empathise with the amount of time you are putting in starting to wear you out. I love doing this work so much I find I am putting in really long hours. I will be having this weekend off! We are having some beautiful weather here. Now I am off to meditate for an hour ☺
Thank you Queen I am glad it looks good in the photographs, everyone who has stayed comments it looks better in real life. I am thinking of ways to improve this and I saw a dreamy camera yesterday whilst out getting supplies. Whilst I do not care for the really wide-angle lens as I think it looks like a fish bowl this camera might help. I have thought of video but do not want to slow the website down. One can load a video onto Utube and create a link. That would be a good alternative.
Thanks for the comment Kahuna link I will do some research into that one. Facebook was one of the first links I used to introduce the project to my friends who are mostly interested in alternative and spiritual health matters Myspace was added more recently and I was thinking about Twitter after seeing a friend who offers workshops in ¿physiology of vision¿ had one on her email. This is a philosophy and way of life based around the book ¿A Course in Miracles¿ much easier to read though. LOL☺LOL
I am focusing on an area that I do know well even though it¿s a new branch it¿s a field I am passionate about. Offering self-catering holidays even without my creative life workshops gives me pleasure. All my guests have left saying wonderful things afterwards and it is fabulous to know they had a great time and one that they will always treasure. And hopefully repeat again! Lol☺lol.
We seem to be quite parallel Queeny in our current paths I too am now focusing on using the internet tools to promote my creative life courses and know that there is a lot more work to be done. I do make a note of all the places I place adverts as I need to update them regularly. I found that the best way to find key sites to advertise with apart from my own website was simply to do a search and see which companies came on the first page. Some websites are actually free and others are relatively expensive.
I totally empathise with the amount of time you are putting in starting to wear you out. I love doing this work so much I find I am putting in really long hours. I will be having this weekend off! We are having some beautiful weather here. Now I am off to meditate for an hour ☺
Thank you Sarah that is such a wonderful compliment. Amazing indeed you must be, to see that quality in me:)
Yes I have worked very hard and I am pleased with the results and I am still working hard improving the service.
We have shared our dreams on these blogs and watched each other work towards them.
I know sharing your skills is something you are passionate about and the children you teach are very lucky indeed. How is your teaching line of work going?
I did teaching for a while in a primary school and loved it.¿ Mainly I taught art in secondary school, which included an adult class. This retreat is an extension of that work. I found the art taught in schools was too restrictive and the marking structure could lower children¿s self esteem if their work was non-conformist. Strangely some of this work would have done well at a higher level of study!
¿
Quoting: Originally posted by MissMonteCarlo Wow you are amazing. You have worked so hard on this. Your retreat looks fantastic. I'm sure this place be a great success for you.
sarah :-)
Quoting MissMonteCarlo:
Wow you are amazing. You have worked so hard on this. Your retreat looks fantastic. I'm sure this place be a great success for you.
sarah :-)
Thank you Sarah that is such a wonderful compliment. Amazing indeed you must be, to see that quality in me:)
Yes I have worked very hard and I am pleased with the results and I am still working hard improving the service.
We have shared our dreams on these blogs and watched each other work towards them.
I know sharing your skills is something you are passionate about and the children you teach are very lucky indeed. How is your teaching line of work going?
I did teaching for a while in a primary school and loved it.¿ Mainly I taught art in secondary school, which included an adult class. This retreat is an extension of that work. I found the art taught in schools was too restrictive and the marking structure could lower children¿s self esteem if their work was non-conformist. Strangely some of this work would have done well at a higher level of study!
Hey Vida, ¿ I was out gardening today and yesterday and so agree with you on the clearing the mind chatter.¿ Don't know what it is, but I find it very soothing for my soul and although it's hard, laborious work, it's very satisfying and I get to stand back and immediately see the efforts of my work.¿ Your teak furniture is beautiful and will stand the test of time, do you treat it with anything?¿ A good friend of mine had an amazing sailboat that he built himself, it was farrow cement and had tons of teak on the outside.¿ He used I believe Semco every 2 years or so and although it darkens the wood tremendously, it gives much protection and brings out a wonderful, honey coloured finish. ¿ I haven't bothered updating my gardening blog in quite a while, but am glad you enjoyed it.¿ My garden has really matured over the years.¿ I had a feng shui gardening consultant in before I had it planted and whether you believe in feng shui or not, it is very tranquil and pretty much everyone who sees it says they feel great when they're over.¿ I've got something continuously in bloom from May till October so that's fantastic too.¿ We had a severe thunder and lightening storm yesterday with high winds.¿ I didn't have any damage, but many huge trees did come down local to me so I guess you must have had something similar to take down an old apple tree.¿ As you said, it's funny how things work, you weren't all that crazy about the tree and voila! it's down! lol ¿ My venture is going well thanks.¿ It's a very targeted niche of self development, so not for everyone, but when I connect with someone who "gets it", it's wonderful.¿ When I looked for a new business one of my criteria was that it help others, self development most definitely fills the bill and when I see the change in how they now approach life, there's no better feeling!¿ I'm passionate about self development but not so much the online marketing.¿ I describe myself as "computer challenged" lol!¿ I,¿ like you and Queen, have spent much time learning the SEO tricks of the trade, am far from mastering it, but learning tons.¿ I do find that it exhausts me and frustrates me sometimes, so when that happens, I make a point of tapping into something positive like self development material, listening to a relaxation/meditation CD or getting out to the garden.¿ With my training I am now aware of the tools to employ for a shift of mindset and for that I am ever grateful. ¿ Your "dream" or "vision" has been in the works for quite a while too.¿ I love hearing when others win and have fulfilled a goal.¿ A dear friend of mine who is actually the one who got me into self development mentioned on a call that his goal/dream/vision was to live in B.C.¿ It took him 9 years to accomplish that goal, but he never lost sight of what he wanted.¿ He used to live near me, Ontario winters are notoriously cold and harsh and then he met the love of his life online (no not on MM lol!), she lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba and he ended up moving there.¿ We joked often that he'd traded our lousy Ontario winters for even worse ones as our prairie provinces have far worse than we get here.¿ His partner had just started a Ph.D. program so it took about 4 years for her to finish and the course was not available anywhere else.¿ Just this past May he and his partner made the move to B.C. and are loving it!¿ Their ultimate goal is to have a corporate retreat and they've already found the place they want but the price is far too high for the present economy so they'll wait it out.¿ He reminded me to never give up on your goals, to be very clear as to what you want and take action to make it happen and it will happen. ¿ What I find so interesting is that our paths of self development on various levels bring to us many others with similar interests.¿ I have been very fortunate to have made some lovely friends on MM and have been able to share many thoughts, dreams, ambitions and they with me.¿ Who'd have thought I would come across those types of individuals on a dating site!¿ I'm a big believer that the Law of Attraction puts what you need right in front of you if you're consistent with what you want. ¿ Your pictures show how much love and attention you've put into your place.¿ I love the Asian inspired dining room!¿ I can just envision people gathering and the feeling of good energy in your new centre.¿ I wish you all the best on your journey! ¿
Hey Vida, ¿ I was out gardening today and yesterday and so agree with you on the clearing the mind chatter.¿ Don't know what it is, but I find it very soothing for my soul and although it's hard, laborious work, it's very satisfying and I get to stand back and immediately see the efforts of my work.¿ Your teak furniture is beautiful and will stand the test of time, do you treat it with anything?¿ A good friend of mine had an amazing sailboat that he built himself, it was farrow cement and had tons of teak on the outside.¿ He used I believe Semco every 2 years or so and although it darkens the wood tremendously, it gives much protection and brings out a wonderful, honey coloured finish. ¿ I haven't bothered updating my gardening blog in quite a while, but am glad you enjoyed it.¿ My garden has really matured over the years.¿ I had a feng shui gardening consultant in before I had it planted and whether you believe in feng shui or not, it is very tranquil and pretty much everyone who sees it says they feel great when they're over.¿ I've got something continuously in bloom from May till October so that's fantastic too.¿ We had a severe thunder and lightening storm yesterday with high winds.¿ I didn't have any damage, but many huge trees did come down local to me so I guess you must have had something similar to take down an old apple tree.¿ As you said, it's funny how things work, you weren't all that crazy about the tree and voila! it's down! lol ¿ My venture is going well thanks.¿ It's a very targeted niche of self development, so not for everyone, but when I connect with someone who "gets it", it's wonderful.¿ When I looked for a new business one of my criteria was that it help others, self development most definitely fills the bill and when I see the change in how they now approach life, there's no better feeling!¿ I'm passionate about self development but not so much the online marketing.¿ I describe myself as "computer challenged" lol!¿ I,¿ like you and Queen, have spent much time learning the SEO tricks of the trade, am far from mastering it, but learning tons.¿ I do find that it exhausts me and frustrates me sometimes, so when that happens, I make a point of tapping into something positive like self development material, listening to a relaxation/meditation CD or getting out to the garden.¿ With my training I am now aware of the tools to employ for a shift of mindset and for that I am ever grateful. ¿ Your "dream" or "vision" has been in the works for quite a while too.¿ I love hearing when others win and have fulfilled a goal.¿ A dear friend of mine who is actually the one who got me into self development mentioned on a call that his goal/dream/vision was to live in B.C.¿ It took him 9 years to accomplish that goal, but he never lost sight of what he wanted.¿ He used to live near me, Ontario winters are notoriously cold and harsh and then he met the love of his life online (no not on MM lol!), she lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba and he ended up moving there.¿ We joked often that he'd traded our lousy Ontario winters for even worse ones as our prairie provinces have far worse than we get here.¿ His partner had just started a Ph.D. program so it took about 4 years for her to finish and the course was not available anywhere else.¿ Just this past May he and his partner made the move to B.C. and are loving it!¿ Their ultimate goal is to have a corporate retreat and they've already found the place they want but the price is far too high for the present economy so they'll wait it out.¿ He reminded me to never give up on your goals, to be very clear as to what you want and take action to make it happen and it will happen. ¿ What I find so interesting is that our paths of self development on various levels bring to us many others with similar interests.¿ I have been very fortunate to have made some lovely friends on MM and have been able to share many thoughts, dreams, ambitions and they with me.¿ Who'd have thought I would come across those types of individuals on a dating site!¿ I'm a big believer that the Law of Attraction puts what you need right in front of you if you're consistent with what you want. ¿ Your pictures show how much love and attention you've put into your place.¿ I love the Asian inspired dining room!¿ I can just envision people gathering and the feeling of good energy in your new centre.¿ I wish you all the best on your journey! ¿
What is love? Love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you. :)
WOW. Those are beautiful photos of your dreams coming true.. Congratulations!
I was surprised to hear about the "bare bottom" waiters. Not sure if I would find that attractive or appealing while eating food...but, to each his own. LOL
Thre are a few members that I know of here who are also into the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and internet marketing. I have been on that path now since I started with the dating sites. As you know it is not an easy path, yet I find that I have learned so much about myself since I started on it.
The dating sites led me into another connection where I now have 28 sites in one niche, and I am now unable to count how many articles and other information that is out there that I have put there, on purpose. I have found the secret is in outsourcing most of the work. Interesting enough I have gone into the financial world. I have a financial advisor who is a GENIUS with money and investing. He is averaging 30 to 50% earnings for the clients he has, even during these crazy economic times. I really wish I could invest more with him as I know know that he is more special than he may know. (Anyone need a very successful financial advisor? Let me know) On a side bar. I have investing all my savings into this project without knowing what I am really doing. As you know, This is also a very expensive game to play. I now know that I would never do the dating sites again, if I knew what I know know..I have found that I am easily spending 40 to 60 hours a week on this new niche...Plus a full time time in my horse world. What has been interesting is that I have now come around full circle. I started all of this to find another venue of income to secure my retirement years. (Something outside of my horse world.) Now I have learned enough to realize that no one in my industry is using any of these internet marketing techniques. Now all I need is more time (what time???) to bring this knowledge into my specialty so that I can start making some money, instead of only spending it.. Reality is, I miss having the support and inspiration that comes from the people who believe in me. I never thought it was important before all this. But now I know how important getting feedback, and felling the love (from those who really need and value me) is what inspires me to to do more... for those who really need me to improve where they are in lifes journey.
I love your idea with the 50 sites. Like you, I have more alias accounts out there than I can keep track of. I dipped into the "black hat" world a little bit and have tools that I use to make this process easier. Now, I am focusing on 3 aliases. One for each niche...and than there are all the "throw away" aliases, those who I create to bring more attention to what I am promoting. Easily over 700 accounts that point back to my URLS.
If I may suggest, for your links. Targeted leads from comment Kahuna. FREE. It targets anyone who blogs in your niche and brings them up so you can leave a comment, and your URL. This is the kind of link that Google loves. Which is exactly what ALL the search engine are looking for. I have also signed up with their Syndication Kahuna (67$ a month- which allows me to publish articles in the niche I am working with.) As you know, this is what everyone (almost) does that is doing internet
Before I was spending over $500 a month promoting all of my sites... Now it is less and I am targeting the sites that bring me up in the search engines even faster. Did you now that Facebook and Twitter are now at the top of the web2 properties? I have been working on twitter this past week. Traffic is Much better. Just need those conversions... Add me to your twitter queenofdreamers. I will be on a cruise next week as I really need to take a break. These 90 hour weeks are starting to wear me out. I am sure you understand.br> I have a feeling that all of us involved in this SEO world have much to share each other.
Who would have thought we would end up being SEO experts?
You are right, variety is the spice of life.
You are an inspiration to all of us.
WOW. Those are beautiful photos of your dreams coming true.. Congratulations!
I was surprised to hear about the "bare bottom" waiters. Not sure if I would find that attractive or appealing while eating food...but, to each his own. LOL
Thre are a few members that I know of here who are also into the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and internet marketing. I have been on that path now since I started with the dating sites. As you know it is not an easy path, yet I find that I have learned so much about myself since I started on it.
The dating sites led me into another connection where I now have 28 sites in one niche, and I am now unable to count how many articles and other information that is out there that I have put there, on purpose. I have found the secret is in outsourcing most of the work. Interesting enough I have gone into the financial world. I have a financial advisor who is a GENIUS with money and investing. He is averaging 30 to 50% earnings for the clients he has, even during these crazy economic times. I really wish I could invest more with him as I know know that he is more special than he may know. (Anyone need a very successful financial advisor? Let me know) On a side bar. I have investing all my savings into this project without knowing what I am really doing. As you know, This is also a very expensive game to play. I now know that I would never do the dating sites again, if I knew what I know know..I have found that I am easily spending 40 to 60 hours a week on this new niche...Plus a full time time in my horse world. What has been interesting is that I have now come around full circle. I started all of this to find another venue of income to secure my retirement years. (Something outside of my horse world.) Now I have learned enough to realize that no one in my industry is using any of these internet marketing techniques. Now all I need is more time (what time???) to bring this knowledge into my specialty so that I can start making some money, instead of only spending it.. Reality is, I miss having the support and inspiration that comes from the people who believe in me. I never thought it was important before all this. But now I know how important getting feedback, and felling the love (from those who really need and value me) is what inspires me to to do more... for those who really need me to improve where they are in lifes journey.
I love your idea with the 50 sites. Like you, I have more alias accounts out there than I can keep track of. I dipped into the "black hat" world a little bit and have tools that I use to make this process easier. Now, I am focusing on 3 aliases. One for each niche...and than there are all the "throw away" aliases, those who I create to bring more attention to what I am promoting. Easily over 700 accounts that point back to my URLS.
If I may suggest, for your links. Targeted leads from comment Kahuna. FREE. It targets anyone who blogs in your niche and brings them up so you can leave a comment, and your URL. This is the kind of link that Google loves. Which is exactly what ALL the search engine are looking for. I have also signed up with their Syndication Kahuna (67$ a month- which allows me to publish articles in the niche I am working with.) As you know, this is what everyone (almost) does that is doing internet
Before I was spending over $500 a month promoting all of my sites... Now it is less and I am targeting the sites that bring me up in the search engines even faster. Did you now that Facebook and Twitter are now at the top of the web2 properties? I have been working on twitter this past week. Traffic is Much better. Just need those conversions... Add me to your twitter queenofdreamers. I will be on a cruise next week as I really need to take a break. These 90 hour weeks are starting to wear me out. I am sure you understand.br> I have a feeling that all of us involved in this SEO world have much to share each other.
Who would have thought we would end up being SEO experts?
You are right, variety is the spice of life.
You are an inspiration to all of us.
People may not remember what you say or do, but they will remember how you made them feel.
Yes you are one of those who can understand the kind of mind set that is imperative.
I really liked your blog on your garden and it often comes to mind. I am making more time to spend in the garden as it clears so much of my mental chatter. Over the weekend the apple tree fell over in the far corner. It was top heavy and simply uprooted itself. It is not a big tree but has been there since I bought the place. It seems kind of sad, I left it when I had a lot of wild elderberry trees removed. I am not too sorry it has uprooted itself, as I never ate the apples off this tree, as they were really bitter. I just could not bring myself to chop it down. Looks like another force has taken care of that one! LOL☺LOL
Today I added links to my websites from a very popular site, the more links the higher the website ranks.
It has been hard work and I have needed to take a break this weekend to refresh myself. I also want to do some travelling which I am planning to do during the off peak periods. I still fancy living in Barcelona for some of the winter months.
How is your venture going?
Thank you Ready
Yes you are one of those who can understand the kind of mind set that is imperative.
I really liked your blog on your garden and it often comes to mind. I am making more time to spend in the garden as it clears so much of my mental chatter. Over the weekend the apple tree fell over in the far corner. It was top heavy and simply uprooted itself. It is not a big tree but has been there since I bought the place. It seems kind of sad, I left it when I had a lot of wild elderberry trees removed. I am not too sorry it has uprooted itself, as I never ate the apples off this tree, as they were really bitter. I just could not bring myself to chop it down. Looks like another force has taken care of that one! LOL☺LOL
Today I added links to my websites from a very popular site, the more links the higher the website ranks.
It has been hard work and I have needed to take a break this weekend to refresh myself. I also want to do some travelling which I am planning to do during the off peak periods. I still fancy living in Barcelona for some of the winter months.
This is my main reteat where I offer self catering and where I will also¿ run my creative life courses part of the year. I also converted another place near by I will post pictures of that on another blog. The other ones are purely for self catering holidays ranging from 1 bedroom flats to 6 bedroom Villa. All near Brighton Hove sea front. One of my favourite photos which reflects the atmosphere to be found on the seafront.
This is my main reteat where I offer self catering and where I will also¿ run my creative life courses part of the year. I also converted another place near by I will post pictures of that on another blog. The other ones are purely for self catering holidays ranging from 1 bedroom flats to 6 bedroom Villa. All near Brighton Hove sea front. One of my favourite photos which reflects the atmosphere to be found on the seafront.
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