Honoring Ideas

Mar 18, 2010 – 12:02 pm

Recently I was driving and listening to Terry Gross’ program Fresh Air on National Public Radio. Dave Davies was interviewing Eugene Hutz from the band Gogol Bordello. I am not going to write about the interview, though I found it fascinating. What I want to write about is acknowledging our ideas.

How often do you have an idea and think, oh, “that’s cool.” You think you will remember it, and so you just go about your day. Then later, you have a vague memory of having had an idea, but for the life you, you can’t recall what it was. This used to happen to me all the time.

Now, I carry a small notebook or my I Phone everywhere I go. During the Fresh Air program described above, I had an idea while listening to the interview. I pulled over, took out my notebook, and wrote the idea down. In so doing, I was honoring my creative process. I was saying to myself, “my ideas matter.”

This is something I learned from reading about the tools of creative people. They always carry around a notebook, a pda or tape recorder to jot down their thoughts and ideas. You can do that too!

For additional ideas to tap into your creativity, visit:

http://oak-communications.com/

By Sue Schleifer, M.A. | Posted in EBAR BNI | Tagged | Comments (0)

Can you be coughing and be healthy at the same time?

Mar 10, 2010 – 10:23 am

I have heard many people in the last few days say that they were sick or that their children were sick.  When I inquired as to what was occurring, I heard descriptions of sore throats, coughing, fatigue, fever and lack of appetite.  It is interesting to me how our society views these types of symptoms as sickness. Unquestionably, symptoms like the ones I listed above are often uncomfortable to go through for a child or adult.  The question is, however, despite the fact that one does not feel well, are they sick?  The answer is no!  I invite you to consider the following.

All of the above symptoms are signs of a body that is properly adapting to its environment.  Scientists clocked how fast microorganisms come out of our mouths when we cough – 120 miles per hour!  This is an intelligent way to rId the body of a virus, bacteria or debris generated from adapting.

We all wash our clothes and dishes in hot water because we know it kills germs.  A fever accomplishes the same thing in our bodies.  The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the administration of any drugs to reduce fever below 104.2 (unless present in an infant) because it results in increased time of the cold or flu and lowered immune function in the long term.

A lack of appetite is the result of the body funneling its energy to respond to the invading pathogens.  Digestion uses a lot of energy and the body decreases its appetite to reduce food intake to save energy for other balancing functions.  The fatigue is often the result of all the internal biochemical and physiological functions your body is doing that one cannot see.  In additon, a decrease in food intake will result in a more tired body.  After the system has calibrated, the symptoms leave.

Are these miraculously apporpriate and orchestrated symptoms the sign of sickness?  No, they are signs of wellness.  The truth is your body can be considered healthy whether you have symptoms or not!  If you are not experienceing symptoms, your body is performing its regular functions to allow you to live.  If you are experiencing smptoms, the body is focusing inward to respond to an altered internal invironment.  A system that responds, adapts, and changes is HEALTHY!

By Dr. Matt Green | Posted in BNI, EBAR BNI, EBAR BNI Presentations, Educational Moment, Helpful Tips | Comments (0)

Speaking through the Internet

Mar 7, 2010 – 1:38 pm

“Everybody has a story.  And every story matters.”

That’s more than just the tagline on the back of my business card.  That’s the inspiration that keeps me going after many years in theater, film, and video, working as a performer, a teacher, and a producer.  I love to hear people’s stories, and I love to help tell those stories to the world.  And, I believe that one of the most effective ways for people to tell their own stories these days is through video, and specifically through video on the Internet.

It’s certainly useful to have still photographs, graphic images, and descriptive text on your website, but the most personal and powerful connection you can make with your Internet audience is through video.  And, what works best in this medium is you talking from your heart about what you care about.  Check out these two videos to see what I mean:

http://www.vimeo.com/9513695

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfO9IczSEcY

This is the dawning of the age of social networking on the web, and to stay up with the communication forms that viewers are responding to, you need to embrace and employ the tools that people are using.  Video is one of the most effective of those tools, and it can be a friendly medium between you and your audience as long as you see it as a positive, linking force.  To be most effective in the medium, you need to talk THROUGH the camera – that is, talk as if you were sitting across the desk from the person who is watching.  And, you need to remember that spoken language is different from written language.  The communication is not about delivering a memorized speech based on the text of your website or brochure, but rather about you making a personal introduction of yourself and of your service.  In fact, it’s more about creating a positive impression than giving specific information.  You use the text on your website to give details of your service.  You use the video to “shake the hand” of your viewer and begin a relationship with them.

–Terry Lamb, Videosyncracy

By terry@vidacypix.com | Posted in BNI, EBAR BNI, EBAR BNI Presentations, Helpful Tips | Comments (0)

Introducing Business Realty Brokers

Mar 1, 2010 – 3:07 pm

Buying or selling a business is, for most people, a once-in-a-lifetime event affecting all aspects of your business and personal life, including finances, family, personal time and interests. It is a time consuming and often stressful experience that benefits from solid negotiating skills and specialized knowledge.

The services of Business Realty Brokers located in Oakland, CA can be invaluable during this process. We offer an initial consultation at no cost or obligation. We offer both hourly consulting services to assist those who want to do much of the work themselves, as well as transaction brokerage services.

Please email us at rjh@businessrealtybrokers.com or call (510)530-4138. We look forward to working with you.
Robert J. Heger, Ed.D.

By rjh@businessrealtybrokers.com | Posted in EBAR BNI, Networking | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Secrets of Lasting Love FREE Teleclass

Jan 22, 2010 – 10:18 am

Marianne Duane124
* Do you feel distant from your partner?

* Maybe you’re lonely and discouraged by lack of communication.

* Maybe you argue endlessly without ever solving problems.

* Maybe you are wishing for more affection and warmth.

* Or you might be struggling with anger and hurt from an affair.

It doesn’t have to be this way.  Many couples have turned their relationships around.
———-

Join your holistic health expert, Marianne Bridgeman, and relationships expert, Pat LaDouceur, for a FREE 1 hour teleclass designed to help you have a lifetime love affair.

You will learn…

* the real reasons couples argue – how we’re “wired” to overreact
* how most couples try to connect – and why it doesn’t work
* what it’s like to feel truly understood
* simple things to add spark to your relationship

We’ll talk about how the brain works, and how we’re “wired” for relationships – and for relationship problems.  We’ll talk about why couples often communicate in ways that don’t work, and what you can do differently.

Join us for this powerful class on what makes love last.  Take time to reflect on your relationship. Take time to think about the kind of relationship you want, and how you might help create it. Learn new ways to bring warmth and love into your relationship.  We hope you’ll join us.

When: January 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET
Length: 1 hour
Cost: FREE

To register click here.
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By Alara | Posted in EBAR BNI | Comments (0)

Chiropractic and the Flu?

Dec 16, 2009 – 11:25 am

Chiropractic for the Flu?

Did you know that during the Flu Epidemic of 1917-1918 (Spanish Flu), Chiropractors were so successful with treating people with the flu that it lead to chiropractic being licensed in many different states in America?

It’s true. According to the World Chiropractic Alliance, an international organization associated with the United Nations Department of Public Health, Chiropractic was recorded to save up to 1 in every 1,700 treated as compared to western medical treatment which was recorded to save 1 in every 15 treated.

“Chiropractic adjustments have a positive effect on how the immune system functions.”

Chiropractors correct spinal misalignments which can cause nervous interference or “static” in the system. When there is “static” interfering with the communication system of the body, it hinders all systems from working at their optimum, including the immune system. When misalignments are corrected, the static is cleared and the immune system is given a “boost”!

Current Research
Research done at Life Chiropractic University in 1994 studied the relationship between the chiropractic adjustment and the immune system of HIV positive patients for 6 months.
What they found was the patients who received chiropractic care had an increase of 48% in CD4 (immune) cells. The control group who did NOT receive chiropractic care actually had a decrease of 7.96% CD4 (immune) cells. Amazing, yes?

If you have never seen a chiropractor or have not been adjusted yet this winter flu season, make an appointment to get your spine checked at Ashby Chiropractic and Health Center by Dr. Matt Green at 510-845-4540. www.ashbychiro.com

“I would recommend to any person concerned about the upcoming flu season to add chiropractic to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune function, and give their body every extra bit of security it needs.”
-Dr. Terry Rondberg
President of World Chiropractic Alliance

By Dr. Matt Green | Posted in EBAR BNI | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Summary of Presentation 10/29/2009

Nov 2, 2009 – 7:08 pm

Angie, of MindBody Connection, shared the wonders of gyrotonics, a no-stress system to move joints and improve flexibility. This was the second in her series describing work at her studio

Geraldine, of Deep Healing Acupuncture, gave an introduction to acupuncture and invited everyone to have an acupuncture conversation. Remember, with Geraldine, acupuncture doesn’t hurt.

By Geraldine Shute | Posted in EBAR BNI Presentations | Comments (0)

You Call That Networking?

Aug 9, 2009 – 5:54 pm

I recently was invited to go boating on the Delta with some BNI members who belong to my EBAR Chapter. At the time I agreed I figured my workload would be such that being out of the office for most of the day would not impact me that much.

I was also feeling a bit guilty about being out of the office and on a boat, enjoying the sun and BNI friends while deadlines and client requests loomed in my mind. How is this going to result in business? What if … fill in the blank … happens?

Well, I’m glad I went ahead and went on the trip. It turned out to be a beautiful day, and I got to know my fellow BNI members a bit better and in a setting where they were more relaxed. Not only that, but there were two other people who went along as well who were in other BNI Chapters slightly out of my area, so I got to learn about their businesses and conversely they got to learn about me and my business.

Networking on the Sacramento Delta

Networking on the Sacramento Delta

As it turns out, the trip resulted in a job lead for me and I also subbed at another BNI meeting (at the recommendation of one of the boaters from another BNI chapter) where I got to meet 20+ other business owners. I also was able to relax, get some perspective on my business, and made up the missed hours a bit on the weekend.

I learned that networking doesn’t always have to be conducted at a mixer under fluorescent lights. Now I’m thinking of even more ways to network in unconventional settings.

Do you have any suggestions or examples around this idea? Please leave a comment.

By Michael Waters | Posted in EBAR BNI, Networking | Comments (0)

Sustainable Business Alliance picnic Sun July 26th

Jul 23, 2009 – 10:52 pm

Sunday, July 26th
SBA Picnic – Sustainable Summertime Fun!

After six months of working our buns off since the legendary SBA Inauguration Party, we’re ready for a change of pace! You, too? Then you’ll want to join your SBA friends, well-known and new, for a picnic in Tilden Park (North Berkeley)! We found a great picnic spot with trees, grass, and a gigantic BBQ, so we can commune with each other and with nature at the same time. It’s easily accessible by bus and, for some hardy souls, by bike! Or get to know your green colleagues better by carpooling. Bring your loved ones, yummy food, refreshing drinks, musical instruments, play equipment for a hilly site, and your life-sustaining, fun-loving spirit!

Tilden Park (Fern picnic site), Berkeley
12 pm to 5 pm
Register Here

POTLUCK ASSIGNMENTS
We invite you to bring the following potluck to share according to your last name; trades welcome:

A-D Appetizers
E-H Desserts
I-K Beverages
L-O Entrees
P-T Salads & Side Dishes
U-Z Beverages

We especially encourage healthy, nutritious, and delicious food that’s sustainably grown (e.g., local, pesticide-free, organic), prepared, and packaged! Bring your own utensils, plate, cup, and non-disposable napkin if you’re able; we’ll provide recyclable plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery for those who aren’t.

If you’d like to cook your contribution at the picnic (corn, squash, sweet peppers, anyone?), please bring lump charcoal & matches (just say no to briquettes & lighter fluid) and consider coming early to fire up the extra large BBQ!

ANOTHER FOOD OPTION
If you’d rather just show up and eat, we’ll offer that option, too! Let us know if you prefer a vegetarian or non-vegetarian entrée.

REGISTRATION
Please register a week in advance, if at all possible. The cost is $2 each for SBA members/partners/kids (under 16 free) if you’re bringing potluck and $10 each if you’d like us to feed you. Non-members, add $5.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
We’re gathering at the Fern picnic site on the north side of Tilden Park in the Berkeley hills, less than a mile from the Environmental Education Center & Little Farm. You can find it on Google Maps.

While there’s ample parking at our site, it’s also right on the #67 bus route. On the weekends and holidays, it leaves downtown Berkeley every hour from 7:50 am – 6:50 pm and takes about 20 mins to arrive at Fern, on the right side of Central Park Drive, 0.4 miles from the shuttered pony rides and before the Carousel and Lake Anza. Here’s a link to the schedule.

RAFFLE
What cool experience/service/thing will you offer to raffle? What will you win? Please ponder these vitally important questions as picnic day approaches.

VOLUNTEERS
We need several volunteers for prep, set up, BBQing, planning/leading activities, and clean up! Taking part ensures maximum fun!

CONTACT
If you’d like to volunteer, offer raffle prizes, or have questions, please contact terry@terrymandel.com.

Upcoming SBA Events:

August 7th
SBA Networking Lunch
Swans Cohousing in Oakland from 12pm to 1:30pm
More info

August 11th
Choosing & Using Green Cleaners at Home & Work
Berkeley from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
More info

September 22nd
Green Book Fair and Business Recognition Event
Hotel Shattuck in Berkeley from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
More info

By jonathan@wishnevconsulting.com | Posted in EBAR BNI | Comments (0)

Strategies to Wake Up

Jun 20, 2009 – 12:55 am

“Only that day dawns to which we are awake.”  Henry David Thoreau, Walden

What does it mean to be “awake”?

We train the mind to pay attention to the here and now, to be fully present.

We are often in the future – planning, thinking about what is next or in the past – worrying about what happened, rehashing conversations.

When our mind is in the past or in the future, it is like driving a car with the brakes on – it is inefficient and slows us down.

Why is this a problem? One tragic example of not being fully awake is the person who left his son in the car at the Bart stations recently. I imagine that the baby was quiet and the father was not fully present. He was thinking about the day ahead. This is an extreme example, but I believe it can happen to any of us if we are not awake to our lives.

Four Strategies to Wake Up

1.  Ask yourself from time to time, “Am I awake now?”

2.  Stop to notice your breath and your body. Take 2 deep breaths and relax.

3.  Look around and notice what is around you. Use all of your senses.

4.  Notice if your thoughts are in the past or the future and hit the “clear” button.

As a Coach, I help people to wake up and be present for their life. This helps them to be happier, reduce their stress, and be more successful in their work.

Client testimonial:

“I am spending more time on the activities that are most important to me and have set aside old patterns (like worrying too much!) that got in my way. Sue listens, responds, and makes effective suggestions in wonderfully supportive ways. Doesn’t everyone need a coach? From working with Sue, I’m convinced of it. She is helping me to achieve my interpersonal as well as career goals.” P

To learn more about my coaching services, please call or email me.

Sue Schleifer, M.A.
510.269.4434
Sue@Oak-Communications.com
www.Oak-Communications.com
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By Sue Schleifer, M.A. | Posted in EBAR BNI Presentations | Tagged , , | Comments (0)