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Date: 2007-11-05 00:25:09
Social Butterfly Club Monthly Newsletter - Oct 07

Guess what!  Social Butterfly Club finally has a website to call home www.socialbutterflyclub.ca, I am still in the process of uploading all the past monthly newsletters and pictures etc.  We decided not to display the member's directory for the protection of your privacy.  I'm sure you get enough viagra spam emails as is, you don't need to receive more.  Feel free to send your expertise article to us, we'll put that into the resource section.

 Flowers & Cornfields
My mastermind group has finished with our last book, “The Law of Attraction”, and now we’re working on “Good to Great”, in order for us to achieve our ultimate success/ happiness, we need to work within the 3 circles.  And they are:

1) What you the best in the world at
2) What you’re really passionate about
3) What you can make money at

As in all things, there is a varying degree in any subject.  If what you do is tedious, yet it makes a lot of money, then you have one out of the three circles.  You’ll notice that it takes a long time to achieve 3 out of 3 circles, but you can take steps towards it.  

In life, we’re presented with many opportunities – some of them lead us to a dead end, while some open the door to prosperity.  How can we determine what is good for us?  A lot of people with new business ideas or products will come to me first to ask for feedback, or connections to distribution, marketing, media etc… I try my best to help them, but stay true to what I do best.

In the month of September, I learned a big lesson.  A friend of mine had the inspiration to start a free urban Dog magazine. She came to me with the idea full of passion and energy.  I got wrapped up in the excitement of it all, and spent one & a half weeks with her planning out the business, revenue stream, distribution….  I helped her find a graphic designer, 3 photographers, and got the first cover shot done.  I jumped in with both feet thinking how glamorous it would be to be the marketing director of a lifestyle magazine.  Then as we progressed further into the project, I realized that to create a high end lifestyle magazine, it takes big bucks to keep the creative staff, photographers, photo shoot.  Also to create wide circulation, it takes time and connections.

I ended up saying to my friend that I must bow out, as the project will need much more funding to stay true to our vision, and also it is the full time job for a group of very talent people.  

I realized that my business is my tree, teaching is my cornfield, and writing is my flower.  The money from teaching helps support the business; writing gets me credibility and keeps me happy.  If I were to focus on the magazine, that would be another tree, which will kill my business.

I’ve met some people through networking who have their own business, and they also are a part of several network marketing companies.  Please keep in mind to evaluate all the activities that you do, and see if it helps further your future.

The Universe is knocking
I got into a car accident mid-month and totalled my Ford Windstar Minivan. Lady luck was with me – got out of it scot-free with no injuries.

We are very blessed to have such an incredible emergency support team.  Within 5 minutes of someone calling 911 for me, firefighters, paramedics, and police all arrived to do their job.  I was really impressed with their professionalism and efficiency.  It really made me think of all the things I take for granted – having a loving family and great friends.

It goes back to the saying, “If it’s worth doing, do it well.”  When stress and busyness get over our heads, we forget to pay attention to the most basic tasks in our lives.  My chiropractor, Dr. Baloo told me November and December are the most dangerous months on the road. His clinic has seen a lot more patients due to a car accident.  

It seems that the Universe gives us lessons on mortality, and if we don’t take it seriously, the incident will repeat itself until the lesson is learned.  I have learned that the human life is frail, and one can easily lose it from such a simple thing as driving.  So take care of yourself, and be careful out there on the road.

The Humanity Bond
On November 1, 2007 at The Centre, 1835 people packed into this beautiful theatre to listen to the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton.  The Vancouver Board of Trade brought him to speak on the Bond of Humanity.  Bill Clinton, being one of the most sought after speakers of our time, did not disappoint.  He spoke about sustainability and business, border issues, and the purpose of his foundation.

President Clinton said that the modern capitalist economy creates inequalities among the haves and have-nots, consumes natural resources, and creates an identity crisis.  He goes on to say that the lack of understanding among various racial groups has lead to more terrorism and fear.  His foundation work with third world countries helps establish sustainable projects that lower inequality and destruction of the planet.

Most people were amazed at how much he knew about new green technology, and also his innovative ideas to make this world better.  He suggested providing women around the world free education, and getting elementary and high school students to volunteer and create their own NGOs.

During the Q & A period, Vancouver Board of Trade Chairman, Henry Lee asked Bill Clinton if the trust among US & Canada has decreased thus leading to the long wait at the border for entry.  Clinton replied that there are deep and long fondness between the two countries, but the U.S must strengthen its security without coming across as prejudice, racist, etc.  The US must have a good idea of who is coming and going, but stay open.  In the last several years, the US Foreign Policy gave people the impression that, “We’ll do what we want, and we don’t care what others think”, but not all Americans have this attitude.

Bill Clinton spoke for 40-45 minutes without ever looking at notes.  His topic went from world policy to economy to specific projects in Africa, etc.  He controlled his voice to grab the audience’s attention, and his southern drawl was pleasant to the ears.  He received standing ovation before he began to speak, and after he finished.  People stood and clapped for at least 3-4 solid minutes!  He demonstrated 5th level leadership.  Humility, and above all, wanting the best for the organization and not himself.  

I’m half way through Bill Clinton’s first book, “My Life”. I learned that Bill’s grandfather owned a small shop and treated everyone equally, which had a lasting impact on him.  I am fascinated by Bill’s ability to rise over many challenges and dark hours. His new book, “Giving” is out now, and on the best seller’s list.  
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