Posted by Tara Burner on January 31, 2010
How many people work a large portion of their adult lives in a career or JOB they don’t truly enjoy?
I know many many years ago people had the mindset of “go to college, get a JOB, retire, die” and that was it.
It didn’t matter if they actually enjoyed the JOB or not.
It didn’t matter if they got bored with it and wanted to change their line of work, they simply stuck to it, doing the mundane chore every work day and hating it.
WHY?
What’s wrong with actually enjoying what you do?
They say that the average American works 1952 hours a year.
Now, why would you want to spend approximately 84 full 24 hr days working a job you don’t like?
Life’s too short to not enjoy what you’re doing.
The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.”
~~Arnold Toynbee
Have you managed to blur the line?
Are you doing what you truly enjoy? if you are…EXCELLENT!
or are you suffering along? if you are…WHY?
Posted by Tara Burner on December 15, 2009
Wow, in under 20 minutes from my last post I’ve had two excellent customer service encounters!
First one…lets just say I will not be buying games from Target ever again!
All games will be purchased at
GameStop #1667
Boulevard Square
10900 PINES BLVD
Pembroke Pines FL, 33026
(954) 392-3838
Because, last night after my ordeal with lousy Target service, I called GameStop and a young dude said he had 2 of the games and he’d put one aside for me til this morning! Cool!
I just went to GameStop and sure enough I got the last copy of this game!
Excellent!
The kid (okay anyone under the age of like 30 is a ‘kid’ to me–but he was probably in his 20’s) this morning was exceptionally nice, carried on conversation and found where the other ‘kid’ had put my game on hold.
Awesome!
So, problem resolved in under 20 minutes which is less time than I spent on the phone with the lousy people from Target.
GameStop is my new place to get games!
Posted by Tara Burner on
Yes, I know it’s the holiday season…it happens every year like clockwork.
Christmas, then a few weeks later my daughter’s birthday.
Knowing that stores don’t often restock items in time to wait to buy her birthday gifts I get them at same time as Christmas.
So, if something I order online isn’t in stock right then it’s not a problem (or shouldn’t be a problem) since odds are they can ship it by the first week of January.
Not the case this year apparently with Target.
For the first time ever, I’m totally annoyed with them.
I ordered two items the middle of November (yes, before Thanksgiving).
One item shipped and I received it already.
I then got an email stating the other item had shipped.
Cool, thought my shopping was done.
Not, the case 
Yesterday I received this email from them:
Dear Target.com Guest,
We’re writing to advise you that we aren’t able to fulfill your order #602-0341776-8245857 for the xxxxxxx (x’d out just incase she reads this! lol) you recently ordered.
You probably have already received an e-mail stating that it shipped, but unfortunately that e-mail was sent to you in error. Since we don’t have the available inventory to fulfill your order at this time, we’ll refund your credit card in full. We have requested a refund for the game, which should post to your credit card account within 7 to 10 business days. We’ll also send you a confirmation e-mail when we finish processing your refund.
Okay, not cool!
email me with just 10 days til Christmas but I figured okay let me call them and tell them to NOT cancel order and ship it when in stock — hoping that they’d just send and I can give for her birthday.
I spent over 30 minutes talking to some clueless chic at their call center, who then came back after putting me on hold for a third time to tell me that my item wasn’t in stock!!!
ummm yea I know that!
Another 10 minutes go by and she still wasn’t grasping the concept of ship the item WHEN it does come in stock.
I finally got to the point where I realized this was going nowhere other than racking up minutes on my cell, so why bother…I laughed, said forget it and hung up.
Within a minute, I got an email requesting I do a “customer service survey” regarding my phone call.
Sure…FAILED, CLUELESS, LOUSY
Wonder if it even matters? Do they really read those or care?
Because, after I posted on Twitter and Facebook others said they had the same experience this year with Target (amongst other companies).
You’d think if companies are hurting and needing business, they’d treat their customers better and try to resolve any issues rather than have clueless customer service reps!
Needless to say, I’m off in a few to go locate said item that Target doesn’t have to ship and I will succeed!!!!
Update
Read this post for the excellent customer service from GameStop! Thanks Target for screwing up, now GameStop gets my biz.
When the customer comes first, the customer will last ~
Robert Half
Posted by Tara Burner on November 28, 2009
Well, after much delay I am finally on Etsy.
You can find me at DesignsByTaraBurner.com or taraburner.etsy.com
Posted by Tara Burner on October 18, 2009
This week as time permits I’ll be blogging more here about some specific vendors that were at Pines Middle Green Fair yesterday. I am awaiting more photos and will be adding those to Pines Middle Green Fair’s site, but am limited on what I can say there since I can’t get personal there, but can here on my own blog!
I wanted to quickly post a few thoughts about vendor fairs, networking, marketing here.
I’ll be the first to admit, I am no networking expert.
In fact, I never do any local networking (something I need to work on); however, I do know certain things that should or shouldn’t be said or done.
Do not lie or misrepresent your product or service. If it’s a green event for example, make sure your product is green and do not tell event coordinators that it will be and then try to slide in something that isn’t…That’s just not cool nor acceptable. Ultimately it makes you and your business look bad.
If you do attempt to do the above mentioned, then make sure you know the product that you’re trying to claim you have to offer. Do not try to fit into an event that you really have no right being in and try to justify it by using terminology that is soooooooooooooo incorrect that it’s so sad it’s almost entertaining. (FYI: there is a HUGE difference in the words biodegradable and combustible. I personally would not want something wrapped in a combustible bag, but if it was in fact in a biodegradable bag you’d probably have a better chance at selling it to me.)
note: it is a dead give away that you’ve lied/misrepresented yourself when you use way off terminology thinking that, that somehow makes your product appropriate for the event.
Shake hands with people…or like yesterday, there was a lot of hugging, cheek kissing going on. Many of the people yesterday were people that knew each other previously be it in person or online via Facebook and Twitter.
Not saying you have to kiss, hug everyone because well you don’t want to scare people off being overly affectionate if you don’t know them, but you do want to at least shake hands and be interactive with people.
If you’re at an event and don’t try to make contact with people, talk to them, shake hands, go out and mingle while you have someone else watch your table (if at a fair) you’ll not get the contacts and/or business you would if you’d make yourself approachable.
Don’t stand (or sit) behind your table the entire time. If someone comes to your table, get up and talk to them, be friendly, smile, interact. Even if the person isn’t buying something on spot, still treat them as a potential client, contact or one that you can build a relationship with that can benefit you both in the future. If you just sit there and do nothing, people will talk about you but not in a favorable manner.
Don’t look down on people based on how they may dress or speak. If you judge someone by their appearance you may just miss out on one of your best clients. You never know what a person is really about based on clothing, or outwardly appearance. So, rather than look down upon people thinking that somehow for whatever reason you’re above them, why not get to genuinely know the people at the event rather than having multiple people talk about how cold, snobby you projected yourself to be. You only have one first impression and if you come across snobby and don’t make an effort to talk to anyone, they’ll remember you and again not for the reasons you want them to remember you.
Exchange business cards with everyone at the event. Make sure to always have ample supply of cards with you (hmmm I, myself, should’ve taken more time in preparing yesterday because I ran out the door to get things set up and lo and behold my stack of cards was left at home–fortunately though it’s easy to tell people to go to TaraBurner.com -now if they just remember how to spell Tara Burner!) So, always always have business cards on you!
Step out of your comfort zone. You may just be amazed at how welcome your product/service is. I’ll be blogging more this week on a particular vendor who did her first event yesterday and was inspiring, friendly, did all the right things…and she was a first timer.
So, at events…network, be personable, make contacts, exchange business cards, be friendly, talk to as many people as you can, don’t put yourself on a pedestal, be honest and enjoy!
Posted by Tara Burner on October 10, 2009
Wow, I know every year the stores start getting the holiday decorations out earlier and earlier and apparently the holiday scammers are coming out earlier as well.
Normally right before Thanksgiving I receive numerous emails directed to different businesses I own or myself personally requesting anything from “free samples”, products for non existent foundations for supposed give away contests, money for some hardship, products to “help others” (because we all know that people in real dire straights must have their mineral makeup — yes, last year I had a woman who sent me an email stating “I help homeless regain their confidence and make them feel better, so please give me some makeup from your company to achieve this”), there’s a woman online who’s house has burned down to the foundation 2 or 3 yrs in a row! This year the emails have already started rolling in, even before Halloween–just like the stores–they already have Christmas stuff out too! Wonder if scammers coordinate their scamming schedule to store holiday schedule?
If these people would use their time and abilities constructively they could probably make a legitimate income or means of obtaining their desires, rather than scamming or attempting to scam people.
I’m not saying all requests are bogus or someone trying to scam free product or money. Do your research if you’re not sure if someone is legit or not. I usually rely on my gut (or the holy spirit) and thus far it hasn’t steered me wrong.
It is not without good reason said, that he who has not a good memory should never take upon him the trade of lying. ~Michel de Montaigne, translated
The quote above should be memorized by those scamming, since apparently they don’t recall to whom they’ve already emailed last year the exact same email “requesting free product”.
While it’s an awesome feeling to help others and bless others, you also have to use discernment and common sense on who to assist and who not to. Those with kind hearts, just don’t get taken in by all the scammers.
Posted by Tara Burner on September 26, 2009
Sink or swim…Yes, I know…that saying is old and cliche’ but it’s true.
Recently I’ve seen numerous people complaining, whining about their lives…be it lack of job, recently unemployed, they don’t like current job, don’t know what to do with their lives..the list goes on.
I’ve also seen (as well as given) advice to these same people that would enable them to get out of the situation they’re in and rise above their dissatisfaction and gloom & doom. However, for some reason some people ignore, push aside the information and they continue to drown in their sorrows.
People toss a life preserver to one in need and the person drowning simply refuses to grab it.
It’s almost like in the “Monk Becomes A Private Eye” episode where Monk has no choice but to jump off of a boat into the water, not knowing if he can swim or not. He keeps his head above water for a bit before he sees something floating…but it’s a toilet seat and knowing Monk as we do, he refuses to hold it to keep himself up. However, Monk does manage to swim on his own until he’s picked up in another boat.
Are you afraid of the life preserver?
Afraid to grab hold and be saved?
Do you prefer having excuses and be unhappy yet unwilling to improve your situation?
The difference is, Monk fought to swim on his own whereas too many people now prefer to simply wallow in doubt, uncertainty and drown. If you’re not going to swim on your own, then grab the preserver and take the advice of others and be active to improve the situation.
So, today if you’re facing difficult, annoying, frustrating situations and you’re offered advice, help, guidance you have two choices: grab it and swim or be afraid to touch it and sink. Nobody can force you to swim, but you can be taught, guided, assisted, motivated to do so…but you have to be willing.
Posted by Tara Burner on September 12, 2009
The Momnificent Life is an enlightening source for busy moms who are seeking balance in their life. Any mom who wants to overcome any obstacles in various aspects of her life should have this “mom handbook”.
The Momnificent Life is like no other book, this is written so that all can understand and come away learning something. It’s written in a manner that makes you feel like the author is sitting there speaking with you and guiding you on your path.
The author Lori Radun, educates readers through eight subsections:
Personal Development
Spirituality
Fun and Enjoyment
Relationships
Health and Aging
Personal Finance
Career and Profession
and Home and Family
These sections take you on a journey of self enlightenment followed by an “assignment” at the close of each chapter.
Every subject covered hits home and in a light easy to grasp and apply manner. You will have a blue print showing you how to manage your time, your finances, dreams, goals, aspirations and how to overcome any obstacles.
This is a must have “handbook” for all moms. So, if you haven’t already read it, get your copy now and open up to a new way of managing your life.
Posted by Tara Burner on September 8, 2009
Are you sick and tired of living on the financial edge?
Seems lately everyone’s talking about their finances, the economy, their business and their lack of money.
Well, I took this enlightening money quiz called “How good are you at attracting money?”
I’m currently enrolled in the Wealth Boot Camp and love it!
I’ve made big strides over the last month while I’ve been in it and I’m beyond glad I did.
You’ve got to take the money quiz and find out how you can attract more business and wealth.
Seriously, take the quiz and see what you learn! It was really fun and insightful and only took me a few minutes.
You might be hesitant but go for it! It’s just a quick free quiz and seriously it helped me.
I’ve overcome my own money obstacles, and this really got me thinking about my own patterns and what I could create if I can let go of any remaining limitations!
I’ve got a huge plan in the works from what I gained from taking the quiz, so why are you still reading???
When you have a few minutes, you should check it out: go here to take it now!
Have fun!
Posted by Tara Burner on August 18, 2009
I just had an “a-ha” moment while posting on Facebook when I posted “Do U know what U want to accomplish? are you working towards that goal?”
and my good friend Jill made a comment of “absolutely and next week watch out i got big plans”.
See, Jill has 3 kids, 2 dogs, her own business, her hubby’s business and has an insane summer schedule of baseball, bowling, beach and all kinds of other stuff.
She’s like many others who own their own business and have the freedom of making their own schedule. Summer time is a time we business owners look forward to…no more getting kids up at the crack of dawn to encounter the “one more minute” whine which ends up us dragging them out of bed to get to school on time (or not on time for some of us), no more ’schedule’, no more sitting in traffic lines to drop off kids and 6 hours later doing it again…freedom to simply enjoy whatever the day brings at whatever time it brings!
Well, now our free time is coming to an end with school starting next week (for some of us) and time to restructure our schedules. If you’re a business owner, you know you are still open to do what you want but are limited by a school schedule. For some this may be good because during the summer the beach, activities, travel and all the fun stuff postpone business projects, putting them on ‘hold’ until school starts. Many enjoy, relax, have fun during summer and once school starts and kids are back to school and gone from home for 4-6 hours that gives many business owners more creative time. Time to produce new products or services, time to learn more, time to market more, time to focus on business more.
So, while we all enjoy summer and the freedoms and fun that come with it…you can also benefit your businesses and grow even more so while kids are in school. This is not to say that businesses weren’t creative during summer, but many people don’t work their business as strongly during summer as they do during the school year…hey, life’s to be enjoyed and we know what they say about all work no play…
With that said, what are you going to be working on when the kids all go back to school?
a new project?
a new business?
school for yourself?
new products?
comment below, let everyone know what you’ll be working towards accomplishing.
