From self-help books to business education programs, the term ‘mastery’ has become a popular concept. For many the term brings eastern ideologies to mind: spirituality, mysticism, meditation. Others think of commonly used phrases: Master and Commander, Master Craftsman, Master of Ceremonies, etc. Whatever the initial impression, the word itself conjures images of the ultimate, the nearly unachievable, the place of existence to strive to reach.

So what is ‘mastery’ really and how do we begin to achieve it?
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How do people discover their true talents? Does a professional organizer just wake up one day and say, “I want to organize?” Once they became organizers, how did they decide they were going to focus on, for example, de-cluttering the homes of clients who were planning to move? Supporting nonprofit organizations in developing more effective time management strategies?

How do we identify and harness our truest talents to fully realize our potential– and build a high revenue business?

The easy answer is in a single word you’ve probably heard hundreds of times before. While “niche” began in English as “a physical opening intended to house something,” over time, its additional more metaphorical meanings took shape, including “a specialized area of business” or market niche.
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We have all been given the gift of 24 hours a day— it’s up to us how we use it. With so many repetitive small tasks and ongoing big projects, it’s nearly impossible to get everything accomplished and have enough personal time. Here are some time-saving techniques for your online business to help you bring order to your day, more quality to your life and steal a few extra hours for family, friends—and yourself!

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Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

During the past two decades philanthropy has become a subject of increasing interest — addressing human challenges and strengthening ties between global communites.  A powerful thought movement has led individuals and organizations to take action and improve the social and economic quality of living worldwide. When the bigger picture is in view, the inspired may seek to immediately change the world, or at least the lives of those across it.  Serving the global community is a noble and worthwhile mission but don’t forget those in need right in your own neighborhood.

The proverb “Charity begins at home,” doesn’t end with family and friends. Rather than (or in addition to) participating in global efforts, consider the individuals and groups in your own community who can benefit from your support “right here, right now.”

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The precedent-setting commitment of Bill Gates, Target, Starbucks and other socially conscious corporations has brought responsible business to the forefront. In a down economy where profits are low and the need for charity is high, philanthropy can lead the way to not only support those most in need, but also create a trusted company reputation and a long-term increase in sales

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to operating business in a manner that is actively aware of the social and environmental impact created by the business. Where CSR may have originally focused on charity as a vehicle to improve company image, now it reflects a broader commitment to improve the lives of all from employees to global communities through ethical day-to-day business practices and social responsibility in all areas of operation.

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With Thanksgiving nearly here and Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to harness the spirit of the season in your nonprofit marketing.

Yet many nonprofits are recognizing that, with the current economy, fundraising in 2009 might not measure up to that of previous years. While this is not the time for charities to panic, it is time for a more realistic and actionable approach to overcoming the financial lull. A well-thought out and strategic marketing plan can help nonprofits boost their donations this holiday season despite the recession. Here are some tips to maximize your efforts:

Acknowledge all supporters
A one-on-one thank-you message may have more impact than a blanket e-mail. However if there are just too many recipients, send a general message and reserve personalized communications for your major stakeholders, sponsors, and contributors. Consider including sponsor logos and company or individual names on your website or in e-mail marketing. For top-tier members, include their logo and a link to their website to provide them with premium exposure to your membership base.

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Whether you are running a non-profit or receive communications from one, you’ve seen it before. “95% of our proceeds go to fight world hunger! 85% of your donation is used to support local communities in need!” So where does that other percentage go? If you’re running ANY type of business, you know the answer.

Overhead, also called indirect expenses, is essentially the cost of running a business. Without some overhead expenditure, businesses would not be able to function; yet overhead does not contribute directly to the generation of profits. The materials used to bring in money– such as products or brochures to increase donations to your non-profit– are direct expenses. Overhead, on the other hand, includes, for example, the cost of the rental space your company uses to do business. The desk you sit it while you work. Your utility bills and travel expenses.

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In the past year I have gradually gone from eating very little red meat, to no red meat. I have gone from a fair amount of chicken, turkey and fish, to only fish. I thought this journey would be hard but the truth of the matter is – it wasn’t, sort of… well… ok maybe it is.

When not eating meat was a semiconscious/part time decision it wasn’t hard, at all. Then, we saw Food Inc. (a most see for every person on the planet), coupled with a yoga retreat where we had a vegan/vegetarian chef cook for us all weekend (if I only had a personal chef) and well –it went from semi to, “I will no longer eat four legged creatures.” I know, the poor fish….oh, well. I love the Ahai what can I say.

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It is that time of year when we dig into, what new products and lifestyle changes we have incorporated into our lives, that work and that we like.

The hope is to give you some fun and useful tips as we go into a new year. Remember to start small and simply replace your current products, one at a time, as you run out. Adoption of a sustainable lifestyle is possible one baby step at a time.

“Almost Zero” Waste Lunch:
We have started taking cotton napkins to work to use with our lunches instead of picking up a paper napkin at work or taking a paper towel from home.  It has remarkably cut our consumption of paper towels by a 1/3 of a roll each month. We also switched to Sigg bottles and got rid of all plastic water bottles. We use glass containers for our food instead of the toxic plastic containers (that should never be microwaved). We use a cute/ washable LL Bean canvas lunch tote instead of a paper bag. Finally we use reusable utensils (regular flat ware) or corn based degradable utensils….try it, these are all easy to incorporate. Be the one who talks about it at work and pass the environmentally friendly practice on.

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Recently, I was interviewed for a Social Responsibility panel I was speaking on. The questions they asked were timely and relevant to many conversations I had over the holidays.  I had some very interesting conversations with teachers, the owner of a printing company, commercial realtors, lawyers, mothers, my family and potential investors in our company, who, for the first time ever, all collectively, not only understood what we are trying to accomplish with our little company, but the global imperative for its existence.

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