Dear friends,

It’s March Break and many families are heading south for some sun or taking off for the ski slopes.  However, for some of us, it’s business as usual.

Now that my children are grown, we don’t have to fit in with the school breaks or reading week, we can choose when to take a break from the routine of work.  Having said that, when you are self-employed, we don’t always do that.  We can always find something to busy our time.

Recognizing that not everyone is going away this March, we’ve planned our own break at Company of Women.  With our March 14 dinner, we’re taking a slight diversion from our usual format and are planning a night of fun and frivolity, as well as some useful information on women's health.

Consider some of the tips shared by Kristie Tamsevicius and pamper yourself.  As the hair advertisement goes, "You’re worth it." 

Receiving an award is a wonderful boost – to your business and to you personally. This month we’ve highlighted three awards that are currently accepting nominations.  Think about it.  Don’t be shy.  What have you got to lose?   So often the process helps you to focus on your strengths and your business goals.

Good luck.

PAMPER ME PLEASE! SELF-CARE FOR THE BUSY ENTREPRENEUR
By Kristie Tamsevicius

Why am I doing this? I just feel like I can't focus today! I feel like I'm not enjoying my job like I used to. What's the matter with me?

I NEED A BREAK!!!!

When you are CEO, head nurse, mommy, head of janitorial services, and chief crafts coordinator, life can leave you a little weary sometimes. As a business owner YOU are your most valuable resource, so it makes sense to take care of yourself! When you start to feel overwhelmed, it's important to know when to slow down and take a break.

Below you'll find 10 tips to help you take a vacation pamper and renew. 

1) SCHEDULE A DAY OFF: Often when we are the busiest is when we need a break the most. Write a day in your calendar just for you. Promise to enjoy your time off. Turn off the computer, and don't answer the phone. Don't let guilt, or a list of impending deadlines steal your relaxation and enjoyment for the day.

2) MAKE TIME FOR THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR LIFE: Go on a date with your husband or partner. Enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee with a friend. Steal away on a mommy and daughter/son breakfast. Write a special note to a friend or spouse letting them know how  you feel about them. Give someone a long meaningful hug. Spend a little extra time cuddling with your children before bed.

3) TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE: Make up a holiday. Invite a friend to a "just because" lunch. Order out for pizza. At our house, we have a tradition called "pajama party". When we want to  celebrate, we all get into our pajamas extra early, get all our pillows and blankets, pull out the sofa bed, snuggle up, watch a special movie, and tell each other stories. This is a special treat that the whole family REALLY looks forward to!

4) PAMPER YOURSELF: Indulge in a candle lit bubble bath. Listen to some soothing music. Read a juicy romance novel. Take a day at the spa. Soak up some sun at the beach. Sip a glass of wine and watch the sun set in your back yard. Why not buy yourself a bouquet of flowers?

5) NURTURE YOUR BODY: Treat yourself to plenty of sleep, eat balanced meals, drink lots of water, and take vitamins. If you've been neglecting a checkup, now's the time to schedule it! When you take care of your body, you'll have more energy and feel happier. 

6) GET OUT OF THAT CHAIR & EXERCISE: Sitting in your office chair all day isn't exactly the ideal workout. Head to the gym, take a walk thru the park, or take a dip in the pool. Take in a game of golf, racquetball or tennis. Exercise is a proven stress reducer!

7) CATCH A RAY OF SUNSHINE: Remember the song "I'm walking on sunshine, well…and don't it feel good?" There's nothing more energizing then feeling the sun on your face and breathing in some fresh air. Spend time in your garden, play ball with the kids, or take a trip to the park. I enjoy taking a "nature  walk" right in my back yard. I walk slowly looking at each flower, and really taking each detail in again as if for the very first time. 

8) BE A KID FOR A DAY: Forget your responsibilities for just one day. Put away your "to do list" and revel in all the things you'd like to do but shouldn't. Let your house be messy, sleep in, eat an ice-cream sundae for supper, and watch a funny movie. Make up a silly song. Put on your favorite CD and dance! Mix up a batch of monster size cookies! Let the little kid in you come out and play!

9) RENEW YOUR SPIRIT: Often in the busyness of life, we forget to take quiet time for ourselves. I encourage you to take time to journal, daydream, and meditate. In stillness, you can tune-in to what really matters to you. Take time to listen to your heart, reflect and honor the quiet voice within. 

10) GET A MAKEOVER: Do you feel pretty when you look in the mirror? If not, you deserve to! When you look good, you FEEL good. Get a new haircut or a manicure. Spoil yourself and buy a new outfit. Try a new perfume. 

 MY PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO YOU:  All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Don't wait until you are feeling burned out to take a break. I challenge you to take out your pen, flip thru your calendar, and schedule yourself a day off. When you are well rested, you'll have a newfound energy, spark and passion to drive you forward to success!

Kristie Tamsevicius, is the author of "I Love My Life: A Mom's Guide to Working from Home"! Thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs have used her step-by-step home business system to earn money working from home. Get a free ecourse Home Business Success Secrets at http://www.webmomz.com/ilovemylife1.htm

Read our newest articles at companyofwomen.ca

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERT
- Marcia Barhydt

Marcia Barhydt owns and operates Willowtree Customer Service. Willowtree offers keynotes, workshops and training for companies based on her more than 30 years of experience in customer service.

She will answer your questions at no charge. All communication is between you and the expert and is strictly confidential.

See her answers to our members questions

Ask her your question (members only)

Congratulations to Wendy Buchanan of Perceptions Eyewear on her TV appearance on Breakfast Television.

Likewise congrats to Lucy Vandermeer of Bras by Lucy on her appearance on the Connie Smith Show on Channel 11.

Heather Resnick is now the proud author of Women Reworked: Empowering Women in Employment Transition.  To obtain a copy, check her website at www.womenreworked.com

Kudos to Cynthia Taylor-Luce, Interior Decorator on her appointment to the Board of Directors of CDECA, the Canadian Decorators’ Association.  She is a busy gal as she has also just been appointed Décor Editor for City Living Magazine, with her first article coming out in early April.

Eva Sachs of Women in Divorce Financial got great coverage in Ellen Roseman’s recent article in the Toronto Star on Financial Advice in Divorce.

Company of Women will be in attendance at the Canadian Women’s Expo, providing a workshop on Saturday, March 4 and participating in Meet the Authors on Sunday, March 5. Together with WINGS Canada, we are partnering to put on special line-up of workshops for women in business.

Check out www.canadianwomensexpo.ca and learn more.  It looks like a fun event.  Hope to see you there.

ATHENA AWARD – Call for Nominations

ATHENA Oakville is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 10th ATHENA Award to be presented in Oakville.

This award is presented to an individual (man or woman) who has demonstrated professional excellence, given back to the community and most important of all, helped women to realize their leadership potential.  The individual has to live or work in Oakville.  The deadline for nominations is May 15, 2006.

For more information click here.

2006 BUSINESS AND EDUCATION AWARDS

The Conference Board of Canada has announced its call for nominations for several awards, including the National Award for Small Business Skills Development. 

The National Award for Small Business Skills Development recognizes outstanding achievement in developing employees skills in small business environments.  The national award winner will be a small business that helps its employees develop the skills that will enable them to contribute to the success and growth of the small business in which they work.

Sponsored in partnership with RBC Financial Group, the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and national recognition as a best practice.  The deadline is June 23, 2006.   To find out more, go to www.conferenceboard.ca/education/awards

SMALL BUSINESS PRIZE

HP Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) have announced the search for in-house marketing success stories from small and mid-sized Canadian CFIB-member companies that have embraced technology to market their offerings and make a significant impact on their business.

The contest features a grand prize of a technology marketing package comprising $10,000 worth of HP colour printing and office technology and custom agency design services.

The contest, open to CFIB members, will run until April 30.  To enter the contest, businesses must submit a 300-word entry explaining how the use of technology has helped market the business to gain a competitive advantage.

WORKING WITH CANCER

When five business women from the same company were diagnosed with cancer and decided to try and continue working through their treatment, they found it was not easy to know how or when to tell their colleagues.

In response, they set up an excellent website designed to offer support and advice to working cancer patients. There are also sections for employers providing them with some advice on how to handle situations when an employee with cancer wants to stay on working.

Visit www.cancerandcareers.org

Want a NEAT Makeover?

HGTV's hit show, NEAT, is looking for homes in need of serious decluttering. Chosen candidates will have a team of professional organizers transform their cluttered rooms into beautiful, organized, functional spaces.

Visit www.neattv.com (click 'Get on the Show') or email getontheshow@neattv.com