What wonderful news will you choose to share this week? The basket is open all weekend, from January 28-30, 2011.
Even though I call this the Brag Basket, it’s not really about bragging. It’s about sharing. It’s here so you can introduce yourself, share some good news, or congratulate a friend.
Speak up and add yourself or another deserving soul in the comments. We all cheer, and everyone feels great. It lets you meet each other a bit. Reading each others’ stories brings us a bit closer to being a community.
How does it work? You write a comment on this post, email me, tweet me, or comment on Facebook. You tell something great about your week, or you give applause to someone who did good stuff this week. Or you celebrate something wonderful that you tried that failed.
This is not an ad. (I delete the ads.) It’s a conversation with friends. So jump in. And remember to cheer for each other.
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The rural small business blog. We talk about small town business, with how-to articles, especially on social media marketing and making your community a better place. We use this “author” for announcements and other things you’ll want to know.
Sherry says
I’ve been reading about the brag basket for some time and FINALLY feel like I have some bragging I’d like to do. It only took me about three and a half years to get here but I’ve finally sort of figured out the “answer” for my desire to own a business. It’s been a difficult journey and I’m a sloooow learner but investigating is how it all started for me. First, I launched dsmBUZZ which was a blog about buying locally here in Des Moines, Iowa. I talked to and met many local business owners, did lots of networking, and learned about social media. I casually dsmBUZZ a business but without a real plan for a revenue stream it was more about my interest in local entrepreneurs and what makes them tick. I think anyone who owns a business, especially one with overhead and a brick-and-mortar establishment has to be incredibly skilled and courageous. But really I had to ultimately call dsmBUZZ a “project” rather than a business.
About the time I started dsmBUZZ, I also spent a lot of time (almost three years) interviewing entrepreneurs once a week from all over the world about what they do, why they do it, and what they’ve learned along the way. Again, I was in pursuit of learning from the experiences of others. I learned what is the ultimate choice marketing strategy that works for most businesses, what keeps people motivated, and all the different ideas that entrepreneurs have for creating a business. I began to have my epiphany when I interviewed a massage therapist and realized that her business, a small service business, sounded like it would suit me best.
About the time of all these interviews and launching dsmBUZZ, I was busy juggling all the activities, learning technology, writing, practicing my interview skills I knew I wanted to do something creative and spending my time listening to the stories of others. I enjoy talking with people one-on-one, particularly elders and decided to start a business interview and preserving their stories into unique memoirs. I thought it was an original idea but soon discovered Association of Personal Historians and decided to become a Personal Historian myself and launch my own business called Storied Gifts.
My brag is that with the beginning of 2011 I’m finally earning some good revenue and have wonderful projects in the works. I’ve decided to simplify and focus on marketing and working on my business as well as continuing to hone my interview skills, writing, and book publishing abilities. I’m grateful for all the other activities I’ve pursued the last several years, all the things I’ve learned and people I’ve met and the fact that I can finally able to say I own my own business!
Becky McCray says
Sherry, congratulations! I remember vividly talking with you for one of your entrepreneur interviews. There is nothing like the thrill (positive and negative) of owning your own business. Here’s to many more years of success!
lornadahl says
It’s been a long time since I contributed my sweet successes for the week. And I’m thrilled to do it again! :)
I’m super grateful to receive my back pay from previous employment. I immediately used the amount to reinstate my lapsed insurance policy…before it gets surrendered for almost 2 years of non-payment. Phew! Perfect timing!
Also, I still display commitment to my weight loss plan. Though I tend to be lazy at times, I still feel this craving for pain, sweat and the post-workout blush.
The best thing this week? My passion for blogging resurfaced! And I’m VERY impressed with my own work, too! Please excuse this shameless plugging below.
Blog about attending 4 weddings in 2 months: http://scorpionsyrup.us.splinder.com/post/1012183#1012183
Blog about the recent bus blast: http://tambucho-tales.blogspot.com/2011/01/bus-blast.html
My newest blog about body acceptance: http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/
See, I’ve kind of lost my confidence in my writing voice and this week’s beautiful output, in my opinion, is worth bragging about. I’m also hopeful that my last link would inspire more big women, most especially fellow Filipinas, to love their own body. Being big and bronze is beautiful!
lornadahl says
Wow, Sherry! That’s such an achievement! I’m sure those years had shaped you to a more informed, well-rounded and passionate entrepreneur! Here’s to more years of success and connection to people! :)
Becky McCray says
Lornadahl, such a pleasure to have you back in the Brag Basket. :) Congratulations on all, especially in getting your confidence back. Cheers to you!
Deb Brown says
Sherry – you have always been phenomenal! You introduced me to a group of women in Des Moines and I’ll always be thankful for that. It’s great fun seeing what path you are traveling.
Lorna – I understand about losing a voice, being big and am off to read your posts!
Becky – wanted to brag a bit about having that epiphany that I need a call to action on everything — blog, emails, written correspondence. I’ve spent the last two years learning and learning and learning – and 2011 is the year of doing. Very excited to be planning the 140 Character Conference Des Moines for May 9th with Nathan Wright!
Rock on sisters!
Becky McCray says
Deb, I’m so proud of your 140 Conference plans. Here’s to a year of doing!
lornadahl says
Deb, congrats! This year all dreamers like us are destined to be doers! Cheers!
Becky, thank YOU! I hope to remain consistent as you are. :D
Thanks for your support.