CJ's SpotlightWhere has the year gone? Believe it or not, the holidays will soon be with us. Along with the turkey and the trimmings, another holiday tradition – gift giving – is something most of us include in our annual to-do’s. Before things get crazy as they always seem to near the end of the year, now is a great time to plan ahead and get a jump on this year’s gift-a-palooza.
Make the list. Now that you have an idea of your overall budget for the holidays, it’s time to create your gift-giving list. Make a list with multiple columns – the person’s name, a few gift ideas, and the cost of each gift. Fill in each column, and at the bottom of the sheet, total up the amount that you’re projected to spend. If it’s on target with your budget, great! If not, see which gifts can be cut from the list. Keep changing items until you are within your gift-giving budget. What you’re left with is your final gifting list. Look for the deals. With your final list in hand, it’s time to search out bargains wherever possible. Deal-finding sites like fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, and comparison shopping sites like Google Shopping and Frucall.com can help you stretch your gift-giving dollars. Of course, not everything you’re looking for will have a discount, but it’s definitely worth spending some time looking – you might be surprised at how much you can save! Find the time-savers. If you order online, look for stores that can gift-wrap for you and ship directly to the recipient – saving you time and a trip to the post office. Many retail stores offer gift-wrapping services as well. If you have a number of gifts that need to be shipped, gather them all together and ship them at one time, rather than in multiple trips to the post office. Finally, if you’re buying an item that’s likely to be in short supply, like a Nintendo Wii or a Teddy Ruxpin (yes, they’re back!), start your shopping right away so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. Remember, the act of gift giving should make you feel great – not overwhelmed – and your recipient should feel happy with the affection you’ve show in the form of a tangible item. Act now to organize your gifting, and you’ll have a lot less stress when the holidays come around! -
© 2009 Joshua Zerkel and Custom Living Solutions. All Rights Reserved.
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Wednesday, 09 November 2011 18:58
Re-imagining Entrepreneurship: Oh Humanity, Where Art Thou?Written by CJCallenI have tried to re-imagine many things: philanthropy, money, social movements, but never the word of business per se. Now’s as good a time as any but what is my inspiration for using the “h” word?
Riding San Francisco MUNI.
I grew up in a crazy city called New York City and so public transportation, particularly the subway, was the great equalizer where all people meet. I have the protocol down that seems to work: be polite, as if the other person was your beloved grandmother. But from riding MUNI for over two decades I have witnessed a disturbing lack of connection between and among riders. And it seems to be getting worse and worse. Young and seemingly healthy people sit in the seats designated for seniors and do not give them up when seniors board. Shy, scared seniors look lost as they stand but are unable to voice their need. Today, a strapping young man jumped in front of me to board MUNI, practically knocking me out of the way. Wow, was your momma a wolf who raised you to hurt small women? I don’t get it. Do we need to have a major mind-blowing disaster like 9/11 for us to look around, see our fellow humans and connect with them from that sense of shared destiny? I hope not.
Here’s another one that still boggles my mind: people sit on the aisle, blocking an empty window seat and then refuse to get up to let you sit there – you have to climb over them. When I sit on the window seat and need to exit, I let the person on the aisle seat know by saying politely with a smile “excuse me” and they still refuse to get up! They act as if being courteous would diminish their “status” in some way. I get up when people exit but most people don’t let me know and I have to guess. I miss hearing the sound of the word “excuse me.” My fellow San Franciscans, we need to do better. But enough about this.
So what does this have to do with my business? Everything. I am now trying to find ways that my business can express its humanity as an expression of my humanity. This means more than the “give back” program that will provide access to people regardless of financial resources and create opportunity for sharing across racial and ethnic and class lines. This means infusing programs and practices with an attention to those good things that make us proud to be human: including looking out for the other guy. Otherwise, well, we are just jackals and believe me, you do not want to live in world where jackals make the rules.
Follow along with me on this:
If you think you can’t learn anything form the mundane (like riding public transportation), think again
If you think that you can continue to deny your humanity and live a happy and fulfilled life, think again
If you think that our humanity has nothing to do with our business acumen or success, think again (and again and again) Now I will officially step off the soapbox. Off to building my business with my humanity in tact. Wish me luck on the journey! Care to join me?
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Wednesday, 26 October 2011 09:00
Into the Danger Zone: Moving from Discomfort to DiscoveryWritten by CJCallen
Still, I wander, I waiver, I weep. Right now I don’t need anyone to tear me down, I am pretty accomplished at it myself. So advice for me and others seeking to find something inside that will trigger a move to the next stage of the change cycle? I have a four-point plan:
Is this the “secret sauce” for getting out of the zone? Not sure, but I will keep you posted and leave you with the words of wisdom from a simple sage who serves as an important role model: “When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.” ― Winnie-the-Pooh (author A.A. Milne)
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Wednesday, 12 October 2011 09:00
A Life Lived Simply and Simply Lived: A Launch Pad for the JourneyWritten by CJCallenRemembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. – Steve Jobs
Decades later I am at the funeral for this simple woman who lived simply for others. Her generosity and big heart was renowned in our small circle and she was a surrogate parent to many a lost soul. That was her legacy. People tell me that I seem to have inherited her big heart. Now my charge is to take that heart and put it in service to where I want to go as an entrepreneur. And what will be my legacy? If ever I got the fire lit under me to turn my vision into a thriving enterprise, it is now. No negative thoughts or “ho hum” response will damper my spirits – as they had in the past. I was too sensitive even with all that armor I wore. Now I prefer going bare and going for it all. That is my natural state and in that state I will honor that which is my inner nature. There is NO reason at all, Mr. Jobs, you are right. Mom, rest in peace. World, here I come.
The moment you can visualize being free from the things that hold you back, you have indeed begun to set yourself free. -Unknown
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Wednesday, 28 September 2011 16:55
Before “for”, After “with”: On Service & EntrepreneurshipWritten by CJCallen
Frank talks about a service as a matter “not of being nice but of recognizing that one’s own lack can only be met by the others’ abundance of need.” He then goes on to describe empathy as something not that one “has for” another but “is with.”
When I think about the nonprofit sector, which has been at the center of my professional life, I find too many examples of people and organizations that have empathy for their clients (what I could call sympathy) rather than (true) empathy with them. They have lost the true meaning of “service.” They walk away feeling superior because of a perceived asymmetrical relationship based on the asymmetry of their work.
As someone going into the service business, I pledge never to forget that the people who come to me for guidance, or an “experience” are not there only to learn but to teach. My hope is that I and those who work with me will never forget this and empathize with retreat-goers and their search for meaning in their life – and in the process gain insights into our own lives.
My business will be built on this definition of service. That will be coupled with a commitment to “give back” but not in the old-school charity way of doing something for someone less fortunate but in my way: reaching across the table to others who might not be able to afford a retreat to invite them into a space wired for deep inner inquiry. Today, I discovered that line between for-profit and social enterprise has become a bit blurry for me – and it’s just the way I like it. What a fine way for me as a “sector switcher” to bridge my old social world to my new business world. Today’s question: what unexpected source of advice/insights/clarity have you come across recently?
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Wednesday, 21 September 2011 14:44
Pssst, I Have a Secret: The Surprising Key to Making Your Ideas BetterWritten by CJCallen“…we are often better served by connecting ideas than we are at protecting them.” --Stephen Johnson, Where Good Ideas Come From So I am reading this book by Steven Johnson, Where Good Ideas Come From, which gives me a chance to explore one of my favorite topics: connections. His theory is that there are patterns to innovation that are undeniable and at the root is connection to other, often seemingly disparate things. Innovation is horizontal, not vertical. Contrary to the inclinations of people who hoard, true wealth comes from a spirit of sharing and an appreciation of the abundance that nature provides. We too often play our cards too close to our chest or engage in extreme competition that actually does NOT ensure innovation. Apparently, in the business world and in nature, innovation seems to thrive in environments that are rich in connectivity. That is why the complex fabric of cities are better breeding grounds for new ideas to be born and blossom than small towns.
So what kinds of environment and networks promote innovation and how can we create them? John tackles his subject with verve but early on in my read, I find myself thinking about my connection to Fearless Women Entrepreneur Network. I was drawn to the Network for the opportunity it offered to be part of a community of like-minded women driven by their “big idea.” I am confident that building relationships with my fellow women entrepreneurs and learning from them is essential to making my own idea a better one.
What I have discovered is that when the network works best, it is filled with community spirit and energy, a sense that our fates are intertwined and a willingness to share our stories. Where it does not work as well is when I talk to women who are still hesitant to share what they are doing. What are they protecting? Why are they so fearful to say something –anything – about their latest project? It is too bad and too sad for them and for us women entrepreneurs.
 So psst, I have a secret that is not a secret at all: by examining well-established patterns, one can see that openness creates conditions ripe for innovation to run rampant. So talk to me. I’m CJ and I’m working on a new personal retreat model grounded in the community ritual of food/wine. What’s up with you and your big idea? Let’s make our respective ideas better – and let’s do it together.
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Wednesday, 14 September 2011 17:47
Simple Steps to Scaling the Heights: E-Z Daily Practices for the Business LeaderWritten by CJCallen"Great leaders aren’t afraid of scaling the peaks that few others are willing to climb" – Chip Conley, PEAK
Here are three daily practices to get you started.
Get from Point A to Point B with consciousness. Contrary to what you might see on the roads, driving is not a competition; in fact, it works best when done with courtesy and a cooperative spirit. Let the other guy in. Watch out for everyone (yourself included) by not using your hands to text or talk while driving. Focus on driving and getting from point A to point B. When on public transit, do NOT sit on the aisle so that the window seat is blocked. Allow people to exit when you are on the aisle seat – why do so many people just sit there, ignore the existing passenger and make that poor soul have to climb over them? That can’t be comfortable for anyone and it’s just plain rude. It is not a personal slight to be polite to others, IMHO. Love technology but love others more. Put the device away, not just when you obviously need to focus on a task at hand (e.g. driving) but also simply when you are in the company of friends. I am truly amazed by the sight of two people sitting at a restaurant table but not being with each other; instead, they are both interacting with their personal devices or talking to people who are not there. Love the one you’re with. Find JOY in your dining; be mindful in your meals. For a change from fast food, try slow eating. For a change from wine guzzling, try mindful wine tasting. Be aware of what you are eating and drinking, where it comes from/how it speaks of place. Appreciate the ritual of food and the way it builds community.
If you do these three daily practices:
All those who love you will continue to All those who don’t know you might grow to love you And I will love you more than any of the above!
Put all that love to work to create a thriving business fueled by fulfilled stakeholders (employees, customers and investors). Hope you enjoyed today’s dispatch on leadership for the aspiring entrepreneur. See you next week!
CJ Callen @thewineyenta
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But is it normal? For insights I turned to the latest edition of a 20-year old career book, Zen and the Art of Making a Living by Laurence G. Boldt.
What did I learn? Who needs normal when you can have you? Are you ready to create a life “where what you do matches who you are at the deepest levels”? I also discovered stuff that I know that I don’t want to hear: no one said it would be easy. And the stuff that motivates me: if you stay on course, you will achieve the elusive balance, wholeness and meaning that you seek in life. I walked away confidant that the soul needs feeding too. That which we cannot see matters and guess what, if it cannot be counted it might count more than we ever imagined! At my deepest levels. I know that but then I get all “schizoid” when I find myself being the good business woman working on a detailed financial plan (as if anything ever goes as planned). I try to count the intangibles. I strive to be rational in an irrational world. I strive too much when I might fare better if I would let go.
So what did I commit to?
Embracing the mystery – it’s time to simply accept the mystery that is unfolding while still giving the “devil is in the details” its due. Appreciating the paradoxes – here’s one that I just realized: I seek to become a business owner as a way to move from focusing on myself as an individual to embracing myself as part of a community. Reminding myself of simple truths – it is time to live life to the maxim and guided by this maxim:
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot
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Recently, I also celebrated a birthday – surrounded by friends, which was lovely (and unusual now that I think of it as my second b-day party ever). What kept running through my head then as I choked down tears of joy for having good people in my life is this oldie-but-goodie tune by Leslie Gore. It was indeed my party and I felt I could do whatever I wanted to. And I decided to take the opportunity to have a birthday NOT to look BACK at all the things I did/did not do as we often do, but instead to look AHEAD at all the things I PLAN to do. What’s my legacy then as I stare into a crystal ball? Having created something new that moves people because in the end (and actually along the way) all that matters are the people who are part of the journey and the customers who benefit from the experience I provide for them. So let’s go to that wake – for me, I will ask people to throw one hell of a party and so the line between wake and party disappears. What will people be saying? I leave you with a poem to spark some creativity about MY party.
At This Party
I don’t want to be the only one here Telling all the secrets –
Filling up all the bowls at this party, Talking all the laughs.
I would like you To start putting things on the table That can also feed the soul The way I do
That way We can invite
A hell of a lot more Friends.
-Hafiz, Translated by Daniel Landinsky
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As an entrepreneur I know I cannot have too much courage and so I asked for a crystal that would help me out in my newfound role. I was told that I could not go wrong with the Tiger’s Eye, and indeed, how could I? So beautiful, I could stare at it for hours. I took it home with notes that it channeled "Abundance, lucky day, far-seeing, and courage." I did some further research on Tigers Eye and found this at http://www.rainbowcrystal.com “In human terms the qualities of patience and timing relate to our ability to create what we want for our lives. The color gold represents the ability to manifest; while brown corresponds to the energies of the earth. Thus, tiger's eye can help us to translate our ideas into physical reality.” Perfect. Oh, before I left the store, I was told that the Tiger’s Eye was powerful for helping you stand strong, being confident, knowing you have what it takes, and being successful. Could use a dose of that. Finally, after a long day, I looked for one more sign why I chose this one and stumbled upon this on http://www.crystalwellbeing.co.uk: “It can promote a positive attitude, assist us in accomplishing our goals and help us to recognise our own talents and abilities.” Bingo. It is know as the stone of self-discipline. Brother, give me a double dose of that. So it was strange for me to walk into this store. I literally walked passed it and then came back because something caught my eye. I was feeling playful and went in. That spirit of “playful inquiry” served me well then, and will surely do the same for me as I build a new business. Fresh eyes, new perspectives needed in this challenging world of ours. What do you plan to do to see the world differently?
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Determine your gift-giving budget. To prevent overspending, it’s always a good idea to know what your limit is. We are in a tough time economically, and splurges that you may have done in the past may not be possible right now. Instead of going into debt during the holidays, take a few minutes and look at your overall financial picture. How much can you afford to spend this year without busting your budget? I think most people will understand if this year’s gift isn’t as costly as in years past, and I doubt your loved ones would feel great about you incurring debt to buy them a gift. Make a budget and stick to it.
Joshua Zerkel, CPO® is a the founder of Custom Living Solutions, a San Francisco-based productivity and organizing consulting firm, specializing in helping busy people save time, space and money by getting organized at home and at work. For more FREE organizing ideas, visit 
On this entrepreneurial journey that really is a study in the cycle of change, I found myself in the “danger zone”: That place between discomfort and discovery. But how to move from one to the other? The anxiety, confusion and lack of productivity have taken on a life of their own. A wise woman gave me the warning and supported me in getting back to work.
Apple founder Steve Jobs died last week. My mom did too. She was far from a modern titan of industry and icon of innovation. She was a simple woman from South Carolina who arrived in New York City at age 10 to start her life on her own. She got to work.
The book 
So being an entrepreneur can feel like climbing a mountain to get to the top to soak up the exhilarating experience – the essence of a PEAK experience. Your leadership will be tested again and again. But there are things you can do to build your stamina, everyday things that make you better suited for reaching extraordinary things.
I labored this Labor Day on my business plan; this work was fueled by fashion and feeds my soul.
This weekend I attended a pretend wake for an organization. It was an exercise to help a board think about what legacy they hoped to have and how to organize themselves now so that they can achieve it. That conversation about an organization got me thinking hard about my own legacy.
I found myself at a store called the