“Talk Story with SCORE” Where We Support Akamai Business.
Maui’s ONLY monthly radio show that offers an informative half hour of business information and resources in the state of Hawaii focusing on the county of Maui. Hear business advice and shared experiences from local business resources, SCORE counselors, and business owners who have successfully started a business with the help of SCORE.

OCTOBER 1st, 2008
GUEST - Steve Rose, Business Enrichment Consultant and SCORE Counselor
Steve Rose and Susan Kim will discuss marketing and how to leverage different strategies during economic high’s and low’s.

WHEN TO TUNE IN:
DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
TIME: 12noon
LOCATION: KAOI, 1110am Radio (Maui)

“Talk Story with SCORE” Where We Support Akamai Business.
Maui’s ONLY monthly radio show that offers an informative half hour of business information and resources in the state of Hawaii focusing on the county of Maui. Hear business advice and shared experiences from local business resources, SCORE counselors, and business owners who have successfully started a business with the help of SCORE.

SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2008
GUEST - Jeanette Tan, Quickbooks Expert and SCORE Counselor
Jeanette Tan and Susan Kim will discuss “money” - keeping track of your dollars and cents and how to utilize best practices in your business.

WHEN TO TUNE IN:
DATE: Wednesday September 3, 2008
TIME: 12noon
LOCATION: KAOI, 1110am Radio (Maui)

Talking about technology this month has brought out the “geek” in me – who doesn’t like the bright and shiny objects that dangle in front of us? However, sometimes we purchase the “upgrade” just because it’s there, not necessarily out of purposeful intention or because it is a good choice.

The important questions to ask yourself are:
How does it benefit your life TODAY?
Does it upgrade your lifestyle?
What systems in your life need to be “tweaked?”

Distinguishing between trinkets that serve you and enhance your life VS. those that make your life more difficult and stressful, is a great tool to have. It helps you to make choices on a daily basis that suit you and makes life EASIER for you.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technology used to benefit our self care can make a huge difference in how we organize and plan.

1 1/2 years ago when I changed from carrying a separate cell phone and palm pilot to ONE Palm Treo that served both for me, it was the best thing I could have done! I had always utilized various systems to help me organize - Franklin Covey, Day Planners, the Palm Pilot – but the Palm Treo helped me take it one step further and really helped me be more efficient throughout my week.

The fact that I have all my contacts in one place makes it easier to update/revise and/or access my contact information. It was cumbersome to maintain when I had three separate places for my contacts: my pda, my cell phone AND my contact software on my laptop. Now it’s all in once spot, saving me time, energy and sweat! With the extra time, I do a little more yoga or walk my dog.

TAKE ACTION! CHALLENGE:
Life does not have to be hard work. Instead of working hard to maintain technology, let technology work hard for you.
How can you improve your daily “system” to incorporate technology for you to enhance your life, to “upgrade” life?

Another example would be my coffee maker. I purposely bought a coffee maker with the brew timer. It’s easier for me to set up the coffee the night before and have fresh brewed coffee ready for me in the morning when I wake up! Now I just have to get someone to bring it to me in bed. . .

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Sometimes technology doesn’t serve us, no matter how bright and shiny the object might be. Sometimes we “upgrade” just for the sake of upgrading, which doesn’t always benefit us.

Made me really stop to think about some other things in my life that I do on “automatic” that does not serve me TODAY. For example:

• Membership renewals – some I don’t take full advantage of the membership.
• Cell phone package – I can find a better, more efficient minute plan based on my usage.
• Our recycling bins – we tend to save up more bottles before we drop them off (we don’t have local pick up), and our old system just doesn’t work any more.

It could also be “bigger” things, like financial planning. Usually we just plug in money to our retirement plans and forget about it. This is something that is also on automatic that may need a little “tweaking” TODAY – depending on your lifestyle and financial goals.

TAKE ACTION!
What other things in your life need a little tweaking?
Getting into “automatic” mode can be beneficial when we set up systems to make our lives easier. However, sometimes we get comfortable and continue along the same path, even if it doesn’t necessarily make sense any more. It’s always a good idea to periodically review and revise so that you keep what is relevant to your life TODAY – and discard those things that are not.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

We have an e-cycling event coming up this month, where they collect unwanted electronic equipment. Last week I dug out some of my own boxes of old trinkets and I hit the motherload! I pulled out at least 4 old palm pilots, 2 cell phones, a Bluetooth and about 10 extra USB cords and adapters, not to mention a dozen accessories I no longer use. I could start my own little electronics store business!

It got me thinking, why do I have all of this stuff? Other than the obvious answer – I bought it! Or rather . . I’d been sold!

Through constant marketing campaigns and my fondness for new shiny things, I got sucked into the “next versions” and “newer models.” I realized it was my version of “Keeping up with the Jones’.” I was just “Jonesin’” for cool stuff or in today’s language, . . . I wanted to upgrade.

Made me really think about what I need vs what I want vs what is pure vanity.

In my personal Self Care practice, I’ve tried to reduce my clutter and pack-rat-ness. Now I’m slowly moving toward what is “natural” and moving away from technology for the sake of the shininess of it all. To be fair, since discovering the Palm Treo about a 1 1/2 years ago, I have not needed another palm OR cell phone (the Treo is both for me now). I like to think that I’ve reduced my carbon footprint by at least 50% but . . . don’t hold me it just yet (wink).

Granted, technology is a hobby for some and a lifestyle for others. But I challenge you to think about:

What “trinkets” in your life are serving you. . . and what doesn’t. And how does it benefit (or inhibit) your Self Care?

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

August 26th, 2008
Maui, Hawaii
Maui County Business Resource Center - 808-873-8247

Speaking is an essential business tool, whether you have an audience of 1 or 1,000. When you are in front of a group, you have the opportunity to position yourself as an expert in your field.
Susan Kim will teach you how to capture your audience’s attention and deliver a clear, powerful message to your audience. Learn tools to feel confident and comfortable with your delivery.

Gain confidence, speak your mind and position yourself as the expert!