What it's like to have a start up...

Want an efficent personal assistant for cheap - asksunday!

2008-09-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

No joke - asksunday.com is the BOMB. They follow through to the end to make sure your most annoying chores ie. Wait on hold forever calls are handled to a tee. I mean on my last task he went out of the way to get a hold of a supervisor to remedy an annoyance I'd been stuck with for a year! I wanted to kiss his feet. I couldn't believe it. And all for 39 bucks a month. True blessing for any entreprenuer.
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Sleepless night and panic attacks

2008-09-20T16:38:00.001-07:00

So everyday I hear from investors who amazing I have done with the capital I have and the many milestones I have accomplished. Then at night I still have nightmares that all is failing and during the day panic attacked that I won't get to it all. How does a start up entreprenuer have balance in their life. I don't know. What I do know is every last moment happy or sad is all worth it.
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What its like to have a start up - hard

2008-08-30T16:27:00.001-07:00

Its sacrifice. Labor Day weekend is here and if my staff didn't ask for the day off it would have flown past my life leaving no skid marks. But while others are splashing about in their last attempts for summer time sultry pool parties I am build a future full of excitement mystery and accomplishment. I'd say what I'm losing is well worth what I'm about to gain.
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I won the Golden Ticket!

2008-08-29T11:00:00.001-07:00

I found out I was accepted into Astia, a world class organization for woman entreprenuers in San Francisco. SO EXCITED to get started!!!
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How to pitch your start up company

2008-08-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Must read "The Art of the Start" by Guy Kawasaki
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Virgin has plugs too!

2008-08-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

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Virgin America is the only airline to fly

2008-08-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Amazing food, great entertainment, positive customer service, comfy seats and just about the last airline to give complimentaru headphones in this crazy economy. LOVE VIRGIN AIRLINES! Oh and awesome deals all the time ... Man I'm starting to sound like I work for them.
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A life saver for business card scanning

2008-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

I swear by Neat Recepits. Its the holy grail of scanning cards, document (even flyers) and recepits. Works like a gem, no jamming up and is a smart machine capturing all text just about flawlessly. Can't believe I didn't discover it sooner!
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Implementation

2008-08-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Implementation, Implementation, Implementation .... Don't talk about what you can do. Discover ideas and ACT.
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Nominate Stoked Mentoring for the AMEX Contest!! - Creating Successful Teens Through Extreme Sports

2008-08-13T09:13:00.001-07:00

Business card scanner

2008-08-10T00:14:00.001-07:00

I have found the absolute best business card scanner. Its called "Neat" scanner. I actually found it at Costco. Its a must. Scans cards, docs and receipts flawlessly. Implements all the information onto the computer and even tallies recipts and tons of other features. Love it!
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Fireworks

2008-07-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the forth of July, and like many people, my day wrapped up with a fireworks show. It was a fitting end to a stretch of 6-7 really hard days. My wife and I just had our second child, an amazing little boy, and after about 3 weeks the reality of two children and two jobs really set in.

As part of a team trying to make a start up a success, how do I take care of my wife and kids, while taking care of my company at the same time? This was the question going through my head. The success of the company is key to many long term personal and professional goal I have, but in the short-term, how am I supposed to raise two kids and raise a company at the same time?

I could not find an answer. I looked everywhere I could think and was just not finding anything. I believed in myself, and knew there had to be an answer, but I wanted one solid confirmation, from somewhere, that the road before me was possible.

Yesterday, I finally got that answer, from an unexpected place and in an unexpected way. My wife's family has a large "reunion" of sorts every year, 90+ people are here this year. Early in the day I had the privilege of a short conversation with one of my wife's family members. She happens to be a retired CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation and knows a thing or two about business and family. We've spoken on many occasions, but this conversation was very timely. I was sitting in our room alone with my little boy as he was getting ready for a nap. She had not met him yet and was very anxious to do so. She knocked on the door and came in to say hello. As she was holding my son she said, "Oh, I'm so jealous, I want a baby again."

This simple sentence was all I needed. She has children and grandchildren of her own, worked with leaders in both politics and business all over the world, even spends time with a Queen from time to time, and here she's jealous because I have this beautiful baby boy.

To me, her sentence said, "You can do it," and was all I needed to get back on track. I spent the rest of the day enjoying my family, and thinking about work again. I even finished off the day with a great idea for the company.

It sure feels good to be back on track again.

BeverlyHotSprings.com

2008-06-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Man was this experience incredible. Who knew such a secret existed in LA. Literally hot springs in the middle of the city right in the center of Korea Town. You walk in and waterfalls overcome all your stresses. They take you to a changing room filled with peace. Then onto the hot springs. The delicious water took away all my troubles and soothed by challeneges with clarity. I treated myself to a couple spa services and afterward with all forgotten tranquility revived into by being read "The Energy of Prayer". It"s easy to lose balance owning a start up.
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A day at the beach doesn't hurt anyone...

2008-06-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's so tough being an entreprenuer. One of our advisors demanded I begin taking Sundays off starting last Sunday. Its nice actually. Did leave the computers at the office but as you can see my BlackBerry isn't far from reach. This weekend is about employee management, being able to walk away and also knwoing when to give someone one last leap of faith. Its tough. Owning a business is like the most dynamic chess game. All the players matter and if they are taken out or make the wrong moves the Queen is in jepordy. So you want to have the best team.
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What day am I on?

2008-03-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

Its Tuesday. I didn't go to boot camp yesterday because my previous week was just so stressful I needed the sleep and didn't want to catch the evil flu that's been going around. Miraculously I scored an inhaler over the weekend. Man, what a blessing it is to breathe. It made the work out so much more tolerable. Today is a new start for my life. A new breath of fresh air to inhale, literally and symbolically. I was supposed to have this great momentum infused into my company by today and I am still waiting. It is quite a huge let down and a question of commitment to one's word. Hopefully all will work itself out soon enough. In the meanwhile I'll be chanting me "Secret" chant... "An abundance of money flows freely into my life each and every day". Maybe, just maybe, the universe will hear me and I'll be that much closer to achieving the resources I need to later pursue my philanthropic goals.

Day 3... Opps... lets skip to Day 4

2008-02-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

Day 3 I played hooky. I had a rough week. I a lot of thinking. Wanted some zone out time.

So onto Day 4... Today was pretty good. Arrived about 5 minutes late. Mostly because i was sitting in my car dreading confronting life, but hey. So I finally walk to the grass greeted by a warm smile and start my boot camp. It was good. In just a couple days I feel myself getting stronger. Took some pics for some "before" shots. Not sharing though. It's embarrassing. And when the hour was up I walked to the cliff looking over the ocean and did a bit of meditation. Okay so like a minute of no thoughts, but then the rest of the 14 minutes were spent being grateful for all that I do have. A business partner who is a great friend and support, my family whether they have done me right or wrong I was grateful. My friends who are inspired by me. And the awe I have for my friends. This week is my 29th birthday. Maybe G-d will give me all the answers I am looking for as a gift.

Or maybe, just maybe, he has already given me all my gifts and I just need to unwrap them.

Day 2... Medic please :)

2008-02-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, I definitely was dragged to go to the camp today. Being an entrepreneur took my health away. I just dreaded being reminded of it. Sitting in front of the computer each day eats at your muscles and left me with little appetite to properly nourish myself. I was huffing and puffing through the whole thing. But happy I stayed. Didn't give up. Well if not leaving equates to not giving up. I didn't give it my all that's for sure. The whole process reminded me of when I had a tumor years ago (I'm okay now) and had it removed. The journey back to recovery was draining. My body just didn't function as it once did. I had to rebuild. And here I go again. Rebuilding...

Workaholis, Asmatic Entreprenuer Seeks Balance

2008-02-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yeah, It's tough being an entrepreneur. So today I start Boot Camp. The funny part is for owning a sports company I am completely out of shape. I don't look it, but I feel it. Totally worn down from constantly sitting in from the the computer, forgetting to eat, lacking sleep and "Free time" what's that. Just last week my business partner asked me what I do for fun. "Fun"? "Well,"... I answered "Work". Isn't that the goal. To do what we love. What we are passionate about so it doesn't feel like work. But then let me tell you after years of it "Life" gets lost and work becomes everything. So it's time to change things up a bit. And today was my first day of Boot Camp. I discovered it in the grocery line, probably buying my late night snacks, sushi and soda. Gleaming like an oasis out of the corner of my eye was a new military style Beach Boot Camp. So I immediately signed up. That was a few months ago. I went once and quickly forgot to come again. But then my partner asked me that "fun" question. And it has been irking me like no other. So I am at it again. To find that happy balance between my beloved work and life.

Day One was grueling. I was just happy I showed up and being on time was the cherry on top. I was in bed doing my morning emails and almost gave into my crackberry addiction and didn't leave. But one of my last emails was something encouraging from one of the companies I worked with and that gave me the push to get out the door. At the camp I fantasized about making phone calls and responding to emails. Because in reality my body was screaming at me for spending so much time in a chair.

Lets hope Day Two has a little more umph. But hey, at least I made it through Day One.

Off to DC to speak at Georgetown

2008-01-08T03:40:00.000-08:00

I honored to have been invited to Georgetown in DC to speak on their panel on entrepreneurs and investors this week. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with new people in the technology industry.It's very important to stay up to date not only in the subject matter or the business your in, but also in the dynamics of how that business functions.

Women dot comers meet up

2008-01-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

Ladies Who Launch was suggested to me by a friend who owns AC Talent. I registered today and I am looking forward to attending one of their meetings. I think its important to collaborate with and brain storm ideas with fellow entrepreneurs.

Just got back...

2007-09-01T08:15:00.001-07:00

Just got back from meeting with my business partner. I think in end when I find all the riches I'll end up saying the most successful trait in an entrepreneur is either knowing when to walk away and especially having the strength to persevere. I am feeling pretty good about September.

Reading... "The New Influencers" Can't get enough of it.

Its been tough.... it is a must to have a strong team

2007-08-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Luckily my team is incredible. I pride myself in finding people with not only talent, but integrity, loyalty, passion and a genuine care for their teammates. These past couple weeks have been tough. I started my company by investing in real estate and the pressures of juggling old respponsibilities and those anew are hard to balance at times. I am thankful to have a strong team. But also it teaches me the importance of letting go of some things and working them out of my life in order to give my company all the enrgy and attention it needs while stilling finding time for myself. A diligent working entrepreneur deserves a few cocktails with friends every now and again. The only way to find that balance is via a team and focus.

Events found by the remote assistant in Malibu... Pretty good

2007-08-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS: The assistant from Ask Sunday sent over a word doc with relevant local events that are actually worth looking into right in the heart of Malibu. The art gallery and surf event are pretty neat ideas.

Here's what was in the doc...

Events in Malibu

3rd Annual MCSA Community Summer Surf Classic
Timing:Sat, Aug 11, 7 AM - Zuma Beach Tower 6

For ages 12-25 years old. Entry fee: $25 included a free T-shirt, a raffle ticket for prize drawings and a free lunch from Lily's for every competitor. Prizes include surf boards, skateboards, wetsuits and more. Celebrity judges are Shannon and Shayne McIntyre from Fuel TV.

"Outside the Box"
Timing: Aug 11-Sep 1, Wed-Sat, 11 AM-6 PM
Schomburg Gallery Bergamot Station Arts Ctr.
2525 Michigan Avenue, E3A, Santa Monica
"Outside the Box" featuring paintings by Bates Poland Bates.

Malibu Lagoon Family Field Trip
Timing:Sat, Aug 11, 9:30 AM
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Enjoy a family lagoon adventure for youths ages 8-12. Explore the importance and preservation of wetlands. Bring binoculars, lunch and water. Pre-registration required Telephone :(818) 591-1701 ext 181. Booking Three hours in advance.

Attractions in Malibu

Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach

Address:35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Telephone: 818-880-0350

Topanga State Beach

Address:18700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Telephone: 310-394-3266

Zuma Beach

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Telephone: 310 457 9891

Malibu Pier

Address:23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum

Address:23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Telephone: 310-456-8432
Rainy day tour info: 310 456 1770
Activities: Group tours/Walking tour

For more attractions please visit the link below:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32676-Activities-Malibu_California.html

Found remote personal assistant for only 29 bucks a month... has anyone else tried them out?

2007-08-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a script I started on LinkedIn and its getting interesting so I thought I would post it.

Tonight on aSW I came across asksunday.com, a remote personal assistant service for 29 bucks a month. Sounds too good to be true, but I'll try them out during the 1 month free trial and let you know. Has anyone else heard of them or used them? Or any service/company similar and have been pleased with the results? Thanks..

Clarification added 8 hours ago:

AFTER REVIEWING COMMENTS: So far found this blog about the company http://blog.robwebb2k.com/2007/07/29/ask-sunday/ in addition to all their press releases. Going to keep investigating. Thanks for all your help so far. Let me know if you find out anything else.
Clarification added 2 minutes ago:

ADDED 8/10: So far I have found ....
Like services based in India...
getfriday.com is a division of http://yourmaninindia.com/ - India (see http://getfriday.blogspot.com and look at their presence in the news like Wall Street)

http://www.b2kcorp.com/ - india (this is a competitor for getfriday it seems)

script about utilizing these services
Here is a NPR interview for a writer using the services at Esquire magazine

It seems there are 2 options, a virtual assistant for cheap (get friday) and task programs. Check out this price list. Unbelievable. There may be benefits to trying both. So far I asked AskSunday to find me activities in Malibu on Saturday and first they sent me things that were way too far. Then I was pleased to see they caught their own mistake and sent me new info on closer activities. But unfortunately it was a list of shops and I don't really like to go shopping and don't consider shopping a fun Saturday activity. So for the geographic test they are not up to par. Will let you know how it goes when I find out more.

Sunday 24/7 Personal Assistant Service Creates Enhanced Mobility

2007-08-10T00:36:00.001-07:00

Looks like it could save an entrepreneur lots of time. Gonna check it out this month and let you know what I think. Here's their sales info. Sunday offers a revolutionary time-saving service providing enhanced mobility for its members. Sunday gives busy people the resources of a 24/7 personal assistant, available real-time via telephone and Internet, at a fraction of the cost of other options. The service is available nationwide and we currently have customers across the US

read more | digg story

Having the right partner...

2007-08-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

So my partner read the last post and was worried it was about him. I am grateful Spencer and I were able to connect in the way we did and prove ourselves to one another before becoming partners in crime. I really don't know how I would build my company without him. I think a business partner in many ways needs to be like your best friend. Someone you trust, someone you get scared with, someone you show your true colors too and someone who is so close to you they understand the foundation of bliss you experience on each happy day. But with all that connection and responsibility it in no way surprises me that many people find it hard to form a partnership.

to partner or not to partner

2007-08-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a very tough day for me.

My business is a social network catering to talent, focusing more on the aspects of helping the talent find work and getting exposure than just being another site with pretty pictures of models and actors. I have a business partner.

My business partner is a very nice guy. He has great ideas.

That's about it.
He just doesn't work... he has so many idea and good intentions... But nothing ever comes from it. I am doing all the work... pulling for both of us and I can't take it anymore.

My heart says that he's a nice guy and we are in this together, but my brain tells me to ditch him, to ask him to just drop it as he's obviously too busy with something else. The good thing is that I own 51%, so worse case scenario I will always have the power to make executive decisions... the bad thing is that he is a friend as well.

I don't like confrontations with people that I care about, but I do know when something isn't right or needs to change.

I am scared that he's going to ask a ridiculous amount of money to 'buy him out', or that he simply refuses and makes a promise that he'll start doing his share of the work, but meanwhile continues to do nothing and therefore making me even more upset and frustrated.

We are in two different States, so face to face meetings are tough. Phone calls with him are tough too, so today I sent him an email to ask him about what his vision was for the company and if he's willing and able to do his job if still wants to be part of our team.

I feel relieved that I made the first step and am waiting for his answer.

Sometimes I wonder if I should be more direct or harder on people. I mean, would that make me a better business woman? How do I want to be treated and how do I want to represent myself and my company to the world?

I don't know. Today was just a bad day.

What it's like to have a start up - tiring

2007-08-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am so tired. Today I slept the whole day and I am still tired. I feel like having a company is running a marathon. It's this crazy race to the finish line, but you have to make sure you said hi to everyone on the way. Meaning that if you don't catch all the details in between there is no way to succeed or you won't be prepared once you do find success. Today was hard. Though I slept, this comes after it seems like months of no sleep. Just constant emailing, phone calling, bill paying. Physically training at the gym is my salvation. Sometimes I picture myself like Christian Bale in American Psycho. Just a machine. Sick right. Anyway... My brain and I are taking a vacation for the rest of the night. Bye for now.

I feel like I am juggling a thousand balls

2007-08-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I would do without Spencer. He is the world best team mate. Today was full of a ton of great contacts and incredible support from my team. But still at the end of the day I have SO much to do and there is no one who can do it other than me. I feel like funding is around the corner and to just keep on truckin. Its a lot of pressure to love something so much and know that in order to do it forever you have to make as few mistakes as possible. The good thing is learning how to do a lot with a little. To put it simply. Right now I am reading "The New Influencers". I can't put it down. I am such a dork. But it is all about Social Media and blogging. The wealth of information the book has to offer is simple incredible. My favorite place to buy books online is bestbookbuys.com but you can get it wherever. I got it for 25 bucks at Borders. Anyway, good night. Have to catch up for another day of adventures tomorrow.

Things have been so exciting!

2007-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

So Spencer and I are restructuring for August and September. We are prepping ourselves to re-present to the investors. Woo hoo! I am training my body with Raye Hollitt (http://www.rayehollitt.com), Gladiator extraordinaire, and expanding my brain researching statistics to kick ass when we show off our new and improved business plans. It's actually quite fun. Today I bought a Rebel XTI (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/rebelxti.html) to save a bit of money on hiring photographers at events so that's pretty cool. The camera is so rad and easy to use. Plus I bought a Sony Cam to capture the local skaters. Aug and Sept should be off the hook. Its all hard work, but well worth it. Oh and hello... a few nights ago we got Paris Hilton lovin up ZexSports. Can you believe it! I can't believe in just a few months Tony Hawk, Brian Deegan. Marlise Kast , Holly Beck and Paris Hilton. So stoked.

Signed up just so I can do less work creating my Orkut profile ... ha ha

2007-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Trying to switch over to Orkut. MySpace is so full of Spam these days. Plus I hate the ads blowing up in my face. Things are going pretty well. I'm in Tucson, AZ for the 4th. Crazy I know. It's like a billion degrees here. But I love my yoga classes and I needed the "chill" time to break free from my workaholic ways. Here's the studio I go to http://www.yogavidatucson.com/. Its called Bikram yoga. Hot yoga in hot Tucson. Okay, now I'm insane... ha ha... Have I ever been known to do anything in a logical manner...ZexSports (http://www.zexsports.com) is going outstanding. I am so grateful. My team is kicking ass. You should check out the clips we have been putting together. If any of you know of an action sports related event let me know ASAP so that we can arrange to be there. Hope everyone is well.

All incredible things... me

HAPPY 4th!!!