Great Customer Service!

Most of you know by now, each year I try something new.  This year, in addition to simplifying my life, I am supporting good customer service and not returning to companies that are rude, disrespectful or don't take the time to train their employees (@Starbucks, McDonalds and Lowes).

Today, I was so pleasantly shocked by the service at GFS (Gordon Foods).  The store doesn't currently carry a granola bar Kody requested.  The manager, who greeted me when I came into the store, said he would call his sales rep to see if he could help.  Less than five minutes later, the manager found me in the store. He had a print out of two flavors he could order and had an inquiry in regarding the oatmeal chocolate chip variety.


What a great employee....

Simplifying My Life

I became inspired while watching a very interesting news piece on some very successful individuals (Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, etc.) The news piece discussed the reason they always seem to be photographed in the same outfit is because they wear nearly the same outfit everyday. These individuals are brilliant enough to identify how taxed they are with important decisions all day long.

I thought about this news clip throughout the day and realized how much mindless energy I waste each day trying to decide what to wear to work, what to wear to the gym, what to eat for breakfast and what to eat for lunch.  So I've decided to simplify my life!

I spent an hour tonight cleaning out my closet. I reduced my wardrobe to 5 suits, 2 dresses and 2 business casual outfits. I also kept 2 "going out in the evening" outfits available and paired up 7 outfits for the gym.  I've decided breakfast is going to consist of an apple with PB, while lunch will be a protein bar and salad.

Other ideas of how I could simplify my life? I'm open to suggestions!

Motivation Monday

Let's get moving! In case your Mondays are crazy chaotic like mine, I'm going to share a quick and effective 20 minute workout you can do in your own home. This is a "kid friendly" workout if the kids want in on the action (or if you can't take your eyes off them!)

What you will need: Yourself, clothes you can move in, athletic shoes and a piece of cardio equipment (elliptical, treadmill, jump rope, stairs or even the side walk).

1. 2 minute cardio warm-up (if you are using the side walk, take a brisk walk out a minute and a half or so, then jog back).
2. 2 minute wall squat (keep you back flat against the wall and make sure your legs are a at a 90 degree angle (so you thighs are parallel with the floor and your knees are directly over your ankle bones.) Don't let your knees sneak over your toes!) 
3. 2 minute cardio kicking the pace up a notch or two. We are only doing a total of 10 minutes of cardio, so challenge yourself!
4. 2 minute plank (on your elbows and toes with a flat back.... suck in your tummy!)
5. 2 minutes cardio
6. 2 minutes of push-ups (on your knees or toes; again suck in your tummy and keep your back flat!)
7. 2 minutes of cardio
8. 2 minute boat pose with twists (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-T9CO-HWb4)
9. 2 minutes of cardio
10. 2 minutes of side plank with hip dips. 1 minute on each side. You can do this raised on your hand for a big challenge or on your elbow for a challenge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9X7owkYnag)

If you are working out with a buddy, which is a great way to workout, simply trade between the cardio machine and strength exercise. 

Thanks for reading!  I hope you will share my blog and post an inspirational workout of your own.  I love mixing it up!

Wendi Finn

http://www.issecuritysolutions.com/
http://wendifinn.myplexusproducts.com/testimonials

Let's Inspire

I love the feeling of inspiration, whether I have been inspired or have had the opportunity to be an inspiration. It's a feeling as if a step toward greatness has occurred. It's a feeling of happiness.

Each year I make a goal to try something new. This year's goal is to provide inspiration and to receive inspiration. Thus, I will need your help. With each posting, please share your thoughts, ideas and own inspirations.

I will start off with sharing the various "new" activities I have experienced over the years. In turn, please share some activities you recommend I try.

1. I trained for a triathlon and ended up participating in two. The training was a great way to stay in shape but does require a lot of time.  Once the boys are old enough to participate, I will probably try another. ("Thank you!" Kelly Widder Sussey for being such a fun partner in training!)
2. I ran a 15k with one of my best friends, Carrie Appell. I would do this again with a friend or one of the boys in a heartbeat. Working out is so much better with a bud.
3. I took snowboarding lessons with the boys. Again, it's fun to spend time with the kids, but I did break my tailbone... so jury is still out on this one!
4. I have tried a number of exercise classes:step, boxing, TRX, Spin, Body Pump, yoga, hot yoga (love it), extremely hot yoga (hated it) and boot camp. It's fun to mix it up. 
5. I took guitar lessons with my littlest buddy. Very fun and I can now play Wild Thing with the best of 'em.
6. I coached all my kids soccer teams (when they were 7 and really just needed disciplined fun).
7. I've published three books (One Fateful Night, A Leap of Fate and A Beginner's Guide to On-line Security). I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned about writing, publishing, marketing and social media!
8. Career wise, I took my own Leap of Fate in 2004 and started a company, IS Security Solutions, LLC. Ten years later, the company is still going strong.
9. This year I joined the State of Ohio Audit Committee. It is a goal and ambition to join the audit committee of at least one publicly traded company. 
10. Just recently, in a commitment to stay fit and healthy for my boys, I have joined the Plexus family.  I just joined last week, so I will have to keep you posted!

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a husband, kids, family and friends who support and encourage my "Leaps of Fate." I am so thankful for their positive energy and willingness to get on board with my crazy adventures. Just last weekend, my mom placated my wishes by going parasailing on my birthday... another cherished memory!

Thanks for reading!  I hope you will share my blog and post more inspirational ideas... What should I try next???

Wendi Finn

http://www.issecuritysolutions.com/
http://wendifinn.myplexusproducts.com/testimonials

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared for an emergency or a disaster? As I was being prepped for an emergency surgery, my husband and I quickly learned, we were not!  In this day and age, disaster recovery and business continuity don't only apply to the workplace. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Keep documentation in a secured location (such as a lock-box). Include:
1. A list of bank accounts,
2. A list of investment organizations (personal investments, 401k, etc.)
3. Passwords to computers and important accounts
4. A current copy of trusts, wills, living wills, etc.
2. At least twice a year, ensure the information above is current.
3. Make sure you have an emergency contact who can access your secure location (and make sure they know!)
4. Kids schedules and contacts (sitters, teachers, coaches, team managers, etc.).  While not critical, I would have gotten a lot more rest if my husband was able to figure soccer out on his own!

Just a few "lessons learned".  Enjoy!

Be Inspired

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.Dolly Parton

Wendy's Wonderful Kids

Tell your friends, One Fateful Night is currently running a Kindle promotion to earn funds for Wendy's Wonderful Kids!

For the last few hours of February you can download One Fateful Night on Kindle for only $1.99!  Every 40 hours the price will increase by $1 until it reaches the daily price of $5.99.

http://www.amazon.com/One-Fateful-Night-Wendi-Finn-ebook/dp/B00757TN18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393641683&sr=8-1&keywords=one+fateful+night