Spokane Women Who Inspire Me

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist
ActionCOACH Spokane




When I think of strong, inspiring, women, I often think of Operah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. I am in awe of Billie Holiday and Etta James.



These women embody soulful determination and artful endurance. As role-models for every-day women like myself, their iconic stature is both a blessing and a curse.

They are larger-than-life.

My life isn't as large. My stage is not renowned. I live the simple life; but here, amidst the humble and reserved streets of Spokane, I've noticed, live some very larger-than-life women in their own right.


They own their own businesses. They inspire others. They kick ass and take names.

They are polite, warm, friendly. They are not elitists, snobs, or bitches. They earned their success through sweat, tears, determination and good ole' fashioned hard work.

Their beauty is stunning and their business acumen fierce. They are just like you and me...they too are mothers, sisters, daughters, and neighbors.

Inspiring women are, indeed, everywhere in Spokane.....

Deena Caruso - Owner of Finders Keepers:

I first met Deena when her daughter Sophia was taking ballet with my oldest daughter Marlena. Our two girls became close friends, and because of Deena's encouragement, my daughter became involved with the Civic Theater. Her daughter was Annie and my daughter was Molly. It's impossible to list all of Deena's AND Sophia's accomplishments without producing an unauthorized biography of these two! I would also be remiss if I didn't give kudos to Steve Caruso, father and husband and former golf pro dedicated to supporting his wife and daughter. Quiet, soft-spoken, yet bearing a commanding presence, this woman does it all. Not only does she run a very successful business, she is one of the most dedicated mothers I have ever met. All-in-all, she is a force to be reckoned with....all five feet of her!! Ladies, take my advice...don't hate...take notes instead!!

Finders Keepers Boutiques on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FindersKeepersBoutiques

Brooke Holloman - Owner of Chrome Personal Training Center: 

Okay, I've never met her in person; I have only been following her on Facebook but think Zena Princess Warrior with business sense! Don't believe me? See for yourself....Need I say more?



"When the going gets tough WORK HARDER!!!"  Check out this video..http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151035994426134


Find Chrome Personal Training Centre on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brooke.holloman

SUCCESS IN SPOKANE IS ALL AROUND YOU........

I challenge you to look for inspiration and wisdom in ALL your interactions....below is a list of other sassy and successful women you should know! Take a moment visit the associated links; read their bios and share in their accomplishments....GET INSPIRED!!!!

Jennifer LaRue, Art Correspondent:  Jennifer wrote a story on me last year and our friendship slowly evolved into something unique, sturdy, and safe. I used to worry people would think I was just "name dropping" when I mention her, but now, she is such an integral part of my life, it's impossible for her name not to enter into a conversation. We both share interesting paths and she is very quiet about her star-studded upbringing in the hills of California. Her journalistic integrity is unwavering and her opinions unedited. Careful to never cross the boundaries of our friendship, I recently asked her for a "journalistic" favor in regards to my art. Her response was that perhaps she would make an exception....in a year...if I pushed myself out of my artistic comfort zone! Gee thanks pal...she holds herself to very high standards and expects the same of her friends. Read some of her stories below....

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/feb/17/landmarks-actors-murder-suicide-left-behind-fame/
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/13/promise-of-hope-depicted-in-work/ 
http://spokanecda.com/featured/magical-world-of-art/






Yvonne A.K. Johnson, Executive Artistic Director, Spokane Civic Theater:  http://www.spokanecivictheatre.com/professional-staff/?eid=51


Laura Bracken, owner of Design Spike:
http://designspike.com/

Mary Eberle, owner of Anemone:
http://www.handmadepaperflowers.com/

Kathleen Cavendar, Professional artist, jazz singer, vocal coach, teacher:
http://www.kathleencavender.com
http://cavenderartstudio.blogspot.com

Who has inspired YOU? 

Do YOU know an extraordinary business in Spokane or North Idaho with 1-500 employees? Tell Coach Jim NOW! We are seeking nominees for the 2013 Business Excellence Awards! Coach Jim will co-sponsor (out-of-pocket) for six winners to take the stage in LAS VEGAS!  CLICK HERE NOW!

 your business could be one of six to represent the Inland Northwest THIS YEAR!

The Business Excellence Awards:

The premier awards for small to medium businesses... IN THE WORLD!  

The Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by ActionCOACH Business Coaching, the world’s #1 business coaching firm, is recognized as the premier awards competition for small to medium businesses (1-500 employees).

Any company that offers a product or service is eligible for the award, provided their results were outstanding and measurable.

Entries can be submitted in 18 different award categories, ranging from Best Overall Company to Most Community Impact.

Awards recognizing Best Overall Company and Fastest Growing Company are segmented into company size, so a business with fewer than 10 team members can compete equally with larger businesses having a few hundred employees.

Award Categories:
Best Overall Company
Best Runaround Company
Most Innovative Company
Fastest Growing Company
Best Customer Service Results
Best Start-Up
Young Entrepreneur 35 and younger
Entrepreneur of the Year
Best Retailer
Best Service-Based
Best Manufactured/Wholesaler
Community Impact

Stress and Bees: My mortal enemies

By Joy Mizzoni

 







There are numerous ways to deal with stress. You can drink it away, sleep it away or indulge in a myriad of activities designed to provide momentary relief from matters at hand.

Personally, I like the "ostrich" approach. I like to ignore little problems until they divide and multiply like amoebas. (Yes I had to double check if amoeba's actually do multiply before I used that simile...which they do. So there.)

How much stress do we create in our lives?

Let me rephrase that, how much stress do we CHOOSE to create in our lives by making no choice at all?

Recently, I've been questioning my sanity. Being a geographically-displaced New Yorker, I accept the fact I'm slightly more outspoken and passionate than some; but I'm basically sane. I'm kind, giving, and open minded. I accept others' advice and try to be accountable for my mistakes.

That qualifies as sanity, right?

But take one teaspoon of my so-called "passion" and mix in one-half cup "stress" plus add a few table spoons of "daily life" and then stand back...the lid's gonna blow!

Last week, I had two flat tires and some other unexpected expenses. Then there were my ex-in laws, you know, the Hatfields to my McCoys?  It was a recipe for the perfect storm and I am still cleaning up the aftermath.


In the midst of emotional exhaustion, I realized the potential health hazards such continued levels of stress could cause. It was then, realizing the hard cold truth that I'm almost 40, that I truly became aware that conflict, at this sort of level, could potentially result in, well, death. No, not my ex mother-in law's death (shame on you!) ....but my own.

I never thought about a heart attack before.

Or a nervous breakdown.

How many straws does it take to break the camels back?

No one knows.

Until it's too late.

That's some serious stuff right there.

I'm a mother of two young girls. I try to eat right, exercise, and I quit smoking cigarettes years ago. I'm also allergic to bees and yellow jackets. I always thought it was absurd that a small little stinging bug could take out this tough Sicilian gal. I scoff at you bee! (unless you get too close...then I will run away really really fast).

Stress? Ha. I laugh in the face of stress! Stress and me -- we go way back. If anyone can deal with stress, it's your humble blog hostess.

No wait. "Deal" is the wrong word. What I really mean is, "ignore."  I ignore stress. I laugh it off. I crack wise ass jokes. I smile. I giggle. I bat my eyelashes like a carefree debutante.

At least I did. Now, I'm not so sure I want to keep poking the proverbial beehive. It was an eye-opening week. I felt my mortality. It has stymied my creativity and, honestly, has scared the freaking bejeezus out of me.

Mid life crisis? Maybe. Maybe not.

A wake-up call? Definitely.

Stress IS dangerous. I don't care how strong you are, how much you've been through or whatever other super powers you "think" you possess. Trust me...stress floats like a butterfly...but stings like a bee.














 

I've Been a Bad Blog Hostess...

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist at ActionCOACH Spokane

I'll just come out and say it. No frills. No fanciful fluffy excuses. No frosting. No sprinkles. No sugar- coated, below-the-line babbling:

I have ignored this blog.

There. I said it.

And I'm sorry.

Sorry because, I've ignored you, dear reader. I pretended your existence is unimportant. I've wondered off the beaten path of this journey and left you stranded in literary silence.

And guess who convinced me to humbly ask your forgiveness?  Yep. I'm just going to start calling him my mentor because, essentially, that's what Coach Jim Munro has become. This person, not only hired me but he also deems this blog worthy, even valuable!

All the days I've spent daydreaming about having a "creative" job and, here I am, actually BEING PAID TO BLOG! I love writing!

But that's the problem. I love it. So how on earth can this be a priority during my work day?

In a society that deems euphoria as a "side effect", it can be difficult for some people to accept the validity of their talents.  Notice, I said SOME people. What I really mean is, ME.  And if you are still reading this with intrigue, I'm guessing that MAYBE you too?

Why? Why is that? Being fearful of success is ridiculous. Right?  It's completely illogical! Or is it?

Let's explore this bothersome phenomenon together. Right now. Let's put all our cards on the table, shall we. Let's wipe off our lipstick (or Chap Stick, guys) and stop caring if "Sue in Accounting's" handbag is really a Coach knock-off or not; right now, we are just people.

I am scared of success because I am afraid I can't maintain. I can't take it to the "next level." I'm scared I'll wake up tomorrow with complete writer's block.

I worry incessantly about creative droughts.

I worry the novelty will wear off.

I live in "fear of the fluke."

To me, success is not sustainable. Eventually, someone will convince someone else that I can't write or that my graphic design skills are sub par, or my fine art endeavors are mediocre at best.

And what evidence is there of these fears? Why dear reader...self fulfilling evidence.

So I just stop. Everything.

And then it's everyone else's fault. Life is too hard. I'm too unlucky....I grab my trombone and lead my own self-pity parade.

Except this time.

This time I'm facing the music. I'm taking a risk.

Not every blog post will be Pulitzer-prize winning prophecy; but I know little sparkles of wisdom and growth shine into my life frequently, and in the name of abundance (or karma), my hope is that, somehow, some way, through this blog, we can become slightly more comfortable sharing our real selves, our real challenges, and, our real fears.

I hope you'll continue to stay for the ride.....

In peace and gratitude,

Joy

 

Expect the unexpected, especially when the going gets good

By Joy Mizzoni
AcitonCOACH Spokane

I listen to Dr. Tom Curran during my morning commute to work. Although I don’t necessarily agree with all the theological doctrine, his positivity and real-world application of the wisdom behind his religious philosophies are pure gold. Even when he is discussing a controversial topic that goes against my artsy liberal good senses, the way in which he puts forth his argument is amazingly compassionate. Never once have I heard him speak negatively about any human being. There are actions and decisions that he disagrees with, but I have never heard him speak unkindly about the person or group of people who are performing those actions.  

I don’t know Dr. Curran personally; having said that, I base my opinion solely on what I hear during his program.  I would like to think he doesn’t live his life in raving hypocrisy, but you never know.  Consider this my disclaimer that I am in no way endorsing him, his religious views, political stances, etcetera , etcetera, etcetera.  Moving on….

Today’s discussion was about the unforeseen challenges that ensue when one commits to incorporate faith into their daily lives.  Although he spoke of demonic forces awakening to thwart your godly intensions, one could also apply this to broader terms: committing to a goal, a dream, or a decisive way to live your life according to your personal values. 

He explained that once you make a commitment, you should expect trials and tests. 

In other words, life’s a bitch. 

And that got me thinking…..

It’s the truth. 

One thing I have struggled with consistently is maintaining course when life starts throwing daggers through my dreams. I always say that sunny days make for easy focus.  It’s all the other days in between that throw me off track.  

Think about that. How many annual days of sunshine does Spokane actually have? How many of your days are problem-free? 

I’m not a scientist or a sociologist, or any type of “ist”, but I am confident in guessing most of your days may start off with rainbows and butterflies only to end in tornadoes and tsunamis. 

The reason I get blown off track so easily is that I never expect someone to rain on my parade. I never expect the unexpected.  I have consistently remained the opposite of steadfast. For example, once I catch up on my bills and commit to a budget, I never expect something to break on my Jeep or have an overdue bill to suddenly rear its ugly head.   The same with goals associated with exercise, work, art and social commitments.  I don’t expect pulled muscles, sore throats, sick kids, mental fatigue, or just plain laziness.  I set goals with the intention of perfection. I make commitments without regard to reality. 

Why, before this morning, did it never dawn on me to expect trials and tests? Distractions, disasters, deterrents. 

Dr. Currans used the demon analogy. For you atheists and agnostics, good old Murphy and his crappy laws will suffice. If something can go wrong, it will. And it usually does.  Please don’t label me as a naysayer or petulant pessimist. That isn’t true.  I am frequently blinded by optimism.  So much, I can’t see reality. Or at the very least, I don’t prepare for reality.  

What keeps knocking you off balance? What overwhelms you?  What tests do you keep failing? What demons keep popping up like mad rodeo clowns? How many times have you shared a shot of whiskey with that no-good Murphy? 

I am well aware that everybody has challenges in their life. Heck, life is hard even for the rich and famous! But, I wasn’t aware that it’s just a given. Just expect it.  Stuff happens. Constantly.  Consistently. Sometimes congruently.  

It’s just like those signs on the side of the road that say ‘watch for falling rocks’.  It’s advice to be taken literally.

Links about Dr. Tom Curran:

http://www.sacredheartradio.org/

http://www.catholic.com/profiles/tom-curran

Easy doesn't enter into grown-up life...

"Easy" doesn't enter into grown-up life.” 
Michael Cain (from The Weather Man)

 

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist ActionCOACH Spokane

Easy sure doesn’t factor into grown up life.   But there are easier ways to approach obstacles.  Though the path less traveled sometimes offers unparalleled and unexpected beauty, and trust me, I am definitely one for adventure, there is something to be said for utilizing a well-worn path; mostly clear of ankle-twisting rocks and shin-scratching thorns. 

Someone already cleared the way. You just need to follow in their footsteps. 

Where am I going with this? 

Well, in some strange way, I am leading up to the benefits of proactivity. 

I once read the following description of proactive versus reactive: 

Two people are floating in the ocean. Along comes a big wave and takes them both by surprise.  A few minutes pass, and the one person starts scanning the horizon; trying to anticipate the next wave.  The other person is floating on their back, daydreaming in the sunshine, completely oblivious to the ocean’s patterns. 

Waves come and go, both in the sea and in life. The trick is to be prepared, somehow, some way, for what may lay ahead.  My old boss used to say, prepare for the unexpected...because it always happens. 

For someone like me, this can really be contradictory to my free-spirit, live for the moment attitude. Unfortunately I am finding that staying on track is not easy. You have to prepare for emotional let downs and brace yourself for gale force winds trying to blow you off course.  Typically, these gusts come in the form of people, significant others, flat tires, unexpected bills, and the stomach flu.

I am beginning to realize how long it takes for me to get back on course after a significant disappointment.  It’s been almost three weeks now, and I am just beginning to feel refocused on my personal and professional goals.  That is about three weeks too long. 

I am not at a point yet to really offer you any life-changing advice, tips, or tools. All I can tell you is that if you want to change, you have start becoming self-aware. 

How do you handle stress?  When the going gets tough, to where do you get going?   

Do you hold on tight to your convictions and find solace in goals?

Or…Do you put everything on hold until you get your balance back? 

I wish I could tell you that I am firmly rooted like an obstinate tree when it comes to achieving my goals. But the truth of the matter is that most times, I feel like I just stepped off the tilt-a-whirl at the county fair.  

Distractions sometimes invade your life like a swarm of gnats.  It’s just a part of life. Like mosquitoes. Like bees. Like spiders and wasps and creepy crawly things you smoosh with a rolled up newspaper.   We can no more control other people and circumstances than we can a rainstorm. 

Take a moment, the next time you feel a little overwhelmed, unproductive, or just plain stuck, and think about how you typically react to stressful situations.  What keeps tripping you up?  What are the one or two goals you are constantly trying to achieve but seem to never make any progress?  This relates to finances, weight loss, and professional endeavors; really anything you have set your mind to achieve but always seem just out of your grasp. 

Today I realized I do not brush off personal disappointments very easily.  It should not be week number three before I am shaking my head and going, whew, what happened?  Oh yeah, now I remember, there were these things called goals I was working towards. 

I am beginning to realize that most of the positive, self-help, productivity gurus really do have the right idea.  Try and try again. The next time something takes you by surprise, perhaps it will only overshadow your goals for a day or two; not for weeks at a time. 

Perhaps together we can navigate the road less traveled and maybe find our way to that well-worn path towards our hopes and dreams. Either way, you have to just keep on keeping on.

 

S.M.A.R.T. Goals and Action Steps: Set Yourself Up for Success!

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist
ActionCOACH Spokane

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a 90-day planning session called GrowthCLUB. During past workshops, there seemed little in the curriculum relating to my art business, but this time around, something has changed.

Perhaps it's been consistent sales during my shows. Or maybe I just realized that people aren't being just nice. Let's face it; in all my years of living, I have never been overwhelmed by the niceness of people. Suddenly, there is an epidemic of nice?

I have been extremely fortunate in the support I have received with my artwork. I would even dare to use the word lucky. And each day, I wait with bated breath for my luck to run out.

It just dawned on me, however, that I have another option. That option is called planning: setting a goal and then working to achieve it. This seems to me a much more optimistic approach.

Who knew you had control over your own success? Did you know this? 

So instead of gambling on luck, unicorns, and wishes, sitting before me are my very own "S.M.A.R.T." goals.

S=Specific
M=Measurable
A=Agreed Upon
R=Realistic
T=Time Bound

Sounds pretty straight forward right?


So let's take a look at my first attempt that day:

Goals:
1. Focus on creating art.
2. Find people who like it.

Not bad, maybe a little vague...

Now, let's look at the revised goals (courtesy of Coach Jim Munro who, by the way, found my second goal nothing short of hilarious)...

Goals:
1. Create an average of 3 new pieces per month or 18 new pieces total by 12/31/12.
2. Liquidate existing inventory by 12/31/12.
3. Sell 10 of the new pieces by 12/31/12.

As you can see, my goals were not very specific and much too vague to foster motivation. Additionally, it's very difficult to measure results if no numbers exist in your plan. Unfortunately, measurable means you must adopt a binary mindset to accomplish your specific goals; either you did it, or you didn't. That puts the accountability factor smack dab in your face. Ouch!

After you have defined your "S.M.A.R.T." goals, the next step is to break each goal down into action steps. These are tasks performed weekly and daily that will lead you to your goal. Then, these steps are put into your respective calendar system.

For example, one action step could be finishing my current painting in 4 days. My action steps would reflect the specific tasks over the next 4 days in order to complete the piece within the assigned deadline.

Ultimately, by utilizing action steps in a measurable and organized fashion, I work each day toward my goal which enables me to prioritize my time more efficiently.

Like anything, this approach works great in theory. But there is always a catch. The first catch is Procrastination. It gets me every time. Motivation comes difficult after the pep talks have worn off. The old "I'll get around to it after this nap" fever can blind side you if proceed unaware of your own weaknesses, habits, and the detrimental ways you deal with stress.

For me, one of the most common ways I talk myself out of proactivity (okay, activity in general) is my perceived indelible right to mentally check out when I feel overwhelmed, stressed out, or generally unmotivated. I tend to tell myself it's my "reward" for persevering; it's the same logic that justifies a cupcake after a hard workout in the gym. It's all self-sabotage and old habits no matter how much you cover it in frosting.

But the good news is that there are other options. There are tools. And yes, there are choices.

I have not moved forward with my action steps as of yet (oh hush) but at least I have three goals.

REAL GOALS! 

Not, "what ifs".  And for me, that is one fabulous start!


Remember what Julie Andrews said (you know, that goody two-shoes 'Mary Poppins')...

"Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th! 

Putting Inspiration Into Action: Sing Like There is No Tomorrow

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist
ActionCoach Spokane


If you read my post You have to tell yourself you can do it. Otherwise you won't. 
then you are aware that I was recently inspired by a client to start thinking outside the box. The post below tells how I put that inspiration into action.



I have always wanted to sing. I can sing loud. I can sing with my heart. My passion brings tears to my eyes. But what it brings to people's ears is far less poignant, I'm afraid.

And that's okay.

Yes, I can hear myself and no, you will never find me on an American Idol audition. Yes, 15 minutes of fame for frightful singing may sound enticing to some, but to me, I can think of far better ways to gain it than by publicly sharing my penchant for Judy Garland melodies.

Thus, I am terrified to sing in front of people. I would rather stand naked in a room full of strangers and give a 45-minute dissertation on vacuum cleaners then sing you a song. And trust me, I abhor vacuum cleaners.

Now, common consensus is that we should face our fears. So, I hired a vocal coach.

I honestly showed up to the very first voice lesson in my entire life, last week, thinking that in 45-minutes, I was going to walk out a new woman. A leading-role woman. All these years, when I fantasized about voice lessons, I imagined showing up, getting handed a glass of wine, and getting down to the business of singing.

In my dream land, one glass of wine, and enchantingly sharing a song with my instructor was all it takes for my melodic troubles to melt away like lemon drops.

WRONG.

Wait. Let me say that again.

WRONG.

First, they don't serve any alcohol at voice lessons.

Second, as it turns out, every episode of FAME was complete bull. They only showed the dancing in the streets.

What they didn't show was the extremely difficult and somewhat humiliating vocal exercises that, for some scientific reason, take an enormous amount of coordination.

How can I be uncoordinated just standing there? No wait. Not just standing there, but standing still, with my arms at my side, feet firmly planted on the floor. The only thing moving is my mouth.

I have had plenty of practice day in and day out opening my mouth without any effort and producing a myriad of sounds. And I talk with my hands.

I should be really good at standing still and singing. I mean, what's the difference?

I don't know the answer to that yet. I don't know why my vocal cords are so flabby. I exercise them constantly. Ask anyone I've ever talked to. They'll agree.

All I can say is that this is hard work. And I can't even tell you it's fun yet because, when I think about fun, I don't usually associate it with work, let alone HARD work and, my least favorite, PRACTICE.

I thought about not going back.

But then I also thought about how bad I would feel if I just quit after one lesson. I thought about the one thing on my bucket list: learn how to sing; be in one musical before I die.

So, instead of quitting, I decided to alternate lessons between myself and my two daughters. No more mommy guilt of doing solely for me and I now have two weeks to practice between lessons.

Win-win!

I only have one goal in mind right now....Not quit until I can get up and sing in front of someone other than my windshield wipers and hold nothing back. 


I mean nothing.

To do my absolute best. To close my eyes and just give it all I've got and see what happens.

Right now, I don't know what I'm capable of in life. But I'm going to try a brand new approach.

I'm not going to put limits on my talent, opportunities and dreams until I fully understand my limitations. By limitations, I don't mean fear, self doubt, guilt, and all those other little blood sucking mosquitoes. I mean my physical limitations.

I know that the voice I have is only capable of so much regardless of outside influences. Some things are out of our control.

But that's just it...I've always made excuses why what I've got is broken in numerous areas of my life with out ever testing the voltage.

So this time, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Let's just plugger in and let the sparks fly....

Special thanks to Kathleen Cavender, vocal coach, artist, and entrepeneaur. Please visit her site at http://www.kathleencavender.com/kath.htm

Guest Blogger: Business Coach Ted Schmidt...I am telling you it is going to be worth it

By Business Coach Ted Schmidt
ActionCOACH Spokane

Nothing frustrates me more than watching a business owner struggle with their business when I know I can help them.  This is especially true when I have reached out to them and offered to help. Yet for one reason/rationalization or another they decline my assistance.

My approach with business owners is not to try to sell them coaching, it is instead to show them the value in having a coach and let them come to the conclusion that they want to take action. The problem is that most business owners won’t take action and selling them into coaching is not a formula for success. If a business owner has to been pulled (sold) into coaching they most likely will not be successful.  A business owner has to want to change things for the better and be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve success.

As a business coach I can’t force a business owner to accept my help they have to be willing to take the step of retaining me as there coach. Part of my frustration is that in order to help a business owner they first must retain me as their coach.  If they choose not to engage me as their coach, I am left with knowing I could have helped them and yet I won’t be allowed to.

The worst part of all is when I happen to connect with them a year or so later and they are in a worse or at best the same place they were before.  I think to myself if only I could have been able to work them as their coach how much better off they would be now.  I realize that I can’t help everyone, however I do feel the need to at least reach out to business owners I know I can help and give them an opportunity to take action.

It reminds me of a quote from one of the top business coaches in the world named Andrew Johnston..

 “I’m not telling you this is going to be easy, I am telling you it is going to be worth it”.

Visit Coach Ted:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Guest Blogger Introduction: Business Coach Ted Schmidt

By Joy Mizzoni

Team Support Specialist

ActionCOACH Spokane

 

Meet Coach Ted Schmidt

With his passion for business and his innate entrepreneurial instincts, it’s no surprise that Ted is a natural-born business coach. 

Ted knows a thing or two about success. He started his career in 1978 with an entry-level position at a tool & equipment rental company. After graduating from college he accepted a position with a Seattle rental company and within five years became a partner and was sitting on the organization’s governing council.

Ted’s sixth sense for opportunity led him to an empty building in Seattle.  While other people may have seen only concrete and debris, Ted saw dollar signs. He transformed this empty building into a multi-million dollar rental store with 24 employees.

With Ted’s shared tenure and guidance, beginning in 1980, the organization saw a seven-fold increase in their market presence prior to accepting an attractive purchase offer for the entire operation.  

The company had three locations in 1980 and had exploded into 22 locations by the time the business was sold in February 2000. With the satisfaction – and financial security – of a job well done, Ted returned to Spokane with his family and started a real-estate investment company.  

When a business associate approached Ted with an opportunity to enter the field of business coaching, the timing was right for him to dedicate his efforts and ambitions to helping other business owners achieve their dreams, as Ted had done for himself.

As a business coach, Ted now helps other business owners to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their goals; both personally and professionally. He adheres to a simple but powerful philosophy: 

"Take care of your team, your team will take care of customers, your customers will take care of the business, and the business will take care of you."

·         Ted was born and raised in Spokane.

·          He graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

·         Ted is a golf enthusiast and is married with two daughters.