Energy Passion Purpose
Barbara Bigford 6/2011
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We all know how difficult any new venture can be, but somehow during my journey, I discovered ways to overcome anxiousness, frustrations, and disappointments that opened an entire new world to me. I started to read some of the best well known authors and coaches in the field. Books on visualization, synergy, meditation, yoga, and spiritual growth were always traveling with me and at my bedside. Years ago, I wouldn’t have given this subject the time of day.. wow, how narrow minded I was!
I wish I had known the mental skills years ago when starting out in my early days as an entrepreneur. Just in the past 4 years I have learned to change how I think, what to expect, and how to get more ‘quality’ of life. I am more opened to patience and I now know what being “mindful’ really means. This has allowed more positive energy into my life for visions to soar. Going through the intense challenges I had to deal with as I grew my company has actually led me to a more spiritual way of living.
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Recently a client of mine was explaining their struggles as they move toward the next steps developing a new product. He complained he’s become more anxious, nervous and wasn’t sleeping well. I explained that I too, would often feel that way but now know how to handle those feelings with a better outcome. I explained that all the energy I feel is now a tool I use to help me be more present, aware, and mindful but not so anxious. Being too anxious, too hurried, creates negative energy. In other words, allow space between you and what you are anxious about. Here is an exercise I use:
When I am nervous, anxious or worried I visualize that the problem is no longer in my mind but about arm’s length away from me. With the new space I have created, with me on one side, and the problem on the other, I imagine that a solution will take form through the powers of Spiritual Grace. What I have done is created ‘space’ between me and the problems and allow this Grace to take over. I wouldn’t be writing this if it didn’t’ work. I learned not to be too concerned about ‘the how’ an issue will be solved.. but believe in the outcome you want. Some of the authors and spiritual coaches that I started to read were: Shatki Gawain, Eckhart Tolle, Louise Hay, Cheryl Richardson, and Deepak Chopra are to name of few.
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Just think about it, with zero experience in business, what do you think it’s was like for me?
Building a company and product from scratch, figuring out how to manufacturer overseas in a factory you have never seen in a county you’ve never been, learn the entire freight forwarding system, scheduling ships to pick up your manufactured goods and somehow get those goods from the dock to your warehouses, figuring out, harmonized tariff code numbers, UCC bar code assignments, rules, regulations with US customs, creating custom invoices, beneficiary statements, knowing how to read a BOL ( Bill of Laden), accurately complete several purchase orders, finding warehouses across the country and securing agreements with them, keeping track of inventory, figuring out what price to charge wholesale, what price for retail, building an entire filing system with hundreds of folders, learning how to use an accounting system such as Quick Books on the computer, designing the fabric prints for the actual product and landing appointments with buyers that never heard of you.. it goes on and on. Since what I have mentioned above is just a fraction of what goes on, can see how it would cause a bit of tension and frustration, even with a fabulous positive attitude?
I have learned through my experiences that listening, learning and understanding those who have gone before us often have the wisdom to help.
“What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.” Alexander Graham Bell
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To read the feature story about Barbara Bigford
in More Magazine’s June, 2011 issue – click here.
About Barbara Bigford
Barbara Bigford’s success story is an entrepreneur’s dream. Her manufacturing company grew 400% in just two years with annual sales projected to reach ten million dollars after a recent licensing agreement. Exposure for her product has ranged from presentations on QVC, Wal-Mart, Albertsons, Walgreens, A&P, Super-Valu and hundreds of retailers across the country. Her company was highlighted in an article in The Wall Street Journal. Barbara Bigford was also featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN News, and at Hollywood’s 2008 Golden Globes awards, her product, Beach Pockets, were among the gifts given to celebrities. She has appeared on the television show, The View, with Barbara Walters, where Beach Pockets was voted number one summer product. Most recently, American Express has selected Barbara Bigford and her company to be featured as an Entrepreneur Success Story and the popular woman’s magazine More has featured a full length story on Barbara’s inspirational entrepreneurial journey in their June 2011 issue (CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY). She also was a major contributor in the book GPS For Success, along with Dr. John Gray, Les Brown, and Stephen Covey on business success and personal development.
Barbara shares her storied experiences as a keynote speaker and a consultant to several businesses and clubs looking for motivation and wisdom. Barbara’s passion for creativity, turned to entrepreneurial success, did not come without hard work, discipline, and vision.
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Wow! That sounds like a great visualization technique. When I get anxious, I cannot relax, and worries tend to snowball from negative thoughts. I’ve been trying this technique from Dr. Daniel Amen.
http://www.northstarmentalfitnessblog.com/2010/05/use-cpr-to-kill-your-ants-automatic-negative-thoughts.html
Barbara’s technique sounds like a variation of that. Thanks for sharing.
HI Tom,
I ‘ve been traveling a bit these past few weeks. Sorry for the delay in responding. Thank you for your comments about the visualization techniques. I read Dr. Amen’s message and we are all on the same page. Let’s be sure the only thoughts that we allow to snowball are the positive ones! Sound good?
AMAZING work Barbara. I plan on practicing what I learned!
Thanks Jody… I know it’s not always easy, but with a great attitude great things really do happen… I’ve learned I can’t control the actions of others, but I can certainly control how I respond to those actions.
Thank you Barbara, I too am learning what “mindful” really means. I hope one day to be as succesfull as you – a man can dream cant he?!
Michale,
I love to dream.. that is how I was able to create my product that led to a successful business. Keep dreaming while working toward your goals.. just remember, dreaming is the best form of visualization!
I am continually amazed by this website and the authors. Jessica, is there anyway to let us know who will be posting guest columns each month with links to their websites as well? THank you for doing what you do and for bringing people like Barbara, an inspiration to any breathing individual to your readers. I love it.
Lisa
Yes, Kevin… my webmaster and I are working on this. Soon you will be meeting Rob Robb, Gail Fallon McDonald, Bonnie Coleen, Mellisa Tittl, and more. Amazing individuals! Barbara Bigford has a wealth of knowlege and insights to offer.
Keep checking in and share the site with your friends. The best of the best is on its way.
Lisa,
Thank you for your kind words about the “Life With Jessica’ Website. I too agree.. Jessica has done an amazing job. On a quaterly basis, I will be sharing my experiences as I worked through the challenges and relished in the joys of being an entrepreneur.
I stumbled here. Not sure how I got here, but I’m here and I don’t plan to leave anytime soon. I have spent 3 hours looking around. You have so much good information to ready and I’ve been soaking it up like a sponge. Will Barbara be doing another article soon?
Darren
PS love garland park!!!!!!!
Yes. Barbara will be contributing four in depth articles on each of the subjects she introduced. I am so pleased to introduce you to Barbara as she is not only a pioneer in business but also a true leader in helping you to live your dreams.
I will continue to add to Garland Park. So many more ideas to share… lots… and
lots…
Thank you so much.
HI Darren,
Oh yes.. I will certainly be contributing more on this page. When I think about the experiences I’ve had, both good and quite challenging, while growing my business, I often think..” I want to share what I learned along this journey with others”. I will be adding more articles on a quarterly basis and some additional comments in between that time.
If ever you have a question about entrepreneur life or business questions please submit it and I will be sure to respond. You may check out my website http://www.barbarabigford.com too.
Thank you Jessica for bringing Barbra to us!! I had the pleasure of meeting Barbra in person with you and through you for lunch at your favorite place. That Lunch meeting put me back in touch with someone else whom I had lost contact with over the years….Love how Life works and all of the Beauty and growth you have brought to me over these several years that I have been blessed to know you!! My Life is infinitely richer having you as my dearest friend! Looking forward to our next meeting when Barbara is back in town & I Love the article!! I believe in this technique and manifesting…that is how I made to CA after being raised in MN. Everyone should implement Barbra’s technique and be amazed at how fast and far you will go. Awesome Website!! Wish I had Kevin as my web Master!!
HI Jane,
I will be back on the west coast in the fall! yeah. I too am amazed what life brings when we use our spiritual tools to create what we want. Life is full of surprises. We can all be ready for what comes our way when we just allow Grace to work into lives. You are a great example of that.
Its always interesting to read from an expert in the field. You always learn something new, thank you for the inspiring words Barbara, I look forward to reading more.
HI Chante,
Thank you for your encouraging words. I will be contributing more and more each quarter as the website develops. Right now I plan to contribute each quarter with addtional comments inbetween. If there is anything you would like me to touch on, please let us know.
How encouraging and inspiring. As a creative person myself, you have provided me with the encouragement I need to pursue my passion of invention! Can’t wait to update you on my progress
Erin
HI Erin,
I am thrilled to hear that you are ‘encouraged’. Let us know if you need any specific guidence. You can visit my website- http://www.barbarabigford.com to learn more about the actual steps of inventing and starting a business. Keep me posted on how you are doing as you move forward.
Thank you for sharing your insight and success stories Barbara! It’s refreshing and helpful to know how to deal with anxieties and stress that can build whithin your life. Very practical information!! Would love to hear more words of wisdom from you!
HI Christine,
I have lots of ‘stories’ coming up. After all the experiences I have gone through over ten years starting a business, I am thrilled to share them knowing they will help other entrepreneurs. Stay Tuned.
Jessica, Wow, Barbara is such a phenomenal example of the power of enterpreneurial spirit,
faith and belief. She is inspirational!
It would be great to hear more
of the visualization techniques that work for Barbara. I think
her ideas would be helpful to many!
Thank you for including the link to her interview on “More” magazine.
Hi Linda,
I hear your own ‘enthusiasm” ! Thank you for the kind words. I have plans to continue to share my stories as I lived through the ‘entrepreneur journey’. Most likely I will add to what I have and include addtional ‘chapters’ of my life during this time. In the mean time, if you have any specific questions please let us know.
Thank you for that great advice…going through a work nightmare…I can use that arm’s length away between you and your problem. Now I will just wait for the grace..I know I have asked for it enough!
HI Kim,
I truly understand and feel your anxiety over this issue with work. During the process of embracing Grace to work into this situation, you can use some level headed tools as you ‘deal’ with daily interaction.
Remember this phrase: “You can’t control other people’s words or actions, but you can control how you respond to them.”. Be mindful at that very moment that Grace is with you, around you and among you… And watch happens – You will feel a calmness come over you and your response will parallel this feeling.
I like this site very much so much wonderful information. “We cannot swing up on a rope that is attached only to our own belt.” by William Ernest Hocking.
Dear Saturina,
Thank You for posting your insightful quote. It rings true.
I learned a lot from this post, great help for me, thank you!
HI Jennifer,
It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that my experiences, both good and not so good, is helping others. I truly believe that when we hear about others’ experiences and listen well, no matter what that experience may be.. we learn alot!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
HI Kominki,
Love your comment.. “I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.”
Now that’s the idea. When I wake up each morning I say a prayer and this too: “The Universe is conspiring in my favor and I shall give back all that is good”. In other words, giving back is what brings us the most joy. It certainly does for me and happy to hear you are doing the same.
This really is an extremely high-quality reference that you are providing and you give it away cost-free. I really enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a top quality resource 100 % free. It’s the old what goes around comes around routine. Great job Ms. Bigford!
Pol
Thank you Pol.. love your comment about ” what goes around comes around’.. I figured this out a while ago as life brought me some amazing experiences.. and found it even more valuable during during my entrepreneur challenges too.
Your http://www.lifewithjessica.com/2011/06/the-enthusiastic-entrepreneur-by-barbara-bigford/ website is great! You told in The Enthusiastic Entrepreneur by Barbara Bigford | Life With Jessica some trues, but i must agree, you can more.
There will be more of The Enthusiastic Entrepreneur on this website as I continue to post previews every few months from my upcoming book.
Barbara, I’ve been trying to figure out how to get a hold of you. I found you in a magazine. There was an article done on you called “Sand Dollars”. It really freaked me out how alike my story is to yours. Especially because I’ve invented a pool/beach product too. When I found your website, I was even more shocked that you decided to turn your success into helping others, which is what I’m trying to do. I’m 24 years old, and I am trying to walk in your footsteps. I just felt the need to reach out to you, and Introduce myself. If there is a way you could email me, I would be beyond happy. I just want to learn more about you, and maybe even hire your company for your services. Thank you so much for all that you do! Have a wonderful week!
Dear Cheri,
I would be happy to speak with you and learn more about you and your product. I provide consultations Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can contact us at http://www.barbarabigford.com. Once your request is sent, it will go to my office assistant. I will be sure it is forwarded directly to me.
Motivated and inspired. Thank you so much!
Thank you Cadence for your comment. Being inspired is truly the essence of this website.
I really like your writing style, fantastic information, thanks for your writing Barbara,
Riley : D
HI Riley,
Thank youf for your comment.. It keeps me inspired to continue writing knowing it is well received and liked! yea.
Very interesting point! Thank you for all of your posting Jessica, “The unspoken word never does harm.” by Kossuth.
Some really great articles on this website, thanks for contribution. “Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors.” by La Rochefoucauld.
Beautiful quote… thank you.
You have got a truly useful blog. I’m a newbie but your success is amazing and an inspiration in my circumstances.
HI David.. I am thrilled you are finding this blog helpful.. that is the idea. I wish you the best.
Many thanks for this, it was interesting and compelling.
Dear Christopher,
Thank you for sending us your comment. The ‘entrepreneur’ journey is a process.. not so easily learned without the challenging experiences .
I Loved your article. Thank you much!
Dear Farah,
It is alwasy a joy to read our viewers comments. Thank you for taking the time and leaving your kind words.
Good write-up. I am a regular visitor to your site and appreciate you taking the time to maintain all of the interesting articles.
Dear Faddis,
I agree with you.. Jessica and her team do a fantastic job. I truly believe this website is the most comprehensive website addressing so many subjects. Thank you for your comment.
So much information here, thanks Barbara!
Sarita
Sarita,
You are right, this is alot of information.. and to think, it’s only the tip of the iceberg to what really happens as an entrepreneur breaking new ground. So happy you are enjoying the chapters.
I’m still learning from you, Barbara,I’m trying to reach my goals. I loved it!