Browsing Tags jamiehosmer
Technology and Creativity
I have been writing a new song for the last couple of hours, and as usual, I am now pondering whether or not technology is a creative hindrance, or a helpful partner. I guess for me, it’s a little bit of both. Let me explain.
It goes like this: I feel the inspiration of a song coming on. So I rush into the studio, turn the computer on, turn my keyboard on. While I am waiting for everything to boot up, I grab a pen and paper. Ooops, forgot to turn my audio interface on, luckily that can be turned on while the computer is up. Okay, in business now. Well, wait, I have to boot up Cubase, my recording program. Okay, no big deal, I am almost ready to start writing…. Ahhh!!!! Forgot to turn on my external audio drive, Cubase is looking for it. Crap. Okay, reboot computer (with audio drive on this time). Okay, computer and drive back up, Cubase running…new project file…..name it……do I need a drum loop going for this?……hmmm….how about this sound?……..Wait, what’s the correct tempo?……Hmmm…maybe I need to make some coffee first. Inpiration…..GONE.
Any of you go through this as well? All of our computer programs are amazing, we can do just about anything with them, but it can slow down the creative process significantly. So what is the answer? For me, it is actually using another technological device, my phone. I fired up my recorder app on my droid, and started playing and singing. Done. Writing has commenced. Honestly, any little handheld, simple recorder would do the trick.
Everyone has there way of doing things, I think this works best for my creative process. Now, of course, once I have something concrete written, I will then fire up Cubase, and the drives, and everything else, and start producing. But that is a different creative process altogether.
So, what is your creative writing process? How does it work for you? Please comment, chime in…
Here’s to creativity and technology coexisting,
-Jamie
Be Creative & Make Good Things Happen
Those of you who know me know that I have been a musician for many years. I also love to write songs. While I have not been quite as committed to songwriting over the years as I would have liked to be, I still have composed quite a number of songs. (some of them are pretty good, if I do say so myself! 
)…but I digress….
Recently I have been writing more, and I have made an astonishing revelation. This may be true only for me, but I am thinking that it is true for everyone. What is my groundbreaking revelation? It is this: When we are creative, good things happen. Creativity is the source of positive energy, so when we create something, use our brains, come up with something new, whether that means writing a song or coming up with a new, never before tried recipe for dinner, we are putting forth an intention. This intention says, “I like to do this, so I am going to do it”. Simple, right?
See, it doesn’t matter what happens to that song that I write, or the new recipe or the new idea, that is not the point. In fact, I would recommend not even being attached to the result while you are creating your new masterpieces.
Honestly, I don’t really know what goes on here behind the scenes, behind that strange metaphysical curtain that we can’t see. But for me, I do know that good things happen when I am creative. I feel that one of the things I am supposed to do while here on earth is play music. I really don’t know why this is, but I know it in my soul. By creating, and using this “purpose” of mine, things start to happen in a positive way. And I have to point out that I am not talking about good things necessarily involving the songs, or music. Sometimes, yes, but not always. Sometimes it is just good things in completely other areas of my life.
So, BE CREATIVE; use your purpose, passions, strengths.
-Jamie
Pass the Peace, Please
I have a question for you. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test, it’s a simple question. What is it that you want MOST out of life? Don’t think for more than a few seconds on this, or you will begin to edit your answer. Your answer is for you, not me, not anyone else. Maybe it’s more money, maybe it’s a nurturing relationship, a new house, or a job that will pay the bills.
I am going to go out on a limb and disagree with you on all of those. Not that I know who you are or anything, and you actually may think that you want these things, but they aren’t what you want the MOST. Not even close. How can I say that with such conviction? Easy. It’s Peace.
We all really want peace in our lives. Here’s the catch: We think that things like money, relationships, a better job (whatever that means), we think these things will bring us peace. And maybe, to a certain degree they will. But a sense of real, lasting, inner peace is what we all really are after. A kind of peace that nothing and no one can ever take away or destroy. A comforting existence for sure. Think about it, if you are really at peace, then you probably have the rest of your life in order, or at the least there is nothing that is really bothering you about it; in other words there isn’t anything getting in between you and your peace. I like that. I’ll take more peace, please.
Create peace in your life, in your world. Good things will follow.
-Jamie
Emotions to Conquer in 2011
Continuing on the theme of my last post, which can be viewed here , there are several additional things we can do in order to really move forward in 2011. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and these can keep us spinning in circles, or even knock us completely off track and move us in the wrong direction altogether. Let’s take a look:
1. GUILT – Guilt is such a dangerous feeling to have, it literally holds us hostage and freezes us in our tracks. Realize that feeling guilty is a choice. If you are feeling guilty about something, ask yourself why. Should you get something off your chest, should you fess us about something? Often times we carry around guilt needlessly, for no reason. Release it.
2. ANGER – Anger really has no usefulness here, it only seeks to destroy. Leave anger behind, or you will NEVER have peace in your life.
3. BOREDOM – Are you living your life without any passion, or zest? Are you bored? If so, then what’s to keep you moving forward, what’s to motivate you to keep getting better? Find something to arouse your passion and love for life, and find it quick!
4. BLAME – This is a biggie. It is so easy for us to blame others, blame the economy, blame our boss, blame our neighbor, blame our job, etc. But really we must take 100% responsibility for our lives and our current situation. Forget the blame game and focus on ourselves. That is the only way we will ever be free.
5. FEAR – This can be a killer. Fear can keep us from doing anything. Fear of the unknown, fear of abandonment, rejection, loss, etc. Maybe it’s fear of failure, but it could also be fear of success. Sometimes we fear what will happen if we become successful, wealthy, etc. Will people look at me the same, will it change me, will I lose the people I love? Here’s the thing guys. The ones who love you will love you no matter what. If they don’t, then they really didn’t love you in the first place. It’s okay to have fear, just don’t let that stop you from following your dreams.
Again, thanks to Mr. Brad Hager for this inspiring information.
Have a prosperous and joyous 2011.
Jamie
7 Keys to get ahead in the New Year
I was recently on an incredible mentoring call, where one of my mentors and business partners was giving a weekly mentoring call on how to build not only our businesses, but also how to improve ourselves. Let’s face it, if we want to accomplish great things in this lifetime, we need to improve ourselves first, then we can truly facilitate the change in others, as well as our world at large. There is a good reason why, when on a plane, they say “if the oxygen masks come down, please place yours on first BEFORE assisting small children”.
So there were 7 points on this call that I would like to highlight here, because when I heard these myself, it really caused me to reflect on what I need to do to improve as a person, as a business owner, a leader, a husband. My hope is that these will cause a bit of reflection on your part as well.
THE SEVEN “F”‘s
1. Forsake: There are some things we need to give up, to forsake if we are going to move to the next level. What is holding you back? What could you do without in order to move forward? Bad habits, wrongs thoughts, bad influences, etc.
2. Forget: We have all been hurt, we have all had failures, it’s time to move on, and not dwell in the past. “Are you reaching for the stars, or living on your scars?”
3. Focus: Now is the time to focus; Affirmations, goals, a plan. Hope is NOT a strategy. Focus on what you are looking to achieve.
4. Find: Find out what it is that excites you? What are your dreams? You should be THRIVING, not just SURVIVING. FIND out what it is that truly moves, inspires, and motivates you.
5. Follow: Follow those who will teach you. Find a mentor, someone who is where you strive to be, then follow them, and let them coach you.
6. Form: Form a plan to get to where who are going. You can’t jump in your car and aimlessly drive around town hoping to find your destination. Same thing with your life. Your plan IS your google map, your directions.
7. Forge: Once you have your plan, FORGE ahead with passion and purpose. Wake up everyday with a positive attitude, and don’t allow anyone to steal your happiness or positivity. If you do, the one who loses is YOU
-Great thanks to Mr. Brad Hager for this awesome, inspiring information. I hope this is helpful for you. Happy New Year, let’s go 2011!
Peace,
Jamie
Sydney’s Miracle Story
A very good friend of mine sent me a facebook message yesterday. It was the story of his dog Sydney, and….well, I don’t want to spoil the story right up front, it’s a MUST read. But those of you who read my posts will know right away why this touched my heart. I want to thank my good friend Craig Martini and his fiance Kim, for sharing this amazing experience with me, and allowing me to share it with you. Below is the unedited message I received from Craig. Grab some tissues, you may need them.
I have to tell you a story about a miracle with our beloved dog Sydney.
About a month and a half ago, Sydney started having a hard time getting up from laying down. I took her to the vet right away. I thought she must have hurt herself somehow. The vet did x-rays and came out with a horrible prognosis. Crippling arthritis, she is 13 years old. She gave me three different medications to give her twice a day. She said, we just have to make her comfortable for now. You will have to have to put her down soon, she is in horrible pain, it’s not fair to her and on and on.. Kim and I were devastated. We took her home and sat with her for hours on end. Every time she went to the bathroom she fell in it, she couldn’t hold herself up to go anymore. It was so hard to watch. Kim and I started planning on how to come to terms with all of this and let her go.
Now for the miracle
Kim went to work and was breaking down all day. One of her co-workers noticed and asked what was wrong. Kim told her and the girl said “try this lady, she helped my dog she is holistic”.
Kim came home and told me about it so we called and made an appointment for the next day. I carried her in and sat with her on my lap. She was in so much pain she didn’t even bother to try to get up. Finally it was our turn to see the Dr.
I put Sydney on the table. The Dr said ” I looked at her x-rays and she does have some bad arthritis, but I know I can help”. She held Sydney’s face right against hers and said “you are gonna be OK Sydney”
The Dr asked me to hold Sydney in a loose head lock, so I did. She grabbed her paw and started cracking her knuckles. She cracked every single one. Sydney was not liking it to much haha. Next she had me stand her up and hold her the same way. She went down every vertebrae with her thumbs pushing sharply and quickly. Next she told me to hold her tightly. I was pouring sweat by this time. She held her tail and gave it a quick yank. Sydney’s tail immediately started wagging like crazy. (It hadn’t wagged at all in weeks before that).
I set her on the ground and she started walking around!! The Dr just smiled. She gave us a proper diet plan for her and told us to bring her back in the morning for acupuncture. We did. The Dr told us that in 48 hours she would be feeling much better.
24 hours later I took her out to go potty and she STAYED ON HER FEET!! A day later she was running around playing with her toys again. She is so happy, she has tons of energy and feels a thousand times better. She can get up from laying about 50% of the time and getting stronger everyday!
I am still pinching myself, it is so amazing!
Her name is Joanne Stefanatos
Here is her website:
www.holistic-veterinarian.com
Lets, have some coffee this week! I have to leave next week.
Have a great night,
Craig
Is Network Marketing a Scam?
As someone who is involved in the Home Based Business industry knows as Network Marketing, I am very aware of the stigmas and preconceived perceptions that people have regarding it. Many still view Network Marketing as a “pyramid scheme”, or think of it as a very negative business, without much income earning potential. Many that I have spoken to about Network Marketing have said the same thing: “I tried that once, didn’t really make any money, I just don’t think I am cut out for it”.
Well, I have some thoughts on the subject that I wanted to share.
First, what is Network Marketing? It is a method of distributing products using word of mouth advertising, instead of traditional tv, print and media advertising. A company’s product or service usually can only be purchased through an independent distributor, rather than in retail stores. The independent distributor earns a commission each time a product or service is sold. Furthermore, the distributor can enroll others that have a desire to become distributors themselves, and the enroller (sometimes called the sponsor) then would receive an additional override on the new distributors sales as well.
In a traditional retail model, when a company sells product through traditional retail outlets and stores, the profit goes mainly to the company. The stores themselves would make a profit as well. But the end user is simply consuming or using the company’s product or service, and paying full price for it.
With a Network Marketing business model, the company puts an opportunity for financial gain into the hands of literally anyone who wishes to take advantage of it, simply by using a product or service, and then building an team of people who also wish to use the products or service.
Okay, so why do people think it is a “pyramid scheme”? Honestly, I don’t know. A pyramid scheme simply involves money exchanging hands, without any goods or services being sold. A pyramid scheme is illegal, and has nothing to do with NWM.
There are some who say that NWM “is not really about the products, its just a sign up game”. Well, here is my take on that. If a company doesn’t have unique, proprietary products that people want, there is no way that a company will last 2 or 3 years, let alone 50. So it HAS to be about the products. However, if it were ONLY about the products, then the company should just put those products in stores and sell them through traditional retail channels, end of story. But NWM is also about creating an opportunity for people to grow a business, whether that means simply making enough money to get their products for free, or building a massive team, and building a full time, passive income. it is completely up to each independent distributor to decide for themselves how big or small they want to grow their business.
Next, let’s talk about why so many seem to “fail” at NWM. The answer to this is simple. Most people do not take the necessary steps to succeed. It’s really that simple. NWM is a simple business, that doesn’t mean it is easy. It takes work, perseverance and dedication, just like any other business. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and usually, one needs to have vision and see the long term picture of where they will be if they stick with the plan. But most just can’t seem to follow through, an stop before they even start. Maybe there is a lack of belief in themselves or in the industry, so they quit, then blame their “failure” on the company or the industry as a whole. This is not exclusive to NWM, by the way, I think this is indicative of people in general. It’s a small percentage of individuals who will take the road less traveled, and do what is necessary to reach their goals. Too many people listen to those that don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to NWM. If I gave you advice about something that I never even tried, should you listen to me? Of course not. But that is what I see all of the time, someone’s brother tells them “hey don’t do that, that is a scam, a scheme, network marketing doesn’t work”. All the while they should be listening to the woman who just quit her full time job and is staying home with her children now because of NWM. Or how about the amazing story of a woman I know who was working in a grocery store, miserable, found network marketing and became one of the top income earners in her company. Or the musician friend of mine who found NWM several years back, and now is building a second home…. in Costa Rica. This wouldn’t have happened with the money he made as a Las Vegas lounge musician. And the lives that they have changed and touched are many. Listen to the right people. That’s another post of mine, actually.
The final point I want to make is this: Building a Network Marketing business is about helping people. I can see a lot of people scowling right now, shaking their heads, saying “yeah, right”. Well, I also know that the ones that are shaking and scowling have never built a large NWM organization, or you would understand what I am saying. It’s a business where there is no way you are going to be successful unless you help a lot of other people become successful. And the only way that is going to happen is if you develop yourself first. A very large part of Network Marketing is about personal growth, leadership, and teaching. The funny thing is, may people view this industry as negative, when actually the only way that you can grow a large team is by actually caring for and nurturing them! It’s people helping people.
And yes, there are some companies within the industry that are not the most upstanding and ethical. But that is no different that any other industry. You will find good and bad within every sector of every industry in the world. The truth is that Network Marketing has created more millionaires than any other industry, with the only exceptions being Microsoft and Google.
I love being a part of this industry. I love offering someone a chance to change their future, and watching them seize that opportunity and run with it. It’s an amazing thing to behold. We are living in a time when people need opportunities more than ever. With Network Marketing, you are paid what you are worth. If you work hard, you earn that pay. If you work a little, you earn that pay. It’s a better way.
I hope this is reaching you in a way that you understand, and at a time when it is meaningful to you.
Sincerely,
Jamie Hosmer
Good, Bad, Guilt, Fear….oh my.
I used to have a strong fear of success. Oh sure, I said I wanted this and wanted that, had this goal or that goal, but at the end of the day, it frightened be subconsciously. Fear that I would lose some of my friends, that they would think I was different, fear of having to “live up” to whatever lifestyle one was supposed to have when one is “successful”. (sounds so ridiculous now to read that).
And then there was the guilt. Feeling guilty of maybe having the things that some others don’t, and feeling unworthy of it. Why should I have something if that person doesn’t have it? Those types of thoughts.
These thoughts and beliefs can truly paralyze us. They can stop us in our tracks. It is self-sabotage at its finest. We can actually create situations for ourselves that put roadblocks in front of us without realizing we are doing it, because it is below the surface, it’s in our subconscious mind.
My belief is that we are on this earth to live abundantly. That word, “abundantly” is not going to mean the same thing to everyone. In fact, it will mean something different for each and every person. So, what your abundance is is up to you. It could be lots of money. It could be lots of joy. It could mean having a lot or friends, loved ones, or just feeling loved. It could be that you are doing what you love to do every single day, raising a family, etc. You get to decide. But make sure you actually decide.
And once you decide, don’t let fear of actually getting there stop you. And don’t let the feeling of guilt for having a good life stop you either. In fact, take those words out of your subconscious mind, as well as your conscious mind forever. They aren’t doing you any good anyways.
To your own “abundance”,
Jamie
Thinking Outside The Box
It’s probably an understatement to say that we are living in, well, let’s say “strange” economic times. Certainly we would all agree that things are different now then, say, 5 years ago. I currently live in Las Vegas, and 5 years ago in Vegas things were booming like crazy. Housing prices were through the roof, there were plenty of jobs to be had, whether you were in construction, entertainment, the service industry, whatever. Things were good. Life was good. Hmmm….a bit different story today.
I am not going to rehash the unemployment numbers, or the percentages that housing prices have gone down. My purpose here is not to depress anyone, or state the obvious. So let’s get to my point for writing this:
When everything was all hunky-dory and we were all just grooving along on auto-pilot like life will be just like this forever, what were you doing? And the bigger question is this: What are you doing NOW? Are you doing the same thing? And what are your results? If you are one of the lucky ones that has a career that is still flourishing since the downturn, and all is well with your life, then I say awesome and congratulations. But if, like the world, things have changed for you and things are not so great, think about what you are doing to change with the times. Are you changing at all?
Remember Einstein’s definition on insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Folks, now is the time to think “outside the box.” In fact, I say this is just about a necessity. The old days are over. One job for life, one career, retirement provided by your employer that will be there when you retire. These are things that for most will not be a reality. It’s a new day, it’s a whole new world. But it’s also a time for renewal, for reinvigorating ourselves, rethinking our lives in general. It’s a time when our creativity and zest for life will be brought to its fullest potential. It’s a time to really focus on what we truly are passionate about, what our talents are (are you using your given talents?), what our strengths are.
Speaking of strengths, check out www.strengthsfinder.com for an analysis of what you truly excel at. It can be a real eye opener. But I digress….
The only thing that will hold you back from achieving everything you want, all of your goals, your hopes, dreams (yes, even now in this economy) is…..YOU. Figure out what you want, which for most is the hardest part. Focus on that like there is nothing else, pinpoint, laser attention to that vision. Finally, take the action required, think outside the box, there is NO obstacle that you cannot overcome. Go and get it.
Let’s shred those boxes,
Jamie
Too Much Trouble To Have A Little Fun?
I recently have started doing something that I haven’t done in 25 years: play baseball. There is an over 35 league (I’m plenty over that), that a friend of mine has been in, and I happened to see him one day at a park, playing a game. My very first reaction was excitement. “Wow, that looks like a lot of fun, I really miss playing ball!”
So we got to talking, and he invited me on to the team to play when they started up again. Sounded awesome. But then, as can often happen within our strange little human brains, we start THINKING. “Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this, I should be doing things more important, I don’t have time for this, what if I totally embarrass myself, get hurt, hurt someone else, get sunstroke, put out an eye….” AAAHHHH!!!!
I immediately tried to talk myself out of this. Something that was going to bring me joy, it was going to be sheer fun, not really take up much of my time (once a week for a couple hours), and here I was giving myself every excuse why I COULDN’T and SHOULDN’T do it. Sounds kind of insane, right? Yup. Totally insane.
So, once I took a hold of my sanity, I realized that I needed to do this. I needed to do something just for the sheer fun of it. After all, like attracts like, according to the Law of Attraction, so if I had some fun, then I would naturally attract more fun and joy into my life. And who doesn’t need some more of that? There was really no good reason why I shouldn’t do this.
So I am doing it. We had a practice the other day, and the only collateral damage was a few balls thrown into the fence, and a few sore muscles. (okay, a LOT of sore muscles). But it was a BLAST. Our first game is this Sunday. Wish me luck! Oh, and go have some fun yourself. No excuses!
Here’s to your joy and excitement,
-Jamie