I went to a short course in writing a business plan Saturday morning, and what a gem of a morning it turned out to be!

For years I've known I should write a business plan, and I even halfheartedly began to once or twice, but this short, inexpensive ($35.00) seminar finally gave me the motivation, knowledge, and tools I needed to begin. I loved the instructor, he was a retired CEO full of wisdom, humor, enthusiasm, and valuable insights.

I've been working on my plan this morning - it's been completely painless, and am already a good part of the way done. My home business is indeed very small as small businesses go, but writing a business plan is forcing me to think things through, measure my results, and get a better handle on what I've accomplished, and what my options are for moving forward.

The seminar was sponsored by a great organization called SCORE, a branch of the SBA that provides professional small business guidance via volunteer business executives, many of whom are retired.  In addition to very affordable seminars, they also offer free business counseling, which is my next step.  I signed up on the Miwaukee SCORE website, and was able to specify what kind of business I am, and what kind of guidance I am requesting.  I'll let you know how that unfolds.

I know a number of you who read my blog are on a path similar to mine, and wanted to let you know about this great resource.  If any of you have already utilized SCORE, or have written a business plan, I'd love to hear about your experience. 

Who me? The Stylish Blogger Award!!!

Bless her heart, my friend Lisa from Lisa's Urban Nostalgia has given me the Stylish Blogger Award! I've known Lisa for a number of years, and have always enjoyed her bright personality and her amazing art. Please check out her blog, and while you're at it, check out her Etsy store too. 

In order to accept this award, I am supposed to reveal 7 things about myself.  Here they are, in no particular order:

1.  When I was a student at UW- Madison I worked in a radioactive plant pathology lab (maybe that explains a few things).

2. Before I attended a Christian Camp called Fort Wilderness in high school, I had no idea why Jesus died on the Cross, and what that had to do with me. 

3.  One of the best times of my life was backpacking all over Europe for a month with a good friend after graduating from college.

4.  Once I ran right into Walter Payton  at a racetrack - literally. Wham! My nose slammed into his name tag.  Even though I was the one not watching where I was going, he politely apologized.   

5.   Elisabeth Elliot is one of my heroes.  

6.  My Dad used to jump barrels while ice skating on the Manitowoc River in Chilton, WI. (I know that this is not about me, but I am running out of things to say.)  He still does push ups and he's in his 80's.

7.  You might not know this about me, but I love plants!  And, before that, I really loved fossils.  I have quite a collection, including a piece fossilized vertebrae, and a gastrolith (you might have to look that up). 

There you have it.  Now I am going to pass The Sylish blogger Award to...

KateXpressions - Karen is a new online friend of mine who combines both pressed flowers/botanicals and beautiful watercolor scenes in her note cards, which she sells on her Etsy store.  I also love reading her wise, inspiring blog called the Sower's Corner, where she combines her strong faith everyday living.  Please visit her blogs and her Etsy store - it will be time well spent.