Welcome to the Purple Crayon Factory newsletter #43

When we get set to travel somewhere, we usually put considerable time into planning what we want to do, see and experience. We do some research and sketch out a plan for what we’d like our vacation to be like. Even if it’s just the vaguest notion, it’s usually more thought than we put into our off-time when we are at home.

Unless I decide ahead of time how I want my short Minnesota summer to be, it passes by before I fully submerge myself in it. In addition to thinking about what I want to do, I also reflect on how I want my summer to feel. Chances are, there are things you had wanted to experience but haven’t yet. If you wanted to have a lazy summer but instead found yourself racing from one thing to the next, a day at the beach might be just the ticket. Conversely, if you’ve wanted to do some exploring this summer but instead stayed in, then arranging some adventures could be just what you need.

If a friend were to visit your area during summer, what would you suggest as “can’t miss” experiences? To squeeze out every ounce of summer enjoyment doesn’t need to take a lot of money or time. Consider setting a date for yourself to experience being a tourist in your own city as a way to savor this last bit of summer.

To plan out how you can be a tourist in your own town, use the Mini-Reflection Exercise later in this newsletter.

Let’s Dish! Business networking — Edina
Connect with other businesses, have fun and make your life less hectic by coming home with meals for the rest of the week! This month’s menu is full of tasty meals perfect for grilling or popping up to the cabin. In the amount of time you’d grocery shop, you can dish meals and business! One low price covers everything:

"I do many networking events and not only did I walk away with great connections – but some wonderful, quick meals for my family. Especially for those days I couldn’t pull myself away from my computer to plan something decent on my own!" -- Joyce Nelson Shellhart Dress for Success

What more could you ask for? Wednesday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. – noon in Edina, MN. E-mail for more details or to be included in the goodie bags. To register, click www.letsdish.com, select the Edina location and “RSVP to private party”. Select August 15 and enter this password: Purple. Select your meals. (Need to leave by noon? Select four meals. Flexible? Choose eight or twelve meals and continue dishing and informal networking after the event.) Any discount or coupon can be entered online when you checkout (e.g. promo code CMC10 will give you $10 off an 8 or 12 meal session). Register by August 10 and receive a free side dish at the event! Register by August 5 and you’ll ALSO receive an extra entry into the prize drawing.

Coming up: The next Let’s Dish! Business networking event will be held Wednesday, October 24, 11:30-1:30 in Rochester, MN. Early bird registrants receive a free side dish. To pre-register e-mail or call Teresa at 612-722-6931 for details.

Universe Changers! — sponsored by the Minnesota Women’s Press
Join a discussion circle for women — because we have always made change by talking with each other. Come prepared to discuss the big and the little things in life. Let’s make change in the universe by sharing our stories, ideas, and opinions. Facilitation orchestrated by PCF. Sessions resume in September and will be announced in the next newsletter.

Networking Factory — hosted by Women In Networking
Networking can be easier and more rewarding than you think! Jump into interactive, fun, facilitated networking. Teresa Thomas-Carroll of PCF will help us make meaningful, intimate business Tuesday, September 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza, Bloomington. $20 for WIN members, $30 for guests. Lunch included. For information or to register, visit Women In Networking at www.mnwin.org.

Small Business Marketing Jam
Each Marketing Jam just gets better and better. Our last event drew 40 participants from a wide range of businesses. Several have already registered for the next session in September when our interactive focus will be on Marketing from the Heart. You can also book your very own session for your business or networking group. Co-facilitated by Taiha Wagner of Mom on the Go and Teresa Thomas-Carroll of PCF. Because of our wonderful sponsors, we are able to offer a pre-registration price of just $20 for a limited time. Reserve your space now! Wednesday, September 26, 6- 9 p.m. (Appetizers served from 6 - 6:30) at Eden Prairie City Hall. To pre-register or order gift certificates at this low price, e-mail your name and address.

Brainstorm a list of what you would recommend as “must experience” activities to someone visiting your area during summer.

Imagine yourself as tourist in your own town. What would you want to see and experience?

Do it! Get your calendar and pick a vacation day to be a tourist in your own city. Set your itinerary (see the list you brainstormed), pack your camera, sunglasses and wear something that makes you feel like you’re from out of town—maybe a t-shirt emblazoned with your city’s name. On this day, only do things that a tourist would do (e.g. don’t do laundry or cook from home!).

Inspire others: post your ideas of what you plan to do for your at-home vacation as comments on PCF's blog.

(Reach over 1,000 readers by featuring your business or event here. For details visit PCF’s sponsorship page.)

Send in Maureen...Organizing Services

A place for everything and everything in its place.

651-233-7717

Getting organized doesn’t have to be expensive, overwhelming, complicated or drudgery. Find out how it can be fun, like reverse treasure hunting to find where things belong. Services range from doing “it all”, working together with you or providing ideas you can do yourself.

“Maureen has helped me organize both my home and home office. I have saved time, space, and even money as a direct result of her help and suggestions. I've found her to be very trustworthy and a delight to work with.” – E.S.

“Since working with Maureen, my co-workers remark on how fast I can retrieve things and how professional I am. Thanks to her, my business is increasing and I can sleep better at night instead of worrying about the previously overwhelming details of running a business.” – K.L.

See what other clients are saying, references posted at:

www.sendinmaureen.com

Purple Crayon Factory’s refreshing workshops, networking events and services support you to create the life you want with resources you have. We value creativity and facilitating meaningful connections between people and ideas. Whether you seek big transformation or simply inspiration, we have something for you or your organization.

Teresa Thomas-Carroll is the publisher of this newsletter and can be reached at 612-722-6931 or teresa@purplecrayonfactory.com. Check out her musings on PCF's blog.

Purple Crayon Factory respects your privacy and does not give out or sell subscriber names and/or email addresses. You are welcome to pass this newsletter to your friends and colleagues as long as the entire newsletter is kept intact. If this newsletter has been forwarded to you, you are welcome to sign up to receive your own copy at subscribe-956609963@ezinedirector.net. If you wish to be taken off this list simply send an email to remove-956609963@ezinedirector.net