You may know me from a little thing called Business Beware. If you don't know what I am talking about then check out the video right beside this and learn more. This is my personal blog where I talk about things I love from traveling, sports, photography, small business, creative marketing and really anything I find to be interesting. I'm a member of the awesome YEC. I love meeting amazing people everyday through what I do and I love telling their stories. Feel free to email me at ashley(at)ashleybodi.com
I am in love with snowboarding ever since I tried it 5 years ago. The first day was brutal but everyday after that it was just one of those things you can’t put into words. Having the chance to stand at the top of the mountain and have that as your view while cruising down the crisp white snow is AWESOME.
Yep, that’s me taking it all in before I take off. Okay enough about making you jealous about my fabulous ski trip because I know you want to learn how to find amazing ski lift ticket deals. If you’re like me and don’t live anywhere near a mountain, making a trip can certainly add up with a flight, hotel, car rental, food and lift tickets. I found an amazing website where you can get lift tickets for up to 80% off. Yes, I said 80% off. read more
I love quotes. This quote is actually from the “Iron Lady” trailer with Meryl Streep. When I heard it I couldn’t help but write it down because there’s such truth in it. Had to share so enjoy!
I got the chance to chat with young entrepreneurs and startups about dealing with bad customers and what to expect when they start a project with the client. There are so many customer service experts out there that tell you “the customer is always right” and that slogan is false. Here’s the real story…the good customers are your bread and butter and you should treat them well but the bad customers you need to fire. Why? Because those bad customers are taking away time you could be spending with your good customers. Makes sense right?
There were a ton of questions and many were asking about contracts and how to “pre-qualify” a customer. I had a blast sharing my tips and experiences with everyone. A big thank you to the awesome Ryan Paugh and YEC for making this happen.
I LOVE finding new startups and sharing them with everyone. Startups are on the rise and that’s a good thing considering there are no jobs out there, lets create them!
Here are 3 startups I am digging right now and just discovered this week:
- Codecademy: learn programming with baby steps (by weekly email). Each week they send a new interactive programming lesson that’s sent via email. And it’s FREE. So whether you want to learn code for the first time or need to brush up on your current skills, Codecademy is your new best friend. Sign up here.
- Inquire.ly: will collect all the data from your websites forms, store it securely in the cloud, and nudge you when you’ve forgotten about that important customer. We are going to use this for BB and pumped about it! Sign up here.
- Polarfox App: Polarfox lets you easily edit and multi post images to Flickr, Facebook, Twitpic (Twitter), Picasa (Google+), Blogger, Evernote, Box and Posterous. Sign up here (beta)
Let me know if you check them out and get a chance to sign up for either of these startups. Feel free to share your favorite new startups /apps you have discovered recently. The great thing about all 3 of these is that each can help business owners and entrepreneurs with daily tasks and even learning something new.
Have a favorite startup? Share it below!
I’m still amazed at how fast time flies and how much faster it gets as you get older. 2012 is almost here and you always hear everyone coming up with new years resolutions but my question is why do you wait “for the new year?” Too often we think that we have to have a reason to achieve goals or change the way we eat, workout, travel etc. But seriously, why wait?
There is one thing that you have to understand, life is short and you don’t know what tomorrow holds so get out there and live life to the fullest. We get so caught up in daily life or drama that we forget to actually enjoy life. We forget about the things and people we love when truly that is the most important thing in life.
“Life is not about money, fame, your net worth, objects or how many friends you have, it’s about leaving footprints on others hearts and helping those you meet along the way.”
Go ahead and think of right now (this new years) as a clean slate but from this day forward don’t be afraid to make a change or take a chance before the new year comes around again. Once you accomplish a goal don’t stop there, keep setting them. Every day is a clean slate so make everyday amazing. Don’t waste time on looking back and wishing you could change something, focus on what’s ahead. I once had the privilege of hearing Colin Powell speak at a conference and what I took away from his speech was this:
“Don’t waste your time looking in the rearview mirror, focus on the road ahead of you.”
You may have heard this before but I’m telling you that it’s true…be patient and good things will come. It’s so true and it’s happened to me so take my word for it. So celebrate the new year, enjoy it and never stop challenging yourself.
Happy New Year! See you in 2012!
Photo credit: SJ Photography
