As an internet marketer, I am zoned in on business 24/7. Even on vacation, I can be walking on a beach miles from home and notice that something reminds me of business. Yes, my mind might be somewhat relaxed at times, but I always keep a business perspective. I am not addressing the issue of obsessive thinking, but rather, the small part of my mind that always sees the “edge” of business no matter where I go.
I don’t know if it happens to you, but I can be on vacation with the mindset of total focus on what I am doing. Then I walk in a store for instance, and my mind goes immediately to how they could perfect their business by advertising on the internet, or offering a website for their awesome products. Things like that. So, I would say that business is always on my mind!
But what happens when a life situation emerges? I actually can completely disconnect my business thinking… and I do. An example is the super storm “Sandy” that is heading my way at this writing. My mind immediately goes to my loved ones, and making sure they are O.K. Instead of working today, I had to go out to get things ready for a possible power outage. Water, batteries, you know… the essentials. I notice my mind sharpens at times like this. I focus purely on basic survival.
I always have a go-pack ready “just in case.” But there are still other things to do. Tie down the yard furniture, take down the window boxes and anything that is not adhered to the property. Check list done…everything ready. But what about my neighbors? Hmmm. I put up a notice on my community email list of the extras I have to share and pass around. Candles, clothing, etc. Phew…
While running these errands, I notice a few people dressed in what I thought were hunting clothes, but it turned out to be the National Guard. O.K. time to take this a little more seriously. Many “what-if” scenarios drift into my mind. What if the lights go out for days? What if looting starts? What if I need to shelter, feed or protect myself? Hmmm, other things to think about.
This put me into “action.” So now as I sit here, I feel like I am pretty well prepared. But I’m still in a flood zone, and the county I am in has not given us any emergency plans or shelter locations. So where should I go, I ask myself. My decision was to stay put! Stay with my husband and 3 dogs. Now, I’m thinking… what if there really is a flash flood? How will my dogs survive? I know. I will go out and get some doggie life preserver. Oops. I should get one for me, too.
My husband David Merrill and I went out to clean all the storm drains that are on city property because the Mayor of the lovely city does not have a plan. People stopped us and asked if we were getting paid. We told them that we were just lending a hand to prevent flooding in that area. While we were doing this, we met a fisherman. He caught a lovely fish and took our picture. He was collecting his food naturally from the stream. A little lightness to the day!
Now after reading all this, what is my mindset? Survival. Oh dear, what an experience this is. I have given no thought of my business. How I will get to my blog or perform other functions if I have no power? I wonder if there’s a WIFI shelter. Then I look at my computer and realize I haven’t even been on it for two days while I’ve been in preparation mode.
So, my friends, as potential floods and 70 mph winds come my way, I tried to do my best to lend a helping hand. If I have power I will be in touch with you, otherwise we can catch up after the “storm.”
Conclusion: Life is way more important than anything else.
Question: Have you ever had your mind seriously sidetracked, and totally “off” business?
See you soon, or whenever my power is on,
Donna
Please to hear that you and David are both safe Donna. Take care of yourselves. I have to say from here in France I have been thinking about the importance of Business Continuity Plans for our business – one can never be prepared for something as HUGE as Hurricane Sandy. My thoughts are with you 🙂
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Hi Donna,
My response to your post is after the fact of what actually happened with Hurricane Sandy. Luckily you and David were not struck. I feel badly for those struck in New Jersey and New York. I know you have friends and family and were worried about them. For those who lost their homes, it’s sad to type it, hopefully they have family too which will help them get through the devastation. Every place has something and I think it is important to be prepared and it sound like you did a good job, “just in case.”
I am guilty of always thinking about business. I have to mentally make a point to focus on something else. Actually, I have to either force myself to get distracted with something different, such as walking my dog, or attending a social event. Or, my “non-business” mind will trigger when I am in a circumstance you described. Family and loved ones are most important, and business thoughts will fly out the window when they need attention. Thanks Donna….so glad you were spared!
Raena Lynn
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I hope you came out of the other end of the storm in one piece. It’s funny but I didn’t really panic about business until later. I did a bit of planning insofar as making sure I had a blog post scheduled and a couple of details done for clients. but I never expected to be out of power and internet for the whole week so somewhere in the middle of the week I started to worry about the things I wasn’t doing and the clients I couldn’t reach. Fortunately I have some good people in my clan that could help me out in a pinch but it’s really a wake up call that you never know what will happen and just like you have that go-pack, we should also have some business contingency plans in place. Lots to think about here. I hope you are safe and well!
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I can totally relate to your experience, Donna. My mind is constantly looking for ‘content ideas’ as I go about my day. In fact, many times I have to hold myself back from sharing what I’m thinking with my wife for fear that she’ll think that that’s ALL I think about. But, yes, it’s pretty constant. Since we also live in an area that quite often gets hurricane warnings – my blog and other businesses don’t get much attention during those times. Family is more important. Being with those you love and spending time with them is more important. Sometimes business just has to get in the backseat and wait its turn.
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Hi Donna, I hope when you read this that the worse is over and you are able to recover. I saw a post on Facebook today about areas aren’t getting any help, but the affluent areas are. Hopefully there is a plan that comes out of all that and that everyone can pull through together.
Your mind really does focus more intently on situations like that while when things are calm and perfect, we rack our brains trying to come up with something. For someone that is going through a terrible situation, you wrote this as if I was there with you going through the same thing. My prayer goes out to everyone and your family in these hard times. Great post Donna!
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Twitter: marquitaherald
November 2, 2012 at 8:46 pm #
So glad Sandy has moved on and everyone is in recovery mode. You are so right about priorities Donna. We were hit with a tsunami coastal evacuation just before Sandy hit the east coast and as we were waiting it all out we got to comparing notes about how many “disasters” we’d actually been in. As best I was able to recall, I’ve survived 5 hurricanes, 4 tsunamis, a dozen major Island storms, and way more earthquakes can I can count (born in California – the earthquake capital of the mainland!). Man, you tally it up that way is a humbling experience!
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Oh My Marquita!
You certainly had your share of Mother Nature. It is true that it is a humbling experience.
I was so fortunate not to have any weather where I live and also grateful that I was able to help!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Oh Gee Donna, I feel for you alright. I have never had to endure such weather like you are experiencing and I hope not to have to do that. I really enjoyed your article, as I could feel what you are feeling just simply by reading it. I think you are a fantastic person for helping out with the drains as well. Its funny how when a disaster is near we immediately think of our loved ones before we think of ourselves. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Carol for your sweet words.
I felt like some kind of animal instinct took over me when I noticed people weren’t taking action. I went around and cleaned those drains, then complained to our “officials” who weren’t so kind in their emails.
I got so heated by this that I called out the Mayor and send a copy of my letter to the Gov. of my state. Just because! I did get battered by some people on our community email list because I complained that we had no preparedness in case of an emergency.
I am still demanding it from local officials. So what if they don’t like it! Ahhh I’ll stop my rant and maybe run for mayor he he he.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Hey Donna
I hope everything is okay with you.
I saw the pictures of Hurricane Sandy on the news and it didn’t look pretty.
My brother-in-law lives in New York and the power was out for quite some time.
What a great way to help out in your community to clear storm drains. I really admire that. I can’t imagine many people in my community doing something as helpful as that!
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Hi Tim,
Good thing the storm didn’t hit us. We set up our home as a place for family to come to that were living in the storm’s path.
Now, I’m sending supplies to those in need. New York City and the surrounding areas do need help. It is an on going process, but the brunt of it is over and now I am helping sending warm clothing and school supplies to the areas that were effected.
I am blessed that I could do so!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Hello Stranger..
I’ve been glued to the TV watching the story piece by piece. I’m shocked a super storm could cause all of that devastation. By the sounds of it your A-OK which is the main thing, when something like this happens it really makes you put things into perspective..
How you get stable power soon..
Sim
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Thanks Simmeon!
I am blessed that I was not in harms way. I am fine and as long as I was, I had family over to my house that had been displaced from their home.
Also have been working on “relief” efforts for other victims so I have been off line for quite a while.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Hello Stranger..
I’ve been glued to the TV watching the story piece by piece. I’m shocked a super storm could cause all of that devastation. By the sounds of it your A-OK which is the main thing, when something like this happens it really makes you put things into perspective..
How you get stable power soon..
Sim
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Dear Donna,
Thinking of you and your family at this time! I have been meditating on this subject since we heard the news of the storm brewing.
I can honestly say that I understand this point of view you have right now, too. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, my focuses have had to change as well. It’s an interesting experience to side step in order to put your energy where it is most needed.
So yeah, I have DEFINITELY has my mind seriously sidetracked and totally “off” business. Lately, I’ve been very self-ish, taking care of my health and getting as much love and laughter as I can cram into a day!
Sending you love and light, Donna!! *hugs*
Cat
Was I under some kind of a giant rock? This is the first time I heard that you have breast cancer. You are now on my prayer chain! Life does take us off our routine when something happens to us.
It is “time-out” for you and to take care of your “self” so you can come back stronger than ever!
Hugs,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Donna,
Talk about giving back! This is what an entrepreneur does…why? Because this is our nature to give back. We understand what it means to build community.
I’ve taken teams of people on two different trips to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, so we could help rebuild homes. The devastation was amazing. But the people who stayed to help or who came from far away to help was amazing!
Thank you for giving back!
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
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Thanks Ken!
Wow, I didn’t know you were involved with helping those after Katrina. That is awesome! So you know where my heart lies.
This is the wonder of being an entrepreneur. We can take the time to STOP..and lend a helping hand. I consider myself blessed that I could be available to give shelter to those I love.
Also, I have been on the phone with many clients and friends in the area of the storm with a listening ear and a supporting heart. Hey, that’s what we do!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
These experiences causes us to stop and consider what is important – friends, family, and neighbours. It also gives a healthy respect for the forces of nature.
With your practical, giving mindset you are a great friend, neighbour and resource for your community. Be safe my friend.
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Experiences like this certainly help to make us realize what is important. Friends, family neighbours that need support and assistance cannot be replaced by google, blog, etc. Also what we have seen in the past two days causes us to have a healthy respect for Mother Nature.
Very sad to see the devastation and loss.
With your practical, giving, mindset Donna you are indeed a great neighbour, friend and community resource. Stay safe my friend.
Elaine Horner recently posted..Garcinia Cambogia (HCA): Is This Right for You?
Thanks Elaine!
Sorry it took so long to respond, but I was busy with lending a helping hand. Sometimes, we need to prioritize and our daily life becomes consumed with what is important first.
It does take us away from our “routine” and business, but when mother nature calls, we have to listen.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Twitter: wonderoftech
October 30, 2012 at 6:52 pm #
Hi Donna, I hope you are safe. We had no electricity for a while but we are back now. Hang in there and let us know when you are back online!
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Hi Carolyn,
Although I wasn’t affected by the super storm, others were and camped out at my home. I also got involved with sending supplies to people that were in need. I’m back on track and raring to go!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Oh my dear, since this whole thing started this is the first blog I’ve come across with the owner right in the line of this great storm. The news so far is the destruction that Sandy has wrecked on the land. I only hope you pulled through it. Wishing you and your family the best of luck and God’s guidance.
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Thank you so much for your kind wishes!
We pulled through, but harbored many family members at our home. The most difficult part of this was that we couldn’t reach other family members for a week. We did and thank God they are all safe. I am still working on the recovery from my end, sending supplies to those in need.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Donna I commend you and your husband for stepping up and helping your community. Sad that the leaders of your area were neglectful in providing helpful information. I too for the first time in a long time due to being focused on survival of myself and family and did not notice any opportunities and note anything that triggered a thought about business. When on vacation like you I noticed things that trigger ideas regarding my business and/or someone else’s. I don’t have any guilt about it once you have the skill of assessing what you see, hear, etc. your mind just processes the information. That is different from being on vacation with family and deciding to drop all activities with them to write that ebook you plan on selling. lol Hope you all are safe!
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
October 30, 2012 at 11:03 am #
Hi Donna,
I have reached out my friends and many of ’em are in safe zone. Few are in the way of hurricane including you. While everything goes unpredictable with the Sandy, I wish you and your family can be safe there dear.
Hope you prepared and ready for it Donna 🙂 No lives, no business. Now think of survival and you can catch up on anything as you are super focused on business.
Keep in touch if you can 🙂 Else just take care of yourselves. Just… be safe and have faith dear. You will be alright with all the prayers 🙂
Cheers…
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Thank you Mayura,
Prayers worked and we are safe. So safe that now we are able to help those that need shelter and they are on their way to my home until they get electricity and/or water.
It is so difficult to see my home town NYC in a standstill. But we bounced back after 911 and we will do it again. New Yorkers have a very strong spirit! I may have left NYC and moved 300 miles north, but it is still in my heart.
Thanks for your kind words,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Twitter: harleenas
October 30, 2012 at 1:12 am #
Hope you all remain safe Donna!
Sandy has been in news for the past 2 days and this one seems to be the worst of the lot.
I can well imagine how you need to run around and cater for things for the time when you are stranded at home in such situations. We never faced anything like this our end, though when my Dad was in the Army they used to have training exercises like this, and for days we all had to remain home-bound as a part of the drill. Though nothing really happened but it gave us a feel of what it would be like if it ever did happen. And such things are scary.
Yes, work suffers for sure, though just as Adrienne mentioned, we always have so much of catching up to do with other things, which otherwise take a backseat because of our work – isn’t it? Or then such times can be used to connect with your loved ones at home, read, relax, meditate, introspect, and go within. Making the best of what you have in hand – isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing, and our prayers are with you. 🙂
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Harleena,
It is a good thing that your dad brought you up to be prepared. We always feel more of a safety net when we know what to do “just in case” of anything.
Here, there was no leadership, no plan, nothing! People were on line asking one another what to do. The problem I saw was the people who don’t use computers, like the elderly and homeless.
All in all, we came through it with just rain. A gusty wind once in a while that disturbed my computer, but that was it.
I consider myself blessed. Now I serve as a fortress for my family to come to my home because they are out of power.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
October 29, 2012 at 10:13 pm #
Hey Donna,
It’s kind of funny but as I’m commenting on your post, Kayla is in her bed just snoring. Man, I wish I had that on tape. She’s hilarious. Okay, back to the matter at hand.
First off, I feel for you girl. I’ve been through way too many hurricanes and to me they’re just a pain in my ass. I am not in a flood zone but the water does get so high that you can’t go anywhere. Ike was our last one and we were without electricity for 10 days. Not fun at all and boring!
I do get my mind off business though. Yeah, when I’m away from the computer I’m either relaxing or I have other things going. My mind doesn’t fall on business at all. Huh, wonder if that’s a good thing.
Okay girl…you, David and the children remain in my prayers. I know that you’ll be just fine and I hope we’ll get to see you tomorrow night. See, positive attitude! 😉
Take care and buckle down!
~Adrienne
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Hi Adrienne,
You have that knack to lift my spirits. Thank you! So we are fine and some family members are coming up due to no electricity and/or water. Awful. So I will be having a house full!
As for earthquakes…yikes. I’ve been in one in CA years ago, but somehow it didn’t frighten me so bad. I guess it was because it wasn’t a bad one.
I still struggle getting my mindset focused on other things beside business, so it is back to my hypnosis tapes for reinforcement!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Yes when I am far away from my computer. I am praying you all are ok and that there is not much damage. We get earth quakes out here so there isn’t any ducking for cover if it happens suddenly and you’re on a bridge. When I am on vacation, I don’t think about my business at all until I see a computer and I can get access to it. I think that is why we hit the road for road trips or go camping. No need for electricity there and I can completely unplug.
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Oh my dear outdoor friend.
How wonderful it is to go camping without any outside information. It must be very peaceful and well needed when owning your own business. I wish I liked to camp! I’ve done it once, and that was enough for me!
To me camping is going to a motel he he he! I do admire those that can pull the plug! With me, It takes a day or two to do that when I go away.
It does take time to create that mindset to be totally unhooked! Now as I look at the victims of the “Sandy” I wonder what they are doing without any way of communication.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
HI Donna, I am in the midst of the storm where I live…though we are not getting the brunt of it, and so far no power loss…but it is raining and very, very windy. It will be interesting to see what branches and trees block my way in the morning.
Good for you for lending a helping hand as you put it. Sounds like the storm is forcing you to live in the moment…which is always a good thing. Hope you are well and dry when this is all over.
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Hi Celeste,
Hope all is fine on your end. Yes Living in the moment! Now I’m part of a safe haven. Relatives that are in NYC are coming up to my home because of no power and no water.
Still praying for all the victims.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Twitter: suejprice
October 29, 2012 at 9:00 pm #
Hey Donna
I woke up this morning and you were the first person I thought of. We have had our television set on this morning (it is morning here) just watching the coverage.
I am like you very business focused. I go to restaurants and stores and am always thinking of ways they can improve their business or acknowledging the things they do so well. I guess I did a business degree because I love business.
In times like you are in right now though that would go out the window for me. Survival takes over and I would be like you thinking of who I can help. I cannot believe someone asked you and David if you were getting paid for what you were doing!!! Clearly on the “me” channel.
If you can communicate with us please do. I hope your dogs are okay and not too frightened. Lots of love and prayers for you all Donna.
Sue
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Hi Sue,
I see I’m not the only one with business on my mind all the time. What I did learn from this lesson is that I am more of a leader than I thought I was.
Just getting out there and taking action! Well, then complaining to officials with a cc to those higher than them. Yes, I received some negative emails that everything was alright, but the fact that there was no preparednes and no where for the homeless population to go …just in case…really got me going.
Maybe I’ll run for Mayor he he he
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
October 29, 2012 at 8:38 pm #
Hi Merrill,
Well, I hope that you, your husband and three dogs will be alright and this thing gone fast.
At first it was supposed to hit the south as well, but the storm headed north and we had nothing but grey and cool weather.
I hope you won’t lose power or at least not for long and be on our hangout tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing your feelings about this mother nature ordeal.
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Loved this Donna because I feel the same as you.
I think when you are an entrepreneur – you hardly ever switch off because that is the way your mind functions. When something funny, quirky or even sad happens in my life – it is brought to life again, sometimes many months later in my blog posts, articles or email marketing.
But like you – when there is a crisis either looming or happening, then it is a joy to be able to disconnect immediately from business and focus on everything that is truly important, and that of course is our loved ones and the human race in general!
I have been offline for a couple of days due to an internet black spot, but wanted to wish all my US friends in the path of the hurricane, safety and warmth from the madness going on around.
Take care Donna,
Nicky
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Thanks Nicky!
I was blessed that the hurricane didn’t effect me. But when you think of anything that life throws at you, the world does make a complete stop.
You kind of go on high gear, and for me, I found that that “leadership” quality was more than just in business, but in my civic duty.
I did stir things up a bit during the lack of leadership in my community, but I don’t care a bit! It is a wake up call for me to get more involved.
Thanks,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Mother Nature Stops Business
Donna, I’m so proud of you and your husband’s personal leadership, which shone forth in the most difficult of circumstances. I’m continuing to pray for many thousands of others who really did lose their homes to Hurricane Sandy. Thanks to you and many others, they are receiving the help they need.
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