I’m really excited to be sharing some BIG news with you. At this point, I can’t tell you everything just yet, but I’ll give you the preliminary information and what you can expect in the very near future.

You ready for it?! It’s pretty freakin’ awesome.

In addition to my current business – I have started another business with three other amazing people that are truly the coolest and most fascinating business savvy entrepreneurs I know. The four of us — we’ll be rocking the online world very soon. Seriously, watch for us in a BIG, beautiful way.

What’s the business you ask?

We started a LIVE streaming business. It’s called Events without Borders. We were able to test our services at a recent event (we streamed to over eleven countries!) – and now we’ve created a kickin’ business out of it. We’re live streaming from in-person events – to countries all over the world. Now you can be nice to your carbon footprint, be in the comfort of your own home — and attend an event!

See, I told you. It’s awesome.

My team at Solamar is creating our brand and our website right now. So watch for it. Trust me… keep tabs on it. This is a business not to miss. (The website will be found here when we have it live: http://www.YourEventWithoutBorders.com – stay tuned for that!)

Technology. Yum.

More to come on this, I promise – very soon.

As I mentioned earlier… I am proudly working on this innovative (ground-breaking!) business with three other incredible people. My partners… Andrea J. Lee, Jimbo Marshall and Jeremie Miller. Just so you can get a glimpse of how cool this business is… here are some pictures of the Events Without Borders team.

We’re going global, baby.

If you happen to be interesting in a live streaming option, ping me at Chelsea@TheNoDak.com. I would love to chat with you about it!

Oh, PS… I forgot to mention… I’m organizing a TEDx event in Vancouver, British Columbia on December 7th. Yes, TED rocks… and I’m thrilled to be organizing the first ever TEDxYVR event in that area with Andrea J. Lee. Watch for more info on this. I’ll send you to the website soon to check out the speakers, the sponsors… and just some really cool geeky stuff. AND Events Without Borders will be there, too! So if you can’t attend live – you can attend via video! More to come…

Okay, okay… I’m rambling. It’s 2:30am… and I’m damn excited. Talk to you soon! Ciao for now! -C

This might come as a surprise to you (if you don’t know me personally)… but my real name is Chelsea Perkins. Yep, that’s my maiden name. Even though I’m divorced now, most people know me by the name of Chelsea Moser.

While going through my divorce – I was deep into the important stages of building a business. People knew me by Chelsea Moser – and now everything is under Chelsea Moser… no one knows me as anything else – aside from people in my past. And in order to keep my brand consistent and build my business without a change in branding… I didn’t want to rock the boat and confuse people by changing my name back after the divorce. So I put my business thinking cap on and made the choice to not make any changes.

I struggle with this from time to time because I can’t decide if I should stick with my married name (it’s been almost 5 years using Chelsea Moser) …or go back to my maiden name. I now have an established business and I’m not so worried about not being recognized by my name now. The name is in my business… that’s my brand. Perhaps – online – I just leave it the way it is and on a personal level I change it back to Perkins.

That’s what I struggle with.

If the plan was to get married again, there’s no use in changing my name now. But if marriage isn’t in the cards for me… am I supposed to be comfortable with a life known as “Chelsea Moser”.

Hm… yes, it’s complicated.

Maybe it’s a sense of belonging that I’m struggling with. Sharing someone’s name is so important to me (such a strong traditional thing that I adore) – and me not sharing my name with anyone other than an ex-husband… we’ll it just doesn’t make me thrilled. I’ve moved on and so should my name, right?

So the time is now. Should I change my name back to my maiden name. Or just leave it… and trust that it really doesn’t matter what my last name is?

Chelsea Perkins. Chelsea Moser. Which is it?

Think Like an Entrepreneur
Here are five ways to revive and nurture your entrepreneurial spirit.
By Joan Marques

We’re all entrepreneurs at heart. It’s just that many of us have forgotten how to think that way. The main reason is that the current structure of our civilization doesn’t really encourage the entrepreneurial mind-set. And that is easily explained: If we all decided to be entrepreneurs, who would work for large organizations? Who would serve us in stores? Who would fulfill the administrative chores for established business and nonprofit entities?

So that’s why entrepreneurship is not the most endorsed career path. Besides, being an entrepreneur is riskier than just accepting a job somewhere, because you never know whether your venture is going to take off and how long it will take. Those of us who have embarked on entrepreneurial journeys know how much patience, perseverance and inner strength it requires to stick with your initiative, even when your loved ones tell you to give up and find a “normal” job.

Yet it’s now more important than ever to think like an entrepreneur, regardless of the setting in which we are employed. I teach MBA courses at a university in Los Angeles, and on the first day of every workshop I present my students the concept of “Me, Inc.” I picked this up many years ago from Tom Peters’ book The Brand You 50: Or: Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an ‘Employee’ into a Brand That Shouts Distinction, Commitment, and Passion!

I think it’s a powerful concept. If you see yourself as a supplier of services for your employer, you mentally and emotionally emerge from victimized employee to full-fledged, equal partner. Nothing changes physically, but psychologically the world has made a 180-degree spin. And no, your employer will probably not encourage you to think that way, because it’s not very advantageous to her if you start realizing that you have the same choice as she has to discontinue the relationship and pursue a more rewarding partnership. But no one has to know about this paradigm shift. It doesn’t matter how others look at you. What matters is how you look at yourself.

I perceive the institution where I facilitate courses as a preferred partner. I deliver my best product, for which I receive a pre-arranged compensation. Could it get more entrepreneurial than that? Thanks to this mind-set, I find myself engaging with much pleasure in a number of additional projects: I write books and articles, edit and publish scholarly and business journals, organize workshops for businesspeople, present a radio show in Europe, write a newspaper column in South America, and so on. The only limits for me are the length of a day and my restricted human energy.

Life can be beautiful or dull, depending on how you look at it. Two people can look at exactly the same situation and have entirely opposite opinions about it. That’s because of our personal baggage and the mind-set we choose to nurture. Entrepreneurs nurture a mind-set that entails an immense internal locus of control: They first seek fault within themselves when things go wrong. Yet when things go right, they usually realize that there were many links involved in the chain of performance, and they give credit to those as well.

This is where leadership steps into the picture. Entrepreneurs are leaders–not necessarily of other people, but definitely of their own lives. I disagree with all those sources that claim leadership is only possible when there are followers involved. Leadership starts with the relationship you have with yourself. A real leader carries herself in a way that inspires others to be the best they can be. This definition eliminates those who sit at the helm of large corporations but mismanage them. So you can be a president or CEO of a company and not be a leader. Similarly, you can be a janitor, office assistant or entrepreneur and be a great leader. When people approach you for advice and admire you for your attitude in life, you are a leader.

I think there’s an important link between being a leader and seeing yourself as an entrepreneur. And if you are attracted to this idea, here are five ways to revive and nurture your entrepreneurial spirit:

1. Shift your perspective from victimized to victorious. You can do this by continuously looking for the positive side of anything you experience. Difficult people on your path? They are there to teach you an important lesson. Lost a contract? There’s another big project coming your way. Times slow? Your creativity is being tested. And so on.
2. Don’t just accept everything as a given. The problem with most people is that they don’t consider alternatives. They are so well-trained to accept rules, regulations and especially limitations that they allow their sleepwalking state to turn into a nightmare. Entrepreneurs are people who wanted to make a wrong right, and decided to do it.
3. Talk to different people, read different books and visit different places. Nothing triggers the creative mind as much as exposure to something different. Dullness is a product of repetition. If you always do the same thing in the same place with the same people, you will not easily think of anything new.
4. Accept responsibility. Everything that happens to you is an ultimate result of the choices you make. So in the end, you are responsible. That being said, you can change it. How? By making different choices from now on. You could upgrade your education, discontinue relationships or change your attitude, for instance.
5. Dare to dream and follow up on it. We easily discard our dreams because many people around us tell us they won’t fly. Ignore them. Just dream realistically, and then think of all those people who made things happen when others were satisfied with the status quo.

However, a point of caution here: While dreaming and working at realizing that dream, you should also focus on alternatives. For example, ask yourself what else is possible within the scope of my dream? What other directions can I go with my skills and ideas if my first option doesn’t work out? What other people or places could I approach if my currently targeted associates, suppliers or market don’t buy into my dream?

Keep in mind that when you obsess over something in one particular, inflexible setting, it usually doesn’t materialize. It is therefore better to create two or three options for yourself. Then life will present its surprise.

No day is better to start adopting an entrepreneurial mind-set than today. Why wait?

I always think back on my life and say to myself “what was I doing a year ago“… “two years ago“… etc.. It’s interesting to see how one evolves over time. It also reminds me of how scary it is to know how fast things can truly go.  I like to think back on my life so that I can become very aware of how much I’ve grown and accomplished over time… and to this day, it’s still amazing to look back on the growth of a human being in general.

Today – I’m in a really good place in my life. I’m more clear than I’ve ever been before. I’m in love… and loving like I’ve never loved someone before. I’ve built a booming business that has exceeded my wildest expectations.  I travel the world, my family is everything and I’m fully aware of how blessed I am! Mark and I toggle between two residences, Florida and Birmingham. I adore his children and love them like they are my own.  And lastly, I live every chance I get… more than ever before.  This last year has been one for the record books. A lot of  thanks goes to Mark for that. I love you.

Last year – I was living alone in Florida and enjoying the beach. Slowly finding myself again.  I was planning one of my very first trips with my new boyfriend, Mark. I had been dating him for about a month and he planned this “secret” trip to Las Vegas. I was told what to pack, but wasn’t told any details. It was a total surprise. We had a blast. Memories with him that I will never forget.

Two years ago – I was in a marriage that was struggling to survive. I was giving all of myself to this relationship… hoping that something would change and it would get better. Instead I was just slapping a band-aid on it… and pretending to be a happy betty home-maker. I was slowly dieing inside and I knew I had to make a difficult decision soon. And I did. I chose to leave.  Within this transition time, I also packed up my things and moved myself from North Dakota to Florida. Holy crap I can’t believe I did that… that was HUGE.

The rest after that is a blur. It’s a blur for many reasons. But for now, I’ll stop here. To me, it’s just interesting to see how a life evolves. And to look back on the different stages in my life and all that I’ve accomplished.

What were you doing last year at this time? Two years ago? I’d love to hear how you’ve evolved. Comment here.

It scares me. I don’t want to miss anything. I want to experience everything… I want more time in the moments I experience.  I.Want.More.Time.

A big realization always happens when I come home to North Dakota and notice how much my nieces and nephew have grown! Taller, more mature… starting preschool, second grade…. huh!?

Wow. I remember the day they were born. I was there for all four of them. I remember it like it was yesterday…

Then seeing how my sisters have grown into such amazing ladies – and how beautiful they are. How strong their relationships are. They are so good. Growing so great.

I realize it’s been two months since I last spent time in North Dakota with my family – and so much has changed. So much has evolved. Where have I been?

That’s a good question. Where have I been?

I’ve been busy. Busy growing a strong relationship, a business… and within this past year – life has happened in a huge, huge way.

I think back to a year ago – and I was enjoying myself in my home in Florida. Creating new relationships and working my ass off in my business. And then – Mark happened. In the most amazing way.  I met him a year ago this month. It’s hard to imagine we’ve been together that long. And what a difference a year has made for the both of us. Mark and I have had an awesome year – our life has completely and totally changed from what it was over a year ago… all for the better. We couldn’t be more thankful.

Crazy busy – all over the place – that’s how it’s been.  Working hard on my relationship with Mark, loving his children, his family, managing mulitple residences, managing my travel schedule, his travel schedule… building a business in a beautiful way. Now, that’s called life, baby!

Sweet, delicious… life.

I just wish it would all stall a little. So much has happened in this past year… I haven’t even had a chance to think back on it until now. So amazing. So beautiful. So fast.

Who knows what’s next… all I know is I’m holding on. And I plan on enjoying every morsel – taking the time to truly enjoy it without having it spin out of control in this busy world. Enjoy your seconds, minutes, hours… time is something that is not on our side. Hold on…

As a young girl I knew I was destined for something “BIG”; the problem was I didn’t know what that something would be. I was born and raised in a small town in North Dakota and to this day my ND roots are the foundation for my belief system, not only my personal life beliefs but my business beliefs as well. Like many of you I struggled to find a path and a direction for myself. I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world and not just any type of difference, but something unique, something that represented me and something BIG!

It took me a while to find that balance we all crave between personal life and work; capturing the clarity and purpose I had been searching for. Once I decided to take a long hard look at what might be holding me back, I discovered that many of the obstacles were simply ones I had erected myself. With the ability to find ways to scale those obstacles and break down barriers; I found myself flourishing both on a personal level and on a business level. I found myself taking risks I thought I would never be brave enough to take, forcing myself to leave my comfort zone, and eventually found myself growing into an independent woman AND a successful business woman. Want to know the best part? I now have built an amazing business that I am proud of because it has allowed me to set my own rules and I can work from anywhere in the world.

A key foundation in my life as well as in my business is the belief in the need to nurture and grow relationships and remain connected. Given the advancement of technology, high touch relationships grow increasingly harder to incorporate, but even more essential. It is the solid base of these relationships that has allowed me to carve my path out of the static daily life and help others do the same. Life is incredibly predictable; it will change on whim, it will surprise you daily and it will force you to adapt and fly. It is this idea of stretching ourselves and of being uncomfortable that uncovers our greatest growth.

So put yourself out there and embrace the twists and turns that you may have to encounter on your path. You might be surprised at where they lead!

If you would like to connect with Chelsea Moser please visit her on the web at http://www.chelseamoser.com. We think Chelsea would look fantastic wearing our Bangle Bid to Win Carmel Necklace. This post is part of our guest blogger series meant to inspire and motivate women. They do not necessarily reflect the political, religious or other view points of http://www.bangleandclutch.com , Nannette Bosh, Nannette Bosh Inc., AskNannette Bosh, http://www.asknannette.com or http://www.nannettebosh.com .

I’m always talking about Google and why it’s so amazing… and why Google Business has made my business so much better by increasing productivity – and simply keeping me (and my team!) organized. Awhile back I wrote a blog post for my partners and members at Collective-E – on basic Google Mail and how their filtering rocks. And now I’m going to expand and explain that there is life after the free Google Mail (aka Gmail). And it gets much, much better than the basic Gmail. Brace yourself!

First, let’s start with your business domain. I’ll use http://www.ChelseaMoser.com for an example.

A good business practice is to use an email platform that is branded to your business. It’s just good business practice in general. But, like most of us, we’re hooked on how awesome Google Mail/Gmail is. We love how it works, the bells and whistles… the whole kit and kaboodle. But, of course, you don’t want your business email accounts to end in @gmail.com. It just looks a little shady. Especially in this crazy spam world. Who knows if you’re real – or if you’re really running a REAL business.

I know there are ways around this by still being able to use your free Gmail account. But they are quick fixes. You want the real deal, trust me.  I’m sure you get my drift.

Well, if you haven’t heard already, Google has a solution. Google Business Apps allows you to take your domain (http://www.ChelseaMoser.com) and utilize the Google Platform for your email. Same look and feel as Gmail, you can use your own domain – and SO much more.

I run multiple business platforms – and all of my domains are connected with Google Business. So when you see Chelsea@TheNodak.com or Chelsea@ChelseaMoser.com or Info@SolamarMarketing.com – yep, all Google Mail. And it’s not because I set them up in the basic Gmail – it’s because I’m using Google Business Apps. The Cadillac of Gmail.

Today, more than two million businesses run Google Apps.

Why?

Well, their features. Moreover, the power behind their applications – and how they allow you to run a business by being organized and efficient through your inbox. Just to name a few gerneral things that make Google worth the switch:

1) It can work with any size business
2) The power behind the applications (I’ll get to this in a second)
3) Cost savings – look ma! no hardware or software! All web-based. Ah, a dream.
4) Storage, storage, storage (more than 50X the industry average)
5) Security and Trust
6) And best of all – 24/7 customer support
7) The whole platform is on a completely different server than regular basic Gmail. Nope, you won’t have any problems with Gmail being down any more!

Okay, I could go on and on and on…

Now, to tell you what makes my head really spin – and makes me a HUGE fan of Google Business Apps…

The power of the intuitive applications like Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs. How they all work together (especially in a virtual team environment) while creating a seamless and painless experience for all. It not only helps reduce costs, but it helps my team and I to collaborate more effectively.

If you’ve ever used the regular free Gmail, Google Business Apps is like Gmail on crack. Do you get my point?

Envision this with me for a second. (This is how my business is setup when it comes to using Google.)

I login to my inbox which is web-based (yeah, baby – I can access it anywhere!) and right away I see my regular inbox, and then a chat window on the right which includes my whole team and Solamar clients. On the left is my calendar and what’s coming up for the day, along with another gadget that shows all our past google docs that were most recently updated by my team. At the very bottom, I’m reminded of security – as it shows me if I’m signed in anywhere else and that IP address, along with storage and a few other tid-bits of info. Here’s a quick and dirty screen shot. I know you can’t see much, but take my word for it. It rocks!

And here’s my calendar (which I’m in love with, but I now have my assistant be in love with it!). Oh, and excuse the insane-ness:

And lastly, how amazing it is to share Google Docs?! No more attaching and reattaching, and revising and the reattaching. You share a Google Doc, that person edits it and then you can edit, all without sending an email (and being able to use chat while editing a doc or while other people are looking at it, too! Amazing!):

Now, are you ready for my favorite?! Google Labs – they rock my world! I have so many favorites that I can’t even begin to list them out and explain why I love them and how they help me in business. You need to check them out for yourself! A-mazing!

Jeeze, what will Google think of next. Thrilled.

Okay, I’m off my Google soap box now. But I’ll leave you with this. If your business isn’t using Google Apps, you need to make the switch. I’ve saved money from an internal perspective, created a better work flow, and a centralized way of working with a virtual team. There’s really no reason why you shouldn’t use it. Truly. Make the switch. You’ll be much happier you did. Promise.

You may be thinking “oh my, it’s a lot of work to switch over”. That’s a lie. Just sayin’. And there’s a free trial – only $50 per user every year thereafter. Brilliant, right?

Go for it. Report back to me. I’d love to hear how it goes!  And if you still have reservations, comment here and I’ll help you out!

I’m the one within my circle of family and friends that has totally went in the opposite direction of most. I guess you could say the “less” traditional route. I didn’t necessary mean to, it just happened that way. I took the road less traveled as one might say.

And I’m still working my way through this thing they call life – in search of meaning and purpose perhaps.  I’m continuing to travel with hopes to create chapters in my life that are full of purpose and meaning. And I’m looking forward to a book with amazing memories. I’m creating a story that outlives my life.

When life twisted and turned and worked out in a way I didn’t plan on, I realized there’s much living that needs to be done in my life. I’m not going to wait for it, for anything. I’m going to do and be as much as I can – and show up in the world in a BIG way.

And I’m taking you along this journey.

I’m planning a trip to Spain this fall and I’m totally thrilled about it. It’s the excitement of the unknown. A place I’ve never been. Things I’ve never done. Feelings I’ve never felt. Yep, I’m thrilled to be thinking about this trip – and to be thinking about what’s ahead.

I feel myself growing with every hand I shake, every person I watch – and every unique place I visit! And that makes me really happy. Authenticity. Yum.

I will probably stop traveling at some point.  Maybe it will take a year… maybe a lifetime. But, here, on this blog, I’m going to keep you updated on where I am and what I’m discovering.

Wish me luck on my upcoming adventures. I’ll keep you posted!

This past week I visited Monterey, California for the MotoGP race. And let me tell you, it rocked. A very cool vibe and an all around great time. There are actually only two MotoGP races in the states. One in Monterey and one in Indianapolis. Indianapolis is in August and I’m super excited to be there, too.

While visiting Monterey – we went to Big Sur, the 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach – of course, the golf course knocked my socks off.

It was a great time, but let me explain about the feeling old thing.

I was talked into hiking up a huge hill at the race so we could see the whole track (yes, thanks Mark). I made it to the top, nonetheless. It was pretty amazing – the corkscrew turn and all. However, going back down was a different story.

Mind you, I have flip flops on. I’m just a flip kind of girl. Probably not the best shoes to wear. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me.

I had a little tumble down the hill. No traction on my shoes. Yep, sporting some nice road rash if I do say so myself. Yep, it hurts. And yep – I may have just pulled every muscle in my body.

I got over the tumble and was feeling great, actually. Minus all the marks on my body. The day ended on a good note. We had a blast.

But, the next day… I felt old. Really old… like can’t get down the stairs old.  But the funny thing with sore muscles (for me anyway)… is that they hurts so bad – it feels good! Gotta love it.

No worries, this picture isn’t of the “hill” I climbed. It’s of Big Sur. And it’s gorgeous! Thought you’d enjoy it.

I’ll keep you posted on my next adventure – minus the tumble, hopefully.

Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you for clarity. Clarity on life and business. I’m in love.

I travel to California quite often – and each time I come here, I always ends up having an “ah ha” moment or two. Not too mention… I’m exceptionally happy because the weather rocks here! (Downside = Traffic!)

Los Angeles is a place of authenticity. Unique individuals all around me. No one alike, everyone extremely different and wild in their own way. And people – in general – fascinate me. But LA – even more so.

People trying to make it in business and in life. Some trying to “be somebody”. Others focused on healthy living. And, don’t forget the hippies and surfers – and their carefree way – which is an awfully fascinating life, in my opinion.

Everyone here is showing up in the world – in their own way, their own speed. And it gives me the strength and direction to grow a little each time I visit. I learn so much by everyone’s authenticity – while observing, it makes me more authentic in every way.

I leave here knowing that I’m one step closer to showing up in the world – in a different, authentic, and beautiful way. I feel the strength in holding my own, being me – and loving that.

I give all the credit to traveling in general. Traveling has allowed me to step out of the traditional closure – and step into so many things all over the world – which, in turn, is slowly creating who I am today.

I’m so thankful that I can run a business from anywhere in the world. Again, another thing that made all of this possible. Anywhere I land (even 35,000 ft in the air where internet is offered) I am building and expanding my business. Pretty awesome, eh?

Speaking of business… if you’re trying to grow a business. Move to LA. Around each corner you’ll find someone interested in what you have to offer. I love the way that works – naturally.

Thank you, LA… thank you for allowing me to see first hand all of the amazing people on this earth. Everything is different here. It’s like a little world all its own. A world that allows me to be different, too.