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200 words, celebrate, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, entrepreneur, Fundraising, generosity, hard work, learning, listen, mission, Purpose, sacrifice, share knowledge, tenacity, The Other Bottom Line, vision
To succeed, you need to be easy to start and hard to stop. ~ unattributed
It’s been one year since I started The Other Bottom Line. And in that time, I’ve:
- provided one organization with their fund development history and 3-5 year strategy.
- worked with another organization as a bum-in-a-seat employee.
- facilitated the process to find a sponsor for, and drafted a gift agreement for another.
- helped another consulting company conduct searches for two non-profits.
The in-between times haven’t always been easy. I’ve had my hopes dashed a few times. I’ve spent some time playing the ‘Hurry Up and Wait’ game. I’ve been disheartened.
When I have wanted to give up, I kept going by:
- Documenting processes and accomplishments; referring to them often.
- Doing the things I vehemently didn’t want to do; moving them to the top of the list.
- Sacrificing the fluffy things. You’d be amazed how much you don’t really need.
- Being generous. Sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Celebrating the wins. Learning from the losses, then moving past them.
- Being open. Asking questions. Listening to others who have been there.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
How do you ensure that you’re easy to start and hard to stop?
talktodiana 
A big CONGRATS to you Diana! One year is a mega achievement!!
It’s amazing to see all that you’ve accomplished in that time and it makes me look forward to seeing all the more you’ll accomplish in the year to come and beyond!
Keep inspiring, it’s so you! 😀
~ Andrea ❤
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😀 It doesn’t feel like much unless I take the time to recount it. Now, to work on making a living by it!
Diana xo
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Honest I think Calgary is growing super fast….40,000+ annually new incoming people. As a result, there would be some human needs and gaps where a hand to bridge, mediate, facilitate or explain.
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So true Jean – thanks!
Diana xo
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Congratulations on reaching a year. I cannot believe that it has been that long!
I wish you every success for your venture into the future.
Remember the first five years are the toughest. Then it is becomes easier 🙂
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haha Maybe I should have started earlier Elizabeth! Thanks for your support and encouragement. ❤
Diana xo
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Energy and passion brings momentum. We need that to get over the bumps along the way.
You have created so much and given so much in only one year.
How awesome is that!
Val x
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Yeah, it is pretty awesome Val – thanks!
Diana xo
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The first year is always the hardest. It sounds like you have a great attitude and that you’ve developed a sound foundation over the past year–and that there will be more and more wins to celebrate. I’m looking forward to future updates.
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Thanks Sheryl. ❤
Diana xo
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Diana I just keep turning up and doing the work, some days its less than average and some days I surprise myself. Wishing every success my friend.
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Thanks Kath and back at ya! 😀
Diana xo
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wow, already 1 year?! Time flies. Congats! For me it’s all about authentic intention….if that’s genuine and I truly believe in what I’m doing, then I just keep going …until. Good work, Diana. Keep it up. I read from somewhere that it takes 5 years (at least) to build a business with income. I’m cheering for you, 🙂
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5 years? Gosh I hope not. I would like to hire a staff person in 6 months!
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement through your comments here and through the posts you write over at your blog Kristi!
Diana xo
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Congrats! What a wonderful accomplishment and service you’re giving to others. Keep up the great work!
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Thanks Lisa – (((HUGS)))!
Diana xo
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Keeping sight of the end line, irrespective of the length of the tunnel…. or for that matter the bumps in the road… not an easy thing to do, but I’ve been persevering for a long time and have never lost the urge to succeed…
You sound as though you’re in the same boat… “just keep on keeping on”
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Thanks bulldog – your own journey is inspiring!
Diana xo
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I have done some thinking about your question but I can’t come up with and answer, my mind is blank but I did come and read the post
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😀 Thanks for giving it so much thought Jo-Anne, it’s the thought that counts, right? Always good to see you here. ❤
Diana xo
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It is hard to keep going at times Diana, and your processes of thought and application to keep moving forward are perfect. Just keep holding the vision that it is already done, everytime you doubt, hold the vision again and allow.
Your work is an inspiration for others.
Karen
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Thank you Karen ❤ Thank you for all the times you inspire me!
Diana xo
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That’s a great question, Diana. For me, I guess I just don’t start things I’m not going to finish. It doesn’t occur to me to quit. I’ve been told I’m like a dog with a bone, hanging on for all I’m worth.
Seems you are just as determined! 😉
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That’s quite the visual Denise – I bet you have tons of tenacity!
Diana xo
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It can be frustrating at times, but hard work and the will to make it happen will pay off. Its very true how little we really need. I have cut back on many things since going self employed and I realize more everyday those things are simply not important. Keep your chin up and thanks for this post. We could all use a little encouragement & good advice along the way. Smiles 🙂
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Thank you my friend! ❤
Diana xo
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Patience, perseverence, persistance and balance directed by a maximized will and minimized emotion.
-Alan
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Thank you for sharing your technique and philosophy Alan!
Diana xo
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Thank you for reminding me to keep going xx
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You’re welcome my dear! Know that your strength and persistence is also inspiring to me! ❤
Diana xo
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A year already? Well, exactly: it has only been one year for The Other Bottom Line. And you can’t easily stop something you have put your heart and soul into. If anyone can make it work, Diana Schwenk, you can!
Jennifer ❤
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Thank you my dear Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
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I keep going by lifting my eyes up, looking up from the mud I’m slogging in, over the things trying to trip me, and savoring the light of dawn on the horizon.
This morning arrived with a glorious sunrise.
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I love the imagery you’ve used here! ❤
Diana xo
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I learn so much from you Diana – you amaze me! Loveya xxx
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Thanks, and I learn so much from you Julie! ❤
Diana xo
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You are a force to behold, my friend. I know you can, I know you can, I know you can. Because you have, you have, you have. I hold you before me as a shining example. Thank you, Diana.
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Wow Mark, thanks for your support! Now I have to. 🙂
Diana xo
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You will! 🙂
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❤ !
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Keep going Diana! It’s going to happen! In answer to your exit question I would suggest say yes a lot!
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Thanks Ian – a good answer! 🙂
Diana xo
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