Downsized and Overlooked - A Blueprint to Success

© Duchess O’Blunt, 2010; all rights reserved.

After being downsized, side stepped and overlooked, she decided that enough was enough. No longer would the fate of her future be left in the hands of others. She is a perfect example of thinking outside the box to find her own creative solution.

Deborah’s definition of success?
Being able to do what you enjoy, honestly and with passion. Having freedom - mentally, physically, spiritually and financially.

Here is the first of many interviews with successful women I would like to share with you. I hope you find the following will offer you some insight to Deb’s plan, vision and passion as well as offering you the opportunity to take advantage of all that she offers.

Out There 4 U - Community Online was created to help individuals, businesses, organizations, promoters & clubs to list any and every activity, event or meeting and to share and advise others of any leisure related activity that is happening in a community - wherever in the world that community happens to be.

Out There 4 U - Community Online offers an automated online database system that allows individuals to list or find community activities worldwide. Communities & categories are listed alphabetically with the additional option of searching using keywords. Create your profile and add your listing, it’s free.

This site was created especially for you - One data base not limited by criteria such as location or type of activity.

We are an online business so the internet is the sole source of life blood for OutThere4U. We use all forms of social media to promote our listings and the site, it helps to keep everyone informed and updated on what is Out There 4 them.

There is no one person, but like everyone else, many people have influenced my life – in so many ways.

My parents for what they didn’t give me. I know it sounds strange, but if you think about it, a child that is given just enough love, time and encouragement is more likely to go out into the world and seek more in life, than the child who has everything handed to them.

I have read books written by Richard Branson, and am inspired by his gung-ho approach to everything in life. He never takes “No” for an answer. I know it sounds corny, but I want to be able to make a difference, and change things around more to the better good. Apart from that, he is a Brit, and my husband Andy looks like him (smile).

My family, friends & acquaintances. Basically, everyone who has believed in me and reminded me to keep looking forward, to hang in when times were tough. They believed in my vision and passion.

There are always times when you want to give up, throw in the towel. My husband often encouraged me saying, “You’ve already swam more than half way across the river, so why turn around - keep swimming, you’re almost there.”

It would probably be easier to make a list of those who didn’t help me.

Offering everything that the others don’t offer!

We are a free classified events & activities directory, but we took it further than our competitors by promoting our listings through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Blogs.

We give a lot more free than other free sites! We are not faceless, people can call or email us and humans respond, I am proud to say, within 24 hours.

Advertising. It is expensive.

We found that we couldn’t achieve much in the way of free publicity, press releases being picked up by newspapers and other printed publications. Mainly because we were in direct competition with them and deemed a future threat.

We have focused most of our efforts on social media and using direct contact with service organizations. While this can be time consuming - it is amazing the number of wonderful people you meet.

While this part of the work can be frustrating, finding and building relationships has proven to be a wonderful bonus.

That is a loaded question! I don't know where to begin. Let's put this in a bullet format, otherwise it will be far too wordy.

• Be passionate about your dream.
• Never give up - even on the bleakest day.
• Take deep breathes.
• Try to stay balanced both physically and emotionally – eat properly, sleep, relax
• Be open to learning everything about your business from your competitors. After all, they have created the arena in which you will play.
• Be prepared for long hours, headaches, heartbreak, and tears because they will happen.
• Never - ever, listen to the Trolls or dream breakers - they are out there and will try to break you if you allow it.
• Be kind to yourself and to others and always keep your intentions honest.
• Spend time with your family and most of all remember to laugh at least once a day.

I am positive the fullest extent of being successful is all the spoils of war. 

For me it will be to have financial freedom - to spend time with my family and friends.  To pay it forward in ways that will far exceed anything I have ever imagined.

That’s an easy question to answer. This could be an additional source for your marketing campaign.

Off the top of my head, you could use OurThere4U for many things such as posting your schedules for:

• A Book signing
• Your book tour schedule
• On line or local book readings
• On line book review
• On line or local interviews
• On line book tours
• Local radio interview
• Television Interviews

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This seems like a win-win.

Every step you take on your journey through life offers you something to take with you on your next step. Each step offers you many choices. What will you do with yours? Will you choose to take away something positive to use on your next step?

Create a legacy for the generations that follow you. Look behind you and see only gentle footprints.