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"Shine On! Create Your Best Life" SunTee

Molly Nece — 2012-05-19T13:49:04Z

If you think it, you can do it! That’s one of my mantras to creating my best life. Sometimes it takes awhile for ideas to come to fruition, and sometimes it doesn’t. Look for signs to your next success!

SIGNS: These were the three signs led me to the creation of my “Shine On!” SunTee.

Three women over a three week span Facebooked me when they saw a “Shine on!” T-shirt at Target.
A dear friend gave me one of her husband’s “JUSTRYIN2 Carpe Diem” T-shirts from his company.
While I was picking up my "Sunshine Productivity" CDs from Disc Hounds, I noticed the T-shirts he had hanging around his store.

EDUCATION & PLANNING: I asked Mike, the fabulous owner of Disc Hounds, to explain the process. He also made great recommendations if I were to take on this next Sunshine Adventure of making SunTees. I gave John Sweatman, my Legacy Dream Team graphic designer, my vision and mock up for the “Shine On!” SunTee. He took it and ran with it and gave me ten fonts to choose from. I then turned all his “Shine On!” samples into a downloadable poster so that you and others can keep the importance of shining bright front of mind.

CLICK to download your free “Shine on!” poster!

GRASS ROOTS EXECUTION: I’m taking orders for the first official batch of SunTees. When you order your SunTee between now and June 8, you’ll receive it no later than June 20. For those who have met me, I wear a medium, and they are true to size! E-mail Molly@LegacyProducers.com your name, address, and shirt size.

Feel free to be a model and sport the 2012 SunTee at my third Wendell Women and Wine Party from 6:30-8:00pm at Wendell August in Exton, Pennsylvania!

CLICK to register for the June 20 Wendell Women and Wine Party!

Shine on!

Molly

Molly Nece, Motivating Speaker, Author, and Coach of the Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker Platform Consultant and Business Strategist of Legacy Producers

Five Life Lessons I Learned from a Toad

Molly Nece — 2012-05-17T01:31:41Z

Meet Woody! Tyler and I decided last minute to visit my parents who are living in Hanover, Pennsylvania last weekend. While there, we decided to adventure to the Hanover Shoe Farms to see the new baby foals born to award winning race horses. We got to see seven foals all of which were no more than four days old. Watching the mothers take care of their foals was an amazing sight to see, especially as we celebrated Mother’s Day!

On our walk over to the stallions’ barn, we saw a black cat lying under a tree. When Tyler got within three feet, he quickly grabbed hold of a toad sunning himself next to the cat. Needless to say, it was love at first sight. Because he matched the bark of the tree so beautifully, Tyler immediately named him "Woody." He was full of warts with lots of spunk. In the spirit of spunk, Tyler decided to give Woody a middle name, “Flip.” Tyler began to chant, “How much wood would a Woody Flip wood if a Woody Flip could flip wood.” The next natural question any seven year old boy would ask his mother is, “Can we keep him?” Being a daughter of a man who was raised on a farm, I knew as soon as you named an animal it becomes family and certainly not dinner.

Four days later during his daily morning “outing,” I chose to mindfully watch him. Doing anything mindfully requires you to live in that present moment without thinking of anything from the past or something too far into the future. Surprisingly, a sense of peace came over me.

Later that afternoon, that mindful moment came rushing back to my conscious mind and inspired me to look at life through a toad’s lens with a twist of personification—in other words, projecting human traits onto animals. There were five life lessons that I was able to quickly extrapolate and apply to daily living.

Blaze Your Path through the Grass—This picture was taken that morning. You can only imagine what the world looks like from a toad's point of view. Adventuring into the unknown can be a scary situation. Visualize the possibilities that lie ahead, stay focused on your goal, and do everything in your power to keep it front of mind.

Look before You Leap—Anticipating and weighing your options is a great way to reduce your fear towards anything. Make the time to evaluate and plan, before you start blazing your path to greatness. When you feel you are 80% there, LEAP!

Embrace Your Warts and Shine—We all have limitations and we all have bad hair days. Surround yourself with those who complement your shortcomings, compliment your strengths, and be equipped with mantras that lift you up when you're feeling down, such as, “I feel great,” or perhaps, “Every day is a holiday!” Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it!

Keep Your Eyes Wide Open—You never know where your next meal may come from or when you might be a meal for someone else. Just as I've seen Woody do, be on the lookout for opportunities and aware of situations that may try to take you off your path through the grass!

Seek Shelter in Times of Rain—Shelter and water is a foundational piece of "Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs." When it rains, look inward and choose to reflect on the past and shift to the possibilities of your future. Do you have the support system you need to carry yourself forward in a strong, positive direction? Who do you need to invite to be a part of your campfire? ...and that doesn’t mean putting you on the stick to be eaten!

Next time when you see a toad, think of Woody. Seek life's lessons that surround us in any given moment in time.

Shine on!

Molly

Molly Nece, Motivating Speaker, Author, and Coach of the Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker Platform Consultant and Business Strategist of Legacy Producers

Good Intentions. Negative Rules.

Molly Nece — 2012-05-14T21:04:06Z

As a child I remember my mother reading books such as “The Real Mother Goose” and Aesop’s Fables. Although they communicated good life lessons, they often instilled trepidation and negative consequences for bad behaviors. Thankfully, I studied to become an elementary school teacher and was introduced to the book “Positively Mother Goose.” As a result, we chose not to read a traditional Mother Goose rhyme in our house.

This past Saturday while preparing for a children’s message at my church, I realized that I could not recite the Ten Commandments. When I googled them, I discovered eight of the Ten Commandments used words such as “no” or “not.” (CLICK to watch my message for parents and children.)

How can we take a “fear not” approach to life when the commandments are focused on negative thoughts, words, actions, and consequences? It comes from a place of guilt, regret, and denial. Why not teach the Ten Commandments from a positive perspective?

As a motivational speaker, I am often focused on giving people strategies on how to see the positive in the most challenging of circumstances. Here is my attempt to see the Ten Commandments from a positive light…

Commandment 1: You shall have NO other gods before me.

Positively Commandment 1: You are not alone.

Commandment 2: You shall NOT make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Positively Commandment 2: Follow the commandments and reap your rewards.

Commandment 3: You shall NOT take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Positively Commandment 3: Call upon God intentionally for guidance, hope, and gratitude.

Commandment 4: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.

Positively Commandment 4: Invest in your family, friends, and spiritual growth once a week.

Commandment 5: Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Positively Commandment 5: Give your parents the benefit of the doubt for having your well-being in mind in both good and challenging times.

Commandment 6: You shall NOT murder.

Positively Commandment 6: Every person has been given life and should be granted the ability to live it.

Commandment 7: You shall NOT commit adultery.

Positively Commandment 7: You are committed to working on your relationship in good times and in bad.

Commandment 8: You shall NOT steal.

Positively Commandment 8: Enjoy what you earn.

Commandment 9: You shall NOT bear false witness against your neighbor.

Positively Commandment 9: Speak the truth and nothing but the truth.

Commandment 10: You shall NOT covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Positively Commandment 10: Be grateful for what you have. Who are the Jones’s anyhow?

The bottom line is to focus on making a difference by being the difference. Plant positive seeds daily and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Shine on!

Molly

Morning Sunshine Radio: Bringing Hope to Couples and Families

Molly Nece — 2012-05-12T02:16:31Z

Since I first launched my career as a motivational speaker and author, I’ve enjoyed being interviewed on radio stations such as 95.7 BEN FM and 102.9 MGK. I’ve also guest starred a few times for a local radio station, WCHE 1520. One thing that is consistent with every show, people are super juiced and feeling ready and equipped to conquer the world… in a good way of course!

This past week I was asked to be featured on WCHE’s Morning Magazine show with Bill Mason, the General Manager of the station, Doug, and Dr. Lauren. Needless to say, the synergy was high. That Saturday, Bill saw me at a West Chester May Day Festival, and their station happened to be recording live. He asked me to once again be a guest in ten minutes. “Of course!” I answered. Mary Bigham of the Town Dish was going to be airing live with me. What I love about Mary and my story is that while we are a few years apart in age, we were only raised 15 minutes away from one another. Mary was raised in Gettysburg. I was raised in Hanover, and ironically, I was attending Gettysburg College while she was in high school.

I followed up with Bill, the General Manager of the station, on Monday and thanked him for the opportunity to shine and inspire. The following night I met up with one of my intuitive, highly successful mentors. I proceeded to tell him that I can’t help but feel that my husband is supposed to be coming into the Sunshine brand. He was aware of some of the challenges my husband and I faced while I was busy publishing six books and building three companies, while working full-time for West Chester University, and raising a young child. My mentor shared with me a perfect title for whatever “it” was—“A Guide to Molly: My Life from Hell to Bliss.” I absolutely loved it, and I hoped that Dan would too. My mentor and I continued to flush out what exactly “it” could look like, and then it dawned on me, a radio show!

The next morning I couldn’t wait to tell Dan what my mentor and I discussed the night before. Thankfully, Dan loved the idea too! Friday morning I recalled a book and CD I bought a few months earlier titled, “Morning Sunshine,” by Robin Meade. By day, Robin is a news anchor for CNN Headline News’s morning show titled “Morning Express with Robin Meade.” I immediately set up Dan and my “Morning Sunshine Radio” internet broadcast. What happened next was amazing! Two hours after setting up Dan and my radio show, Bill e-mailed me. He wanted me to co-host with him and Doug one Friday a month for a few hours. I said, “As long as I don’t have a paid motivational speaking gig, I’m in!” I also told him about Dan and my “Morning Sunshine Radio” adventure beginning June 1^st.

He then inquired about our show and this is what I said:

“Funny you should ask, Bill! Our Morning Sunshine broadcast will focus on relationships, health, career, and spirituality. Being married to a woman such as myself comes with challenges that the majority of men now face. Together we're the whole package for our listeners. We will be covering real topics with concrete experience and time tested strategies.

What's also beautiful is that we compliment one another's style so we're excited to see how it translates to our listeners. Dan is also a certified Health Counselor and one of his passions is getting America to model better health habits for our children and our future!”

Something tells me that there’s something brewing that is going to be bigger than we ever imagined! Stay tuned in for more… Morning Sunshine!

Shine on!

Molly

Molly Nece, Motivating Speaker, Author, and Coach of the Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker Platform Consultant and Business Strategist of Legacy Producers

Join Us for Sunshine Painting in the Vineyard August 4th

Molly Nece — 2012-05-07T15:30:23Z

Sunshine Painting in the Vineyard

Saturday, August 4
1:00-4:00pm
Penns Woods Winery
Chadds Ford, PA

CLICK to Register.
First come, first served!

Why Should You Come? We'll Give You Five "Dream BIG Shine BRIGHT" Reasons!

1. Shine Bright Canvas Become Van Gogh for a day with Shelly Gephart of Canvas Mixers. Walk away with your own beautiful "Shine Bright" Canvas. CLICK to read the story behind “Sunshine Painting in the Vineyard.”

2. Inspiring JoyRox Paint your one of a kind JoyRox with Bonnie Neubauer. CLICK to learn more about JoyRox.

3. Fabulous Wines Sample and drink the delicious wines of Penns Woods Winery. CLICK to explore the vineyard.

4. Famous Cupcakes Enjoy a Van Gogh cupcake or two from the Food Network Cupcake War Champion, Thais Da Silva of Dia Doce. By the way, Dia Doce means “Sweet Day” in Portuguese and this is certainly what we will have for you on August 4th! CLICK if you want more Dia Doce.

5. Dream Big Music LISTEN to the fabulous voice of Arianne Rox.

Who Should Come? Anyone who is looking to have a good time!
No artistic ability is required. If my seven year old can do it, you surely can! Children must be going into second grade to paint a Shine Bright canvas. People of all ages are welcome to paint a JoyRox!

What Does It Cost? You must RSVP for your Sunshine Canvas Painting experience by August 1. Space is limited! CLICK to register.

Canvas and Tasting: $45/person
Canvas Only: $35/person
Tasting Only: $10/person
Cupcakes, Wine, and JoyRox: Pay as you go!
Music: Priceless!

Have Questions? Contact molly@legacyproducer.com or 484.888.6191!

Shine on!

Molly

Molly Nece, Motivating Speaker, Author, and Coach of the Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker Platform Consultant and Business Strategist of Legacy Producers

Seeing the Sunshine of Stealing Loose Change

Molly Nece — 2012-05-05T17:06:09Z

Tyler, our seven year old son, and I visited a small post office in a quiet suburban town with only one car in the parking lot other than ours. While I typically lock the doors and put up the windows, today I chose not to. When we returned to the car five minutes later, there was no change left in the cup holder and a yarn friendship bracelet Ty made me was gone!

The first thing I thought was Dan, my husband, must have borrowed my change. When it was confirmed that he didn’t, Ty looked at me in disappointment and said, “That old lady must have taken it,” followed by, “I made that bracelet for you. Why did she do that? She drives a car.” Meaning, if she owns a car, she must be ok financially.

In response, I shared with Tyler that big people can make wrong choices, and that she probably didn’t want to steal, but felt she didn’t have any other choice. I turned to him and said, “There is always another option. How can we see the positive in this?” This is what he said…

At least you brought your wallet in with you.
At least nothing else was taken.
I can always make you a new bracelet.
She can use the change for food.
We can pray for her that her that she will make better decisions next time.
Not all old ladies steal!

When we returned home, Tyler ran to his room and then proceeded to give me a quarter from his piggy bank. “Here Mom, you can start your next collection.”

Sunshine Life Lesson: There will always be people who disappoint you, but it is a choice as to how we respond to these situations. Learn from the lessons and see what you can do to make a greater change in the world. Look outside yourself. Today I inadvertently gave a donation to someone in need and chose my reaction wisely. As a result, Tyler saw an opportunity to give of his own wealth. Model the way… eyes are watching you!

Sunshine Question: What do you need to shift in your own behaviors when faced with a disappointment? What can you do to make a positive change in the world?

Make a difference, by being the difference!

Molly

Molly Nece
Motivational Speaker, Author, and Life Coach
Molly Sunshine Group and Legacy Producers

Bringing Meaning to Life: The Pledge of Allegiance

Molly Nece — 2012-05-03T16:54:26Z

This morning’s Chester County National Prayer Breakfast inspired me to write this blog. Five years ago I got a tap on my shoulder to go, and I’ve been going the first Thursday of May every year since. This year was not unlike the rest. I always leave having met new people and a feeling of re-newal. Red Skelton shared with us a story that impacted him and has impacted two million other viewers today. “It seems as though the Pledge of Allegiance is getting monotonous to you, if I may, may I recite it and try to explain the meaning of each word?”

Make the time to watch and reflect… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZBTyTWOZCM

While I agree with Red that the “pledge of allegiance” is not a prayer, and that God needs to remain in our pledge because it was those principles that our country was founded upon, I also see a need to be accepting of other religions and spiritual beliefs. Why? Because I see the value in believing in something greater than ourselves.

That said, I realize that the majority of people have been let down by their religion or spiritual leaders, but our faith and what we believe in can never be taken away from us, nor can we afford to lose sight that we do not own the Earth. It is simply on loan to us. That said, the United States of America is in its infancy. We are only a little over 200 years old. It was re-confirmed today that we are young, but yet we’ve quickly destroyed one another’s spirits, joys, and dreams, as well as our land, water, and air. While our intent may or may not have been to do so, today and every day, we need to remind ourselves and those around us, that it is our duty to stand UP, dream BIG, shine BRIGHT, live MINDFULLY, and serve OTHERS!

Jim Maxim was this year’s keynote speaker, and while his story was that which very few have gotten to experience, he held a small globe in his hand, and said that “The Earth is only God’s footstool.” The message I took away from his amazing keynote was, “We are not alone. Let’s keep life in perspective and choose to do God’s work every day. Stop throwing stones and see where we can come together to bring this nation under God back to the way God intended… heaven on Earth.”

With pride of country and gratitude to all... SHINE ON!

Molly

Motivating speaker, author, and coach, Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker platform consultant and business strategist, Legacy Producers
Dream BIG. Shine BRIGHT. Create Your BEST Life.

I Spy a Sunshine Word: A Fun Car Game that Keeps You Happy and Focused

Molly Nece — 2012-04-29T11:41:49Z

Last week I made a trip to Mansfield, Pennsylvania. It was four hour trip, by myself, through clouds, rain, sleet, and snow. While this is not a typical forcast for this time of year, I had to go. There was no backing out now! People were counting on me to equip them with ways to effectively communicate with one another when times are tough and tension is high.

What I didn't tell you is that any drive over two hours has the potential to make me "partly cloudy!" This trip specifically required me not only to put the Sunshine Cruiser into overdrive (the name of my yellow PT Cruiser above), but also myself! One of the games I played to pass the time and keep me focused on the positive I called "I Spy a Sunshine Word."

Here's how to play! Look for words that represents your personal "brand" or words that make you feel happy, loved, and hopeful. Here was my top 25 list of Sunshine words from my trip to Mansfield. Sometimes you need to "act as if" every day is a holiday. You'll be pleasantly surprised about what happens next! Remember, what you think about... you bring about!

Unforgettable
Perfectly balanced
Fresh start
Hopewell
Shamokin
Prepared
Family fun place
Custom built
Traditions
Bloomin'
Professional
Cultivator
Broadcasting
We will rock you
Gateway
House of hope
Ole Dan
Weiser
Faith
Holiday
Delight
Grateful
Sunrise
Winery
American

Shine on!
Molly

What a Hot Mess! The Five Steps to Cleaning It Up.

Molly Nece — 2012-04-20T15:58:22Z

“Attitude is everything.” We've all heard it before, but what do we do about it when we find ourselves in an unpredictable situation... or worse, a predictable one! I’ve been hearing the words “I’m in a hot mess” pop up in articles, on the news, and first hand scenarios.

How we choose to approach it makes all the difference!

Before we start problem solving, it’s important to stop and define a Hot Mess? As a child we’ve been taught to stop, look and listen before we crossed the road. I want you to do the same thing when a Hot Mess lands in your lap!

STOP: Name the emotion you are feeling and ask yourself, “How will this emotion help me move towards a solution to this Hot Mess? Develop your Hot Mess thermometer to keep things in perspective. Above are some sample Hot Messes. How would you rank them on your thermometer? Come up with your own!

LOOK: See where you can take ownership. Accept accountability for your part in the Hot Mess.

LISTEN: If there are other people involved in the Hot Mess, ask questions that help you gain clarity of their intention and perspective. Seek common ground where you can.

CROSS: Once the past has been discussed, look to the present. Formulate multiple solutions, analyze the pros and cons, identify next steps, and assign roles. If you can identify with some of the Hot Messes listed, it might involve some time in order to heal. Rebuilding trust, respect, and confidence takes time.

NAVIGATE: Discuss where you want to go next and how to prevent this Hot Mess from happening again!

In closing, there are three things to remember…

We’re all works in progress—both good and bad!
Small actions add up over time—both good and bad!
It takes 21 days to make a new habit—both good and bad!

Let’s mitigate those Hot Messes and SHINE ON!
Molly

Art and Sunshine Opens Minds, Ears, Eyes, Hearts, and Doors!

Molly Nece — 2012-04-16T18:19:52Z

Art and sunshine opens minds, ears, eyes, hearts, and doors!

When Shelly Gephart reached out to me on Linked In because “it” said she should know me, who knew the greatness that would come of it! I clicked on her Canvas Mixers website and fell in love with her business model. It involved empowering everyone she touches with the confidence that they can become an artist and do anything they set their mind to. My kind of people! Her painting parties span businesses, schools, women’s organizations, wineries, and in her studio in Collingswood, NJ.

Next, I checked to see how we were “connected”—my husband!

When I inquired, I discovered that he went to school with her--kindergarten through twelfth grade! Although they didn’t run in the same circles, he shared with me that he believes she was reserved. I followed my intuition and discovered that was no longer that reserved young teenager. I reached out and two weeks later she was hoppin’ on a plane to Philly, pitching a project to LOVE Park, and coming to our house for dinner! Although she calls Georgia home, she travels monthly to her New Jersey studio where her team of eight fabulous up-beat artists and parents help her run the day to day business operations.

On her way north, she discovered an unopened e-mail requesting that I would like a family painting session to experience Canvas Mixers and explore how it might fit into the “sunshine” brand. She jumped on it and said, “Absolutely!” Three hours later she was at our house and Dan, our seven year old son, and I were on our back deck painting, bonding, laughing, drinking wine (excluding Ty of course), and having fun getting out of our comfort zone.

Two hours later, we peeked around one another’s table easel to discover that what we painted were beautiful masterpieces that were uniquely ours because of opening our minds, ears, eyes, and hearts.

Open Minds: Believe in yourself.
Open Ears: Listen to the wise-Shelly!
Open Eyes: Appreciate the beauty in our differences.
Open Hearts: Encourage one another in the journey.

It opened the doors to a world of possibilities! While it is common for me to do things outside my comfort zone, my husband was shocked at what he was able to create given his self-admitted struggle with drawing stick figures. Before Shelly arrived, I showed my seven year old what we were painting. His response was, “That looks hard, Mom.” When Shelly arrived, the three of us quickly realized that we were about to experience something that will be a life-long memory!

What I have yet to share with you is that on this memorable adventure, Shelly shared with me that she has terminal cancer that only 800 people in the United States has. No one would ever know it! She has positive energy that rivals and perhaps surpasses mine. Although she doesn’t know how long she will be playing around in this world, she shared with me that her desire is to live a legacy so that when her sons find “the one” perhaps they will have a Canvas Mixer painting in their house.

After we were finished painting, Shelly and I headed out to Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House where I take all my potential clients and Legacy Dream Team members. When we sat down, she quickly laid it out on the table that she wants to do three Molly Sunshine Originals—Dream. Shine. Divine.

I knew Shelly was special, but it became clear that we were meant to create greatness together. Prior to her arrival, I placed on my calendar a brunch with BEN FM’s Women of the Week Host, Marilyn Russell, for the following Sunday. After Shelly left to return to New Jersey, I e-mailed Marilyn and told her that I have someone she has to meet! I brought Shelly into the city for bunch at Reserve, a classy jazz bar and restraunt, the next morning. There was instant chemistry between them. Marilyn exclaimed, “We’re doing a Molly and Marilyn Art and Wine Fest featuring BEN FM, Molly Sunshine, and Canvas Mixers!”

To this date, Marilyn doesn’t know Shelly’s cancer secret, but once she does, I know only more greatness will come of it! That night I also e-mailed Carly, one of the owners of Penns Woods Winery in Chaddsford, and a few other contacts that could help to expand Shelly’s network. Carly exclaimed, “I would love to have some wine and painting events at the vineyard! Thank you so much for thinking of us!”

All I’ve got to say is that the best is yet to come! Ironically, that song is streaming live right now... Thanks Frank!

LISTEN to The Best Is Yet to Come

"The best is yet to come and won’t it be fine.
You think you saw the sun but wait until you see it shine.
We only tasted the wine.
We’re going to drink the cup dry."

Here’s to painting your own sunshine… SHINE ON!

Molly

Motivating speaker, author, and coach, Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker platform consultant and business strategist, Legacy Producers
Dream BIG. Shine BRIGHT. Create Your BEST Life.

Run the Bases: How to Hit What You Are Selling Out of the Ballpark

Molly Nece — 2012-04-12T00:25:48Z

Citizens Bank Park, Home of the Philadelphia Phillies Credit: G. Widman for GPTMC

Fifteen years ago while working for Wells Fargo as their Account Executive, I would travel to colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Although I never received formal sales training, within nine months I was able to put Wells Fargo Educational Financial Services on the map without having any bank presence.

How did I do it?

When I came face to face with an individual, small, or large team, I played “Run the Bases.” Although I didn’t have the name for my sales approach back then, I still use “Run the Bases” today whether I’m pitching an idea, perspective, product, service, or getting my seven year old to try a new vegetable. Just as in baseball, the amount of time and effort you spend practicing has a direct correlation to your current and future success. Over time, running the bases becomes second nature, and the time invested in practicing will help you continue to outrun the competition, create your best life, and help others create theirs.

Early on in my career, I learned a valuable lesson that you don’t always have to play with everyone in the league. To build your confidence in your swing, practice playing teams who have the highest potential of liking you, your product, and/or service. Before you know it, your batting average will increase and soon you’ll be hitting with the major leagues.

For those who may perceive my “Run the Bases” strategy as manipulative, I ask you to stop and reflect. Do you know why you do what you do? Do you have the passion for your company and what you are selling? Do you enjoy being around people? Were you ever told that “sales people” are bad and not to be trusted? I have news for you. We all have the capacity to communicate from the inside out and are in the business of selling something whether it is to your boss, co-workers, children, or spouse!

People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

I want to challenge you to shift your pitching. When you know you have something that someone needs or can solve a problem, you are not selling, you are helping fill a need or a want. At the end of the day, those you are playing with still have the decision making power! The potential to strike out is always a possibility, but remember, what you think about you bring about. Focus on “Running the Bases!”

If people are not buying now, you have to believe that they have the potential to buy later. If they are not buying later, you have to believe that they are going to tell others about you, your product or service!

Now get your head in the game and PLAY BALL… or GO HOME!

1^st Base: Hookability—Catch their attention with something that will keep them listening. Get them in their “pain” with a few thought provoking questions. Listen hard, empathize, and validate their emotions with behaviors that build trust and loyalty. Don’t go around telling people what needs changed. Share what you believe in and why you believe in it. You may only get one chance to make it to first base. Knowing and feeling one with the game helps to get you to second base… practice, practice, practice!

2^nd Base: Sustainability—Have a few little league stories in your hip pocket about a similar team who made it into the major leagues because of a problem you solved and what the team gained as a result. Make the story short and easy to whisper down the bases. Watch them start to run the bases with you!

3^rd Base: Credibility—Share with people why YOU and not your competition. No. 1 Rule: No throwing bats at others. This will make YOU the sore loser! As in my case with Wells Fargo, sometimes you are the only thing unique about what you are selling. Remember, it is YOU that can make all the difference. Never give up… you are almost home!

Home Plate: Affordability—If you have the authority, develop a multi-platform pricing structure. In today’s economic climate, cost for services rendered may win out, but remember that they know other teams that may want to buy what you are pitching. How you choose to run the bases make all the difference. Pay attention to who has the ball, where it’s going, and what you can deliver!

Shine on!

Molly

Motivating speaker, author, and coach, Molly Sunshine Group
Speaker platform consultant and business strategist, Legacy Producers
Dream BIG. Shine BRIGHT. Create Your BEST Life.

Essence of Sunshine Fragrance Line: Dream. Shine. Divine.

Molly Nece — 2012-03-25T17:50:10Z

Friday I put on a fun shirt I hadn’t worn in a very long time. As soon as I put it on, I smelled the beach. It was suntan lotion, ocean, and fun all wrapped up into one. Although I couldn’t explain it, it automatically sent me to a place of happiness with a care-free, utopia mentality. While Tyler, our seven year old son, and I were brushing our teeth that morning, he asked me, “What smells so good?” I asked him to smell my shirt. “Yep, that’s it!” he exclaimed. I immediately went to the linen closet and got our sun tan lotions out and started to pick out our favorite lotions and proceeded to put them on.

What happened next was truly the power of the universe working inside of us. I asked Ty, “How cool would it be to have a Molly Sunshine fragrance line?” I then recalled seeing a pile of fragrance swatches on the coffee table two days earlier. We began opening them up, smelling them, and looking at the name of each fragrance for inspiration. We were both drawn to Taylor Swift’s, “Wonderstruck!” It struck me… “Sunstruck!” I immediately posted the idea on Facebook and asked if anyone knew a fragrance designer. People loved the idea of “Sunstruck,” but no immediate connections.

Keeping in the flow, I googled how to design a signature fragrance, and then I recalled receiving an unsolicited e-mail one week prior about essential oils. After returning to that e-mail, I discovered that essential oils have benefits that can evoke specific emotions of the mind, body and spirit. I thought to myself, “By darn, I can do it myself and finally deliver on what many people have said they wanted—Molly in a bottle.” Finally, I have discovered how to capture my energy, creativity, and positivity in a bottle and share it with others—hence the “Essence of Sunshine!”

While researching the science behind essential oils, I also discovered a recipe on how to make designer fragrances. One of the bases is ethanol and one recipe even recommended vodka. I was immediately sold on the idea! After inspiring a group of students to "Dream BIG Shine BRIGHT" at a Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology event, I drove to the state store to get my vodka education. I asked a gentleman in his late 70’s, who was stocking the vodka shelves at the time, to tell me everything he knew about vodka and to make a few recommendations. After listening to him, I will never look at vodka the same. Who knew vodka could be made out of potatoes, wheat, grapes, and oranges? WOW! Following my intuition as I always do, I picked the two best vodkas for my fragrance line. After I got home, I proceeded to order the best essentials oils money could buy based on what I felt would best replicate the "Essence of Sunshine." The fragrance line will comprise of three fragrances:

DREAM—For those days where you want to jump start your creative juices of your mind and body.

SHINE—For those days you want to go to your happy place.

DIVINE—For those days you need a little calming of the heart and soul.

Stay tuned for the details of the June launch of the "Essence of Sunshine" fragrance line. Remember to always dream BIG shine BRIGHT and create your BEST life!

Shine on!

Molly

Submit Your "Leap Day Sunshine Proposal"... Literally!

Molly Nece — 2012-02-28T21:15:39Z

I bet you didn’t know this Leap Day tradition existed! Tomorrow, join me in keeping this legend alive. There could be a Sunshine Adventure waiting for you and your husband!

According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.

I’m not sure about your house; however, in our house, the traditional roles are often reversed… Why not wedding proposals too?

SO, WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? If you are a married woman and plan to RE-propose tomorrow, e-mail me the story behind your Leap Day Sunshine Proposal to Molly@LegacyProducers.com. If we get enough submissions, you and yours will be given the opportunity to be RE-married this summer with all the other couples who submitted their story (including Dan and I) complete with a "Pot O' Luck" Cookout!

Today’s society perhaps wouldn’t frown on women who propose, but this wasn’t always the case. Leap Year has no legal standing. Legend has it that people assumed tradition had no official status on this day, either. Therefore, women had an opportunity to change the custom that only men could propose. What’s more, if a man rejected a women’s proposal, he had to buy her 12 pairs of gloves, to hide the embarrassment of the lady in question not having an engagement ring.

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should we look to bring back the “penalty” for those men who reject their ladies proposals …or focus on the party we’re going to have after we all get RE-married in the sunshine!

(Honey, if you are reading this, you might want to go out and buy me some “bling” before tomorrow! However, it might save you more money to simply buy me the 12 pairs of gloves!)

A One of a Kind Recipe for Making Sunshine

Molly Nece — 2012-02-27T20:19:58Z

Adapted from Molly Nece’s “Chasing Stars: The 5 P Philosophy to Dreaming Big and Shining Bright.” Title inspired by Will Knecht, CEO of Wendell August, “Phenomenal idea and phenomenal vision, Molly! Thanks again for allowing us to “Make Sunshine” with you! You’re Awesome!” (e-mail re: Treasure Tokens)

I may not be a good cook, but I do know how to "make sunshine"... even on a rainy day!
Let's get cookin'... your legacy awaits!

Ingredient #1: Principles…

In spite of or because of. Who you want to become is your choice.

Get in tune with your virtues and align your thoughts, words, and actions.

Seek your truth in what others tell you to be the truth. Listen to understand.

Stop the power struggle. Seek to find common ground. Share perspectives.

Choose to live life by example every day.

Ingredient #2: Passion…

Live intentionally.

Seek a deeper meaning of life.

Surround yourself with inspiration.

Inspire others with your presence.

Thrive… just don’t survive.

Aspire to excel. Status quo is not an option.

Ingredient #3: People…

Establish your oikos. Choose your friends wisely.

Combat and release the energy zappers in your life.

Help others join the shift and enjoy the ride together.

Align the three P’s and the other two P’s will follow.

Ingredient #4: Persistence…

Be flexible while holding the vision.

Prepare and plan for your success.

Know the difference between tempters and guardians.

Take a fear not approach and manage the speed bumps.

Seize opportunities and make connections.

Ingredient #5: Peace…

Fall in love with yourself both inside and out.

Change “I can’t” to “I can.”

Journal your way to peace.

Choose to live mindfully and in the moment.

Make time for you and those you love.

To your taste of success in the sunshine... SHINE ON!
-Molly

Treasure Tokens: It Pays to Be the Difference.

Molly Nece — 2012-02-25T18:28:39Z

The Saint Agnes School in West Chester had asked me to come inspire their students with my Dream BIG Shine BRIGHT presentation for kids. Because I use a lot of audience interaction, I asked them to break the students into three groups—Grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

Once that was confirmed, an idea popped into my head. A piggy bank! Tyler, our seven year old son, has six of them in his room all lined up in a row. I picked up the one that was a translucent yellow and divided into sections—save, spend, donate, and invest. I emptied it out and found a pewter angel oval-shaped coin. I asked Tyler if he had known where he got it. He couldn’t recall, but later my mother shared with me that it came from my grandmother and the bank came from her and my dad.

Next, I placed the piggy bank on the floor of my car in the passenger side to see if the idea would pop into my head as to how I was suppose to use it with Saint Agnes. I intentionally laid the pewter angel coin in the passenger seat. Ironically, I was off to the bank! Upon arriving I noticed that they were busy getting ready for a merger. A new branch manager came out to greet me. She asked me who I was and what I did for a living. (Lesson: Always shine bright readers! You never know who may be watching.) After I told her, she said that once the merger was complete, she would love to have me meet the president and possibly come in to inspire their employees with not only a service component, but also include activities that required them to face uncertainty and think creatively. My favorite!

I got back into my car to go on my next errand to Wendell August to check out the Molly Sunshine exclusive charm bracelet for the Wendell Women and Wine Parties. As I drove, I continued to glance down at the piggy bank on my floor and the angel on my seat. Half way there it hit me… “pay it forward” coins! Wendell August can custom design a “Dream BIG Shine BRIGHT” coin where employees can encourage one another and lift each other up. In addition, they can use the coins to “play” with their customers too. What a great branding tool… BRILLIANT!

I walked into Wendell August with my angel and piggy bank in hand, pitched the idea and the rest was history… Well almost! When I got home I had a Baudville magazine waiting for me on the dining room table. They sell employee appreciation gifts and had “tokens of appreciation” made out of cardboard and were promoting Employee Appreciation Day on March 2nd. It was a sign that we were on the right track! I passed along the possible connection for Wendell and shared how it supported the idea of employee appreciation. Laurie exclaimed, “I LOVE IT!”

As a result of making the connections to things and people, every client (business, K-12 school, college) will walk away with a custom designed token to remind the attendees of the importance of dreaming big and shining bright, making a difference, by being the difference! All four powerful messages on one beautifully handcrafted pewter coin made in the USA… It doesn’t get much sweeter!

Or does it? I went to my vision wall in the guest room as I often do for inspiration. I noticed that Baudville had trademarked “Tokens of Appreciation.” What was my collection of tokens going to be called? Ah ha! Last November signs of "treasure" kept popping up in my world. Take a look at my "treasure" section of my vision wall...

By darn… they are “Treasure Tokens!” You better believe I am going to reach out to Pat Croce next! He is not only an international best-selling author and motivating speaker, but also a pirate in his own right with a treasure museum... and a friend of a friend! Stay tuned!

So what happened to Saint Agnes? Students didn’t get to take home a Treasure Token since their program was the very next week; however, the piggy bank did get his debut! Ten students in the K-2 and 3-5 grades came up and placed a plastic coin in one of the four sections and announced to their classmates what they were going to do to make a difference for their friends, family, community, or the world. Next time, all students will get their own piece of treasure to take home and place in their own piggy bank or give them away just as Ty did. In my children’s book “Tyler’s Tidal Wave Adventure,” the valuable lesson he learned was life is more rewarding when you are a go-giver. Ironic? I think not!

It pays to be the difference! Draw the connections and SHINE ON!

Molly

Day Four: Being Smitten in Life and in Love

Molly Nece — 2012-02-16T12:39:38Z

DAY FOUR: BE SMITTEN WITH YOUR CAREER PATH

14 Years in the Making…

My Work Experiences:

1996 Chatham College (Admissions)

1998 Gettysburg College (Admissions)

2000 Wells Fargo Education Financial Services (Sales/Tri-State Area)

2001 West Chester University (Admissions and Financial Aid)

2003-Present West Chester University (Training and Organizational Development; Masters Degree Training and Organizational Development; Got married)

My Businesses:

2005 (Closed) My Internship Gopher (Son born; Lean Six Sigma Certificate; New house)

2008-Present Rhino Living (with Dave Magrogan)

2009-Present Legacy Producers (Book #1)

2010-Present Molly Sunshine Group (Book #2 & 3; 2011: Book #4; 2012: Mediation Certificate)

Careers don’t just happen overnight. You create them over time! What would most people think after looking at my employment timeline? What would you think if I told you “I am who I am today because of all these experiences.” I have a clear sense of what I like, what I love, and what companies I want nothing to do with, and which ones fit with my values and work ethic. I know how to embrace change, innovate, think creatively, problem solve, manage emotions, and lead people to live a purposeful life… and I can back it up with hardcore evidence!

The problem is we often waste time thinking about what others would think about our career path. I was not always smitten with all of my chosen careers 100% of the time, but who is? Be realistic! However, below are 15 ways that helped me become smitten with my career path to happiness and satisfaction.

Choose to keep an updated resume. Have it proofed by a minimum of 5 people. Then, seek your truth!
Choose to keep applying for jobs. It keeps you fresh and realizing that the pastures may not always be greener or that it may be time to go!
Choose to go on interviews when you may not be 100% sure it is the “right” job. You’ll be ready and confident in your interviewing skills when you do find the “right” one!
Choose to constantly be acquiring new knowledge. Always be learning!
Choose to constantly be meeting new people. Always be connecting!
Choose to reflect and learn from your mistakes. Failures are blessings in disguise
Choose to ask questions and learn from others—in spite of or because of.
Choose not to get comfortable. Your productivity will plummet if you do!
Choose to stay active outside your day job—and that’s not running the kids from A-Z!
Join a community organization. Spend time using your passions that you might not use in your “day job.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised what comes of it over time!
Choose to take risks. Change is good!
Choose to be flexible. Be a team player!
Choose healthy conflict. Group think STINKS!
Choose to have positive self talk even in the worst of times. “Every day is a holiday” is one of my favorites that I use. Others now enjoy using it too. When used with good intention, it helps you segment your day and move on!
Choose to "get-one" with your passions. One never knows what how they will serve you and other in life!

Become smitten with your career. See it as an adventure to serve and help others! Everyone has had experiences with a bad boss, a crappy organizational culture, or a difficult quarter. Ask yourself these four questions:

How can I help change the culture or be a part of the solution?
Is my job serving myself, my talents, and others well?
How am I contributing to the problem?
Why do I like my job?

If you are NOT satisfied with the answers to these questions, then it is time for you to go on a career path adventure! Start by eliminating the negative self talk and actions. Replace it with reasons you will love your next job. I did, and the "universe" always delivered a similar variation of what I wanted--it often happened when I wasn't actively seeking new employment! Try it and see for yourself! As Steven Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind!”

Here’s to being SMITTEN with your CAREER PATH! Happy ADVENTURING... and SHINE ON!