Ludwina's Blog
'A Red Tent Season' by Christine McRae
A client of mine and a very special lady wrote this beautiful poem for me when my daughter started school last week after being homeschooled all her life. I asked her if I could share it with you and she gave me her blessing. Enjoy:)
A very special event is taking place in your personal Red Tent
You are giving more room for the child of your womb
To walk free and to discover who she is destined to be
Let no fear or doubt touch you as your daughter steps out
To experience what this new stage of life is all about.
You’ll warmly smile with pride as she takes each new stride
And it will come as no surprise as you begin to recognise
The familiar signs of budding womanhood
That speaks of all that is wholesome, unique and genuinely good.
Yes the time has flown and your child has grown
As you have steadily watered the seed being sown
And this young girl is particularly blest
Because she had a Mum who chose to do things differently to the rest.
Yes she is truly blest because of the time she has spent
Under the covering of your very personal Red Tent
Where nurturing, love and wisdom were shared
To ensure that for this journey she was very well prepared.
So let this budding woman have her unique set of wings
Which will surely lead her on to extraordinary things
And over time you’ll find she creates her own Red Tent of a kind
Keeping young women from trouble and strife
And sharing with them the secrets she’s learned within her Red Tent life.
Dedicated to Ludwina Dautovic
The Red Tent Woman
Christine McRae
www.trailblazingwoman.com. au
1 February 2010
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 11th February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: ludwina dautovic, the red tent woman, children, homeschooling, women, The Red Tent, trail blazing woman, christine mcrae, start school
Words are really powerful; choose them carefully
I know I have posted a lot about last night, but this particular incident requires a separate post. I met a young bloke called Michael, who is a good friend on Vicky Gardner. We were chatting for a while and he was reallly excited about his wife and 18 month old son arriving shortly. I was looking forward to meeting them as Michael had such a passion in his heart for his family.
Well, Ros arrived and I introduced myself. She said that she has only ever met one 'Ludwina' in her life and said she came from Albury. Well, I came from Albury and told her that.
I started modelling at the age of 10 and when I was 16 I was in a modelling competition. Apparently I was the primed to win, but the judges decided on a young 13 year old girl. I pulled this girl aside and said to her (paraphrasing) "You know what? These other girls are going to be jealous and bitchy about that fact that you won. Don't let them get you down. You won because you deserved it and enjoy it". Apparently the next day some girls were being bitchy to her and she remembered my words. She now runs a modelling agency.
She has shared over the years the affect my words had on her life at that time. I dare to say that perhaps it may have been a defining moment for her.
She hugges me last night and thanked me for saying the right word at the right time even though I was a kid.
27 years later we meet again. Her name is Ros. She is Michaels wife and we met last night.
Whats the point of this post apart from 'OMG it's a small world and did I really affect her life that way? The point is that words are really powerful so choose them carefully. You never know where a person is at in their life when you decide to share your thoughts; whether they are positive or negative. Sometimes a negative comment could be enough to tip someone over the edge and sometimes your comments can be life defining.
Has something like this every happened to you?
Share your thoughts.
Ciao,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 8th February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: small business, home based business, women's networking melbourne, communication
The gift of a home cooked meal
I had an absolute ball on the weekend and I wasn't even in the mood for it. If you know me you'd laugh at that comment, But it was true. I felt really flat over the weekend and then things turned around.
It's amazing what a lovely home cooked meal in the company of friends can do for the soul. My friend Wendy Moore and her partner Michael cooked us a lovely dinner of Pumpkin soup followed by Chicken breast stuffed with feta cheese and home grown rosemary, wrapped win Prosuitto with a fresh garden salad. Views of the city surrounded us and lovely wine and music. My favourite kind of night.
When was the last time you had a dinner party? If you have held yourself back because you felt like it was too hard, you're missing out. It's the most wonderful gift you can give a person. To open up your home, prepare a meal and sit for hours and talk. It's soothing, it's warming and it's true community.
I have at least one a week. I love them.
So, I challenge you. If you haven't had friends over in a while, get started. Do it now. And if the thought of cooking makes you cringe, do a 'pot luck' dinner. Get everyone to contribute a dish, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the last of the summer nights.
Tell me about your favourite dinner party menu, dish, wine, whatever.
Ciao,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 7th February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: dinner party, community, women, friendship, sharing, food, wine
A Pioneer has been born! In the true sense of the word!
Yesterday I went to an event to support some friends of mine, Sean Bridger, Brad Cusworth and Kylie Bartlett. Brad and Sean were promoting their E Learning Program and Kylie was a guest speaker. Great work guys. Harry and I both enjoyed it. It's always good to be a participant and learn from others.
Anyway, in true Kylie Bartlett style, she organised a facebook party afterwards in honour of her friend, and now mine, Vicky Gardner. We started at the Albert Park Hotel around 6ish. Throughout the evening more people came and within a few hours we had this awesome party happening with this amazing community that Kylie had created. How did she do this you might be wondering? Well, she had a rocking, shit hot idea, put it out there and invited people. She figured that wouldn't it be great to get the facebook online community to become a real face to face community. What a pioneer you are Kylie. This is the hottest thing since sliced bread!
People talk about community. They say they create them. But what does community really mean? Here is a dictionary definition that I loved - Sharing, participation, and fellowship.
I used to be involved in Church community years ago and for many reasons, which are personal, we left. I have yet to find another community that has filled me spiritually, where I can contribute, that is supportive of me, my family and our values, that sees me as a whole woman, not broken or needs fixing, that I can turn to when I'm feeling flat or sad and who I can rejoice with when I feeling happy and glad.
Kylie, you've given me a community of people who are sharing, caring and provide me with fellowship in a heart space and with love and appreciation. I predict that one day, people will talk about you as a pioneer of a movement that took online loneliness and isolation and created a strong community for which we can all and inclusively be a part of.
Congratulations and thank you for giving me an awesome bunch of new friends!
Luv Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 7th February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: small business, home based business, social media, women's networking, facebook, networking events melbourne, community
Is it just me or are you sick of marketing B.S. too?
- “If You’re Looking For Easy Ways To Take Your Business To The Next Level, Here’s How To Do That In The Quickest Time Possible!!!"
- "Follow These Simple Steps To Become An Instant Millionaire!!!"
- "Business Success In Five Easy Steps!!!"
- "How I Made A Million Dollars In 12 Months And You Can Too!!!"
- "Become An Instant Online Success!!!"
I am so over the inundation of marketing B.S. spruiking you'll make millions of dollars in a short amount of time and promising that all of your dreams will come true. (Not to mention the annoying exclamation marks and misuse of capital letters!!!:) I don't know how you would describe your business experience, but if you're like me and you've built your business with your own resources, time and commitment, it doesn't come fast and easy. In fact it's quite the opposite.
Unless you have an investor who provides finances, resources and staff, your business will take time to grow. You can't 'Fast Track' it. In my 17 years of being self employed and having coached multitudes of small business owners, I have never seen a solo business person who achieved business success in a short amount of time, on their own, using their own time and resources and certainly not via a program or a business pack!
How is success defined? The dictionary defines it as 'triumphant, achievement, accomplishment and victory.' So what does success mean for you? Was it the triumphant feeling when you first opened your doors? Or was it the great sense of achievement when you finally paid yourself? Perhaps it was the great sense of accomplishment when you hired your first staff person and got your evenings back. Or maybe it was the victory of finally taking off a month without being financially concerned? And yes, it could also come when your financial goals have been met.
There's no magic pill or potion that's going to take you from where you are right now to business success without paying your dues. It's like the person who wins a million dollars in tattslotto and it's all spent in a short amount of time. They didn't earn it so they can't appreciate it. It's the same in business. Your success will come from vision, work, committment, good management, delegation and time. Appreciate the journey and the lessons learned along the way, set your goals, manage yourself and your team well, be tunnel visioned at times and give yourself a break/ This will create success and more importantly, success that is sustainable.
What do you think?
Ciao,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 4th February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: home based business, Women's networking events melbourne, business success melbourne, small business melbourne
Are you living by your own values or someone elses?
Today is a reminder of the fruits of staying true to your values, beliefs and convictions, regardless of what people think...
It was Tijana's second day at school today and she is doing so well. This week was the first time she got public transport on her own and the first time she started school. So many new experiences in the same week. On top of that, as you know, it was the first time in 18 years I haven't had children at home. And, yes, I am doing well. Thanks for asking:) It's been a bit weird. I find myself still thinking it's lunch time and I want to join her to eat. I find myself missing her in the afternoon when she would come over and sit and read while I work. It's different, but I am certain it is the start of something new. In fact, I am surprised at how lovely the transition has been for me.
Tijana is doing so well at school. I read something that she wrote today and was blown away with her writing skills. Understand, that as a homeschooler, there is no formal education so to speak. Therefore, she has never written an essay, had a spelling test or grammar training. Yet, her writing is that of a novelist. I knew that would be the case. Having said that, I have known that she and Jordan, had everything they needed within them to succeed in what they desired to. It's just nice to see it come to fruition.
Think about it - She has never been 'officially' taught how to read, or maths, or science; she hasn't been offically taught how to do anything that is usually taught at school. She has learned it all herself. I just provided the tools when she needed them.
Yeh, I'm very proud of both her and my husband and I at the moment. Imagine how hard it was in the beginning when we pulled both our children out of school because we chose to homeschool. Both my husband and I didn't finish highschool. We had no formal education. Well meaning family and friends were highly concerned about their wellbeing. It was really challenging. But I guess it is when you buck the system. Anytime one decides to do something that goes against mainstream thinking, you're going to piss people off. I guess the thing that you need to consider is, are you going to live your life by other peoples standards or your own, regardless of how hard it is to stay true to yourself.
And there lies the point tonight. Are you being true to yourself? Are you living your life or someone elses? Have you caved in some area of your life because it was too hard to stand up to the well meaning family and friends?
We only get one shot at this life.... Choose it and choose it well...
Love to you all,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 3rd February, 2010 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: small business, home business, home based business, the red tent woman, parenting, school, homeschool, mother, women's networking melbourne
The Start of a New Season... Or so I thought!
Today started off as wonderful as I thought it would. Tijana got herself up at 6.30am, got herself ready, cooked her breakfast and quietly came into my room to kiss me goodbye. All set! I was so proud of her. Being completely independant in this experience was really important to her. She didn't want me helping her. She wanted to do it all by herself and that she did.
So, my 15 year old daughters first day of school.... Or so I thought.
An hour later I get a call from her telling me that Year 10 doesn't start until tomorrow! Here I am, having my big sooky night last night, having my friends over today for a 'liquid support party' and she was here with us. It was hilarious! Ironic even. She got herself a bus back and walked in with a bunch of roses she had picked for me on the way home. I spent the entire day laughing about how funny it was instead of being sad that she had left. I love the universe. It gives us exactly what we need, when we need it.
So, my day was glorious. I had my friends, Sean and Kylie come over to share the beginning of my new season. My husband, Harry, came home for the afternoon as well. We drank Champagne, nibbled on wicked cheeses and fruit and enjoyed the gorgeous sun. Other friends sent me text messages, emails and a beautiful poem which I will post tomorrow called 'A Red Tent Season', Christine McRae from 'www.TrailBlazingWoman.com.au'. Thanks Christine. xxx
How priveledged we are to be able to take a few hours off in the middle of the day to enjoy the sunshine and great company instead of being stuck in the nine to five grind of working for the 'man'.
Thanks Sharon D, Mel P, Christine M, Wendy M, Kylie B, Sean B and anyone else whose heart was with me today.
Tomorrow she starts school and all is good.....
Love ya all.
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 1st February, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: home based business, women's networking, children, teenagers, new year, school starts, parenting. small business
Party Time - Monday 1st February!
I have been blogging recently about the changes that are taking place in my life this year. My son just turned 18 and we had his party last weekend.
The next big one, and it's a little too close to the last one, is my daughter starting school. For most mums it's an exciting time. You have your babies and know that at about age three they will go to kinder and then at five they will go to school. My daughter is 15 and starting school for the first time. I have homeschooled both our kids. Our son went to school at age 15 as well. So this is the first time in 18 years that I haven't had children at home.
So my dear friends, if anyone would like to join me for a 'letting go' party on Monday 1st February from midday, my daughter personally invites you to invite me out to a very long lunch so I have a group of fab people around me on her first day of school! (who's the parent here??)
I plan on getting a group of women and blokes if you'd like to join us to celebrate the end of a season and the beginning of another.
If you would like to join me, email at ludwina@theredtentwoman.com.au and in the subject line write 'a new season'.
Something to think about... one of the benefits of being self employed is the priveledge to have 'mental health days' and that is what this one will be.
Join me, celebrate new things for your life as well, old seasons past and new ones beginning whilst supporting me in this amazing new stage of my life. Let's take a day off work and celebrate change!
Thanks bellas,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 22nd January, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: children, homeshooling, family, new beginnings
The Start of Something New
This week my oldest child turned 18. We had his birthday celebration on Saturday with 30 of his friends, family friends and family members. There were around 40 it total. Thank God the weather was perfect! We had a lamb on the spit, loads of other food, great wine, funky music and heartfelt speeches. All the elements for a great party.
Yet, there was a little sadness in my heart. For me if felt like the end of a part of my life. My son turned 18, working fulltime and to add to that, our daughter Tijana is starting a new chapter in her life as well. Up until now she has been homeschooled and has decided that she would like to go to school this year. We homeschooled both our children and always gave them the choice and this year she has decided. Funny, Jordan decided to enter school at age 15 as well.
So, this will be the first year that I haven't had children at home. I've had kids at home now for 18 years. It's a real shift in my life experience and the end of a season.
So to in business. With the changes in my family life, it has spawned a new vision for my business. Each new year I take stock of where I've been, was have brought me joy and what I need to do differently and sometimes it's about letting go of an aspect of your business that you have become quite fond of.
In a little while, I will be announcing something very new and exciting in the Red Tent Woman camp. I can't tell you just yet, but I can tell you that from now on, women all around the country and soon around the world, will be able to enjoy and participate in The Red Tent Woman in a way that has never been done before in any business anywhere.
So stick around as I unveil the new component to The Red Tent Woman.
And remember, with the ending of a season, comes the beginning of a new one. And this one's going to be really hot!
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 18th January, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: children, teenagers, parenting, vision, new year, homeschooling
A Perfect Evening
The hectic life of being a mum, wife, business woman and all the other titles, can sometimes leave us very hectic with a huge list of 'to do's'. This can sometimes create a fairly fast paced life with very little time for yourself. But if you did have that time for yourself, how would you spend it? What's a perfect day or evening for you? How would you invest that time?
Well, for me, a perfect night was last night.... and this is what occured.
My perfect night was spent with my husband, Harry, our two kids (adult kids) and two new friends whom we recently met at the facebook social media event. We had the priveledge of having Kylie Bartlett and Sean Bridger over for dinner. It was the first time we had them in our home and I am certain it will be the first of many.
For me, a perfect night is with friends, delicious food, great wine, awesome conversation and a balmy evening. I love to cook, I love to nurture and I love to take care of people. In fact, if I could make a living out of hosting small dinner parties, I would do it in a heartbeat. It's no surprise that I run networking events!
Why am I sharing this? Because we can get so disconnected in our busy, hectic lives as women that we forget about what pleases us and gives us joy. So what gives you joy and when was the last time you experienced it? If I don't have at least one dinner party a week, I am missing out on life. What are you missing out on? What do you need to bring back to your life so that you feel you have more balance and a greater sense of fulfillment?
Have a think about it and share your thoughts with me.
Ciao bellas,
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 14th January, 2010 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: ludwina dautovic, friends, dinner party, leadership, Kylie Bartlett, Sean Bridger
Real Women, Real Business, Real Connection
It's a new year and with that comes change. I have just returned from a wonderful holiday with my family and there are many changes afoot in not only our personal lives but also my business. The privelege of being away gives one the opportunity to think clearly and realise what has transpired in your life and what has acculumated by default.
While I was away I realised that I have gotten off track. When I started The Red Tent Woman (TRTW) I wanted it to be about women supporting women in business; not just about me supporting women in business. I wanted it to be a place that would provide the opportunity for the women in the community to instigate support, connection and guidance in each others lives. I guess I have done that to some degree with my networking events, but I want more of it. You see, the value in a persons life comes from the connections they have in their community and without that, they are an island. I don't know about you, but I am not an island nor do I want to be and that is why I am active in building relationships in my personal and business life. But not all of us can do that so easily. Therefore, watch this space girls. There are changes coming and changes that will bring a strong sense of community back into you lives via TRTW.
On a personal level, this year heralds great changes in my personal life as well.
My husband Harry has some awesome opportunities that have been presented to him this year. I cannot say as yet, but it seems that this year is his year. He has been such a great support for our family and a rock that we all have stood so strongly upon. He has put aside his own career goals for all these years so that we both have had the time an committment to home school our children. I love him for that and am so proud of him.
My son Jordan is turning 18 on Tuesday which means I am now the mother of an adult son! He is working full time and planning to go to America this year. It has come around far too quickly for me and has generated mixed feelings. I am proud of this amazing young man and all that he has accomplished, yet is has brought sadness to me of late. I'll explain in a little while.
Our daughter, Tijana, whom many of you have had the chance to meet at our events, has decided after being home schooled for all her life that she would like to go to school. She is enrolled at Footscray City College and will entering year 10 this year. Again, I am so proud of her and her choices yet it brings sadness to me.
I have just realised that this year is the end of an era and a beginning of another. It is the first time that I won't have children at home in 18 years. It's bazaar, but I feel almost like an empty nester. I know they haven't left home, but my life has changed so much. I have loved being a mother more than anything else I have done in my life. That and my marriage are my greatest accomplishments. I don't quite know who I am without children at home and feel far too young to be here right now. If any of you can relate, post a reply. I'd like some support moving through this.
And because of this I realised that it's time to share what I call 'Ludwina at home'. I have made a decision to open my heart and my life through this blog, and share my own personal and professional challenges. You see, people learn through other people's journeys, experiences and stories. Therefore, I have decided to share my story, my journey and my experiences.
I will attempt to blog nightly and share aspects of my life that are not private. (Yes, there are aspects of my life I wish to keep to ourselves). But I promise to be as open and transparent as I can be. I also welcome you to post comments and share your thoughts in reply to my posts. Let's make this interactive, supportive and about real connection. Because this year for me is about - Real Women; Real Business; Real Connection.
Ciao bellas. I look forward to an exciting year of sharing openly and honestly.
Ludwina xxx
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 8th January, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: Business planning, business success, small business, home based business, networking, ludwina dautovic
How to Create a Really Simple Business and Marketing Plan for 2010
At the beginning of each year I take some time to reflect on my business, where it's heading, new marketing strategies and so on. I find it challenging doing it throughout the year as the busy-ness of business seems to occupy my thoughts. I need a quiet space to plan, to think and to dream.
This year it seemed to work fantastically whilst we were on the road. We just bought a new car and decided to take it on a road trip to Sydney. It was there in my brand spanking new vehicle that my thoughts flowed.
It's important to know that the traditional business and marketing plans aren't my favourite thing to create nor do they inspire me. So, I devised a strategy and created what I call a 'live document' that continues to be created and ammended throughout the year.
The following is how it is created:
1) Grab a notebook and write headings highlighting the areas of your business that need to be included. Some of mine were: networking events, coaching program, website, google adwords campaign, staff etc.
2) As the thoughts come to your mind make notes under each of the headings
3) Once you have gathered all of your thoughts and written them down, now it's time to put it in 'Word'.
4) Write all your headings and highlight them as 'heading 1'.
5) Write your subheadings and highlight them as 'heading 2'.
6) Insert a page break after each 'heading 1'.
7) Create a 'table of contents' ('Word' automatically hyperlinks each page number making it easy to navigate)
8) Add your ideas, bullet points and actions on each page
9) Remember to save as you add new content
10) Delegate and date tasks to be done
Once you have created the document, you can continue to add and make changes as you see fit. You can also add the document to 'Google Docs' so your staff and virtual team can view and make changes as well.
Posted by Ludwina Dautovic on 8th January, 2010 | Comments | Trackbacks | Permalink
Tags: Business planning, business success, small business, home business, home based business, business tips, ludwina dautovic, small business help
Ludwina Dautovic walking on broken glass at the Essentially for Women
'Secrets to Success in Business and Life Event' in Melbourne
The Marketing Puzzle – How to get PR for your business.
A dear friend of mine and a member of The Red Tent Business Success Club - Angela den Hollander, is involved in this event and wanted to invite you to join her!
Block your diary and book now, this popular event always sells out!
What do you get?
• 3 expert PR presentations
• Speed networking hosted by our MC
• Door prizes
• Wine, soft drink and a bite to eat
All for just $49 for one ticket or even better value, two tickets for $79.
When? 6.30pm – 8pm Tuesday 26th May
Where? Northcote Town Hall, Roof Top Function Room
How? Book securely online http://www.nextmarketing.com.au/prevent.php
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