Is this all a waste of time?

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband asked me a question about this "Business" I run called the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a>..." Is it really worth it? Do you really think anyone gives a damned?" he asked.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This conversation took place on Wednesday evening after my entire 22 page newspaper disappeared on me - I was crying (really, really over tired) and frustrated beyond belief.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If my husband had it his way I would shut this computer off and never look at it again.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would ride strictly for enjoyment and not ever put pen to paper again for a living. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband has come to detest Belt Drive Betty cause he never gets to see his wife - Renee.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I understand his frustration. He wanted me to declare bankruptcy after the Bike Show in Olds in 2007 and to throw in the towel.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yet, here I am three years later, treading water - working way too many hours to make sure I can pay the bills I have - it's an honor thing with me - I owe the money - I took the risk and it blew up - I DID THAT, now it has to be paid for.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I get discouraged from time to time - like any small business owner you spend so much time working in your business that working on it seems almost impossible.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keeping your chin up when cons sign up for a business membership and then don't pay their bills but get three or four months free exposure until I realize they never intended to actually pay for their memberships - that's rough. You feel so abused and mistreated when that crap happens.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been ripped off by fellow small business owners that have not paid their ad bills.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have had to take a few to court and others just were not worth the bother.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can't tell you the number of "Friendships" or should I say illusions of friendship that have been destroyed.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have had people say they would do ad sales, I have spent countless hours on training them and bought expensive software to assist in working long distance with them and then these people never follow through - they quit returning calls, they leave the web site and the newspaper and act like some how I am responsible for their lack of integrity. And they don't return the banners or other tools I supply.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If I had just stayed working on my own instead of spending the time with them, training them I'd be so much farther ahead today. When you rely on others to do a job and they let you down it does not hurt their credibility - it hurts yours as the business owner.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's egos and politics galore out there and that alone makes navigating in this old world tough sometimes. I have had non profits that I have worked hard for abuse me in public and in quiet smear campaigns because those at the helm could not communicate and the membership was horribly misinformed as to what was going on.  In all three cases egos, politics, good intentions and lack of communication played huge rolls in what transpired.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Communication or lack there of is the biggest killer of so many great endeavors)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I have had the RCMP in Sylvan Lake/Red Deer/Olds country do their utmost best to ruin me financially....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I talk to a lot of other little business people who get so frustrated with the November to February shrink in their incomes - they forget in July to prepare for that really long dry spell and then they struggle all winter....and sometimes there is no way to prepare - you get so far behind you think you'll never get out from under.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a challenging economy - a lot of people are hurting out there...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Being in business for yourself is not for the faint of heart.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Those are the bad things...the dark side of being in business (some I was prepared for, others - not so much!) My husband's question brought up all of those bad things, the memories and sorrow - BUT, it also brought up all of the good things too!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The really great people I have worked with and actually helped or who have helped me, the little businesses and events that had no real place to market themselves to the riding community and they use our services well and often.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The riders I get to meet at every event, the kids that are made happy, the soldiers that I and so many support. The miles I get to put on on my machine...that alone is worth the headaches and heartaches!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband disagrees - he feels frustrated because of the work he sees me do and the stuff that gets dumped on me - he says he is scared for me...I guess I can understand that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My heart tells me that what I do is valuable and has meaning to at least some of you.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>BUT HOW DO I PROVE THAT TO HIM?</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He is not computer literate, he does not see the rewards...so how, how do I prove to him that what I do does have value and matters to this community?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ideas and suggestions are needed and VERY welcome....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always, I welcome your in put and feeback!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join the discussion on Face Book, on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> in the Forums OR right here in my blog... </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In BC the RCMP scored some guns and body armor <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/7915-hells-angels-held-in-bc-weapons-bust">from 4 alleged members or supporters</a> of the Hells Angels.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also in BC, the growing number of<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/7916-cops-concerned-about-gas-powered-bikes"> people putting gas engines </a>on their bicycles is concerning the police. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over seas, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-suport-our-troops/422-contacts/7920-harley-davidson-bring-motorcycle-style-holiday-cheer-to-troops-">Harley-Davidson has been entertaining</a> the troops</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's a ton of motorcycle reviews and news and sports news over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> for your entertainment and enlightenment!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please drive safely...</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklechronicles.com/">www.bustedknucklechronicles.com</a></span>

Is this all a waste of time?

My husband asked me a question about this "Business" I run called the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and www.beltdrivebetty.com ...&quo...

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Giving Back - Paying it forward - it's a Biker thing

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>I apologize for not blogging yesterday - I was sooo wiped out.</i></b></span><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You see on Sunday, I had put together this beautiful 22 page newspaper.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IT WAS GORGEOUS.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lots of interesting articles and stories from right across the country and when I opened it on Wednesday night to do my editorial and add the two page newsletter from Sturgis North to it - the entire document - all of the picture folders, the stories, the posters, ads - EVERYTHING disappeared. Apparently the file was corrupt. So there I was, Wednesday night a 7pm having an absolute melt down. I'd been up since 2 am - I was tired and the LAST thing I wanted to do was to rebuild the paper, but after my hissy fit, I settled in to it and was able to rebuild 21 pages and get the paper to the web mistress for delivery by 2 AM AB time.  I am a morning person and the web mistress is a night person so this worked out OK...everyone got their paper on time...</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But beat, MAN was I beat. So forgive an old broad for not filling you in on the day's news feed stories! Now...on to today's news feeds...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been a part of this most fantastic community for over 30 years.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Giving Back - its always been a big part of the biker community - I can't remember a time when it wasn't.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paying it forward, giving back - whatever label you want to put to it, bikers tend to be a pretty generous and thankful group of people - FOR THE MOST PART. There are the cons that come in to our community and attempt to take advantage of us... OR our reputation for generosity - look at the Ms Caron Oderbien episode! And I can think of a few businesses that are no longer around whose owners would fit in that category - scammers and users. Over the years  I have seen a lot of people be hurt by those cons. And our community  has taken a hit reputation wise because of them...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And then there are the angels - the people who for no other reason than they want to do some good somewhere - give back in such a stellar fashion...and the hero's of the day? No Pork...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In California a bike shop called "No Pork" ('cause they don't work on Hawgs) fixed a 77 year old cancer patient's bike for free - a $2,900 bill voided by community spirit and generosity!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7911-norco-motorcycle-shop-fixes-ill-veterans-bike">Read the article for yourself </a>- it WILL warm your heart! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And another heartwarming article in the news...<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sk-news/295-motorcycle-television/7906-fundraiser-for-terry-oh-">a group of riders from Regina </a>are holding a fundraiser for Terry OH this weekend at the Gaslight Saloon. Terry was severely injured when a van cut a left hand turn in front of him at an intersection back at the end of September. Terry is an incredibly talented tattooist and lost a leg as a result of this crash.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are a veteran - card carrying/patch wearing...you are in for some very special hospitality if you decide to go to the Sturgis North Event in Salmon Arm this July!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ray Sasserville called me all excited yesterday - he has secured 5 acres of land that allows the Sturgis North committee to offer FREE camping/RV'ing for all military personnel past and presently serving. And not just for a day or two either - the ENTIRE WEEK.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ray is supposed to be getting us an official announcement in a few days with all of the details of everything that will be available to the military at the event!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always, I welcome your comments, feedback and input - without your involvement there is no point to these posts! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news: </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A 1925 Brough Superior ss100 is<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7909-1925-brough-superior-ss100-up-for-auction-prototype-owned-and-raced-by-george-brough"> going up for auction</a></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.motorcycle.com/images/news/112510-1925-brough-superior-ss100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.motorcycle.com/images/news/112510-1925-brough-superior-ss100.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bike gets it's name from the fact that it could do 100MPH in a 1/4 mile! It is reportedly valued at some $600,000+ dollars and will be auctioned off in New York</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Norton is planning a huge <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-business/305-businessindustry-news-international/7902-norton-hires-ex-ducati-ceo-van-epps-former-dna-boss-to-lead-nortons-us-revival">comeback in the US and has hired </a>Ducati's former CEO Van Epps for the job!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">BMW's Dakar appearance is short lived as <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/sports-international/363-drag-racing/7904-dakar-2011-bmw-motorcycles-in-trouble">according to Dakar race director</a> Etienne Lavigne, David Fretigne will not be racing in the 2011 Dakar.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario: a van plowed in to the back of a motorcycle and then on into a car - both vehicles were stopped for the lights. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/7907-van-plows-into-bike-car">The motorcyclist was sent to hospital. </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Vancouver Island: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sports-canadian/343-candian-motocross/7910-local-riders-honoured">local riders were honored </a>at the Vancouver Island Motocross Award.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Duncan Motorsports <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/sports-international/368-contacts/7908-hatton-team-triumphant-at-baja-amazing-experience-duncan-motorsports-crew-places-fifth-in-1000-mile-mexican-off-road-race">team lead by Don Hatton placed 5th</a> in the Baja!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day and please take your time out there.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor/Rider</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span></div>

Giving Back - Paying it forward - it's a Biker thing

I apologize for not blogging yesterday - I was sooo wiped out. You see on Sunday, I had put together this beautiful 22 page newspaper. IT ...

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Sturgis North - Approvals granted - IT's A GO!

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Sasseville, a very jubilant and elated man. In fact the whole 16 member team is a pretty happy group of people. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-travel/308-bc-motorcycle-events/7892-city-approves-sturgis-north-requests">The city of Salmon Arm has agreed to all of the requests to extend noise bylaw hours and to grant licenses for both beer gardens.</a></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although Ray and his team have already invested a ton of time and money in to the event, Ray expressed on the phone yesterday that the hard work officially begins now. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With 4 venues in total - the Summer Stomp Rally site, the 2 Music venues and the vendors village - there's a lot of elbow grease to be applied yet noted Ray in our conversation.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"The plans are in place, now it is to execute them - REALLY, REALLY well!"</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The RCMP - while concerned at the numbers of people this event is expected to draw is up to the task and drafting a budget to Salmon Arm City council for the expenses. Sturgis North has already agreed to help with the costs and are providing shuttle services to and from various venues. In all Sturgis North's team has budgeted $300K for security (Stats from the Salmon Arm Observer article) and the man heading up their security team?  Peter Maia - he has been involved in first aid and security for more than 25 years, doing every major event in B.C. since Expo ’86. He was in charge of the Ontario pavilion for the Vancouver Olympics.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/rider-friendly?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=334&sobi2Id=73">JB's Custom Colors -</a> an RFBA Member business in Kamloops is painting the Sturgis North Motorcycle that is going to be taken around to bike shows across the country promoting the event, there are plans for some big bands to be entertaining people - like you though, we all have to wait for the ink to dry on all of the flurry of contracts that will have to be signed in the next few weeks.  Ray is going to have one bad case of writers cramp!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is official - a FIVE DAY event in the heart of some GORGEOUS riding country!!!!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Register for their newsletter to stay informed of the happenings and watch the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and the Belt Drive Betty Web SIte too as we are going to be a major media sponsor for the event!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our reporter Jeff LeGrand from the Calgary MRFD and the CMC will be on hand to give us all the low down on this first time event that many, many western Canadian riders are hoping will become a Western Canadian Signature Motorcycle event.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There will be tons and tons of developments and important updates to watch for...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://sturgisnorth.com/">sturgisnorth.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So - let's hear your comments and feed back...are you excited that <a href="http://sturgisnorth.com/">Sturgis North</a> is coming?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://greatcanadianbikerally.com/">Great Canadian Bike Rally </a>is the same weekend in Merritt - are you planning on taking in both first time events or only one?  It's only 211 KM from one venue to the other with some pretty, pretty riding country in between....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The discussion is in our forums on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belt-Drive-Betty-The-Busted-Knuckle-Chronicles/201980414908#%21/pages/Belt-Drive-Betty-The-Busted-Knuckle-Chronicles/201980414908">FB Fan Page</a>  of right here!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the UK Kawasaki has decided to re launch<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-business/303-businessindustry-news-canada/7897-kawasaki-riders-club-re-launched-with-added-member-benefits"> it's riders program </a>with discounts etc...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are handy with <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7894-design-ducatis-christmas-card-win-prize-be-famous">graphic design and want to win 1000 pounds</a>, Ducati has a Christmas Card design contest going on!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our friend and colleague Jeff from VRide TV in BC <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-candian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/7891-vridetvs-2011-high-resolution-wall-calendars-">has a calendar for sale. </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bikes over Baghdad 3 is set to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7890-harley-davidson-teams-up-with-biggest-names-in-action-sports-to-thank-us-troops-during-bikes-over-baghdad-3-tour">place to entertain the US Troops</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day and please take your time out there.Belt Drive Betty</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor/Rider</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span></div>

Sturgis North - Approvals granted - IT's A GO!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Sasseville, a very jubilant and elated man. In fact the whole 16 member team is a pretty happy group...

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Surviving in business in this economy...

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>There are a lot of people who are hurting right now.  </b><br /></span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Little business people who have worked their butts off, invested all of the time, effort and resources into a business that they believe in. Their once hopeful and positive demeanor replaced with fear, frazzled nerves and heavy hearts.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This economy - this changing economic climate we live in is affecting these people and their ability to earn a living. You, the consumer are not spending much money with the little guy. Big Box stores that can offer incredible prices are winning and the little guy is struggling as a result. If you listen to some, there is no hope.....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And yet there are some small businesses that are doing very well - their businesses are flourishing and they are defying what others view as the odds.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what is the difference between the successful small business and the one that is struggling and faultering?</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are so many contributing factors for a business to fail...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being under financed, buying the wrong stock or paying too high a price, having people bad mouth you or not pay you...Being unprepared, uneducated in the ways of business, being ill prepared for dealing with human nature, not having a plan B & a C or an awful location.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this economic climate any one of the above mentioned perils can put you in a bad spot.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are some fundamental differences between the business person that is succeeding right now and the ones that are faltering...the biggest one, probably the most important one is attitude. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I deal with a lot of business people every day. 7 out of ten are so sad, sound so defeated I can't wait to get off the phone - their sadness is so over powering. The other three - I could be on the phone with for hours - they are positive, grateful and up beat.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hands down the single biggest difference I have found - the one defining characteristic that all those who are truly successful seem to have...<b>An Attitude of Gratitude.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They are grateful for the things they have and it is reflected in the way they talk, carry themselves and conduct their lives. The more grateful they are, the more they seem to have to be grateful about.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every great spiritual teacher of recorded time has said it - being grateful is the key to everything that you deem success to be.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”</span> Anthony Robbins</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”</span> John Fitzgerald Kennedy </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">“If one's life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. And finally, there is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation.”</span> Dalai Lama</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="quote">A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.</span> Cicero</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are literally hundreds of quotes from people who are respected teachers and philosophers that all say the exact same things... BE GRATEFUL</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The law of attraction says that we become what we think of...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you want to change the course of your business and your life you must become a grateful human being and while it is a daunting task at times - it is one of the most rewarding things we can do - not just for ourselves but for everyone around us. The more grateful and positive, the more things you will attract to you that make you feel grateful and happy.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is in business as it is in any other aspect of your life...focusing on the good, being grateful for what you have ...that is the way to true success.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the course of the last several years I have suffered some horrendous losses - financially, personally. I have experienced betrayal and  treachery - every time those things have happened - come in to my life - it's been at a time when I am feeling sorry for myself, where I have allowed a negative aura to settle on me. When I am focused on the things I am grateful for, my life becomes so rich and rewarding.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Learning to be grateful - adopting that as a way of life - it can be a challenge - but I guarantee you that the more grateful I am, the more thankful I am, the more I have to give thanks for. You are no different.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are looking for a way to change the circumstances in your life, start reading books like the Secret or the Power by Rhonda Byrne - anything written by Tony Robbins...read - enlighten your mind - invest 10 minutes a day in feeling grateful...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like any day - I welcome your thoughts and feed back on this topic. You can join us for the discussion on Face Book <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beltdrivebetty#%21/beltdrivebetty">on my personal page</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beltdrivebetty#%21/pages/Belt-Drive-Betty-The-Busted-Knuckle-Chronicles/201980414908">The Belt Drive Betty & The Busted Knuckle Fan Page</a>, in our <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/forum/73-the-coffee-shop/6325-belt-drive-bettys-blog-posts">forums</a> or right here!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dispelling the myths of <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/447-2009-09-07-21-32-45/7879-the-old-bike-myth-kicking-the-tire-kicker">running an older bike</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">American long distance rider and rights advocate <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-travel-tourism/341-contacts/7865-motorcycle-touring-mathematics-102-x-raying-your-junk-vs-x-treme-riding-pleasure--distance-riding-with-bruce--december-2010-">Bruce Arnold talks about riding your</a> motorcycle as opposed to flying - some interesting points the man makes....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A riders funeral in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7878-australian-hoons-perform-burnout-in-hearse-police-investigation-commences">Australia causes some controversy </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The US Hall of Fame <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7880-2010-motorcycle-hall-of-fame-induction-hall-adds-nine-new-members">held their induction ceremony</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A fitness instructor loves<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7881-fitness-star-finds-some-muscle-in-her-motorcycle-"> her new Harley</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's a lot more...but those are the biggest highlights so far today!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day and please take your time out there. Weather check - here in Grande Prairie at the time of writing it was -34</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor/Rider</span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span></div> <div style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span></div>

Surviving in business in this economy...

There are a lot of people who are hurting right now.  Little business people who have worked their butts off, invested all of the time, eff...

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Do you like Custom Motorcycles?

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Whether or not you would buy one, do you like ogling custom bikes?</b></i></span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most gear heads do...this year there are 5 motorcycle shows in Canada (so far) that have been approved for the IMBBA's World Cup Competition coming to Laval Quebec in April of 2012.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The International Master Bike Builders Association of Canada is headed up by Bob McKay and he has been working with a number of show coordinators in an effort to attract the BEST of the BEST in custom motorcycle building in Canada.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year is the inaugural year for the competitions and if all goes to plan each of the five shows below should have some AMAZING machines competing.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Here is the Press release from Bob with all of the show information:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IMBBA Canada has finalized five (5) 2011 Custom Bike Show venues that will determine the final qualifier for the World Cup Competition in Laval Quebec, April 20, 21 and 22^nd 2012.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bike builder who acquires the most single show points from one of the five shows will be awarded the final competitor spot. If this builder has already qualified then the next highest point scoring builder will advance.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2011 Show Information</span>:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>North American International Motorcycle Supershow</b> – January 7^th -9^th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Toronto Ontario          International Centre</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>World of Motorcycles Expo – </b>February 11^th-13^th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">London, Ontario           Western Fair Agriplex</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>World of Motorcycles Expo </b>– March 19^th -20^th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kitchener, Ontario        Bingemans Park</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show – </b>April 9^th -10^th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Toronto, Ontario         International Centre</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Classic Bike & Tattoo Show – </b>April 15^th -17^th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Laval, Quebec               SportXpo Center</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For more information contact  Bob McKay at :</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:bobmckay@masterbikebuilders.com">bobmckay@masterbikebuilders.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news</b>, the reports coming out of the So Cal region regarding the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club's Memorials and fund raising efforts for the children whose parents passed in the accident of November 13th, are very encouraging. Apparently things went really well. The Twisted Riderz Meet Up Group had a great post about the event that in spite or rain and wind a lot of riders came out to show their love and support.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's a fabulous story out of<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-travel-tourism/341-contacts/7862-chrome-wasnt-built-in-a-day-museum-holds-motorcycle-rarities"> North Carolina about the Wheels Through Time museum </a>in Maggy Valley - this is a place I want to get to one of these days - a bucket list item I guess!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One more out of the US - <a href="http://wheels%20through%20time%20museum%20/">a biker calling out all of the fakes</a>....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Edmonton AB - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-ab-news/292-motorcycle-television/7861--edmonton-looks-to-expand-noisy-bike-bylaw-batty-wonders-if-public-wants-loud-cars-and-trucks-included-">Jane Batty - the counselor with the same attributes that her last name</a> boasts doesn't think that it would be feasible or necessary to target other vehicles - most of the complaints she got were motorcycle only anyway - read her words...they are shocking and prove what a discriminatory human being we are dealing with. </span><br /> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day and please take your time out there.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></div> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor/Rider</span></span></div> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span></span></div> <div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span></span></div>

Do you like Custom Motorcycles?

Whether or not you would buy one, do you like ogling custom bikes? Most gear heads do...this year there are 5 motorcycle shows in Canada (s...

Read more »