Universal+Strategic+Solutions

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=About Us = =Our Mission = =Our Team = =Our Journey with Lifebushido =
 * Tom Berg

=About US = We are Universal Strategic Solutions, essentially, we are USS. Loosely translated, that means that we are each individually, the talent, personality, presence and stream of momentum behind the solutions that Universal Strategic Solutions creates.

We wear many hats and possess a great strength of will to achieve and accomplish. Thankfully, that is sprinkled with a much needed sense of humor. As a team, USS is comprised of an IT guy, Media Web dude, Realtor/Virtual Assistant chick & Visual Communications/Web Design gal. All moms & dads. How cool is that?

Strewn across the U.S. (literally East Coast to West Coast), we manage to meet & strategize well with a collective goal of creating solutions for whatever is presented. We truly each bring a piece of a puzzle to the table, which, when complete, gets the job done.

=**Our Mission** =

Our mission is to deliver the best possible creative business process solutions to help our clients improve their efficiency and enhance their business profitability.

** Universal Strategic Solutions members  -**

**Leader - Michelle Beitzel - Visionary. //As an independent Virtual Assistant and Realtor, I love the diversity and flexibility of my work along with the one-on-one interaction with clients it provides. In recent years, I have coached clients in their businesses as well as in the area of their personal well-being and started/developed a wellness retail store. Recently divorced, I am learning a new way of being to create not only the stream of income I desire, but the lifestyle I enjoy most. I have two teenagers at home who still like me and therefore enjoy my company. The flexibility of my work allows me to enjoy their company too and I'd really like to continue that trend by increasing my work from home time. The idea of meeting like minds, brainstorming to create and complete a project all from the beginnings of this page is the kind of challenge and work I enjoy.//**

**My Annual Goals 2012**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Health** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Relationships** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Finances** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Business** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Personal**
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Complete 7MM workout 3-5 times per week.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Be mindful of what my body really wants for food/nourishment.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Finish the weight loss goals I started last year – 40 more lbs.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Start participating in a group sport/outdoor activity.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Maintain meditation and self-help practices. Live in the question.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Heal the damage of my broken marriage – continue with therapy, developing a strong foundation of friends and support.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Approach new relationships carefully, but openly. Be honest about emotions and trust issues.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Maintain clear communications with my kids, make sure they are getting my undivided attention as much as possible. Plan trips for them.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Honor my friends by taking them to lunch or coffee, spa days, etc.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Set small incremental monthly goals for establishing savings.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Always put away 10-20% of all incoming money.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Create a system for better awareness of my financial standing.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Pay off debts.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reach my 3 month & 6 month goal of income levels.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reach agreement with my broker for successfully taking over the office within the next 6 months. Create a 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, 5 year plan with her. Stay focused on the plan.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Maintain and strengthen my private client relationships, helping them grow to a steady $300-$1000 per month retainer (or more).
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Sell & close on 10-12+ properties over the next 12 months.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Go out with friends 2-3 times per week (lunch, evening, dinner, etc)
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Get involved in one artistic/creative project/class.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Learn to play the cello.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Take one big vacation (4-7 days) and 3 smaller (overnight to 2 days).
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Find the pleasure in everything.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Get regular massages.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Keep fresh flowers in the house.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Keep the yard and house neat.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Perfect Job** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I always want to make this plural: My Perfect Job(s). I find that diversity makes me happiest – whether that means that I have a few different kinds of jobs or one that keeps me engaged with so many different kinds of tasks. My perfect job is one that gives me the flexibility I desire so that I can continue to be with my children as much as possible, enjoy snippets of time with friends (gotta get those laughs in) and pursue my own health goals. My perfect job would involve working one-on-one with clients, alone & independently as well as in a small team. My environment would be flexible, home office, coffee shop, beach, or on the road – I really enjoy being able to take my work with me. Lastly, my perfect job would be one that followed a unique vision, either my own, that of a larger company or both. This vision would contribute to growth rather than inhibiting such, always evolving into something better and better.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Passion** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Years ago, I could have given you a running list of the things I was most passionate about. Today, that is questionable. It isn’t “things” so much anymore as it is “ideas, concepts, bigger pictures.” I am passionate about finding the pleasure in all things, people, and circumstances. This encompasses my kids, family, friends, clients, co-workers, projects, tasks, jobs, location, and more. I love to create beautiful, functional things & ideas – in projects for clients, words, the support they feel, in cooking, home, relationships, etc. I am passionate about being present, accomplishing, and truths.

<span style="color: #0400ff; font-family: 'Lucida Console',Monaco,monospace; font-size: 140%;"> <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Member** - <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> **Larraine Kember - Scribe** //**Hello, I am a 49 year old single mother of 2 girls ages 16 & 18. I have a bachelors degree in visual communication - web design from American Intercontinental University, which I obtained in 2010. I have spent the**// //**past 10 years taking care of my parents. Unfortunately, my dad passed away on December 24, 2011, and I had to put my mom into a nursing home in March. Now, for the first time in 10 years, I need a purpose. I prefer to work from home as my youngest child is special needs, so this way I can be here for her. We have just moved to a new town and there isn't much work here locally, so that is another reason I need to work from home. I am very excited about Lifebushido as I believe this is the perfect opportunity for me.**//

__<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Goals for 2012** __

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Health - physical, mental.** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. I will get my diabetes under control. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. I will lose 20 lbs. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. I will manage my knee pain better and remember to wear my knee brace when being on my feet for long periods of time. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">4. I will improve my overall health to improve my quality of life. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">5. Continue through the grieving process for the loss of my beloved dad.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Relationships - family, friends, community.** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. I will continue to improve relationships with my siblings. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. I will make time to talk to friends. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. I will spend more quality time with my kids.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Finances - money/things, house, non-business.** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. I will increase my income to make sure all necessities can be paid for by 4/30/12. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. I will prioritize my time to accommodate my financial goals. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. I will improve my credit score by 10 points by 12/31/12.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Business - business, career, work.** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. I will become a Lifebushido. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. I will work on my web design business by creating a Facebook page. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. I will work on web projects either on my own or with Virgil. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">4. I will improve my networking

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Personal - personal such as fun, spiritual, etc.** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. I will make time for me. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. I will try not to stress over everything. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. I will remember to read my goals every day.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Perfect Job** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">My perfect job would be to bring my morning tea to the computer to log in and check my schedule to see what projects I have going on for that day. The projects would be a mix of web and graphic design work for a variety of clients, and there would be research to do also. I would converse with my Universal Strategic Solutions team about our next project, all the while watching my portfolio grow, while my skills get better and better. At some point in time, I would learn some programming and create a few programs or apps. It may sound simple, but I really want to see the degree I earned put to good use (not to mention pay for itself). I'm not looking to be wealthy, but to be able to make sure my family is taken care of, and even have some left for a vacation.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Passion** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">My passion is technology. That may seem broad, but my passion encompasses all technology. I marvel at the latest innovations in computer programs (in fact I'd like to learn programming) and cell phones, and then at things that improve the quality of life for people such as transplants and advances in medicine such as DNA that can help catch a criminal as well as determine the parents of a child. I like to read Popular Science magazine for all the interesting things that they cover in regards to technology. I learned to build my own computers so that I can have exactly what I want and need in them, as well as be able to fix them myself when something goes wrong. One of my friends told me that if someone wanted to date me, they better not show up with flowers, but with software if they want to get my attention....thing is that has some truth to it!

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Member**- **Barry King - Connector** //**Altho**////**ugh I am considered by some to be home-bound because of my health-status (inherited, but the gene did not express itself until age 38, ( turned 48**// //**as o**////**f April 7, 2012), I chose to go back to college (this time, online). I earned an Associates Degree in "Media Technology/Web" in 2011. Oh yeah, I was one of those people who had a Texas Instruments 99/4A “Home Computer.” I wished I had stayed in tune with all things technology-related, but back then, they seemed like just toys. I didn't realize there would be a future in it. I am married to my wonderful wife of 24 years, we have 2 kids, a 12 year old girl and a 17 year old boy.**//

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Goals for 2012**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 1. Maintain and/or improve the health I have <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. Continue vitamin regimen <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 3. Continue exercise of throat/speech muscles <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 4. maintain sufficient general physical fitness where possible <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 5. Take definite steps to improve short-term memory
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Health **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 1. Continue improvement of Husband/Wife relationship <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 2. Keep helping our kids to mature relationally, Spiritually, etc. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 3. Be more open and concerned with learning new people's names at Church.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Relationships **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 1. Get totally out of credit-type debt with more aggressive tactics. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 2. Re-build emergency-fund <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 3. List pros of being totally debt-free (experiencing true financial-freedom)
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Finances **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 1. Once it is initially established, do not stop there. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 2. Build a financial-empire with multiple-businesses (requires prowess and entrepreneurial spirit) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 3. My businesses eventually are not meant to benefit myself and my family only, but also my Church, community, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Business **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 1. Endeavor to maintain a giving personality at all times. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 2. Do what I can for others. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> 3. Do not always expect something in return.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Personal **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">My reasons for joining a Lifebushido recruiting triangle may seem to be shallow at first, but the prospects of being able to regain some financial-freedom for my self is not the only motivating factor. After all, I do have a family to do a better job of supporting again. I also want to grow beyond the stereotype that says, “someone who receives disability assistance from the government can't be worth much,” mentality that I sometimes encounter. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Within one year, I aspire to be fully successful in my own multifaceted home business, which will include Lifebushido. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Within 5 years, I expect to have grown so far beyond my perceived “capabilities,” that even I, will be amazed when I look at the past.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My perfect job** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As I have said in the past, I know I will enjoy my perfect job so much, that it will be scary to some people. My health does require an amount of flexibility, which would allow me to work from home, online and to also communicate that way. Actually, this is kind of surreal, because I believe the perfect job is staring me in the face. Another thing about my perfect job, it would definitely be one that allows for branching out, for growing one's abilities. I believe that can take place with some effort on my part. This place is a fertile environment to grow out of.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**My Passion** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">As I have said in the past, I know I will enjoy my perfect job so much, that it will be scary to some people. My health does require an amount of flexibility, which would allow me to work from home, online and to also communicate that way. Actually, this is kind of surreal, because I believe the perfect job is staring me in the face. Another thing about my perfect job, it would definitely be one that allows for branching out, for growing one's abilities. I believe that can take place with some effort on my part. This place is a fertile environment to grow out of.

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Our Journey With Lifebushido** = <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">We began our journey on 5/1/2012 ,<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">with each member of the team ready to go. Here is a breakdown of the first 10 days of our team's progress to become Lifebushidos.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 1** - Tom emailed all of us asking to get our creative juices flowing to determine a project to do. We are all signed up with Goalbushido and have emailed our annual goals and perfect jobs to Tom. We have taken the animal personality quiz and shared the results with each other. We are all surprised to find we have 2 crocodiles and 2 giraffes. We begin brainstorming ideas for our project. We are all pumped and ready to go!

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 2** - Today we are making sure that the steps given in day 1 are being completed. There is a lot more brainstorming going on. Tom is excited for us and really proud of his team! We have assigned the roles of visionary, scribe, and connector.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 3 -** Today we all ponder what we would do if we only had a year to live. We learn a little more about each other as well as ourselves.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 4** - We all visit a website to learn about virtues. We prepare our template for our project. Communications are going very well, and we are all excited to begin our project.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 5** - We are at the halfway point, <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">we are still excited as we continue to work on our project.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 6** - Today we ponder our material possessions, learn about each other and even a little about ourselves. We continue working on our project.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 7** -After an encouraging note from our leader, Tom, we continue working on our project.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 8** -Today we take yet another interesting quiz. Work continues on our project.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 9** -Today, two more thought provoking questions designed to make us think, learn about ourselves as well as each other.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Day 10** - Here we are we have made it through the first ten days! We are all excited as we move on to the next phase with Lifebushido.