help Archives - Lori Bruton

Honor and Patriotism are Served Up at Mission BBQ

January 27, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

I found a mission of honor and service in my neck of the woods.

Parked out front of Mission BBQ is a 5-ton truck called BAMBAM (Big And Mobile Barbeque Assault Machine). It serves as a billboard, a portable smoker, and a representative of their mission that proudly displays the American flag.

HONOR

Two patriotic friends, Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton created a way to honor America’s military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

PATRIOTISM

Recently, I sat down with Darin Townsend, Area Director of Operations, at Mission BBQ in Henrietta, NY. It is the first location in New York state. There are over 100 locations along the East coast. They serve up food and more with a heaping portion of patriotism.

The founders, Bill and Newt, wanted to bring patriotism back to our country to honor those who served. Hats off to them for executing this life-changing mission.

MISSION

The doors of Mission BBQ opened on a significant day, September 11, 2011. They chose that day because 9/11 changed our country forever. It was our Pearl Harbor.

This mission is about taking our country back and making it great again. Our heroes make this country great.

HEROES

Heroes are welcome the moment they walk in the door. Not only are they served authentic, homemade Texas-inspired BBQ and sauces made from scratch, but it is also served with respect and gratitude in a patriotic dining room.

Every day at noon, they stop serving at 11:58 am. Everyone in line is told they are going to pause for the Star-Spangled Banner. The teammates come out and stand around the corners of the restaurant, and at noon sharp, the national anthem of the United States comes on the speakers.

“We honor our country with the singing of the national anthem,” Townsend told me.

On special days like Veteran’s Day and Armed Forces Day, they have a live singer and National Guard. There is a guest of honor table. Last Veteran’s Day, there were three WWII veterans, a Korean War veteran, and three distinguished Army officers. WWII veterans always eat for free.

SERVICE

Throughout the year, they honor folks who have served, including first responders, police officers, and firefighters. On 9/11, they give away free sandwiches to them.

Hung on the walls are patches and pictures donated by family members of those who have served.

You’ll see a picture of Don Quigley, who served with the 1^st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His daughter is involved with the Honor Flight.

They have the academy wall honoring the four academies and the 9/11 wall in remembrance of that day.

SACRIFICE

There is a Gold Star wall for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. Lance Corporal Marine Zachary Smith from the Southern Tier paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was deployed to Afghanistan at 19 years young. A picture of Zach and his wife hangs in the foyer. They had only been married for six months.

Stories of service and sacrifice fill this place. Not only is Mission BBQ about good food, but it’s also about meaning, purpose, honor, and giving back.

Townsend also shared with me, “Anytime a Vietnam veteran enters, the teammates shake their hand and say, ‘Welcome home.’”

GIVING BACK

All their service is community oriented.

There is a Veteran VIP program and birthday club offered where you get a free sandwich. The All-American Hero Cup is available year-round. A portion of the proceeds is donated to various organizations.

They take food once a week to the local police and fire departments to say thank you. Recently, Mission BBQ closed for a day to feed the homeless veterans with the message, “Our heroes served us. It’s our turn to serve them.”

Additionally, Mission BBQ gives back by donating and raising funds for various organizations. Namely, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Concerns of Police Survivors are a few.

SERVANT’S HEART

Cheers to these heroes for a mission well done. Their servant’s hearts are making a difference daily in many ways. They encourage families to bring in pictures and patches of loved ones who have served or are currently serving.

It will warm your heart and quench your appetite when you support their mission. Well done, Mission BBQ.

Look No Further. You Found It!

May 15, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

It’s May 15^th as I write this message. That date represents my Grandpa’s birthday when he was here on earth. Fond memories bring a smile to my face of when I spent time with him on his farm. I got a giggle watching all the pigs snort, wiggle, and root around trying to find something in the ground.

Those seemed like simpler times to me since I was a young girl and carefree. I had fun swinging on the tire hanging from the big oak tree. I could just be me, free-spirited and carefree.

Why am I telling you this? Sometimes as adults we complicate things and get overwhelmed. Doubt and fear creep in through our thoughts and other people’s opinions. Can I get a witness?

Don’t let doubt dominate your thoughts or beliefs. You can do more than you think you can. You do have the skills. You can acquire new skills. You will serve with excellence and accomplish more than you can imagine.

Okay, so does anyone else still question their destiny? I even joined a group called, “Your Dream to Destiny.” It’s about how to step into the dreams that God has put in your heart and activate your calling. It’s a great group of people and good content. That was one step I took.

Why did I keep searching for my destiny? What is my purpose? Have you ever asked yourself those questions? It may cause stress and discouragement if the answer is unknown to you. You may want to give up hope… but don’t.

Personally, self-sabotage was one obstacle that kept rearing its ugly head. Comparison and comments caused me to question myself. Some people said I took too long to do certain things. However, the end result that I produce is excellent. I refuse to put out half-baked work or half-baked cookies. Don’t rush the cook. Everyone has their own pace. That’s got to be worth something to somebody, right?

Instead of believing that I was slow, maybe it was that their instructions weren’t clear, or their budget wasn’t enough to pay for the value I provide. No more undercutting myself, even though people in other countries can do many projects quicker and cheaper. Yes, that has its place at times.

I know there are people who do want what I have to offer and the value I bring. Too many want the blue light Kmart special. Is Kmart still in business? Anyway, those people aren’t your people.

Once I got clarity, (I’ve got an essential oil for that, by the way. LOL) then I saw a new perspective. The right people at the right time will come. Divine appointments and divine assignments meant for you and me will happen.

Look no further. It’s been right in front of you but you couldn’t see it yet.

Back to the destiny question. A book in my collection was highlighted to me; a specific chapter called, “Writing is My Destiny.”

That was the answer and confirmation. I have authored three books so far as well as articles and content creation and repurposing. In the book, Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul, a quote in that chapter said, “Deep in your coded instructions, your Creator has placed a very special job that only you can do. You are patented and copyrighted in Heaven.”

Can I get an Amen? The author of that chapter quoted her writing teacher, Bud Gardner, “When you speak, your words echo only across the room or down the hall. But when you write, your words echo down the ages.”

Those words spoke to me and inspired me to write this blog. Hi, I am Lori Bruton, Writer (and more). I am thankful for that gift and passion. I hope this message has inspired and encouraged you.

No matter what your bank account says or what people say, let God highlight and confirm the desires of your heart. If you’re not already there, step into your destiny because it will change and save many lives. Your destiny will create a legacy.

I’ll close with this question. If you need help with your business, what would you need help with? Let’s talk. Message me. If I’m not the one, maybe I can connect you with the assistance you need.

Here’s what I know. We were created to create and impact lives.

In Gratitude,

These Doors are Dangerous – DO NOT OPEN

March 1, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

This URGENT MESSAGE was put on my heart. It can save lives.

It may seem harmless but beware. Many are lured in. It’s disguised. It’s a lie. Know the Truth before you open doors that compromise your future.

How do I know? I was fooled too. In fact, I almost died. Thankfully, I learned the difference before it was too late.

It almost stopped me from building my Young Living business because too many (not all) are partnering with the occult.

Many Christians are even mixing these practices that open dangerous doors.

Don’t take offense. Simply be open to learn the whole Truth.

(Note: Young Living products are top quality. They support my health daily. Not all essential oils are the same. I ONLY use Seed to Seal Young Living. It’s HOW some use them. They are not “god in a bottle.” God made us and He made the plants. The oils are from the plants.)

Terms like healing energy, Reiki, yoga are rooted in a religion not of the True God. New Age is running rampant and can look like Christianity.

What doors have you opened? You cannot mix practices rooted in other religions and expect eternity in Heaven. This is no time to play or to compromise.

Get clarity.

Your choices matter. Ask the Name Above All Names to reveal Himself to you before it’s too late.

Maybe you don’t believe me. That’s okay. What if I’m right?

There is an enemy who came to kill, steal, and destroy. No joke.

This person found the Truth and learned her way was the wrong way. That was a close one. Here is her story…

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-june/nicole-watt-reiki-master-new-age-healing.html

Get the facts. Support your health without opening doors that will affect your eternal future.

I care about you. I can teach you the best way to support your needs spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Just ask me.

Hope & Help for Your Life and Business in this Podcast Interview

January 11, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Are you an author, speaker, coach, consultant, or podcaster?

This is for anyone who is discouraged, frustrated, lost hope and needs help or simply wants more out of life.

Tune into this message. Listen to the video interview to hear the complete conversation and experience I had with Kat. Grab your coffee or favorite beverage and join us.

This transcript below is a partial edited, easy-to-read version of the interview I had with Kathy White on her podcast, Koffee with Kat.

Kat: Happy Friday everybody and welcome to Koffee with Kat. I hope that you all have some coffee. I have my coffee mug here.

I am super excited because we have Lori Bruton on the line. She is going to talk about her book, The LORI Factor.

I’m going to let Lori introduce herself. All right Lori, can you tell the audience who you are and what you do?

Lori: Yes. Hi I’m Lori Bruton.

Speaking of coffee, I always like to say my last name is like brewing a ton of coffee. That makes it easier to pronounce.

I am an author and speaker. Some people call me Queen of Hope. I’ve loved to write ever since I can remember.

I’m excited to share my message today with all of you.

Kat: Awesome. I know that your book is called The LORI Factor. Where did you come up with that name?

Lori: That’s a good story. Yes, the title is The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born To Live.

The idea was born with Les Brown. Some of you may be familiar with Les Brown. He’s the international number one motivational speaker. He actually wrote the Foreword to this book.

I was at a virtual networking event. I got the opportunity to be interviewed by him and ask him a question. He asked me, “What was a defining moment in your life; a time where after that nothing was ever the same?”

When I look back at what popped into my head; the thing that came to my mind, oh my. It was live, in person, raw, and real.

That is where I told him about a story that happened to me, and life was never the same after that. From there, he called it The LORI Factor. He took the letters of my name L. O. R. I. and gave each letter a meaning. I can go into that now.

Kat: Yes. Go for it.

Lori: “L” is for Larger vision of yourself. You need to have a larger vision of

yourself despite your circumstances and where you are now.

“O” is for Optimism. Having an optimistic spirit that you can do anything. It’s possible.

“R” is for Reinvent yourself. You can take where you are now and make a whole new life for yourself if that’s what you want.

“I” is for Invest in yourself. Bet on you because you’re an asset so invest in yourself.

Those are the main points of L.O.R.I. in The LORI Factor.

Kat: Oh, I love that. You said that the book is about giving people hope. You’re basically reigniting their hopes and dreams and giving them a place to read because of the stuff that you’ve went through.

Is there anything in your life that you want to share without giving your book away?

Lori: Yes. It just came to mind, and I feel this is a good time to talk about this in general but especially this time of year. We’re in December right now. It can be a joyful time for many and yet it can be a really hard time for others.

I know the suicide rate is higher now than ever before plus what’s going on in the world. I, myself, went through a time where I felt hopeless. If you lose hope, then you wonder, why am I even here? You think people would be better off without you. You think there’s no way out.

But suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I want to give anyone who’s in that spot right now or if you know of anyone, there’s still hope; just hang on one more minute.

That’s the biggest thing is hope. You have a purpose. Your life does mean something even if you don’t know what that is right now.

You were born and created for a purpose. We need you.

Even if you don’t see it right now, you’re here for a reason. I really want to urgently say that and give that message. Choose life!

Everybody has a story and a message. Even if you don’t think it matters or it’s not important, somebody needs to hear your voice.

Our voices need to be heard. That’s one thing that I talk about in my book. I talk about how I was always quiet and invisible and known as ‘quiet little Lori.’

It took me a long time to get brave and speak up. Once I did, sometimes I got shut back down again. Then somebody told me that I reminded them of a turtle, because when I got brave and wanted to say something, I’d come out of my shell and speak up.

I used to stay quiet out of fear. Now it’s a choice when I go into my shell. I don’t stay there too long.

Be brave and have hope.

I talk about a lot of stories that happened in my life. You’re not going to believe some of these stories. You’ll be like, “She did what?”

Here’s a good place to say I’m glad I’m not that person anymore. God didn’t give up on me. I gave up on myself for a little while, but I’m still here. I’m glad I’m able to talk to all of you today.

Stories show that you can be in the darkest place or even a silly place or whatever kind of place, and there’s always a way out.

You’re an overcomer!

People called me that; you’re an overcomer. Huh? I didn’t see myself that way until I looked back on the things I’ve been through and I’m still here to talk about it.

You can overcome even though it might not look like it right now or even if you don’t know how. There’s a way.

Having that belief and keeping the hope, the how will come later.

Kat: That’s awesome, Lori!

Kat asked me to read an excerpt from my book. I chose the part that starts with, “This book has the potential to become the avenue to your miracle…”

That excerpt goes on to say… “I wrote this with love. Come with an open mind and heart. Let this message not merely inform you but transform you.”

Find the hope and help you need from me. What does that look like? Maybe some of you want to read my book. You can get a copy here: https://thelorifactor.com/

Do you need a speaker or a virtual assistant who specializes in writing? Do you need help creating or repurposing content that will expand your business and those you serve? Those are services I provide.

Text “VA” to my text only number: 1-844-394-4798

This blog also serves as an example of my skills such as transcribing videos (and audios), writing in a conversational tone, creating content for blogs, social media posts, and more.

I look forward to hearing from you so that we can create massive value and impact together.

Thanks for stopping by. May you be filled with hope, love, and joy.

Here’s to your happiness and success in all you do. I’m here to help you.

In Gratitude,

Lori

Can I Bring Anything?

November 9, 2021 by Lori Leave a Comment

Do you ever have holiday or social gatherings where each person or family is assigned to bring something? How does that work out?

One advantage is that the work is shared among everyone. Each person makes a contribution, which is helpful. Therefore, the work and expense doesn’t fall just on the host.

[Keep reading to discover 5 juicy solutions.]

What can be some downfalls? The people who are chronically late offer to bring the appetizers. That is not helpful, because the meal is ready by the time they get there. No appetizers were served since you were waiting for them to arrive ahead of time so that everyone could enjoy hor d’oeuvres and mingle before the meal.

I had a family member who offered to bring appetizers and was always late. The lesson I learned was tell her no thank you and that she didn’t need to bring anything. That was the solution to politely decline her offer to bring a dish. I could have assigned her dessert, but I enjoy making the desserts.

When my mom served a meal, it was always on time. She didn’t penalize the ones who got there on time instead of rewarding those who were late. She wasn’t going let her hard work result in a ruined and cold meal by waiting for the latecomers. She was a wise woman.

Respect the host and be a good host.

What standards are you setting personally and professionally? Let’s say you are holding a webinar. What are your expectations? Once you have invited people and promoted your webinar, you expect people to show up on time, right? The attendees are investing their time and also expect you to show up on time as well. Yes, sometimes there are technical issues, but that aside, everyone needs to show up on time, especially the host.

Start. No matter who is on or not on the webinar, start on time. Those who are already there deserve to have their time honored. Anyone who jumps on late can tune in from wherever you are in your presentation. Maybe they can catch the replay for the part they missed. There are legitimate reasons why people could not jump in on time. That’s not the point. The point is that they will join when they can. It’s their responsibility to catch up. It’s our responsibility to start our webinars on time. It’s frustrating for those who are already there when you say, “We will wait a few more minutes for more people to join us.” Tick, tick, tick. Just start and honor your word.

Replays. Not everyone can tune in live. Thankfully, many people record and offer the replay. Different schedules and time zones make it challenging for everyone to tune in live every time. Important note: When you promise a replay, be sure to deliver it. Keep your promises no matter how you think the quality turned out, people need that content.

What can you bring to your present and potential clients? Value.

I mentioned in my previous blog about your plate being too full. When you are juggling everything in your life, some of those plates will fall and break. That can result in breakdowns. Breakdown in communication, breakdown in completing and keeping up with all you have taken on, which may lead to personal breakdown and burnout. You don’t want to end up there.

Here are 5 recommendations:

Value yourself and value your clients. Don’t let your overbooked schedule affect your clients. Look at what to keep doing and what is too much. That’s when you need to get help, have a backup, or remove some things to lighten your load.
Be prepared. Are you taking time to be prepared for your meetings and webinars? We often forget to factor that in. We rush around and start a meeting without reviewing and preparing first. Our clients and prospects can tell.
How can you be better prepared? If you are on Zoom, make sure your lighting and surroundings are good. Make sure all your equipment is plugged in and charged. Have water near you to drink as needed. Have all your notes and slides on hand and ready to share. Read through, review, and practice first so that it is fresh at your fingertips and fresh on your mind. Don’t try to run around and do errands or fit in something at the last minute that will cause you to be late to your own meeting. Make sure you take a bathroom break ahead of your meeting start time. Allow for connection time. Be in the Zoom Room a few minutes early, especially if you have it set up where you need to let people in the room.
Hire a Holiday Helper. There are virtual assistants who can help you on a short-term basis, especially during the holiday season. That solution can turn into long-term assistance if you discover you need the continued help, which frees you up. Think about what tasks you can outsource. For example, maybe you need social media graphics and posts created or blogs and articles written. Do you need videos or audios repurposed? Do you need thank you notes written and sent out? Those suggestions should whet your appetite. Message me if you need a holiday helper as I provide VA services and know others who do as well.
Hire a Holiday Shopper. Some things are nonnegotiable in your business and must be done by you. That may not leave you time to do personal things. For example, you want to give special gifts to your staff and colleagues, but you don’t have time or know what to get. Keep in mind that is a service I offer, contact me if you want to know more.

Now that we have reviewed the menu, what would you like to bring to the table? Remember you can assign some dishes to others. If you rather cook it all up yourself, I hope these tips were helpful.

Wishing you the Best and much Success,

Lori

Author, Copywriter, VA

Is Your Full Plate Devaluing Your Client’s Time and Projects?

November 1, 2021 by Lori Leave a Comment

It was a requirement by my mentor to attend certain events. The motive and intent were for my good. Learning the same business and personal training was a valuable experience.

As I observed her life and the craziness of the event, she said to me, “If you want what I have you have to do what I’ve done.”

Without hesitation, I said, “I don’t want what you have! Weeks without seeing your husband, working so hard and long that you collapse and hardly get any sleep. That isn’t my definition of success. That isn’t how I want my life to look. No thanks.”

I know it’s one thing to be driven and “hungry,” but you can’t be so out of balance for a long period of time without it literally making you sick and tired, burned out with damaged relationships.

My dad often said I needed to work three jobs, come home, pull weeds, and cook a hot dog, and go, go, go every minute. Work hard, yes. However, that pace and method look different for everyone. Many people brag how many jobs they are working while building their dream and business. They wear it like a badge of honor and may discredit people who aren’t working as hard as they are and even label others as lazy.

Is it worth it? Have you taken on more than you can handle? What consequences have happened?

I see it often. Business owners are taught they need to sign up for every program, group, and training. Keep in mind to choose what works for you and not get caught up in the marketing aspect of it.

On top of that, you are told it’s necessary to lose sleep, sacrifice time with your family, and work until you drop.

Yes, sacrifices are necessary, but at what cost? That can’t be the only way to achieve your dreams. Fair warning, it may result in resentment from your family, friends, and clients.

Pushing yourself to burnout isn’t benefitting anyone. Working multiple jobs while building your dream will affect how and if you show up. That will compromise your reputation and whether or not people can trust you.

Life happens and we all have missed or been late for meetings and appointments. It’s when it’s more the norm than the exception that causes problems.

Keep in mind when you set a date and time for a meeting and are late, unprepared, or a no show, what message does that send to your client? Repeated apologies get old real fast.

Your plate is not only overflowing, its breaking. The tasks you forgot to do or put aside affects more than you, it spills onto your clients. You tell them their project is being worked on, but is that just an excuse due to the way you managed or mismanaged your schedule?

If none of this matters, and the way you are doing things is working for you, keep doing what you’re doing. Success looks different for everyone.

Those of you who are ready to admit you can’t keep up your current pace and there is too much on your plate, maybe these 8 recommendations will help.

Evaluate your current status. How many jobs do you have? How many trainings and groups are you in? Are you able to give your best to all of them or do you just pop in to make an appearance? Invest in yourself, yes. However, if you are in too many things at once, no human has the capacity to reap the full results and benefits.

Does anyone get your full attention? Multitasking is an illusion. Active listening is a skill. How many times has someone been talking to you and you only heard bits and pieces, if anything, because maybe you were texting or doing other things while pretending to listen? Did that save or cost you time? What message did that portray to the person in front of you? Important note: If you rarely give full attention to your spouse, one day you make look up and they’re gone. If your marriage isn’t important and you prefer to be away from each other, then that may not matter. Love and happiness look different for each couple.

Who and What are Your Priorities? We are all created by God for a purpose. That doesn’t mean you have to cram too many things into each day. God wants us to enjoy life in abundance. What does that look like for you? Stop and see the big picture. Dreams are important, but when you’re on your death bed will you wished you worked more? Or did you work so much it literally killed you? These are things we often don’t consider because we are racing the clock every day. Personally, the harder I push myself results in sickness and exhaustion which is costly in many ways. That doesn’t make me a wimp or lazy. Discover what’s right for you and prioritize accordingly.

Pace yourself and know your limitations. Rest is a must in these human physical bodies. If you don’t, your body will rebel at the most inconvenient times, which will affect not only your health, but the commitments you made with your clients.

How is doing everything yourself working for you? Hanging onto control of it all will cost you one way or another. For example, did you schedule a webinar, but you didn’t show up on time? Everyone has a learning curve with technology, but that’s when it’s good to practice or get help. If you or others were promoting a specific day and time and inviting people to the webinar, but it ended up changing at the last minute, that will affect whether or not people show up and wait for you or not show up at all. Before your meeting or webinar, assure that you have correct logins, resources, and presentations ready to go and you tested them ahead of time.

No More Delays or Assumptions. It isn’t always about a client’s expectation of when each phase of their project gets completed or not. It also involves how you schedule your time and anyone on your team. Setting and meeting deadlines involves many people and their priorities. Missing meetings, not responding to messages (especially in a timely manner), and assuming your client will contact you all result in delays. Clear and timely communication is essential.

Get Help. If you are exhausted and not able to keep up with everything and everyone, it’s time to get help. You can’t afford not to. Otherwise, you are risking your reputation, trust, and business.

Remove things off your plate. When you keep piling on more things, other things will get buried, including yourself. There is a time and season for everything. Not everyone can successfully juggle too many jobs and clients and fit in family and fun. It will be like a house of cards waiting to fall. You may end up oversleeping and not hearing the alarm.

Hopefully, this was a wake up call for you and provided valuable considerations and solutions. Look at what is packed into each day. Make changes, adjustments, deletions as needed.

Observations and personal experiences brought me to write this message. Reach out if you need recommendations for assistance in managing your life and business.

Wishing you wellness, success, and happiness and the time to enjoy it.