Ocean Beach merchants got up extra early last week for a feel-good session on how to keep the good OB vibe flowing through customer service. Self-described “fun-ologist” Susan Clarke presented “The FUN-damentals of Believing, Achieving & Succeeding in OB.” Her common sense, laugh-out-loud, candy-throwing seminar was a reminder for some and lesson for others on how to live life to the fullest with a positive mental spirit. Business owners nodded in agreement to Clarke’s sage advice. “We have choices when it comes to making life positive or negative,” Clark said. “Getting out of a rut is as easy as driving a different way to work each day.” She illustrated her point with a cartoon and caption that read “the only difference between a rut and a grave is dimension.” All fun and games aside, Clarke is a certified behavior and values analyst who delivered useful advice to local business owners who, in addition to providing services and selling goods, are on the front lines of delivering OB’s authentic Southern California experience to residents and visitors. Presented by Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA), the seminar was held at Electric Ladyland and is part of the OBMA’s 2012 Business Development Series and the 125th anniversary celebration of Ocean Beach. According to Clarke, on any given day, a person receives 1,500 negative messages to 300 positive. She used the five-to-one ratio to illustrate that being positive is a choice. “We choose to allow people to affect us,” Clark said. “Business owners need to be cheerleaders and mentors,” Clarke said as she encouraged the group to share ideas. She gave them a clock to make appointments to connect with other participants in the room and discuss how they keep work positive. Participants engaged and hurried about the room setting up appointments. Dave Miles at Chase Bank said being polite and courteous helps him and a staff of 14 at the bank make each day a success. “I always say, ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank you,’” Miles said. One ingredient for success Clark shared with the group is to set goals. “Think big, think outlandish,” she said. “Ask for what you want.” Barbara Iacometti, OBMA president and owner of Details SalonSpa, attended the session with salon assistant Tyson Passey. Iacometti, who has owned her salon for more than two decades, pointed to positive changes in Ocean Beach over the years. Her SalonSpa is located around the corner from busy Newport Avenue at 4993 Niagra Ave. “When we first opened, there were a lot of empty spaces,” Iacometti said. “Now, the corner is busy and there’s a lot going on.” For Passey, the seminar was a good refresher on how important it is to be positive. “I like people with good energy and it’s important to be that good energy so others want to be around you,” Passey said. For more information, visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.