Searching for “Yes opportunities” is one of the main strategies recommended in Body & Sol Women’s Expo keynote speaker Paul Boynton’s book, Begin with Yes. Searching for Yes opportunities is just what Tom and Nancy Alfonso did when they opened Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics.

Even though Tom has been an entrepreneur since his teens, there were still plenty of nay-sayers that couldn’t believe an olive oil business would be successful. Tom says, “We want you to taste what fresh olive oil should taste like.” Selecting the perfect extra virgin olive oil or balsamic is a personal sensory experience, and the Alfonsos knew that it was the perfect business for Tucson.

The Alfonsos embraced another principle in Boynton’s book: Ask questions. By following this principle, Tom and Nancy found the highest quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamics imported from award-winning producers. Everything at Alfonso’s is fresh. Once the flavors are selected, the bottles get filled. The most popular oils are infused and fused oils like blood orange, chipotle, and Tuscan herb. Favorite balsamic flavors include vanilla, lemon, and the 18-year-old traditional balsamic condimento.

The addition of Blu Artisanal Cheese is an example of the book’s principle number 8: Focus on finding people you can help, rather than on people to help you. Blu’s owners did not have a storefront to sell their cheese. After three sold-out oil and cheese tastings, the Alfonsos knew they had to help Blu get exposure. Now, when selecting a favorite olive oil and balsamic, patrons can also taste and select the right cheese.

Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics also has a second location opening February 13, in Oro Valley. There were delays, and that is where Begin with Yes principle number four comes in: Remember, the secret to a good life is less about having a positive attitude and more about taking positive actions. Life doesn’t always work out the way we planned. This can lead to disappointment. Many people quit when setbacks happen. All the positive thinking in the world will not make a delay disappear. Tom and Nancy have kept their eyes on the goal and continue to take the positive actions that lead them to results. In doing this, they both have embraced principle number seven: Find your power by taking action.

The Alfonsos agree most with the book’s final principle number 10: Begin. They love the quote at the beginning of the book; “When is the best time to plant a tree? The answer is 20 years ago, but the next best time is right now.”

The Body and Sol Women’s Expo is excited to have Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics as a sponsor. Those that attend the VIP event on March 7 will receive a special gift. Attendees to the Expo can visit their booth to taste and purchase their favorite oil and balsamic.

Customers can have a sensory tasting experience seven days a week at either location: St. Philip’s Plaza, 4320 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 40,Tucson (520-441-908); Trader Joe’s Plaza, 7854 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley (520-638-5000). Order online at alfonsooliveoil.com.