Are You in Transition? This Event is Not to be Missed.

ON THE VERGE is shaping up to be a powerful PGH community building event. What an awesome lineup of amazing women (and a few gents!) supporting Verge (below). Don’t have your ticket yet? Click here: www.epiphanyworks.org/events.html. Come on, spread your wings and fly with us!


All VERGE attendees will be eligible to win a gift card to FLY (literally!) on Southwest Airlines, compliments of CARTE.

Patty Bell, Commercial Makeup Artist • Diana Fletcher, Certified Life Coach • Rosalie Gibbons, MFT, Leap to Excellence, CARTE • Gloria Manchester, CTACC, Partner in Excellence, CARTE •Janet McKee, MBA, Holistic Health Counselor • Nancy Mramor, PhD, Transformedia • Marsha Murman, Chloe’s Adornments • Mary Grace Musuneggi, The Musuneggi Financial Group • Lisa Spahr, M.Sc., Spahr Consulting • Heidi Rai Stewart, Esq., Houston Harbaugh • Deborah Barr, Whole Health Resources • Janet Bouma, J. Bouma & Associates • Bear Brandegee, Wardrobe and Image Consultant • Sanna Carapellotti, Mental Performances & Hypno-Dining • Tracy Eisenman, Women’s Self-Defense Coach • Christine Goodis, Salon Christine • Vikki Hanchin, LCSW, Wholistic Psychotherapy • Rebecca Harris, Chatham University Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship • Bobbie Hengler, Creative Solutions Consulting • Candice Komar, Esq., Pollock Begg Komar Glassar • Leo McCafferty, MD, Plastic Surgeon • Katie McCorkle, PhD, Balanced Heart Healing Center • Kaveri Subbarao Esq., Cohen and Grigsby • Amanda Wodzenski, Family Wealth Management Group • Beth Caldwell, Pittsburgh Professional Women • Suzanne Caplan, Women etcetera! • Jennifer Carroll • Rosa Davis, POWER • Madelon Edelstone, POWER • Jennifer Evanko, Epiphany Works • Sally Fernandes, PAA Club • Anne Fleming, Women-Drivers.com • Lee Ann Fortunato-Heltzel, Epiphany Works • Suzanne Froelich, Women’s Power Lunch • Anna Marie Gire, Women’s Independent Press • Linda Handley, Linda Handley Inc. • Dr. Kathleen Hartford, Health Pyramid • Sven Hosford, Peaceburgh • Bonnie Houy, Beacon Insurance Associates • Pat Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy Communication Services • Melissa Reft Krawczynski, Dollar Bank •Melissa McGavick, McGavick Interactive Training • Dominique Poncet-Bernard • Lani Redinger, Nakturnal • Regina Rivers, Rivers Healing Arts • Sam Weider, Pittsburgh Business Calendar •Leigh Yock, Nakturnal

http://www.epiphanyworks.org/events.html

How Do You Judge Another's Pain?

How often do you find yourself saying, "I can't believe s/he is taking it so hard." We, as human beings, often judge the pain or trauma of others based on our own experiences, tolerances and expectations.

I read this article, from the New York Times, this week and it opened several conversations in our home on judgment, depression, ethics and compassion. I will warn you the article has some graphic descriptions and content of a crime scene. It is not meant for younger readers, in my opinion, or those who might otherwise be sensitive to such material.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/nyregion/25chimp.html?emc=eta1

The next time you find yourself judging another's pain or trauma, I encourage you to step back and reexamine your own reaction. Then, try to remind yourself that each of us react differently to different stimuli. We have unique experiences, skill sets, feelings and vulnerabilities. If you care for the person, you should try hard to NOT judge their pain or reaction, but work hard to support them in ways you may know how or ways you learn to. Also, encourage anyone who is having a particularly hard time coping with any situation to contact their EAP (employee assistance programs), a crisis center, or therapist for a consultation.

Join Me at the First PPW Event in 2010. A Panel of Coaches.

I am honored that my friend and trusted colleague has asked me to sit on this prestigious panel of coaches. Join me for what is likely one of the best events of the year. I love panels because they allow you to hear from several experts in the field at one time. All guests will have an opportunity to ask their most important questions and meet several of Pittsburgh's finest coaches.

Don't Miss the FIRST Pittsburgh Professional Women Workshop for 2010!

The Best of The COACHES

We have tremendous business coaches right here in Pittsburgh, and I've noticed that not everyone takes advantage of their services. So, I am bringing together a panel of coaches to help you find success in business and life.

Friday, February 26th from 9-11am The Radisson Hotel Greentree,
101 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 1505

Member Registration $35, Non Members $39, Groups of 10 or more $350

Note: Professional Men and Women are Welcome

Featuring:

Lisa Spahr, Life Coach
Rosemarie Perla, Executive Business Coach
Diana Fletcher, Stress Reducing Coach
Laura Crooks, RN, Certified Wellness Coach
Suzanne Ferguson, Life and Business Coach

The price is $35 for members, $45 for non members and tables of 10 are $350. This includes the workshop and breakfast. www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com

Don't Miss This Call. Stop Giving Away Your Business and Time!

The Champions Series Conference Call will be held Friday, February 19, 2009
2:00 – 3:00 PM

Topic: Be Generous Yes. But, Don’t Give Your Business Away

We want to be nice. We are nice. And, some find it hard to say no when asked for a favor or to do something pro-bono. But be smart about your time, your value and your contributions. Know when to say when. This seminar will also cover the barter that went bad. You held up your end but the other did not. What lessons can we all learn from this experience?

For the price of dinner you can invest in yourself and your business- with other Champions! Finally -a flavor of coaching that fits your needs.



Champions Membership is open to those who are interested in personal and professional growth. A Champion is one who invests in him/herself and recognizes the potential for improvement in all areas.

Read more about the Champions Series at http://www.spahrconsulting.com/
Guests can join our call for $20. If you miss the call the recorded seminar will be sent to you within a few days. Pay here: http://www.shop.powletters.com/

They're Talking About Me!

Yesterday I was sharing a few quick emails with a client who needed immediate advice. At the end of our conversation, when I suggested we move our session to today- to most effectively manage the issue, she responded with, "Thanks Lisa! I really appreciate you."  Exchanges like that never cease to touch me.

So, I thought I'd share another client comment (which I'll do occasionally on this blog).

I've known Lisa Spahr for over a year now and have been participating in the Champions Series since its inception in 2008. It has been a great pleasure working with her over the past year. She is professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. I have made a lot of progress over the past year because of her incredible dedication to my success. Because of her unconditional support, I have really come much more into my own than I otherwise would have. She has been instrumental in helping me express more of who I really am in every area of my life. It's not that she specifically coached me to do this; it's just been an added bonus I've experienced in working with her.


The Champions Series is an absolute steal. I have Lisa on my team for a nominal monthly fee and get the benefit of her insights and perspective on a monthly basis. Through this program I have also been introduced to many wonderful people in terms of their character and expertise.

Lisa Spahr is incredibly generous in a multitude of ways. She is always willing to help in any way she can. When I told her I wanted to become a coach, she generously and wholeheartedly supported me in the development of my own practice, even referring potential clients to me. Lisa is absolutely awesome, and I have been very blessed to have her as my life coach.

- Bill Frase

There is nothing more powerful than a satisfied client who shared his/her great experience with others.

Enjoying a Shut-In!

This weekend has given many on the East Coast an opportunity to relax at home due to a major storm that has come through. Pittsburgh received 21 inches and my family in York reports more than 2 feet.

I love times like this. It reminds me of those few times in my life we’ve had significant snow falls. It also allows us to stay at home and enjoy time unwinding, reading, talking, cooking, etc… all those things we say we’ll do but never seem to make the time for. (This is assuming you are comfortable and have heat and power.)

Some people find this time really unnerving. They are so used to being on the go they have no idea how to stand still. They are uncomfortable with too much time at home.

If this is you, I strongly encourage you to create an environment that will help you enjoy the time more in the future. You can try the following to ease the discomfort:

 Fill your space (home) with things you enjoy: books, games, scents, dvds, a yoga mat, a treadmill, favorite recipes (with the associated stock to make them)
 Ensure you have access to emergency materials should you need them (blankets, candles, a battery powered radio)
 Keep a list of home-bound projects you’ve been meaning to get to
 Start something new… write, draw, paint, sing, dance…. So something that is out of your norm but may prove enlightening and even allow you to discover a new passion
 Call a friend and spend more time on the phone than you can remember doing in years (after all, there is nothing pressing pulling you away)
 Plan your year…. Vacations, goals, finances….

I personally enjoyed spending one of my shut-in days in my pjs… all day. I read everything from books to magazines. I cleaned up a few shelves that needed attention. Snuggled with my husband. And, played with the dogs in the snow. I cooked and did a little, very little, cleaning… come to think of it; it was a typical weekend for me. I’ve gotten pretty good at doing things I enjoy and not working every minute of the day. The only difference was not being able to jump in the car and run an errand. That library book will get back there one day…. No rush.

Enjoy your shut-in time. Its natures way of bringing us back to focus.

And, then you can enjoy the outings all the more. Join me at Oakmont Library this Tuesday evening. See a previous blog post with all of the details and link.

How Many Times Do I Need to Ask?!

I advocate all of my clients, as I do myself, clean out their email boxes. Rid yourself and your box of those lists that you subscribed to eons ago and never read. Sure, you mean to get to them … but you never do. Stop spending precious time receiving, reading the sender and subject line, agonizing over when you’ll get to read them and moving on to the next (without deleting!). Just unsubscribe. Do it today.

All reputable lists and businesses have unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of their messages. Some may be a link to take you somewhere to unsubscribe and others may ask you reply and type “unsubscribe” in the message line. Either way, do it. If the instructions are not there, reply or ask the associated administrator (you can normally find him/her listed on their message or website) to unsubscribe you. Its not personal folks. Its time management. And, it is National Time Management Month.

I was very perturbed this week by two different entities who continue to send me mail even though I have unsubscribed – at least twice to both! One, I’ve attempted to unsubscribe no less than 4 times via their stated channels at the base of their email. And, still I get emails… month after month. Before calling upon our finest at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), I figured I’d give them one final email to request an unsubscribe (to a personal email box at the entity) noting my multiple attempts to unsubscribe. Funny thing is that I remember an email being sent by one of the members about 2 years ago (to all) screaming about how s/he has asked to unsubscribe multiple times to no avail. So, they blasted the group shaming them. I feel their pain.

As someone who mails out messages via lists (multiple ones) I take it very seriously. I try not to clog anyone’s box with someone I wouldn’t want myself. I also respect everyone’s time management and changing interests and welcome unsubscribes (although I am also sorry to see them go).

Businesses and entities don’t realize how their failed systems, or lack of care for members needs, jeopardizes them far greater than an email communication. When we ask for assistance or make a request and its not handled we lose faith in the products and services of that entity. We also get disgusted at their poor oversight and management. Do you dare think we’d entertain using them in the future… for anything?

Keep cleaning those in boxes. Unsubscribe and note who and when you unsubscribed to a list. If you get another communication, directly email someone related to that group and share your experience and second your request. If that doesn’t work check out the FCC website and file a complaint.

Join me at the Oakmont Library February 9th at 6:30 PM

I am a frequent visitor to the library. I get my weekly and monthly reading at the library. I pick up my workout DVDs there too. And, I even grab some music cds from time to time to mix up my own collection.

But, on February 9th, I'll be at the library for a different reason. I'll be sharing the story that I've told countless times over the last two years, and am honored to do so. I hope you'll join me to hear a great story from WWII involving the power of strangers reaching out to POW families. If you haven't heard me tell it yet, you won't want to miss it. If you have, come on out anyway and breathe in the refreshing story again- there are too many days without those moments. Take time to appreciate the power we have to help one another.

Tuesday, 6:30 -7:30 PM, Carnegie Library at Oakmont, Oakmont PA (yes, where the U.S. Open was a few years back)
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=Oakmont

If not for this event, head to your local library in the next week. Explore the opportunities. They need us as much as we need them.