Starting a New Tradition This Holiday Season

As you are busying yourself with the holiday season, I encourage you to take a few minutes to evaluate your family's traditions.

• What do you normally do?
• Why do you do this?
• Is it still a significant source of enjoyment or sentiment to you?
• Is there anything you'd like to change or something new you'd like to start doing?
• If so,
• Consider how/when you would do this new thing
• Introduce it to your friends and family and tell them what you hope to get out of it or why it is meaningful to you
• Invite them to participate in it with you
• Start your new tradition and tweak it as you need to for years to come

Enjoy your holidays. Reflect on what is most important to you. Be creative and bold enough to introduce new things that may become future traditions. Don't get bogged down in routine for the sake of it being routine only. Make it meaningful and joyful.

Time to Reflect and Plan

Most of you know that I LOVE the end of the year. November, specifically, is the month that I spent quality time reviewing my year and planning for the one incoming. I take stock on all of my accomplishments. I applaud my efforts and consider which ones should be continued. And, I do a reality check on any goals that missed the mark and try to understand why that was the case (with great honesty).

I will share with you that 2011 will serve as a year of great purpose for me. I plan to make it a year of giving, far more than before. I have already initiated two efforts that will require time each month that support my passions and my desire to help those less fortunate. I have often given monetarily but this year will be about service in those areas as well as financial contribution.

This year has been an eye opener for me. I've had moments of revelation that demand (in a great and pleasurable way) I consider the larger world I live in. That I not allow myself to be consumed in everyday tasks that serve little and no one (not profoundly at least). That I serve in ways I've often talked about. That I contribute in ways that in no-doubt will offer life-changing moments. So here I go. Wish me well. And, check in with me next November to see how I fared. Although, I'm sure you are likely to hear about it along the way.

What does your year look like?

Making the Most of Your Media Debut

This morning I was saddened at the missed opportunity by a local animal shelter to properly get their message across in a television appearance. As you know animal charities are my passion and so it was even more upsetting to see the appearance fall short.

The quick run down: The title of the segment was asking for foster families for pets during the holidays. The shelter employee featured in the segment was the volunteer coordinator, not the foster coordinator. She looked good and sounded good but didn't say the right things at the right time. She didn't speak to the audience the way she should have. She answered questions from the host about the types of animals available and spoke mostly about the cute dog they brought on the show (no doubt he'll be adopted by days end).

What should have happened: The foster coordinator should have been on the show. It's his/her expertise and area of management. Who better to serve. Also, a clear message should have been stated, over and over. A call out to the audience, highlighting the importance of fostering, the reasons it's needed and how to do it should have been the main stage. Specifically, I would have coached them to say things like, "We desperately need good foster families to take in our shelter pets for 1-2 weeks starting now through the holidays. The shelter can be a stressful place for dogs and cats, of all ages, and it allows them a wonderful break. Not to mention it gives them much needed one-on-one attention that they don't always get here at our shelter. You are likely to see the reward of having one of our pets in your home immediately. The companionship they offer is unmeasurable. We need about 100 families who can step up and help us during the holiday season. You don't need to be an expert dog or cat handler but someone who is willing to open their heart and home to a needy pet. We'll help you with food and other things you need along the way. We simply need good homes for a temporary respite for these wonderful pets. Please help us. Call today."

Now, in general, here are some guidelines to your media debut.

• Know your host. Research past segments and get to know their style.
• Send the right representative. If s/he doesn't do well in the practice sessions cut them and find someone else. You may only have once chance to nail this. Don't allow the inability to select the right person negate your opportunity.
• Know your audience. Who are you speaking to? Who do you want to hear you?
• What do you want them to hear? Have a short, clear message ready to go and say it several different ways.
• Practice at least 10 times with people around you and video tape it. Also practice in front of a mirror so you can see your reactions and how you look.
• Dress and look the part. People will judge you within seconds. They will not give you the opportunity to hear your message if you are not appealing to them. This is a sticky part of media relations but it is one you must not neglect. It doesn't mean everyone should be in a suit but dress to impress your audience.
• Be clever, personable, genuine and enjoyable to interview and watch.
• Get a media coach if you are at all concerned about your debut.
• Post-appearance, critique your interview and learn from any mistakes.

Accomplishments for the Year?

Quick. It's mid-November. What have you accomplished this year? Name them.

What? You have a hard time thinking of anything. That's a problem. Red flag city!

This is a big question and you may not like it, but, .... What are you doing with your life? Does each year look the same. Do you sometimes forget how to do anything but the same old same old (get up, go to work, come home, sit on the couch and watch tele....)? Yikes.

Now, if you are genuinely happy I want you to stop reading here. Keep up the good work. Good bye.

But, if you feel like life is slipping by and the years come and go... then you need me. You need something. A plan. A few goals. Difference.

When you are ready for it I encourage you to join my Champions Series or if you are REALLY READY become a weekly client of mine. Email me for testimonials from past and current clients. They'll convince you... the time is now to begin living the way you want not just the way you have been.

Being Honest With Yourself.... At Least

Are you satisfied in your relationship? Are you happy with your work? Do you feel good about where you are in life right now?

These are heavy questions. Ones that I ponder often and explore with my clients.

I want to stress the importance of being honest with yourself when answering these questions. You may not want to disclose the answers to those around you but I beg you to be honest with yourself. It is heartbreaking to see someone who can't be truthful with themselves. I understand why they can't. And, I understand how easy it is to cover the truth- especially when the answer will pose greater challenges to you and those near to you. But, please realize that the truth really does set you free.

Take some time this week to ask yourself the tough questions. And, then allow yourself time to ponder the, perhaps, more challenging, answers. They will help you make the most of the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Upcoming Events

As you know, I am particular about how I spend my time. When I endorse an event or group you can rest assured that I do believe it is worth my time and may very well be worth yours too. Here are two events that I hold in high regard:

Community Bridge Building Network, November 17, 2010 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, Waterfront (Pittsburgh)  Cost $2.
Our purpose is to assist in the development of community partnerships by sharing information resources and providing an opportunity to network.

This month our meeting is dedicated to Veterans.
Presentation by Mike Kaus, Curator, for Soldiers and Sailors Museum
Presentation: Lisa Spahr, Author, WWII Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion

The same group is hosting a one-of-a-kind forum to discuss the evolution and continuing challenges of the American with Disabilities Act on November 12, 2010. 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Waterfront Cost $25
Some of the panelists include:
Duquesne Law School, Dr. Amelia Michele Joiner, Assistant Professor of Law

Edinboro University, Dr. Robert McConnell, Director of the Office of Students with
Disabilities
FISA Foundation, Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of Pittsburgh, Cheryle Campbell, Field Office
Director
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Steve Chopek, Housing Services and
Management Representative
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dr. Mary Louise Russell, Medical Director of
Children’s Rehabilitation Services Department
UPMC Community Provider Services, Mary Curet, Director of the Disabilities Resource
Center

Email me for more details if you can attend either event. Both events require RSVPs so do not delay.

Take a Friend to Work Day

We've all heard of "take your child to work day" but I'm advocating that you adopt "take a friend to work day".

Doing so will do at least two wonderful things:

1. Your friend will have a better understanding of what you do. After all, how can they fully support you unless they know what you do?

2. You will be doing a great service by exposing your friend to a new career choice. They may be considering a career change and your sharing opportunity with them may give them the interest and courage to make a switch.

Why do we think that it is important to expose children to new opportunities but we don't do the same for adults? I think it is time to change that.