The world will respond to you as you do it. Shower others, and yourself, with kindness and a new world will unfold right in front of your eyes. Smile more. Thank often. And, go out of your way to help another.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Coaching Moment #196 Caring for Yourself First
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#196 Caring for Yourself First
You are the model of what you can do for others. Read that again. If you are to care for me or someone in my family, I want to know that you know how to care for yourself first. If you care for others, give them the gift of the best you. If you sell “caring for others” know that your own care will be scrutinized.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Coaching Moment #195 Performance Review
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#195 Performance Review
Its time to take 15-20 minutes, over the next two days, to review your goal progress for the year. What have you accomplished? What do you still want to accomplish by years-end? Its time to sprint to the finish line and then gear up for the next race.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Coaching Moment #194 Ten for Ten
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#194 Ten for Ten
Take 10 minutes to ponder what 10 years from now will look like for you. Where will you be? What will you be doing? With whom? Describe where you will be professionally, personally and geographically. You can add other categories too like spiritually, financially… Be sure to visualize it and describe it out loud or on paper. It will help you get there and provide greater clarity for the road ahead.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Coaching Moment #193 Letter of Forgiveness
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#193 Letter of Forgiveness
I encourage people to write letters that they may never send. It releases you of built up emotions. It allows you to close the door to a chapter in your life. It does so much more. What letter would you write? To whom? About what? Write it. Read it one day later. Then, mail it or shred it. Move on.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Coaching Moment #192 Three-Week Challenge
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#192 Three-Week Challenge
What habit would you like to change? Perhaps a permanent change has been too difficult a challenge. Try three-weeks. Smaller time frames make change easier yet still allow you to reap the rewards and hopefully commit more long term.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Coaching Moment #191 Comfort Foods
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#191 Comfort Foods
What are your comfort foods? Name them. When do you like to have them? Do they remind you of being a child in your grandmother’s kitchen? Or, do they help you suppress your feelings? Be careful. Make sure your comfort food doesn’t become your vice. “Comfort” can be a gray area fraught with trouble if we don’t evaluate it correctly.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Coaching Moment #190 Dare to Dream. Dream to Act.
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#190 Dare to Dream. Dream to Act.
If you were in charge of a nation, what is the one thing you would change or institute? Think it through – all of the benefits, challenges and implications to other programs. Dare to make a difference. Then, once you have your national model of change (for what ever focus or area) consider how it can be adopted on a smaller scale in your company or in your community. Then, propose it and lead the charge. Sometimes it helps to think big to begin to think and act locally.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Coaching Moment #189 Step Aside
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#189 Step Aside
Take 2 minutes. Think about something you could do for someone else today that would make them smile. Next, take the 5 or so minutes it will take to do that very thing. Put yourself aside for this time and focus on making someone else’s day. You’ll reap the rewards. I assure you.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Coaching Moment #188 Put it in Writing!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#188 Put it in Writing!
Go ahead. I dare you. Anything worth happening or that you want to happen… put it in writing. Read it each morning and each evening. Something magical happens when you do so. It will become reality.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Coaching Moment #187 Clean Up!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#187 Clean Up!
Clean your workspace each week, if not daily. Toss anything outdated. Put important tasks on your calendar in a time slot. Wipe and disinfect the space. Start fresh.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Coaching Moment #186 Relax!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#186 Relax!
Of all the courses we’ve taken in our lifetime, none were likely about how to relax. (Unless you are a yoga or meditation fan already.) They were more likely about how to keep going, doing… focused on more work and application. I encourage you to find ways to relax this coming weekend. Apply them through the week. Be your own teacher- you may learn something even more valuable this time around. (One technique might include: spend 10 minutes in the morning just focusing on your breath.)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Coaching Moment #185 Step Out of the Zone… the Comfort Zone
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
This Coaching Moment speaks to me now as I watch my daughter take her first steps.
#185 Step Out of the Zone… the Comfort Zone
We learn and grow when we step away from our norms. Take a class or read a book on a topic unknown to you. If you normally work on things independently, join a group for a team task. If you are wildly social, take a weekend retreat in solitude. Challenge yourself to do things differently at least once per week.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Coaching Moment #184 Perspective… Get Some
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#184 Perspective… Get Some
We often fail to see other’s perspective (full perspective) in a situation. We see our own. And it’s from this vantage point that we make all decisions and assumptions. I challenge you to choose three situations over the next week whereby you actively seek the other perspective. If you are a business owner, become the customer and see how they experience it. If you are an employer, look at something from the employee perspective. You get the picture… well, I hope you will.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Coaching Moment #183 Good Ole’ Ben…
Coaching
#183 Good Ole’ Ben…
Did you know that Ben Franklin began each day by asking himself, “What good shall I do this day?” He also spent a great deal of time creating a list of virtues that he felt made people effective- and then scored himself on them. He lived with purpose. And, he was brave enough to hold himself accountable- each day. Let’s all find our Ben.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Be Careful What You Wish For!
We rescued the bird but I can't say the same for you. So, be careful what you are wishing for. You just might get it. And, then what? Will it be the end-all to your problems or will it create more and perhaps bigger ones?
Think carefully about what really matters in your life. Make a wise decision not just one that feels good for the moment.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Coaching Moment #182 Two Best Friends in Success
Coaching
#182 Two Best Friends in Success
One is named action and the other persistence. Most people never act on their thoughts or concepts. Even less act and then persist. You don’t have to have the best idea to be successful. You just have to do something about it and then repeat.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Coaching Moment #181 How's Your Relationship
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#181 How’s Your Relationship…
…with yourself? Are you honoring your commitments to yourself? Have you created and made progress toward your annual goals? If not, who do you expect to serve you better… than you? Be your own best advocate. Rally for yourself this year and imagine the possibilities.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Coaching Moment #180 Are You Making Progress?
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#180 Are You Making Progress?
Another year is more than ½ over. What have you done this year that you are most proud of? Are you accomplishing your goals (both personal and professional)? If you’ve abandoned your goals, now is the time to rewrite them and sent a new course for the remainder of the year. You CAN do it.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Coaching Moment #179 Freedom or Independence… Pick One
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#179 Freedom or Independence… Pick One
Today pick either Freedom or Independence Independence
Friday, July 22, 2011
Coaching Moment #178 Cut Your Spending by 30%
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#178 Cut Your Spending by 30%
Keep a daily money log of all money being spent (that includes your morning or afternoon coffee). At the end of the month review expenses. Cut or downgrade some of the costs. Shop around for better prices for other line items. Whether you need to watch your spending or not, this will be a good exercise in analysis and self-control. You’ll thank me for it.
#178 Cut Your Spending by 30%
Keep a daily money log of all money being spent (that includes your morning or afternoon coffee). At the end of the month review expenses. Cut or downgrade some of the costs. Shop around for better prices for other line items. Whether you need to watch your spending or not, this will be a good exercise in analysis and self-control. You’ll thank me for it.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Coaching Moment #177 Get Your House in Order
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#177 Get Your House in Order
Procrastination gets you nowhere. Stop putting off that basement organization project, getting your will updated, and meeting with your financial planner (as well as anything else you’ve been neglecting). “Tomorrow” is not always the right answer.
#177 Get Your House in Order
Procrastination gets you nowhere. Stop putting off that basement organization project, getting your will updated, and meeting with your financial planner (as well as anything else you’ve been neglecting). “Tomorrow” is not always the right answer.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Coaching Moment #176 Build Your Brain
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#176 Build Your Brain
Memory loss doesn’t have to be a part of the natural aging process. You can build your brain, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, by learning something new, socializing with people different than yourself and engaging in games and puzzles that require strategy and complex decision making. Don’t leave your brain to the odds. Be proactive… starting today.
#176 Build Your Brain
Memory loss doesn’t have to be a part of the natural aging process. You can build your brain, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, by learning something new, socializing with people different than yourself and engaging in games and puzzles that require strategy and complex decision making. Don’t leave your brain to the odds. Be proactive… starting today.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Coaching Moment #175 Do, Delegate or Drop
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#175 Do, Delegate or Drop
To Do Lists are easy to make but more challenging to manage and complete. I suggest each item on your list be treated as follows: DO- (1) it NOW or (2) put it in your calendar for a specific time and date to be done; DELEGATE it to someone else; or DROP it- many things we think we have to do go unnoticed and are unnecessary.
#175 Do, Delegate or Drop
To Do Lists are easy to make but more challenging to manage and complete. I suggest each item on your list be treated as follows: DO- (1) it NOW or (2) put it in your calendar for a specific time and date to be done; DELEGATE it to someone else; or DROP it- many things we think we have to do go unnoticed and are unnecessary.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Coaching Moment #174 Commit to it for 14 Days!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#174 Commit to it for 14 Days
What is the one thing you would like to do daily but can’t seem to find the time consistently? Maybe it’s walking the dog or getting your own exercise. Define it and then declare to do it each day for 14 days. This is the 14 day challenge! Do it for the short term and see the difference it makes in your life. Then, you are likely to find the time for it thereafter.
#174 Commit to it for 14 Days
What is the one thing you would like to do daily but can’t seem to find the time consistently? Maybe it’s walking the dog or getting your own exercise. Define it and then declare to do it each day for 14 days. This is the 14 day challenge! Do it for the short term and see the difference it makes in your life. Then, you are likely to find the time for it thereafter.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Coaching Moment #173 Personal Mission Statement
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#173 Personal Mission Statement
Do you have a personal mission statement? If not, I encourage you to write one. It should be a statement that drives your life and the way you live it. It should speak to what is important to you. It should include something about your values or philosophies. Once you have it, read it everyday and let it drive your daily actions.
#173 Personal Mission Statement
Do you have a personal mission statement? If not, I encourage you to write one. It should be a statement that drives your life and the way you live it. It should speak to what is important to you. It should include something about your values or philosophies. Once you have it, read it everyday and let it drive your daily actions.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Coaching Moment #172 Your Favorite Part of You
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#172 Your Favorite Part of You
What is your favorite attribute (of you)? Is it your humor? Your strength? So many of us spend time on the things we’d like to improve on that we fail to recognize and celebrate those things that are “just right”. Take time today to celebrate your favorite thing about you- maybe even show it off a little.
#172 Your Favorite Part of You
What is your favorite attribute (of you)? Is it your humor? Your strength? So many of us spend time on the things we’d like to improve on that we fail to recognize and celebrate those things that are “just right”. Take time today to celebrate your favorite thing about you- maybe even show it off a little.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Coaching Moment #171 Three Memories
Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#171 Three Memories
Instead of three wishes, I want you to think of 3 memories of the most joyous times in your life. What are they? Who were they with? What were you doing? And, then I want you to make sure you are living in a way that will easily foster more great memories like that to be formed.
#171 Three Memories
Instead of three wishes, I want you to think of 3 memories of the most joyous times in your life. What are they? Who were they with? What were you doing? And, then I want you to make sure you are living in a way that will easily foster more great memories like that to be formed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Coaching Moment #170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
In 50 years, when someone says your name to another, what words will come to their mind? How will people remember you? However you hope to be remembered must be obviously displayed in each of your days. You won’t be remembered for the 2% effort you made. You’ll be remembered for what you did most often. Make sure that is in alignment with how you want to be known.
#170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
In 50 years, when someone says your name to another, what words will come to their mind? How will people remember you? However you hope to be remembered must be obviously displayed in each of your days. You won’t be remembered for the 2% effort you made. You’ll be remembered for what you did most often. Make sure that is in alignment with how you want to be known.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Coaching Moment #169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Who do you need to forgive? Most of us harbor resentment toward someone, perhaps from long ago. You’ve likely suppressed the feelings and tried to just forget about it. But its there. Forgive them. Write a letter of forgiveness and either send it or destroy it.
#169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Who do you need to forgive? Most of us harbor resentment toward someone, perhaps from long ago. You’ve likely suppressed the feelings and tried to just forget about it. But its there. Forgive them. Write a letter of forgiveness and either send it or destroy it.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Coaching Moment #168 Observe for Benefit
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#168 Observe for Benefit
If you have a skill or attribute you want to improve (or even acquire), observe others who have it. The more time you spend paying attention to it, the better the chance you’ll “own” it soon. Then, practice, practice, practice.
#168 Observe for Benefit
If you have a skill or attribute you want to improve (or even acquire), observe others who have it. The more time you spend paying attention to it, the better the chance you’ll “own” it soon. Then, practice, practice, practice.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Amazon has Lost it's Mind!
Now I've seen it all.
Automation can be wonderful but there are times it turns clients against us. Growing can be good for a company but too much and in the wrong ways can be harmful for business. Here's a great example.
You've all recognized that Amazon has taken on third party vendors in recent years. That means that when you search and buy from Amazon you may be buying from another vendor that Amazon gives a platform to sell to. This third party vendor will ship to you directly, outside Amazon. Hmmmm. Sounded fine on the surfrace except for when you consider that one of the benefits of Amazon is the free shipping when your order is over a certain dollar amount. Some of the third party vendors do not honor this perk so you had to look closely. And, if you were buying several items, each may be sold by a different vendor thus the shipping charges add up quick.
The other day I wanted to purchase an item that cost $3.60. I wanted 10 of them. So my total was $36.00. Great. I'm okay with paying shipping. But not $160.00+ in shipping charges! Yes, you read that right. My total purchase price came to around $200! Apparently, Amazon wanted me to pay for each item to be shipped separately (they are all the same item mind you, from the same third party vendor). And, to add insult to injury- Amazon does this slimy thing that doesn't always show you the cost of various shipping methods (that may be the third party choice, but Amazon ultimately is in charge of it's site if you ask me). So, it defaulted to 2-day shipping but wouldn't show me the cost associated with that. When I clicked on the more info key it simply told me about the various types of shipping, no costs noted. So, the next screen is the whopper that wanted $200 for $36 worth of product! Ha. Fat chance Amazon.
You've done lost yourself a client for life. I was turned off already by the third party schenanigans but this is the icing on the cake. My business is going elsewhere. I hope you wise up.
I encourage you to evaluate your automation. Do you clients ever feel the way I have described here? If so, you have to change and change today. Don't let growth and automation turn your business into a snake.
Automation can be wonderful but there are times it turns clients against us. Growing can be good for a company but too much and in the wrong ways can be harmful for business. Here's a great example.
You've all recognized that Amazon has taken on third party vendors in recent years. That means that when you search and buy from Amazon you may be buying from another vendor that Amazon gives a platform to sell to. This third party vendor will ship to you directly, outside Amazon. Hmmmm. Sounded fine on the surfrace except for when you consider that one of the benefits of Amazon is the free shipping when your order is over a certain dollar amount. Some of the third party vendors do not honor this perk so you had to look closely. And, if you were buying several items, each may be sold by a different vendor thus the shipping charges add up quick.
The other day I wanted to purchase an item that cost $3.60. I wanted 10 of them. So my total was $36.00. Great. I'm okay with paying shipping. But not $160.00+ in shipping charges! Yes, you read that right. My total purchase price came to around $200! Apparently, Amazon wanted me to pay for each item to be shipped separately (they are all the same item mind you, from the same third party vendor). And, to add insult to injury- Amazon does this slimy thing that doesn't always show you the cost of various shipping methods (that may be the third party choice, but Amazon ultimately is in charge of it's site if you ask me). So, it defaulted to 2-day shipping but wouldn't show me the cost associated with that. When I clicked on the more info key it simply told me about the various types of shipping, no costs noted. So, the next screen is the whopper that wanted $200 for $36 worth of product! Ha. Fat chance Amazon.
You've done lost yourself a client for life. I was turned off already by the third party schenanigans but this is the icing on the cake. My business is going elsewhere. I hope you wise up.
I encourage you to evaluate your automation. Do you clients ever feel the way I have described here? If so, you have to change and change today. Don't let growth and automation turn your business into a snake.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Coaching Moment #167 Difficult Conversations
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#167 Difficult Conversations
A year ago I read this and it impacted me significantly. “A man’s success can be judged by how many uncomfortable conversations he is willing to have.” I pondered this for a while and realized how very true it is. Recall how freeing it is to finally get that tough conversation over and done with. I encourage you to do so this week. If you’ve been dreading the talk- have it. You’ll feel better and likely so with they.
#167 Difficult Conversations
A year ago I read this and it impacted me significantly. “A man’s success can be judged by how many uncomfortable conversations he is willing to have.” I pondered this for a while and realized how very true it is. Recall how freeing it is to finally get that tough conversation over and done with. I encourage you to do so this week. If you’ve been dreading the talk- have it. You’ll feel better and likely so with they.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Coaching Moment #166 Renewal
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#166 Renewal
Spring has sprung. More or less. The season represents growth and replenishment. Let the season inspire you to grow and replenish in the ways you need to. Identify 2 areas that you want to work on over the next three months.
Spring has sprung. More or less. The season represents growth and replenishment. Let the season inspire you to grow and replenish in the ways you need to. Identify 2 areas that you want to work on over the next three months.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Product Pushers! Don't Become One.
No one likes a bully. And, pushers have a bad reputation for a reason. So, why on earth would you force yoru product or service on someone?
For months I've been finding unsolicited newspapers from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in my lawn or on top of my hedges. I see them littering the lawns of my neighbors as well. I've even heard of it happening in other neighborhoods.
So, every couple days we wander out in the lawn (the front lawn, which we rarely use) to find and pick up unwanted newspapers. Then, we toss them in the recycling bin. What a waste! Literally and figuratively!
Let this be an example of how you can be a pusher and actually create a loathing relationship with a potential client. Don't do it.
As an aside, I expect it will take a new law to get them to stop. I've browsed their website looking for a phone number to call to complain or comment box.... nope, not one to be found. Sure, I can just call their main number.... how helpful do you think they'll be? Maybe I'll take bets on this one. :)
For months I've been finding unsolicited newspapers from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in my lawn or on top of my hedges. I see them littering the lawns of my neighbors as well. I've even heard of it happening in other neighborhoods.
So, every couple days we wander out in the lawn (the front lawn, which we rarely use) to find and pick up unwanted newspapers. Then, we toss them in the recycling bin. What a waste! Literally and figuratively!
Let this be an example of how you can be a pusher and actually create a loathing relationship with a potential client. Don't do it.
As an aside, I expect it will take a new law to get them to stop. I've browsed their website looking for a phone number to call to complain or comment box.... nope, not one to be found. Sure, I can just call their main number.... how helpful do you think they'll be? Maybe I'll take bets on this one. :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Coaching Moment #165 Weekly Challenge
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#165 Weekly Challenge
What has been your greatest challenge this week? Identify what/who it is and then talk about it with a trusted unbiased source. You shouldn’t handle all of your challenges alone. Great things can come from sharing your challenges with others.
#165 Weekly Challenge
What has been your greatest challenge this week? Identify what/who it is and then talk about it with a trusted unbiased source. You shouldn’t handle all of your challenges alone. Great things can come from sharing your challenges with others.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Coaching Tip of the Month: April 2011 Finding Your Today's Beauty
We all want to change some things (house projects underway, those 5 or 10 lbs to lose, more money in the paycheck...). Okay. But, don't let your current suffer for what may or may not come tomorrow. The key to success and happiness is doing the best with what you currently have (or don't have). Focus on what you are/have today and make the best of it.
Rather than wait until you lose the pounds, give yourself an in-home spa treatment (or go get one at your favorite spa); put on your best outfit (or go splurge on one); stand up straight (pretend you have a book on your head like the old movies threatened us with) and go out somewhere. Be your best self today. Show us what you've got.
Rather than wait for that extra cash in your paycheck, take a good look at what you currently have and devise a plan to spend a little in a new way. Treat yourself to a lunch or dinner deal (one that you wouldn't normally), give to your favorite charity (even if it's only a small donation), or finally put some money down on that bigger item you've been eyeing up. Start somewhere. Starting small is better than not starting.
Don't wait for change to be happy. Be happy while changing.
Rather than wait until you lose the pounds, give yourself an in-home spa treatment (or go get one at your favorite spa); put on your best outfit (or go splurge on one); stand up straight (pretend you have a book on your head like the old movies threatened us with) and go out somewhere. Be your best self today. Show us what you've got.
Rather than wait for that extra cash in your paycheck, take a good look at what you currently have and devise a plan to spend a little in a new way. Treat yourself to a lunch or dinner deal (one that you wouldn't normally), give to your favorite charity (even if it's only a small donation), or finally put some money down on that bigger item you've been eyeing up. Start somewhere. Starting small is better than not starting.
Don't wait for change to be happy. Be happy while changing.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Coaching Moment #164 $1,000 Gift
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#164 $1,000 Gift
Imagine you had $1,000 given to you today. The gift stipulates that you can only spend the money on other people or charities. You cannot spend it on yourself or on things that directly benefit you. Where would you give your money? How would it be distributed among the people or causes that are important to you?
Now, when is the last time you spend time/money with those people or charities? Remember you don’t have to wait for a gift of $1,000 or to make a sizable donation to make a difference.
#164 $1,000 Gift
Imagine you had $1,000 given to you today. The gift stipulates that you can only spend the money on other people or charities. You cannot spend it on yourself or on things that directly benefit you. Where would you give your money? How would it be distributed among the people or causes that are important to you?
Now, when is the last time you spend time/money with those people or charities? Remember you don’t have to wait for a gift of $1,000 or to make a sizable donation to make a difference.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Coaching Moment #163 Here’s Your Genie!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#163 Here’s Your Genie!
Imagine I gave you a genie in a bottle. You could make only one wish and the wish would only be true for 24 hours, starting now. What would you wish for? Why did you choose that wish?
Spend a few quiet and uninterrupted minutes thinking about this now. Or, think about it over the next few hours as you go about your routine and come to a decision by end of day. This will raise your awareness of what you want and/or need.
#163 Here’s Your Genie!
Imagine I gave you a genie in a bottle. You could make only one wish and the wish would only be true for 24 hours, starting now. What would you wish for? Why did you choose that wish?
Spend a few quiet and uninterrupted minutes thinking about this now. Or, think about it over the next few hours as you go about your routine and come to a decision by end of day. This will raise your awareness of what you want and/or need.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Poor Business Lingo
When someone asks you for something are you the kind of person (1) to do it or (2) do you point out where they can find it or do it themselves? And, which of these people are your employees?
Today I had an encounter with a food industry employee that made me chuckle. I asked her which meal was which (the example could be vegan versus vegetarian or sausage versus ham sandwich, you get the picture). She told me "it is marked". So, if you are a kind, polite, non-confrontational person you now begin the search for "the mark". If you are a tad more assertive you may ask the less-than-stellar employee to still TELL you which is which (perhaps she can't find the mark either!).
Either way, it is important that you teach your employees FIRST by example. SHOW them how to respond to this common question. But also, teach them why their first response (as above) may not be the one desired by you (the boss and paycheck signature). Help them understand desirable responses versus undesirable ones. Do some role play in training. And, you've read me advocate for this before.... send in the mystery shoppers. You need to know what your employees are saying to your customers and how they are responding. I bet your competition knows.
Today I had an encounter with a food industry employee that made me chuckle. I asked her which meal was which (the example could be vegan versus vegetarian or sausage versus ham sandwich, you get the picture). She told me "it is marked". So, if you are a kind, polite, non-confrontational person you now begin the search for "the mark". If you are a tad more assertive you may ask the less-than-stellar employee to still TELL you which is which (perhaps she can't find the mark either!).
Either way, it is important that you teach your employees FIRST by example. SHOW them how to respond to this common question. But also, teach them why their first response (as above) may not be the one desired by you (the boss and paycheck signature). Help them understand desirable responses versus undesirable ones. Do some role play in training. And, you've read me advocate for this before.... send in the mystery shoppers. You need to know what your employees are saying to your customers and how they are responding. I bet your competition knows.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
List the top 3 things you like to do. Now, when is the last time you’ve done each? Make sure you are making time for the things you love. Schedule each one in your calendar now. And, ask those around you what their top 3 are- and help them make time for them. They’ll appreciate you even more.
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
List the top 3 things you like to do. Now, when is the last time you’ve done each? Make sure you are making time for the things you love. Schedule each one in your calendar now. And, ask those around you what their top 3 are- and help them make time for them. They’ll appreciate you even more.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Coaching Moment #161Treat Yourself
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#161Treat Yourself
What is the last gift you gave to yourself? It could be a gadget, an experience, forgiveness, etc... Make sure that in the hustle and bustle of life you don’t neglect treating yourself well and recognizing what your needs and wants are.
#161Treat Yourself
What is the last gift you gave to yourself? It could be a gadget, an experience, forgiveness, etc... Make sure that in the hustle and bustle of life you don’t neglect treating yourself well and recognizing what your needs and wants are.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
5 Steps to a Profitable Coaching Business
Five Steps to a Profitable Coaching Business
The primary revelation to any coach unlocking their financial potential is to first recognize that coaching is still an anomaly to most people. Therapy is widely understood, although still taboo in some circles. Mentoring is welcomed and expected to be free of charge. Consultants are well-paid professionals with expertise in a particular area and highly sought. Coaches… well, they have more education to offer before they achieve wide recognition and more lucrative contracts.
Coaches who choose to start and run their own business suffer the same challenges that other experts and professionals do, they don’t typically have an M.B.A. They haven’t been serial entrepreneurs. They aren’t versed in contract negotiation and business management basics. The majority are good or great coaches and mediocre business owners. The good news is that coaches tend to be ready for a good challenge. They are creative, resilient, and fast learners.
There are five basic steps to facilitate a coach becoming more profitable. These steps can be addressed in tandem.
Step 1: Educating Others. Coaches must perfect their “commercials” to all audiences, potential clients and potential leads to clients, and address what they do, how they do it, what the benefits are, and why they are the best person for the job. Coaches must ensure they have the credentials, background, experiences and ability to perform their duties with positive results. Then, they must be able to share that experience verbally with prospects and groups that are helping them build your business.
Step 2: Network. As a sole proprietor, or small business owner, a coach must develop a trusted network of other business professionals who can serve as their sales team. Relationships take time. Quality relationships can be a vital part of a coaching businesses’ growth over the next year. One of my own networks generated 64% of my business in 2008- the first full year of my private practice. Many networks are formalized with exclusive memberships and weekly or monthly meetings. Referrals and leads are tracked and taken seriously by all involved parties. Other networks are informal and built over a longer time with trusted friends and professionals in your circle, city, client base, etc…
Step 3: Fast-Track M.B.A. Most coaches don’t have the time to commit to another intensive degree while building their coaching business. However, the business of business, so to speak, has to take center stage if they want to make coaching a profitable and successful part of their life. Most cities and online universities offer classes in contracts, simple accounting, governmental opportunities, etc… The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is a good place to start learning about successful business ownership. How will you determine your pricing? What contract will you have in place to ensure a clear understanding of expectations, deliverables, secure payments, schedules and timelines, etc….? Coaches should also consider developing a team of professionals to assist them in the management of their business: accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, sub-contractors with various expertise, etc… Research and hire them early on. The earlier they are involved the better your business will be prepared to succeed.
Step 4: Embrace Feedback. As the clients’ needs change a coach too should be ready to evolve and deliver. Understand their offerings and be willing to make adjustments as necessary to provide the services people need. If a town is undergoing an economic hardship or industry layoffs it may be wise to take additional training in career development and mapping, gain further understanding of seniors re-entering the workforce, and/or stand ready to address cultural shifts. Great coaches are hired and retained because of their trusted role in a person or company’s life. Their talents often reach much further than one area of expertise. Showing diversity and continual education to serve a client base and acquire new clients is a very attractive feature of any business.
Step 5: Deliver Excellence. Treat every contact as a million-dollar one. Every client is the first and most important. Every person that the coach comes in contact with has the potential to become a raving fan. Raving fans produce more clients, thus more opportunities to produce raving fans. Businesses may be opened overnight but they build successfully overtime with loyal clients who sing a coaches praise at every turn. One dissatisfied client or company can set a business back years in reputation, track record of excellence and financially. If a coach agrees to take a contract at a price they can’t live with, they have no one but themselves to blame. They still must deliver as though it was their highest-paid contact with their best client. Their reputation and business is on the line.
These five steps will allow a coach to develop their coaching practice while recognizing that coaching is a business similar to many others and requires strong management to be profitable. As a coach, their role is clear. As a professional coach in business to be profitable, their role has just been amplified to include multiple other hats. With creativity, perseverance, and their keen interest and ability to learn, they’ll find the right fit as they complete these steps.
The primary revelation to any coach unlocking their financial potential is to first recognize that coaching is still an anomaly to most people. Therapy is widely understood, although still taboo in some circles. Mentoring is welcomed and expected to be free of charge. Consultants are well-paid professionals with expertise in a particular area and highly sought. Coaches… well, they have more education to offer before they achieve wide recognition and more lucrative contracts.
Coaches who choose to start and run their own business suffer the same challenges that other experts and professionals do, they don’t typically have an M.B.A. They haven’t been serial entrepreneurs. They aren’t versed in contract negotiation and business management basics. The majority are good or great coaches and mediocre business owners. The good news is that coaches tend to be ready for a good challenge. They are creative, resilient, and fast learners.
There are five basic steps to facilitate a coach becoming more profitable. These steps can be addressed in tandem.
Step 1: Educating Others. Coaches must perfect their “commercials” to all audiences, potential clients and potential leads to clients, and address what they do, how they do it, what the benefits are, and why they are the best person for the job. Coaches must ensure they have the credentials, background, experiences and ability to perform their duties with positive results. Then, they must be able to share that experience verbally with prospects and groups that are helping them build your business.
Step 2: Network. As a sole proprietor, or small business owner, a coach must develop a trusted network of other business professionals who can serve as their sales team. Relationships take time. Quality relationships can be a vital part of a coaching businesses’ growth over the next year. One of my own networks generated 64% of my business in 2008- the first full year of my private practice. Many networks are formalized with exclusive memberships and weekly or monthly meetings. Referrals and leads are tracked and taken seriously by all involved parties. Other networks are informal and built over a longer time with trusted friends and professionals in your circle, city, client base, etc…
Step 3: Fast-Track M.B.A. Most coaches don’t have the time to commit to another intensive degree while building their coaching business. However, the business of business, so to speak, has to take center stage if they want to make coaching a profitable and successful part of their life. Most cities and online universities offer classes in contracts, simple accounting, governmental opportunities, etc… The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is a good place to start learning about successful business ownership. How will you determine your pricing? What contract will you have in place to ensure a clear understanding of expectations, deliverables, secure payments, schedules and timelines, etc….? Coaches should also consider developing a team of professionals to assist them in the management of their business: accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, sub-contractors with various expertise, etc… Research and hire them early on. The earlier they are involved the better your business will be prepared to succeed.
Step 4: Embrace Feedback. As the clients’ needs change a coach too should be ready to evolve and deliver. Understand their offerings and be willing to make adjustments as necessary to provide the services people need. If a town is undergoing an economic hardship or industry layoffs it may be wise to take additional training in career development and mapping, gain further understanding of seniors re-entering the workforce, and/or stand ready to address cultural shifts. Great coaches are hired and retained because of their trusted role in a person or company’s life. Their talents often reach much further than one area of expertise. Showing diversity and continual education to serve a client base and acquire new clients is a very attractive feature of any business.
Step 5: Deliver Excellence. Treat every contact as a million-dollar one. Every client is the first and most important. Every person that the coach comes in contact with has the potential to become a raving fan. Raving fans produce more clients, thus more opportunities to produce raving fans. Businesses may be opened overnight but they build successfully overtime with loyal clients who sing a coaches praise at every turn. One dissatisfied client or company can set a business back years in reputation, track record of excellence and financially. If a coach agrees to take a contract at a price they can’t live with, they have no one but themselves to blame. They still must deliver as though it was their highest-paid contact with their best client. Their reputation and business is on the line.
These five steps will allow a coach to develop their coaching practice while recognizing that coaching is a business similar to many others and requires strong management to be profitable. As a coach, their role is clear. As a professional coach in business to be profitable, their role has just been amplified to include multiple other hats. With creativity, perseverance, and their keen interest and ability to learn, they’ll find the right fit as they complete these steps.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Coaching Moment #160 Feelings Assessment
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#160 Feelings Assessment
How are you feeling today? Optimistic, creative, cloudy, depressed…? Take time to assess your feelings each day. Think about what may have brought those feelings on. And, finally, act on them. If it’s a creative day, make sure you do something creative and you don’t waste it. If it’s a day full of clouds and depression, take extra care to do things that are calming, relaxing and enjoyable to recover.
#160 Feelings Assessment
How are you feeling today? Optimistic, creative, cloudy, depressed…? Take time to assess your feelings each day. Think about what may have brought those feelings on. And, finally, act on them. If it’s a creative day, make sure you do something creative and you don’t waste it. If it’s a day full of clouds and depression, take extra care to do things that are calming, relaxing and enjoyable to recover.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Coaching Moment #159 Your Daily Allowance.
Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#159 Your Daily Allowance.
How much money do you spend in a typical day? Right now, take a guess. Then, track your spending today (or do it for the weekend). Every dollar that you pull from your wallet or pay with credit should be noted and what it was used for. Finally, analyze the cost of what you spent with the benefits received. Was it worth it?
#159 Your Daily Allowance.
How much money do you spend in a typical day? Right now, take a guess. Then, track your spending today (or do it for the weekend). Every dollar that you pull from your wallet or pay with credit should be noted and what it was used for. Finally, analyze the cost of what you spent with the benefits received. Was it worth it?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Coaching Tip of the Month: March 2011 Persistence
Persistence pays off. Most people will never do something. Some will dare to do it once. Few will stick in there until the results are achieved. Which are you?
I was clearing out my filing cabinet to purge old data when I discovered a tattered and ripped piece of a magazine page. Here's what it said:
To be more persistent, just practice it. Write down something you want to do. Tell people about it and ask them to ask you for updates. Do it. Continue to follow-up and repeat as necessary. Just work on being more persistent at one thing. Then another. Then another. Soon practice will make perfect (or near perfect) and you'll see the fruits of your labor.
When someone says they'll get back to you, don't wait around. Get back to them. Don't wait for answers, seek them out. Don't be afraid to ask busy people for an answer- likely you are on their list but way down there. They'll be appreciative they get to answer and move on.
Start to check things OFF your to-do list today.
I was clearing out my filing cabinet to purge old data when I discovered a tattered and ripped piece of a magazine page. Here's what it said:
A word about persistence and determination....Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
-Calvin Coolidge
30th President of US (1872-1933)
To be more persistent, just practice it. Write down something you want to do. Tell people about it and ask them to ask you for updates. Do it. Continue to follow-up and repeat as necessary. Just work on being more persistent at one thing. Then another. Then another. Soon practice will make perfect (or near perfect) and you'll see the fruits of your labor.
When someone says they'll get back to you, don't wait around. Get back to them. Don't wait for answers, seek them out. Don't be afraid to ask busy people for an answer- likely you are on their list but way down there. They'll be appreciative they get to answer and move on.
Start to check things OFF your to-do list today.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Coaching Moment #147 100 Possessions
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#147 100 Possessions
There is a popular book out now and a movement to dwindle your personal possessions down to 100 items. That includes shoes, clothing, books, utensils, etc… Could you do it? What 100 items could you not live without?
If the number were 1000 could you do it then? Do you have any idea how many items you have in your home? I dare you to stay right where you are and begin counting. Stop counting in 15 minutes and see how far you’ve gotten. Now, did you notice things you’ve not paid attention to in years? Are they really necessary?
Whether you believe this new trend to be insanity or brilliance, think about its greater awareness and application.
#147 100 Possessions
There is a popular book out now and a movement to dwindle your personal possessions down to 100 items. That includes shoes, clothing, books, utensils, etc… Could you do it? What 100 items could you not live without?
If the number were 1000 could you do it then? Do you have any idea how many items you have in your home? I dare you to stay right where you are and begin counting. Stop counting in 15 minutes and see how far you’ve gotten. Now, did you notice things you’ve not paid attention to in years? Are they really necessary?
Whether you believe this new trend to be insanity or brilliance, think about its greater awareness and application.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Coaching Moment #146 Take Only 5 Things
Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
# 146 Take Only 5 Things
What are your treasures in your home? Treasures are the things that we cherish most. If I told you to leave your home forever and take only 5 items with you- what would they be?
List them sitting where you are now. Then, go room to room and look at the things you have.
Let’s always focus on the things that are most important to us.
# 146 Take Only 5 Things
What are your treasures in your home? Treasures are the things that we cherish most. If I told you to leave your home forever and take only 5 items with you- what would they be?
List them sitting where you are now. Then, go room to room and look at the things you have.
Let’s always focus on the things that are most important to us.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Referrals.. what to do with them?
When you get a referral you should do the following:
- Whether or not you take it, you should immediately thank the person who gave it to you and reiterate how the client fit was (If it was spot on, let them know. If it wasn't a good client for you let them know why.) I also give the referring party a "referral fee" which is equal to a particular % of the client's package. Referral fees are a sensitive subject I know. But I opt to use them in my practice and I wouldn't have it any other way.
- If the referral isn't ideal for you don't just let them hang out there. Call them back/ meet with them and refer them to someone else who may be better suited for them. And, follow-up with that party.
- Treat them right. This goes without saying (or should) but sadly I see the tragedy of poor service time and time again. Every client and every referral you are given should be treated with the greatest level of respect, dignity and professionalism. You ruin far more than just one relationship when you deliver poor service (and that includes not getting back to people- even if they are not a good fit for you).
- Meet with your referring partners at least quarterly to get to know how you can return the business. Are they expanding their line of work or taking on a new speciality that you need to be aware of. Return the referral.
- Take time to follow-up with all parties involved. Did they receive the service they expected? Would they refer you again (specifically why or why not)? Was your referral what they wanted/needed? Did the client receive the care they'd expect (and you can be proud of)?
Friday, February 11, 2011
So You Want or Need a New Job?
Some of my clients are job-seekers who don't have a current position but most are currently employed but dissatisfied. Here are a few starter questions or comments, regardless which arena they are in:
- Tell me what you love. What you really love to do. Don't worry about the monetary aspects, for now, just talk about what you enjoy doing with your time.
- Now, let's see if there are ways we can make your loves part of your daily life. It may be through full-time, part-time or volunteer work but let's make it happen in some capacity. Work with trusting and supportive friends on this brainstorm or bring a coach in to help you. But don't give up on making the things you love part of your daily "work".
- Remember that volunteers often become employees. If non-profit is your thing, volunteer for the place you want to work. Show them your talents and passions. Have patience and then pair it with a little persistence talking to the right people in the organization. Soon, you'll likely be working in the place that you were a volunteer and doing work that you were cut out to do.
- Consider if now is a good time to take a part-time program at your local college for a new degree or certificate in a new field or one that will elevate your current status. You can always make time for the things that are important- so don't worry about where the time will come from. You'll find it if its a priority.
- Do one of your friends do something you have interest in? Have you always been curious what their workday looks and feels like, really? Why not ask them to allow you to shadow them for a week. Consider it an alternative vacation. Maybe you'll discover your next career.
- Now, consider money. Consider making less. I know you didn't want to hear that but this is more likely than the opposite if you really want to step out and do something you love. At least for the first couple of years. It's a trade off but its well worth it. I've done it myself and it was life-altering and "freeing". If you have a financial planner sit down with him/her and figure out how you can live on 1/2 of what you currently make. Yes, I said half! If that doesn't work, let me do it for you. You may not like me afterwards but I'm sure I can find ways to cut and reduce your spending. Remember, this is about finally doing something you enjoy doing- you may need to revisit many of your lifestyle choices. If you can't bear to do that - well then you might be doing just fine in your current line of work or waiting for that big lottery win.
- Join a business group or social club- one with more than 50 members is a good measure. The point of doing this is to sample a variety of jobs that exist in your area. You may find yourself saying, "You get paid for that?" I once worked for a military contractor and one of my projects was to learn a massive-multi player online game (Never Winter Nights) and teach it to Marines to evaluate generalization in weaponry resourcing and overall warfare training! (And, the irony there is I hate video games!)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why Freecycle is Not for Me
I was chatting with another mom, who I greatly admire, and we were comparing notes. What we do. What services we use. Etc... You know how it goes. She mentioned they "freecycle". I had heard of it before but never signed up for the free program. So, I did- based on her recommendation.
I was on it a mere few hours when I realized it was not for me. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a FANTASTIC resource and it clearly works for hundreds if not thousands of people within an area. But for me... I don't think so. Here's why:
Vietnam Veterans of America (picks up at your home and provides a tax receipt): http://www.pickupplease.org/vva/veterans-donation.aspx?gclid=CKiM4bak76YCFUmo4AodkHg4IA
And my favorite consignment shop for babies and children: http://www.onceuponachildmonroeville.com/
Happy shopping and giving. Find what works for you.
I was on it a mere few hours when I realized it was not for me. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a FANTASTIC resource and it clearly works for hundreds if not thousands of people within an area. But for me... I don't think so. Here's why:
- I value my time too much. To use this resource and "win" an offer you have to be lightning fast. Anything that isn't a size 48 men's brief goes within minutes. (I made that up by the way.) So, if like me, you subscribe to the daily digest to receive 1 email versus dozens- you'll see in the digest the offer AND THE RECEIVED of the same item.
- I realize that I highly value the foundation and philosophy of freecycle and already participate. I donate all of my goods (that would otherwise end up in a landfill if I threw them away, yet they are perfectly usable) to Vietnam Veterans of America at least monthly. So, I give. The receiving part of this isn't exactly FREEcycle but I shop at recycled goods locations, consignment shops and thrift stores. So, I receive in a way that works for me and fits my budget too. I don't need free but I do enjoy reused and recycled with a partial price tag of the new value.
Vietnam Veterans of America (picks up at your home and provides a tax receipt): http://www.pickupplease.org/vva/veterans-donation.aspx?gclid=CKiM4bak76YCFUmo4AodkHg4IA
And my favorite consignment shop for babies and children: http://www.onceuponachildmonroeville.com/
Happy shopping and giving. Find what works for you.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Be Responsible for the Energy You Bring
As I was reading an interview with Oprah, she mentioned reading about a woman who had a stroke (I believe) and put a sign up on the door saying, "Be responsible for the energy you bring into this room." I stopped in my tracks. I love this saying and I've said it, albeit in various ways, for many years. The woman was in recovery and had lost some of her senses while heightening others. She could feel the energy others were bringing into the room. Many times they (the nurses) were just buying time until it was time to leave. Sometimes they were moody or in a rush, paying little attention to the patient or her well being.
I have often advised my clients to take inventory of who and what they surround themselves with. And without apology I have advised them to reconsider having people in their lives who are always negative, downers, takers, drama queens and kings, pessimistic, etc... you get my point. I also encourage them to be mindful of what they read, view and do. If you surround yourself with death and destruction its hard to be wildly optimistic and visionary about your or anyone else's future.
I have done the same in my life. I take great care in who and what I surround myself with. I have asked on more than one occasion, "do you have anything positive to tell me?" I've called on the carpet those people, former friends, who always call and always have negative things to talk about. They gossip. Their lives are a mess. They are done wrong by everyone. And, now they can add me to the list. Good bye.
When I was pregnant I hired an energy worker to do reiki on me and my baby. It was a wonderful twice a week experience. Energy is powerful. Be mindful of it. Allow it to foster your goals. And, recognize it when it is detrimental- and get rid of it or who ever is embodying it.
I have often advised my clients to take inventory of who and what they surround themselves with. And without apology I have advised them to reconsider having people in their lives who are always negative, downers, takers, drama queens and kings, pessimistic, etc... you get my point. I also encourage them to be mindful of what they read, view and do. If you surround yourself with death and destruction its hard to be wildly optimistic and visionary about your or anyone else's future.
I have done the same in my life. I take great care in who and what I surround myself with. I have asked on more than one occasion, "do you have anything positive to tell me?" I've called on the carpet those people, former friends, who always call and always have negative things to talk about. They gossip. Their lives are a mess. They are done wrong by everyone. And, now they can add me to the list. Good bye.
When I was pregnant I hired an energy worker to do reiki on me and my baby. It was a wonderful twice a week experience. Energy is powerful. Be mindful of it. Allow it to foster your goals. And, recognize it when it is detrimental- and get rid of it or who ever is embodying it.
Friday, January 21, 2011
I Am Me. I Am Okay.
This poem was introduced to me in 1993 when I was in college. It has remained a part of my life (both physically – a poster in my private space – and mentally- a poem for which I believe every word). I hope it inspires you also- to be your absolute best every day. – Lisa Spahr
My Declaration of Self-Esteem
by Virginia Satir
I AM ME
In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine
Because I alone chose it - I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions,
Whether they be to others or to myself - I own my fantasies,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears - I own all my triumphs and
Successes, all my failures and mistakes Because I own all of
Me, I can become intimately acquainted with me - by so doing
I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts - I know
There are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other
Aspects that I do not know - but as long as I am
Friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously
And hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles
And for ways to find out more about me - However I
Look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever
I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically
Me - If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought
And felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is
Unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that
Which I discarded - I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do
I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be
Productive to make sense and order out of the world of
People and things outside of me - I own me, and
therefore I can engineer me - I am me and
I AM OKAY
© Virginia Satir, 1975.
My Declaration of Self-Esteem
by Virginia Satir
I AM ME
In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine
Because I alone chose it - I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions,
Whether they be to others or to myself - I own my fantasies,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears - I own all my triumphs and
Successes, all my failures and mistakes Because I own all of
Me, I can become intimately acquainted with me - by so doing
I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts - I know
There are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other
Aspects that I do not know - but as long as I am
Friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously
And hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles
And for ways to find out more about me - However I
Look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever
I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically
Me - If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought
And felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is
Unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that
Which I discarded - I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do
I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be
Productive to make sense and order out of the world of
People and things outside of me - I own me, and
therefore I can engineer me - I am me and
I AM OKAY
© Virginia Satir, 1975.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Get on the Treadmill and Hit Incline!
I didn't want to like her. I'm talking about Oprah. My mom likes her enough for all of us. "Oprah this and Oprah that...". I think she's her #1 fan. Besides, most of what Oprah preaches I teach myself as a coach. No need to overdo it I tell myself. Okay, so 100% honesty and confession would tell you that I'm just plain jealous. Why don't I have a television show? Oprah has become Barbie. Do you know that humorous bumper sticker that says, "I want to be Barbie. That B*&%$ has everything!" That's how I feel about Oprah. Although I'd never use the B word to describe her. I think she's almost saintly.
But I was on a weekend retreat last weekend. I needed to prepare for a speech (which I've since cancelled in the chaos of what my schedule has become), catch up on tons of reading and do some writing. I picked up Oprah's magazine because I thought some of the articles may inspire my remarks for the talk. I read the magazine cover to cover (and mom if you are reading this, it is NOT an invitation for a year-long subscription, nothing would pain me more). There were several articles or moments in articles, I should say, that spoke to me. You'll read about a few of them in upcoming blogs. In this one I just want to highlight the story on Everest.
A young girl won an essay contest and earned a trip to the base camp at Everest. Wow. Let that sink in for a minute. The caveat was that one of her parents had to escort her. Her mom assumed that would be her dad. He couldn't go because he couldn't get his passport in time. So mom, who wasn't in Everest-shape, joined the gym with only one month to train. Read that again. She had only 30-days to train for a climb to the base camp at Mount Everest! (Contrast that with my own experience of training for a relay in a marathon! I trained for several months!) Taken from the magazine word for word, "she joined the YMCA and set the treadmill on 'incline'". I read this sentence a couple times. I laughed out loud at the simplicity and absurdity of the whole thing. She was one of my new heroes. Not Oprah (that love/hate fest will continue) but this woman who climbed to Everest's base camp just because her daughter wanted to and had won the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so.
What a great story. Thanks Oprah. (I say with my head down, quietly, while moving my foot back and forth on the floor like a child who just received a gift from the girl they didn't like in class.)
I'm going to put my treadmill on incline when I get it and think of this courageous woman!
But I was on a weekend retreat last weekend. I needed to prepare for a speech (which I've since cancelled in the chaos of what my schedule has become), catch up on tons of reading and do some writing. I picked up Oprah's magazine because I thought some of the articles may inspire my remarks for the talk. I read the magazine cover to cover (and mom if you are reading this, it is NOT an invitation for a year-long subscription, nothing would pain me more). There were several articles or moments in articles, I should say, that spoke to me. You'll read about a few of them in upcoming blogs. In this one I just want to highlight the story on Everest.
A young girl won an essay contest and earned a trip to the base camp at Everest. Wow. Let that sink in for a minute. The caveat was that one of her parents had to escort her. Her mom assumed that would be her dad. He couldn't go because he couldn't get his passport in time. So mom, who wasn't in Everest-shape, joined the gym with only one month to train. Read that again. She had only 30-days to train for a climb to the base camp at Mount Everest! (Contrast that with my own experience of training for a relay in a marathon! I trained for several months!) Taken from the magazine word for word, "she joined the YMCA and set the treadmill on 'incline'". I read this sentence a couple times. I laughed out loud at the simplicity and absurdity of the whole thing. She was one of my new heroes. Not Oprah (that love/hate fest will continue) but this woman who climbed to Everest's base camp just because her daughter wanted to and had won the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so.
What a great story. Thanks Oprah. (I say with my head down, quietly, while moving my foot back and forth on the floor like a child who just received a gift from the girl they didn't like in class.)
I'm going to put my treadmill on incline when I get it and think of this courageous woman!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
You're a Winner! Part II
You have your exhausted list of how you would spend your mad loot from your big winnings. Now, take a hard look at that list and tell me why you can't do every line item you have, .... are you ready.... with your current money? Yes, I said it. I believe you can do at least 75% of the items on your "I'm a huge winner and have more money than I can ever spend list" now with your current salary, whether it be $10,000 or $150,000.
The amount should be up for discussion but not the item that you want to put money toward. For instance, if you wanted to "help a friend" on your mad money list, you were probably talking about thousands of dollars, perhaps even hundreds of thousands. Why not help a friend with an extra hundred dollars this year or better yet, do some sweat equity and help them with chores or projects around their home.
Another example, if you had "pay off debt" on your list, keep it on there and adjust the timeline for having it paid in full. Pay an extra $25 or $250 (whatever you can do) toward your debt each month.
Final example, if you had something like "start a scholarship fund" on your list, I encourage you to find a scholarship that you can contribute to or identify a needy student and contribute to help him/her with books (which can cost hundreds of dollars each semester).
You don't have to be a huge lottery winner to live large and do what you want. You just have to be committed, make your list and then find ways to honor it.
Happy spending. (and saving)
The amount should be up for discussion but not the item that you want to put money toward. For instance, if you wanted to "help a friend" on your mad money list, you were probably talking about thousands of dollars, perhaps even hundreds of thousands. Why not help a friend with an extra hundred dollars this year or better yet, do some sweat equity and help them with chores or projects around their home.
Another example, if you had "pay off debt" on your list, keep it on there and adjust the timeline for having it paid in full. Pay an extra $25 or $250 (whatever you can do) toward your debt each month.
Final example, if you had something like "start a scholarship fund" on your list, I encourage you to find a scholarship that you can contribute to or identify a needy student and contribute to help him/her with books (which can cost hundreds of dollars each semester).
You don't have to be a huge lottery winner to live large and do what you want. You just have to be committed, make your list and then find ways to honor it.
Happy spending. (and saving)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
You're a Winner! Part I
So this week more than a few of you began fantasizing about winning millions upon millions of dollars. At least two lucky people, one a retiree in Washington and another in Idaho, had that dream become reality.
But let's think this through a little for a fun exercise. Let's imagine it was you who won the big score. What would you do with it. Seriously, make a list of what you'd do with that kind of money. Then, prioritize that list by what order you'd use the cash.
Now I'm going to assume you've lined up the attorney, financial planner, accountant, etc.. and the other professionals you'll need to manage such a huge win. Let's get to the fun part of the spending (or saving).
For example my list might begin:
1. Payoff all debt
2. Put money in a retirement fund or investments (long-term)
3. Identify some fun money to do something nice for myself and my family (a nice vacation for instance)
4. Give money to charity and the church for charitable giving
5. Help a friend out
6. Develop a scholarship fund
....
Make an exhaustive list. Spend about fifteen minutes on this and then check back for Part II in the coming days. The fun continues.
But let's think this through a little for a fun exercise. Let's imagine it was you who won the big score. What would you do with it. Seriously, make a list of what you'd do with that kind of money. Then, prioritize that list by what order you'd use the cash.
Now I'm going to assume you've lined up the attorney, financial planner, accountant, etc.. and the other professionals you'll need to manage such a huge win. Let's get to the fun part of the spending (or saving).
For example my list might begin:
1. Payoff all debt
2. Put money in a retirement fund or investments (long-term)
3. Identify some fun money to do something nice for myself and my family (a nice vacation for instance)
4. Give money to charity and the church for charitable giving
5. Help a friend out
6. Develop a scholarship fund
....
Make an exhaustive list. Spend about fifteen minutes on this and then check back for Part II in the coming days. The fun continues.
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