Thursday, February 24, 2011

Coaching Moment #147 100 Possessions

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.

#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.

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:
  • 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.
But maybe Freecycle is for you. Check them out: http://www.freecycle.org/

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.