Referrals Work ...Beware

Dear friends I have experienced the power of referrals twice in the last couple of weeks. Both highlighting the negative impact of a bad referral. Here's the skinny on both:

Referral 1: one of our beloved sitters referred us to her roofer. He was terrific, as was his crew. Until.... he agreed to do other work for us and then stopped mid-work. He failed to return three phone calls by myself and my husband. I began to think he had suffered an unspeakable tragedy. He didn't. He just became overwhelmed and developed some poor habits as a result. To get him back I had to (1) notify our sitter of his disappearance she in turn (2) notified the person who referred him to her, who just so happened to be his top client, a real estate professional. The RE pro attempted to call him and then alerted others to his poor performance of late. Suddenly he called me. Hmmmmm. Sad that you have to effect some one's bottom dollar before they pay attention to their second-tier clients!

Referral 2: we used the mortgage company that our realtor recommended. Bad move. The service was poor from the start. When you deal with a large amount of money, your personal data and are moving states you should expect a higher caliber of service. We didn't get that. We got dozens of excuses, blame, and mistakes in our paperwork. Our closing was delayed and thus delayed two other related closings. We soon learned that our realtor shares an office with the mortgage contact.... Be careful who you accept referrals from. Ask what their relationship is and get another bid/quote anyhow.

It's been hell of a couple weeks. I'll be glad when the transition is all over. But at the very least it has reinforced my strong belief in being careful about those you refer and be ready to support your referral as best you can (as our sitter did- who is still stellar in our eyes).

Dear Department Store Trainers, I beg you....

Dear Department Store Trainers,

Hello. I beg you... to train your employees more on common sense and courtesy then on the decision tree dialogue.

Today I was in a very popular department store, although truth be told, I only visit once a year on average (I'm just not a big department store shopper). The friendly (good point) clerk greeted me and proceeded to ask if I wanted to use my department store credit card today. "No." I replied. "Would I like to save 5%?" She asked. "No," again I replied. After all, 5% of the whopping $20 I was spending seemed silly - especially since I didn't need another credit card EVER. So, all of this would have been fine by me, this dialogue. Until... she asked me again, twice, if I wanted a credit card... just in different ways. One instance was a simply ploy, telling me that it only took 90 seconds to apply and begin reaping the rewards. The other was asking if I was "sure" that I didn't want to apply and save big. I'M SURE!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. (trying to continue to be pleasant through the teeth that are clenched together as the steam begins to blow)

It only went downhill from there. "Do I have email?" she asked. "No." I replied. That garnered a funny look. Of course I have email. I just didn't want to give it to her. Then, she went on to ask for my zip code, as if it was required. "You don't need that," I responded. She was as done with me as I her. :) Finally I sighed.

Marketing I get. I love it in fact. Upselling I get too. Rudeness and badgering are beyond my ability to accept, with a smile.

When your employee encounters someone who is reluctant to open a charge account to save $1, don't ask them 3 times. And, when meeting reluctance, ask, only once and nicely, "may we have your email to send you coupons in the future...."? The defining characteristic there is ASKING and OFFERING RATIONALE THAT IS A BENEFIT FOR THE CUSTOMER. It's not rocket science people, just common sense and courtesy. But, dare I ask for that in this day and age.....

The morale of this story is that this episode has now decreased my pilgrimage to this department store, Kohl's if you must know, down from once a year to NEVER AGAIN. My peace of mind and my wallet will thank me.

Many thanks and most sincerely,

Lisa Spahr
Customer (once upon a time) and business coach (one who practices what she preaches)

Coaching Moment #206 Five Words that Describe You

#206 Five Words that Describe You

In general, what are 5 words that describe you? Ask your best friend this question via email. Then, ask a trusted colleague. Finally, ask a family member. Don’t help them in any way. Let them describe you as they see it. Then reflect on their descriptors. 

Coaching Moment #205 Focus for 10 Minutes

#205 Focus for 10 Minutes

Most of us proudly boast that we can multi-task with the best of them. But research has shown us that we lose in the end. Those who can focus on one thing, even for a short time, get more done with greater quality. So, focus for small chunks of time on one thing and see how it works for you. Be open to new behaviors and habits.  

#204 The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

#204 The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

I hope you are planning a day that mirrors how you want the days ahead to be. Spent time doing the things you enjoy. Contribute as you can. Share time with friends and colleagues you are proud of. And, find fulfillment in each day if not in every task. Make today the model for the rest.  

Coaching Moment #203 The Best Money You Ever Spent?

#203 The Best Money You Ever Spent?

I caught myself saying this the other day, “that was the best money I ever spent!”  What would you say that about? Share your answers with me privately. I’d love to know. And, keep in mind what made that money the best spent… and repeat the process with other worthy finds.   

Coaching Moment #202 How do You Take Your Lunch?

#202 How do You Take Your Lunch?

Are you the type to sit at your desk and work through lunch? Do you barely eat anything or conversely eat junk because its quick and easy? I encourage you to set a new trend for your lunch-time. Get away from your desk. Do something good for yourself by eating a nutritious meal, take a walk, read a few pages of something non-work related, or take the time to make a social call- and share a good meal.  

Coaching Moment #201 What Would Make Your Day Better?

#201 What Would Make Your Day Better?

Think about one thing that you would like to happen today. It may be a call you’ll get. It may be an activity you’ll do. What would make today better? Then, think of 3 things you can do to encourage that outcome.

Make sure you take time to think about the things you want as well as do what you can to ensure their success.  

Coaching Moment #200 How do You Reward Yourself?

#200 How do You Reward Yourself?

You reward your children and your employees. How do you reward yourself? Has it been a long time? Make a short list of ways to reward yourself and tack it up on your wall. Next time you accomplish a goal or a milestone pick a reward and give it to yourself. Don’t deny yourself what you know is so vital to others.   

Getting Started in the Gym.... Baby Steps

Instead of a weekly coaching moment, I'm offering something that I've recently reminded myself of. Most of you who know me know that I've battled weight much of my life. I've won and lost more than 50 lbs at times, and then the weight crept back on over a few years. Now with two children under my belt, quite literally, in less than 18 months, I'm back on the saddle (so to speak). And, it feels great. Only 4 gym visits down but I feel amazing already- and committed.

Here's my suggestions/reminders to those of you who need some motivation:

• Rome wasn't built in a day. Don't overdo it and don't expect to have that awesome bod in a week or month.
• Start slow but start.
• Go to the gym on a regular schedule. I'm opting for every other day and being open to bumping that up in the future, but this is the minimum.
• Do something at the gym, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Yes, I said that. The commute may take you longer than the time you are there, but make sure you get there and do something. It could be a moderate walk on the treadmill. (Don't let anyone intimidate you. They all started somewhere too.)
• Work on forming the habit then work on perfecting the actions.
• Get yourself some good shoes and a comfortable outfit (or two). Feeling good in what you are wearing will help feel good and not feel self conscious.
• Work smart. If you can, hire a trainer- one who's been there and respects your journey (make sure they aren't going to try to kill you and decrease your motivation to go- I've had this happen).
• As you form the habit of going, you'll become more comfortable with the layout of the gym, equipment, and your abilities.
• Increase your workouts by time and effort.
• Set goals.
• If you want more recommendations or suggestions, email me.

Here's to your health,
Lisa

Coaching Moment #199 What Do You Value?

#199 What Do You Value?

What are three things that you couldn’t live without? Name them. Now, tell me how much time and other resources you dedicate to them each week. Do you need to re-align your resources with your values?  

Coaching Moment #198 Your Priorities: Get Them Established

#198 Your Priorities: Get Them Established

We all say family comes before work. But do they really? In what way and to what degree. I find that most people mean that if a family emergency arises, they won’t let work stand in their way.  When it comes to spending time with their families, their blackberries, email and work is usually somewhere close. Let’s remind ourselves that that is not quality time.

Other priority considerations are financial. Would you replace your TV before you would invest in yourself (a class at your local college, a much needed retreat or vacation)? 

I encourage you to consider your priorities this week. Be honest with yourself. You may learn something. 

Photo Card

Fresh Floral Girl Baby Announcements

Shutterfly cards for Valentine's Day, Easter & Father's Day.

View the entire collection of cards.

Coaching Moment #197 The Winner: Kindness

#197 The Winner: Kindness

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. 

Coaching Moment #196 Caring for Yourself First

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.

#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.

Coaching Moment #195 Performance Review

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.

#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.

Coaching Moment #194 Ten for Ten

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.

#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.

Coaching Moment #193 Letter of Forgiveness

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.

#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.

Coaching Moment #192 Three-Week Challenge

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.

#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.

Coaching Moment #191 Comfort Foods

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.

#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.