She’s Gone and Lost Her Mind! The MAD Offer!

We’re Celebrating 2 years in Pittsburgh, as a full-time coach! (I always use “we” because I never get anywhere alone- there is always a team behind all that I do.)

Last year we sent whacky fliers with a photo of me when I was a few years old! The flier served as a thank you to our clients, friends and supporters. If memory serves, there was a little goodie in each bag also.

In celebrating this year, we’re making a most outrageous offer! I hope you are sitting down!

Pay what you think the session is worth! You read it right. Pay what you think the session is worth! Some restaurants are doing it, why not us too? Heck, we’ll try anything in the name of fun for ourselves and our clients!!!

The caveat: You must be a current or former Champion Member or coaching client to take advantage of this offer. And, you must call/email me before 4 PM on July 24, 2009 to make your appointments. You can have 1 or 2 1-hr sessions with this offer. All must take place in July or August. There are no reschedules allowed.

The loophole: (to keep it fair and FUN) You can become a “current Champion Member” by signing up for the Champions Series ($39 a month) at our website (www.spahrconsulting.com) by July 24, 2009, 4 PM. (See, we wouldn’t let you miss this chance!)

Everybody is talking about this offer! How on earth can she do it? Well, we’ve modeled it to be manageable, creative and above all else- a THANK YOU to our clients, friends and supporters for an amazing 2 YEARS! So, we’ll worry about the unaddressed details over the next month! YOU deserve this.

Email Overload?

"Would you like to join my mailing list?" How often do you hear this?

Worse is when merchants and vendors invite you to join a contest to disguise them adding you to their mailing list. I really hate this. I'd rather you just ask me.

I have two mailing lists- one for my coaching clients and others interested in coaching topics and another for my book fans, World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion (www.powletters.com). People choose to join them.

Occasionally someone will say, "oh, another list- I can't. I'm overwhelmed with lists and emails and the phone calls...."

Here's my recommendation to clean up your lists:

1. Look at each list that lands in your email for 30 days.
2. Do you even look at the email? If not, opt out (there is opt out instructions within the email, usually at the bottom).
3. What do you gain from the email? If nothing or little, opt out.


When considering joining a new list:

1. Find out if its email, postal mail or telephone calls that you'll receive from being on the list.
2. Is the list shared with like-merchants, vendors?
3. How often will you expect to receive correspondence?
4. What is your goal for being on the list? What do you hope to get out of it? (write it down)
5. When you get it- will you read it? If not, don't join on the assumption that you'll find time to read it someday.

The same guidance above goes for telephone calls that you receive from merchants. If you don't want to receive them anymore, request to be taken off their list (document that call) and ask how you got on their list to begin with (to follow up with other merchants/vendors).

Opting out can be the best thing you do to decrease your overload. Only opt in when you see the benefit to a list- and will take the time to read or enjoy it when it comes out.

Do You Take Responsibility for Other People's Actions?

Recently, I've been disturbed by the level of irresponsibility that exists. However, I'm not talking about on an individual level. I hope that we all accept individuals should be responsible for their actions (well, most individuals there are a few exceptions depending upon age and mental capacity). My upset has been more with the powers that oversee individuals, whether it be a company, a governmental agency, etc...

Your employees/contractors/volunteers... represent you. Your employees/contractors/volunteers... represent your company/city/board... Across all pay ranges and all titles you need to make sure these individuals are acting in a manner that you can be proud of (and bank on). YOU are at risk if they are not. Your company/city/board...is at risk if they are not.

You MUST have strong training programs in place (again, at all levels for everyone). You MUST have frequent examinations (by an outside or unknown party) to test that this training has been implemented. And, you MUST take immediate action when you identify an individual that is not upholding the mission, vision, and values of your work. There are no exceptions.

Remember, the smallest most insignificant interaction to you (or your employee) can turn a potential life-long customer/fan to your competitor. And, they will take all of their friends with them.

Is your "house" in order? Make it a priority for the next 90 days. You'll thank me for it.

Let Gas Prices Inspire You

Much of my life is spent in the car. I work from home two days a week but the majority of my work week is zooming around town meeting with clients.

The rising price of gas has inspired me in several ways.

It has spurred me into reviewing how I drive. The result is that now I plan my travel more carefully to include all my errands and meetings in one area on the same day.

It has also shaken me to take a better look at my own wastefulness in all other resource areas. The result is that I am trying to decrease my use of natural resources to only those I need when I need them.

Thirdly, it has fostered me in revisiting my price points for my business. The result is that some prices that include travel have gone up. While pricing for telephone coaching and office visits have gone done (a great benefit to cost conscious clients).

How have gas prices affected your business and your life overall?

I hope that rather than just be mad about the state of things you can look inward to what you can do to manage through these times. The results of such an examination may just enlighten you. I believe it has me.

So, You’re Getting Divorced… now what?

One in two marriages fails. It’s common. It’s no pleasant. And, it’s not your fault.

I say it’s not your fault (although you soon-to-be-ex-spouse might say it is) because there are so many variables in a marriage. There are outside influences as well. These variables and influences are often overwhelming- and over time- people realize that the “matching factors” that were once in place are no longer.

So, your marriage in ending. I’m not here to save that. I leave that to the therapists- and to you and your spouse. What I am here to do is to move you forward into a new beginning. It’s really a rebirth of you- your life as a single person. It’s hard and you should have help. Your friends will help. Your family too. But, I’d encourage you to hire a coach- an independent, outsider, focused solely on you to help you build the life you want, step by step.

As a coach, I help people weekly (daily if necessary) map out what they need to be doing (sometimes doing it with them) and what/how they need to be thinking to get them to their bright tomorrow. And, trust me, tomorrow is bright.

You are not a failure. Your marriage failed. I’m sure you made mistakes- but we all do- in all facets of our lives. That doesn’t make us a failure.

Get ready for your next adventure.

Do you Welcome or do you Alienate?

I often talk about some one's "inviting factor" which includes the ways we attract, invite, welcome and include other people.

Today I want to direct your attention to how "welcoming" you or your company is at inviting new hires and ensuring they have a pleasant and productive early experience with you.

How do you attract top talent? (Some companies do a great job at attracting you and post-hire forget to include the welcome wagon.) What do you do for new hires to orient them to you, your company, their teams, the city, etc...? What process do you have in place to ensure they have all that they need to get started on the right foot? Who's in charge of that process? Do you survey them (after hire and at exit) on the orientation and welcome process? You should.

I can tell you from personal experience that less than 10% of companies I've worked for/with and interacted with do a good-to-great job at welcoming new employees. They all think they do- but they don't. Some of the top companies in the world fail to help employees navigate a new city, assign a consultant (not a unmarried employee who is expected to "show them around") to ensure they find everything they need (new house, social activities, etc...), and in general help them to acclimate for the first 90 days.

I encourage you to consider the impression you make on a new hire when you fail to welcome him/her in the best fashion possible. Be the best. Hire the best. And, treat them well. They, in turn, will likely do the same for you.

Are You Interview Ready?

I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) the other day and they were discussing the number of interviewees who show up dressed inappropriately. It is in fact a huge problem. It prompted me to share some of the things I work with job seeking clients on.

Here are a few essentials:

Why are you targeting your prospective company/position/industry? Nail this down. Win them over with your story on why you want THEM.
Know your strengths and what you’d bring to the table that THEY want. Do your homework by talking to people in the firm. Understand what their model employee looks like (including what skills they have).
Dress for the position. Yes, I know. Your brilliance is not in your dress but in your head. But, at the end of the day you should LOOK like you deserve six figures- or I’d wonder why I’m paying you that.
When it comes time, negotiate your salary and benefits. Ladies, read this again. Negotiate your salary and benefits. Do not accept the first offer. Know your value, industry standards, and their usual pay structure.
Google yourself. They will have done so.

Here are some items that will kill you in an interview:
Talking poorly about your previous or current boss
Being ill prepared (not knowing about their company, people, industry)
Not taking the interview seriously (do you have a pen, notepad or laptop, and are you making them the center of your attention)
Expecting them to ignore your attire or look- or not care
Being too chatty
Dropping your manners
Making immediate friends and telling a non-professional story about yourself
Being too cocky

These things are just the beginning. The basics if you will. If this job is the one you want. Hire a coach. It doesn’t have to be me- just have a right hand in landing this one. Don’t lose it over a few bucks or a poor move that wasn’t planned or executed well.

Good luck. Now, get out there.

Let's talk or rather THINK WASTE

As you know, I often use my blog to share my own thoughts of the week. This is one of those blogs.

This week I've had a number of enlightening moments. I've thought more about the bigger picture than just the day to day, ins and outs of my workweek. I try to build this reflection time into my time, often. After all, many of my clients come to me because they want to focus on the bigger picture rather than the day to day affairs.

One of this week's epiphanies came when I thought about the many environmental issues in the news and on many of our minds. I don't' consider myself an environmentalists. I never really thought about labeling myself in that regard. But, I can see the draw. I respect the movement and what it hopes to do.

I thought about my own waste. (I often work with people on wasted time or energy.) I realized that I produce an average amount of waste (garbage) for the households on my block. But, it still is too much. I thought back to the landfill photos I've seen in my life. I asked myself, "if the garbage you put out each week (for the waste management staff to pick up) had to remain in your backyard for 3 months (let alone 3 years!), how would that change what you throw away?" It would significantly change the way I viewed garbage. I decided that I need to be more cognizant of what I discard, where it is going and how long it will have to be there.

This thought process then took me to the tiny things I can do in my own home to reduce my waste. For instance, I use paper over, until both sides are used/printed on. (Because I do like to print things to read- and haven't yet gotten in the habit of only reading on the computer screen.) I also use the library more often to borrow rather than own many of my reading materials, music cds, and movies. And, I pay attention to water usage in my home- in all ways and attempt to reduce water consumption.

The list could go on but I have to now get in the car and drive to an appointment (and yes, I've also rethought my driving routines).

I encourage you to think about the bigger picture this week. Any picture. Just think outside your day to day life and ponder something. Then, share your thoughts with someone and have a discussion about it.

Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts via this blog. Remember, your coach is also a normal gal who has experiences like the rest of you.

Not Everyone Likes You: Get over it

In a perfect world we'd like everyone to like us and buy our products or services (or hire us). However, as intelligent beings with some business and life experiences, we know this isn't the case.

People like us for different reasons. People will take interest in our product, service (or want to hire us) for different reasons. People are finicky.

You can control 9 out of 10 variables that make people like you. But you can't control them all. You also can't gage exactly what each customer, boss, spouse, etc.. will want at every given moment. You can do well in your guessing. But, don't aim for perfection. You'll be sorely disappointed.

Don't weigh your success on everyone liking you or buying what you have to offer. Weigh your success on your accomplishments, your testimonials from those you work with and for, your attitude and your value to those you aim to serve.

I'll give you a loose example:

I just received (June 2008) my first less-than-stellar book review since publishing in December 2007. At first, by nature, I was put off. But 30 seconds later I laughed out loud. What kind of author would I be or what kind of book would I have WITHOUT at least one bad review? It wouldn't be real without at least one! I felt as though I had arrived as an author. The review brought me to a place I had not been- it made me feel something. These non-fans keep it real for us.

Do what you do- for you and for a very targeted audience. What you do is not for EVERYONE. Let's leave that work to the politicians.

Learn to Prepare

Learn to Prepare... and reap the rewards

As I spent the weekend working in my garden, a moment came where I was reminded of a recent conversation with a client on preparation. He and I were discussing preparations for next years busy season (he's a tax specialist). What could he do now to prepare for next year to ease his hectic work schedule. There was a list a mile long.

As I gardened, I realized that I could have organized my materials weeks or months in advance to make the most of the time I was spending planting and pruning. I would have rather spent all of my time enjoying the warm sunshine rather than rummaging through the basement and shed looking for those essentials that were somehow scattered amongst boxes, hangers and piles. I spent the winter months reading and writing- which are two of my loves- but I could have also carved out a little time to prepare.

What can you prepare for? What seasonal projects are at hand, personally or professionally that you can prepare for now? The prep time will likely make your "busy season" go smoother and make you feel more in control. Who doesn't love that?

Happy seeding.

Coaching VS Therapy

I am often asked about the differences between coaching and therapy. I imagine that each coach and therapist would answer this question somewhat differently depending upon their approach and background. As a psychologist, researcher and business professional here is my answer to that very good question- from my perspective as a life coach.

Life Coaching
Foundation
o Goals and actions oriented
Frequency
o Daily, weekly or monthly
Focus
o Planned course of actions and steps
Duration
o Determined amount of time (average 3-6 months)
Approach
o Actions and mindset review
Location
o Flexible location or via telephone


Therapy
Foundation
o Thoughts and feelings oriented
Frequency
o Weekly, biweekly or Monthly
Focus
o Fluid and flexible sessions
Duration
o Long-term
Approach
o Varies, may involve medications
Location
o Therapist office appointments

Can you have both?
Yes, I sometimes work with clients who are already working with a therapist. Often these relationships are on-going and long-standing. Their bond and working relationship has developed to focus on various areas of their lives- typically from the angle of exploring their thoughts and feelings. My work is not meant in any way to interfere with that relationship or the progress taking place. In fact, coaching is meant to further develop the client’s progress and success by working with them on a step-by-step action plan to get them toward specific goal achievement. Doing so may require an interdisciplinary approach which could include both a therapist and a coach.

How can I make more money? Its easy. Really.

What’s an EASY and QUICK way to improve your business and make more money?

Be a great referral so that people enjoy referring you! If you don’t do what you do well or if people don’t like you – you are not a great referral. I’m sorry, but the truth hurts sometimes.

Now, how can you ensure that you are a GREAT referral?

I’ll give you two basics...
Take stock in what you are offering.
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.

Take stock in what you are offering.
Make a list of your products and/or services? Did you include exceptional customer service as an offering? You should have- but ONLY if you really strive for it. To strive for it you must first define it and know how to include it in your business. Remember, it’s not only what we sell but how we do it that matters. In fact, it can matter more how you sell and follow up than the widget you offer. To begin taking stock in what you offer answer the following questions:
What does customer service mean to your staff? (Don’t ask them rather observe them- get a mystery shopper if you have to)
Do they share your philosophy on how to treat clients?
Do you know how your clients feel about your last interaction with them? (If not, ask them today)
How often do your clients refer you to their friends? (If they don’t you have a problem)
Do you have repeat customers? What percentage? (If you don’t or its under 80%, you have a problem)

Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
None of us are. However, that is not an excuse to be mediocre. Every unsatisfied customer you have is a failure- on you and your company. Sure, there are jerks everywhere and once in a while you’ll find you did your absolute best and someone wasn’t happy. But, that is often not the case. More likely, you or your staff FAILED to understand the customer’s needs, keep in touch, follow up, establish a great rapport, and/or deliver an outstanding product or service ON TIME. If you did, you would have had a happier customer- and a win- for you and your company.

To learn about your own imperfections do the following:

Follow up with every non-repeat customer you have and ask them how you could have done better. (Remember, it’s not personal, it’s business. Put your armor on- this may hurt.)
From each follow up, create a lesson learned and recommendation to improve.
Constantly assess you and your staffs communication skills, industry knowledge and dedication to the business. Everyone should be interested in growth (in all ways) and improvement- when that exists your company will be better for it.

First Impressions- They Matter!

You’re busy right? Too busy to make the right first impression on people?

If someone were to see you coming and going from your home, mid-day having lunch (or a café latte) or closing the day near dinner time- what would they see? Recognize that what they see dictates their impression of who you are- and how well you might be doing your job (or not).

Most people want others to see them as attractive, “put together”, organized, smart, and more than capable of performing their job. Would someone see those attributes if they peeked into your car? Your home? Your office? Keep in mind, these areas are simply extensions of who you are …and they matter!

Pull yourself together! Wash your car! Clean up your home and office! Buy a new wardrobe- one that is in this decade! If you are too busy, pay someone else to do it!

You’ll be better for it- and the impression people have about you will start to improve. Unless, you like being the “great guy but what a mess he is” kind of person. Very few people want to do business with a sloppy or disorganized person. Unconsciously and consciously we link sloppiness and disorganization with an inability to do one’s job WELL.

This impression also includes the way we speak, pay attention, and generally interact with others. But, let’s just get started with the simple stuff.

Ladies Stay Away from Mr. Thomas

Lisa Speaking:
Whether its Clarence or Isaiah, sexual harassment in the workplace is a very real and very serious experience as well as an egregious accusation. Since joining the ranks of the working force, women have experienced sexual harassment. We also have cases of women filing erroneous cases of harassment for various motives. Someone could perceive harassment that isn’t there. And yet still others will continue to work in sexually harassing workplaces for many other reasons. I am also quite certain that the number of men being sexually harassed in the workplace will rise, as more women enter leadership positions and chose to behave inappropriately with or toward their male subordinates.

Sadly, I have to say that some of these experiences rise from the inability of women (collectively) to recognize how their own behaviors with male colleagues permits an environment which teeters on the border between “overly-friendly, girly, flirty…” to sexually inappropriate. These interactions make it difficult for other women to be respected in the workplace. Those women are often referred to as “prudes” if they don’t giggle, welcome glances at their legs or backsides and encourage language that, again, goes to the border of inappropriate. I do recognize that the balance is difficult. We shouldn’t have to be asexual when in the workplace but at the same time we are all responsible for our behaviors in the workplace. And, those behaviors contribute to the workplace environment that others are subjected to. Although the balance is hard, it doesn’t mean you can ignore it.

Your Coach Speaking:
Evaluate the climate in your own office. Are you on the border? How so?
How could what you say or how you behave be perceived as sexual harassment? (Really think about this before you say “it can’t”)
Are you being harassed in the office? If you think so, talk to two separate people about it (outside the office). What do they say? Seek help if you need it. It may require you setting more limits or having a casual conversation with the person involved. It doesn’t have to rise to the level of legal action in many cases.
Are you the sex kitten I refer to above, who men in the office love? Could you be supporting an environment that offends and harasses others? You may not care- until you are called into the courtroom – or loose your job.

Act responsibly and professionally at all times. We are all counting on you.