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.

Look Your Absolute BEST Today.. and reap the benefits

Why do we always WAIT to be our best?

How many times have you heard someone say, "When I lose 10 lbs, I'm going to..." or "When I get that promotion and raise, I'm going to..."

I say, make today, make NOW, your best and enjoy it as though you are 10 lbs lighter or you have that promotion. Its amazing how when you act like you have it- you get it!

Let me give you an example I see all the time (and you will too if you just look out for it):

I'm in a cafe (swap out store of any kind, street in anywhere USA, you get the point) and I see a beautiful woman. She has on a gorgeous piece of jewelry or is dressed to kill (no matter the hour) and has a smile on her face. She takes great pride in what she looks like and treats herself well. Do you have an image? Describe her yourself.

Now, how much does she weigh? What is her title? It doesn't matter! The point is she's a knock out and she knows it. She took the body she had this morning upon waking up and dressed it up. She then added a splash of great attitude and an award-winning smile. She gets it! And, so do I.

I happen to be sporting 2 very unsightly blemishes as I type. I have plateaued in my weight loss (down 50+ pounds in 2 years) and need to lose at least 20 more. But, I don't care. Not today. Those "issues" don't make "me". On the plus side, I have an outstanding pedicure, an outfit that makes me shine .. and I still treat everyone like rock stars (even the man who parks my car). That makes "me".

I encourage you to treat yourself today to one piece of clothing, jewelry, a seminar, a book ... something that will make you feel like a million bucks. Wear it, read it, say it proudly and worry more about dressing up what you have than gaining or losing what you don't.

Look for someone gorgeous around you and compliment them. It comes back. It always does.

Enjoy today. Enjoy YOU.

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.

Start with the Family

When you have a big decision to make, where do you turn?

Many of us turn to our families, partners, spouses, etc....

Companies too have recognized the importance of involving families in life's decisions. They often invite families to tour their facilities and become more involved in the employees work life. They realize that a happy and healthy family often equates to a happier and more productive employee - who may stay longer than a few years.

Companies also involve families in promotional decisions, restructuring, etc...- because they are already involved at home during "dinner-table talk". They realize that involving spouses and partners in the discussion early on will foster a better outcome (no matter what the decision).

I believe the military was one of the pioneers in this process of involving families to foster a more satisfied home-work environment. They have had groups for spouses and families for decades to support and encourage more familial involvement in the culture of the workforce. Companies are now refining this process to suit their own needs- and that of their employees.

So, if you hire, fire, restructure, etc... remember to involve the family behind the employee. They'll help to make the transition more successful- and your company will shine for it!

To Pantyhose or Not to Pantyhose?

Do you remember the chaos incited by the young women who wore flip flops to the White House? Well, there is an equal yet more career damning discussing underway- and has been underway for some time via whispers in the office. Should professional women have to wear pantyhose in the office? (The "have to" isn't meant to denote a written rule mind you.)

The issue has a number of strong opponents and proponents. One class you might not realize is that of our senior women in the workplace. Many of whom couldn't fathom a more unladylike issue pertaining to attire. (Well, they could really. But for the sake of this argument lets remain focused.)

Generational differences between working women can cause havoc in the workplace. Especially, if one of the seniors happens to be in charge of your performance evaluation- or have the ear of the person who is.

Dress, language, vehicle of correspondence (email versus formal letters- and don't mention mobile device "overuse or abuse"!) and aggressiveness (sometimes called assertiveness) are some of the areas where our senior and younger generations conflict.

The answer to wearing pantyhose in your workplace is ultimately up to you. I encourage you to (1) know yourself (2) know your boss/es (3) know your customers (4) recognize the workplace climate do's and don'ts (and consequences for not following them) and (5) talk with fellow employees about the issue (youth and seniors alike) to get their feedback.

The larger issue at hand here is opening the lines of communication between our senior and youth colleagues. Develop mentor programs that pair them up and foster healthy dialogue about workplace issues. Its like a good marriage, it may be spiked with a little conflict here and there but its all in how you handle the conflict that matters. Respect has to be a two-way street for it to work well.

For your information (FYI)- as a coach, business owner and confident woman, I choose to go pantyhose-free during the warm months. And, I never wear them with pants. In fact, I wear more pants in the colder months to avoid the circulation-denying, rubber band-ed-ness, itchy issue all together. ;)

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.

Say NO to Quitting via Email

I was meeting with a referral partner this morning who commented about employees leaving jobs via email notification. What?

Is it ever a good idea to send an email to your boss saying, "I'm quitting."

No. The answer is absolutely no.

What were you thinking? Why do people believe this avoidance of confrontation and lack of professionalism approach is acceptable- ever?

Can you call up your last three bosses and have a friendly genuine chat with them? If not, lets talk.

Sure there might have been a bad boss along the way who didn't deserve proper and professional notice- but you owe it to yourself to be bigger than that. Your reputation stands on the line in this situation. Your reputation is one of the greatest assets you have. Don't lose it over your need to make a quick line to the exit.

Do the right thing.

Quit with style, integrity -keep your professional demeanor.

Email is NOT good for some things. This is one of them.

Call or email me before your exit- don't make the situation worse. You ARE smarter than that!

"I can't tie my shoes, but I have a great memory!"

I am rarely at a loss for words.

The other day I was giving a talk at a retirement home, on my book World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion (2008). There were two "Spahr's" there. Wow. I've not met any other Spahr's in the Pittsburgh area until then. But my surprise didn't end there.

The lady of the pair took my breath away after my talk, as a few of us were conversing. She was born premature, 2 lbs in fact; lives with cerebral palsy; lost all of her family members with one exception; and has been in a wheelchair all of her life. But her mind, is as sharp as a tack!

I commented on her memory at one point as she mentioned someone else's birthday (in a facility with more than 100 people!) and she said, "I can't tie my shoes, but I have a great memory!" And, on her cue we all laughed.

This woman is ON! She's GOT IT! She has greater spirit than most people I meet on a daily basis. She has not allowed any handicap to hinder her life or the quality of her life. I learned so much from her in a mere hour.

She is happily married and has found wonder and amazement in each moment in life. She takes nothing for granted.

Wow. What an amazing woman! If I can be half that in this lifetime I'll be satisfied!

Who have you learned a valuable lesson from lately?

Visit a retirement center near you today! Take the kids! You'll be amazed at what you learn.

Don't Volunteer Your Business Away

Last week I had the honor of being a panelist at a seminar titled "Getting Paid What You're Worth". The seminar was sponsored by the Pittsburgh Professional Women organization.

Women, much more than men, appear to have greater difficultly limiting their "freebies", volunteering and other give-aways. By default we are nurturers, givers and the ones to sacrifice when necessary. But, once we put on a business hat we have to redefine ourselves.

Saying no to others is a great start to saying yes to you and your business. Say that out loud. Saying no to others is a great start to saying yes to you and your business.

Here are three tips:

• Limit your volunteering. (I only volunteer for one effort at a time. If its a year commitment- then I don't volunteer for anything else during that year.)
• Limit your freebies to those that are likely to REALLY lead to future work and GREAT connections. (Identify what a freebie is and keep them tightly managed.)
• Make sure you are spending the majority of your time doing what you are good at, loving it and GETTING PAID FOR IT. If not, its time for a critical analysis of your business and your strategies.

Can you have multiple coaches?

A prospective client asked me "Can you have multiple coaches?" What a great question.

I must admit I had to ponder this one for a minute. My answer was "yes" but what was the foundation for that answer?

I began by thinking about myself. I have a racquetball coach. He helps me work on my game and specific court tactics. I have mentors (who are coaches) who help me in various facets of my life and business. So, the more I thought about it, I realized that I and others have "teams" of people who help us succeed in multiple areas of our lives. Whether or not they are called "coach" is somewhat irrelevant. They are coaches in practice. They guide us, mentor us, advise us....

Let's look at it as if it were shopping - you have different stores that you go to for different things. I go to Caesar's in Shadyside for jewelry. I go to TJ Maxx (I'm outing myself here) for almost all clothing. And, I go to DSW for shoes. We know where to go for certain things.

Where do you go for mental stimulation? Where do you go to learn about growing your business? Or, working on yourself (relationships, communication, intelligence)?

Who's on your team?

I highly encourage you to take stock in your team. Add who you need to for further development in all facets of your life. And, thank them for being on your team. You may think its all roses but its likely not. Being a good mentor, coach, advisor can be taxing. Sometimes we have to tell you things you don't want to hear.

Cleaning Up After the Death of a Loved One

Organizing has become a huge industry. In this high-stress hectic world of a 50+ hour workweek, demand for family and personal time, and the need to make the most of our time- people have turned to places like Ikea, the Container Store and others to manage their household goods.

This trend is evident in many American homes and magazines. The one place that it is often absent is the homes of our parents and grandparents. The challenge will come at one of the worst times of our lives.

What will your life be like when your parent/s or grandparent/s pass away? Outside of the emotional distress of the situation you are likely to face a home or multiple homes full of things. Things that may make their way to your home for temporary storage - until YOU manage to sort and distribute them. This will be another area ripe for stress between you and your siblings, spouse and/or children. The process could take months- perhaps even years.

What can you do?
One, encourage everyone you know to have a will. In my will I note where I want "things" to go- even clothing. I share my legal documents and wishes with all of the people involved with such- before they really need to act on that information. I allow them to ask questions. I make it an issue more of preparation and easing their burden than a grim talk of the inevitable.

Two, have a plan in place if YOU find yourself in this situation. Know the local resources that will liquidate "things" in an estate sale and the charity shops and organizations that will pick things up at your door.

Three, identify the treasures in someones life that you would cherish- that necklace that Aunt Grace wore all of the time, that wrap that Mother always had available, Father's favorite book.... Everything else should become a treasure in someone else's family/home. Get rid of the things that won't be cherished by your forever. Don't allow 2-3 households of stuff to live under your roof. Give a gift to each child/relative but find peace with getting rid of the rest. If you sell the items, give the money to the deceased favorite charity.

This is an inevitable yet tough situation to think about- but you'll do yourself so much good if you do. Families benefit from planning. Do your part today.

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.

Strengthen the Economy- one job at a time

We’ve all heard that we’re facing a recession. Whether to believe it or not is not the purpose of this blog. To see where you can impact your local economy is.

One. Recognize that spending habits have changed. People owe their lives to banks these days. How much do you have on credit cards? Yet, I bet you are still planning to take a nice holiday this year? I don’t fault you for that (I’m planning my own) but I do encourage you to evaluate your spending habits and your debt to income ratios very carefully. Make three commitments to yourself, your wallet and your responsibilities as to how you can improve over the next three months.

Two. Evaluate how you make money. What do you do best? And, how much time do you spend doing what you do best? I’ll bet that the thing that makes you the most money gets less than 25% of your time. For instance, say you have a job where your raise is based on you hitting your target. The more you surpass your target the more you make. If you just make your target you think you won, but I’d argue that you missed making more money by not going further. You probably got lost in (a) the target was too low and (b) you were spending your time pushing a lot of paper or running errands when you could have been out there making money with new clients.

So, how is this helping the economy you say? I’m getting there. It’s all about outsourcing. Outsource the things that you don’t do spectacularly. Outsource the things that take your time away from what you do well- and what makes your money grow. Spend a little to get more.

Hire a house cleaner. Hire a virtual assistant. Hire someone to wash your car once a week. Buy your time- literally, by paying for someone else’s.

Sure, I could do my taxes on my own but the time and aggravation are not worth it to me. I’d rather pay an expert in the field and then spend my time (and ease of mind) playing racquetball. Okay, Okay, so I don’t make money playing racquetball but I do build my confidence, keep myself in shape and have a great time doing it. All of that helps me to be my best when I face my clients- which does make me money.

Happy outsourcing. Happy Money. Happy Economy. Oh, and Happy Vacationing. Have one on me.

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.

Income Tax Checks are Coming! What will you do?

I was commenting to my boyfriend that I was surprised that someone who avoided spending money for the last 6 months was all of a sudden eager to do so (almost on fire to do so). I was perplexed at their sudden change of heart. He reminded me that it was income tax time and people are getting their checks. Oh, thats right. That short dialogue dictates this blogging moment.

As your refund check is being processed you are likely to have a few ideas as to how you'll spend it. Likely answers include a vacation, home improvement or paying off debt. Perhaps a hybrid of the three.

Where do YOU factor into your refund?

I suppose the vacation is for YOU and those you love. A well-earned treat to yourself to receive a little R & R. Thats good, although temporary and short-lived. You'll have the pictures.

A home improvement is a good idea. After all, you live there. You should be happy in your home. You spend a few hours a day there (after you subtract your commute, work hours, etc...). And, this is an investment in the property. Hopefully the market will turn for sellers when you are ready to sell and make good on your investment.

Paying off debt is a necessity. Most of us have it. And, our financial advisors (which I recommend everyone have) help us to see smart ways to pay it all off in a reasonable time period. But, while you are paying that off are you racking up more? (for another blog I suppose) Although paying down debt is an investment in self, in some way, its still not in line with what I'm going to advocate you do with your refund, or part of it anyhow.

Conventionally we know that we can spend 2.5 times our income on our home purchase; 25% of our monthly salary on our home and home related costs; 2 times our monthly salaries on engagement rings for the person we love; and give at least 10% (in love) to our church. So, how do we know how much to invest in ourselves? Who is supposed to tell us that? I will.

Quote me on this if you like.

I firmly believe you need to spend at least 15% of your salary on YOURSELF. This includes a gym membership (and you need to go), education (of any type- just learn something), health and wellness benefits (such as massage and nutrition), and self improvement (surprise, like coaching or reading a great book a month- and applying its lessons).

A recent Pittsburgh Business Times article noted that for every $1 invested by companies in employee wellness programs, they received $1.85 back in benefits (and the absence of lost work hours/days). By investing in yourself you'll enjoy your vacations and home more, earn more money and reduce your debt in smart ways.

Let me give you an example. When my wallet is tight I hit the gym more. Why? Because I'm paying for my membership whether I go or not. I may as well go. Going to the gym helps me to look and feel better. When my confidence is boosted and my stress is down I earn more money because I'm more attractive to prospective clients. We all win when I take care of myself.

The worst thing you can do for yourself is cut back on YOUR allowance when things get challenging. You have to ensure YOU are putting your best self forward to handle all of the other things. To do that you have to be in top shape (mind, body and soul).

So, when that check comes in, I challenge you to dedicate at least 15% of it to yourself. Take a class, join a gym, take a meditative retreat, join a book club- get a coach!

Allow a Coach a Little Rant Now and Then

I'm only human. I, too, have opinions that I really am bursting to share that fall outside of the coaching sphere. Please allow me a few minutes.

Health care- the demon that it is.

I'm not one that goes on about a universal health care system. I lived in the UK and took part in their system and found it to be adequate but I've not designed or even in concept dreamed up a perfect system for the U.S. I've always worked (since the age of 12) and since the age of 18 have always carried health care via my workplace or paid for it independently- without much gripes.

But fast forward to today. 2008. I'm a budding entrepreneur who has achieved a fair amount of success in several fields and I enjoy my work immensely. I pay for my health care monthly and don't mind the cost- with few exceptions. (they barely cover me unless I'm in a catastrophe and customer service is appalling- oh and did I mention they don't cover me if I get SICK?)

I needed to make an appointment for an annual exam. Although they will likely only pay $10 for such exam (my exaggeration is coming alive- watch out) I still wanted to use them as we are supposed to. So, I checked the website and found 50 people in my area (a medium size city) who are a part of my health care plan and can complete my exam. I made my long and short lists via my discriminators and then called the top 5. One only takes cancer patients. Ironic because cancer isn't covered by my insurance FOR ME although I am at an elevated risk. She won't take me because I don't have cancer (perhaps YET is the word to insert here). Another can't get me in until June (its February). .. the ugliness continues. Finally, one of my five can take me within a month and I can only hope that I like her. Wish me luck. Also wish me luck for finding parking - for there is none around her.

All of this chaos has forced me to adopt a goal for 2008 (my 2008 plan which I designed in Winter of 2007). I resolve to pay outright for my health care rather than be abused by insurance companies and pay them for such abuse. I hope to institute this goal by the end of 2008 or 2009 at the latest. But, I promise you this, this goal will be a major goal area of mine until it is achieved. I encourage people to be grounded in the rationale for their goals. This one will NOT be a problem for me. I am angry and insulted enough to make it happen.

Your coach-
Lisa (a human with issues like everyone else)

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.

Let's talk about love!

As Valentine's Day approaches I felt the need to explore love and partnering.

I often have discussions with friends about our age of internet dating. Has it made dating easier or harder? What has it done for the concept of dating, mating, falling in love and living in the proverbial happily ever after? I think that we all know someone that has fallen madly in love via the keyboard but we also know many more who have tried every online dating site known to man and still sit at home alone on Fridays.

As a woman, as a coach, and as a person who has done all of the above (minus the happily ever after- which is still to come I hope) I have to caution people to first examine what they are looking for, why and how will they proceed to find what they are looking for.

Do you want a date, a spouse, a friend, or a romp in the hay? You likely want a combination of them.

Ask yourself:

• How are you presenting yourself?
• Why do you make a good friend, lover or date?
• Where are you looking?
• What criterion are you using to find Mr/Ms. Right, Friend, Lover, or other?
• Why is that criterion important to you?
• Are you missing out on living life because you are so busy looking for someone to share it with?

My recommendations:

• Do the things YOU love.
• Get off the couch. Get away from the desk. GET OUT THERE!
• Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Like your portfolio- DIVERSIFY!
• Be OPEN to meeting people and doing new things.
• Be INVITING to others.
• Take good care of YOURSELF. (When is the last time you bought yourself something new and sexy?)
• Let people know you are in the MARKET for love! (Networking works in this arena too!)
• Get to KNOW 5 people around you. Ask them where and how they met their love.
• Go on one date a week- even if its not with the PERFECT person. YOU aren't perfect for them either. (Yeah, I said it!)
• RE-EXAMINE what you are looking for. What do you want in the next year for yourself? Does s/he fit in that vision? Why or why not?
• LAUGH more.
• ASK others more about themselves.
• TRY to find commonalities you have with others.
• Be NICE.
• Remember that BARBIE and KEN are PLASTIC.

My next blog will be about how to tell if s/he is a great lover. Tune in! ;)

Happy V-Day to all of you- lovers and singles alike.

Your coach in love.

Lisa Spahr

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.