They're Talking About Me!

Yesterday I was sharing a few quick emails with a client who needed immediate advice. At the end of our conversation, when I suggested we move our session to today- to most effectively manage the issue, she responded with, "Thanks Lisa! I really appreciate you."  Exchanges like that never cease to touch me.

So, I thought I'd share another client comment (which I'll do occasionally on this blog).

I've known Lisa Spahr for over a year now and have been participating in the Champions Series since its inception in 2008. It has been a great pleasure working with her over the past year. She is professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. I have made a lot of progress over the past year because of her incredible dedication to my success. Because of her unconditional support, I have really come much more into my own than I otherwise would have. She has been instrumental in helping me express more of who I really am in every area of my life. It's not that she specifically coached me to do this; it's just been an added bonus I've experienced in working with her.


The Champions Series is an absolute steal. I have Lisa on my team for a nominal monthly fee and get the benefit of her insights and perspective on a monthly basis. Through this program I have also been introduced to many wonderful people in terms of their character and expertise.

Lisa Spahr is incredibly generous in a multitude of ways. She is always willing to help in any way she can. When I told her I wanted to become a coach, she generously and wholeheartedly supported me in the development of my own practice, even referring potential clients to me. Lisa is absolutely awesome, and I have been very blessed to have her as my life coach.

- Bill Frase

There is nothing more powerful than a satisfied client who shared his/her great experience with others.

Enjoying a Shut-In!

This weekend has given many on the East Coast an opportunity to relax at home due to a major storm that has come through. Pittsburgh received 21 inches and my family in York reports more than 2 feet.

I love times like this. It reminds me of those few times in my life we’ve had significant snow falls. It also allows us to stay at home and enjoy time unwinding, reading, talking, cooking, etc… all those things we say we’ll do but never seem to make the time for. (This is assuming you are comfortable and have heat and power.)

Some people find this time really unnerving. They are so used to being on the go they have no idea how to stand still. They are uncomfortable with too much time at home.

If this is you, I strongly encourage you to create an environment that will help you enjoy the time more in the future. You can try the following to ease the discomfort:

 Fill your space (home) with things you enjoy: books, games, scents, dvds, a yoga mat, a treadmill, favorite recipes (with the associated stock to make them)
 Ensure you have access to emergency materials should you need them (blankets, candles, a battery powered radio)
 Keep a list of home-bound projects you’ve been meaning to get to
 Start something new… write, draw, paint, sing, dance…. So something that is out of your norm but may prove enlightening and even allow you to discover a new passion
 Call a friend and spend more time on the phone than you can remember doing in years (after all, there is nothing pressing pulling you away)
 Plan your year…. Vacations, goals, finances….

I personally enjoyed spending one of my shut-in days in my pjs… all day. I read everything from books to magazines. I cleaned up a few shelves that needed attention. Snuggled with my husband. And, played with the dogs in the snow. I cooked and did a little, very little, cleaning… come to think of it; it was a typical weekend for me. I’ve gotten pretty good at doing things I enjoy and not working every minute of the day. The only difference was not being able to jump in the car and run an errand. That library book will get back there one day…. No rush.

Enjoy your shut-in time. Its natures way of bringing us back to focus.

And, then you can enjoy the outings all the more. Join me at Oakmont Library this Tuesday evening. See a previous blog post with all of the details and link.

How Many Times Do I Need to Ask?!

I advocate all of my clients, as I do myself, clean out their email boxes. Rid yourself and your box of those lists that you subscribed to eons ago and never read. Sure, you mean to get to them … but you never do. Stop spending precious time receiving, reading the sender and subject line, agonizing over when you’ll get to read them and moving on to the next (without deleting!). Just unsubscribe. Do it today.

All reputable lists and businesses have unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of their messages. Some may be a link to take you somewhere to unsubscribe and others may ask you reply and type “unsubscribe” in the message line. Either way, do it. If the instructions are not there, reply or ask the associated administrator (you can normally find him/her listed on their message or website) to unsubscribe you. Its not personal folks. Its time management. And, it is National Time Management Month.

I was very perturbed this week by two different entities who continue to send me mail even though I have unsubscribed – at least twice to both! One, I’ve attempted to unsubscribe no less than 4 times via their stated channels at the base of their email. And, still I get emails… month after month. Before calling upon our finest at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), I figured I’d give them one final email to request an unsubscribe (to a personal email box at the entity) noting my multiple attempts to unsubscribe. Funny thing is that I remember an email being sent by one of the members about 2 years ago (to all) screaming about how s/he has asked to unsubscribe multiple times to no avail. So, they blasted the group shaming them. I feel their pain.

As someone who mails out messages via lists (multiple ones) I take it very seriously. I try not to clog anyone’s box with someone I wouldn’t want myself. I also respect everyone’s time management and changing interests and welcome unsubscribes (although I am also sorry to see them go).

Businesses and entities don’t realize how their failed systems, or lack of care for members needs, jeopardizes them far greater than an email communication. When we ask for assistance or make a request and its not handled we lose faith in the products and services of that entity. We also get disgusted at their poor oversight and management. Do you dare think we’d entertain using them in the future… for anything?

Keep cleaning those in boxes. Unsubscribe and note who and when you unsubscribed to a list. If you get another communication, directly email someone related to that group and share your experience and second your request. If that doesn’t work check out the FCC website and file a complaint.

Join me at the Oakmont Library February 9th at 6:30 PM

I am a frequent visitor to the library. I get my weekly and monthly reading at the library. I pick up my workout DVDs there too. And, I even grab some music cds from time to time to mix up my own collection.

But, on February 9th, I'll be at the library for a different reason. I'll be sharing the story that I've told countless times over the last two years, and am honored to do so. I hope you'll join me to hear a great story from WWII involving the power of strangers reaching out to POW families. If you haven't heard me tell it yet, you won't want to miss it. If you have, come on out anyway and breathe in the refreshing story again- there are too many days without those moments. Take time to appreciate the power we have to help one another.

Tuesday, 6:30 -7:30 PM, Carnegie Library at Oakmont, Oakmont PA (yes, where the U.S. Open was a few years back)
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=Oakmont

If not for this event, head to your local library in the next week. Explore the opportunities. They need us as much as we need them.

Brain Training at Any Age

We know the importance of physical exercise, and we do it minimally (most of us). But, do you know the importance of keeping your brain health optimum? I encourage you to look at the 40-year old that you know who can’t remember anything. Or, sadly, the 65 year old who had to go into a nursing home way too soon because she wasn’t sure who her relatives were that were caring for her.

I beg you not to take your brain for granted. You only get one. And, thus far there isn’t liposuction for the brain the way there is for the thighs if you fail to care for yourself properly. Sure, there are medications but do you really want to add another pill to the regiment and chance the side effects for minimal benefits?

If you take your brain seriously, and you should at any age, then I suggest the following start today and continue each day or at least each week for 3 months. Report on your progress throughout- in a journal- and then decide if it’s a good idea to keep it up. Ask yourself how you feel overall? How’s your memory on a 1-5 scale? Do you feel “sharper”?

 Incorporate more antioxidants into your died (an example, blueberries)
 Take a 30 minute walk every day
 Talk to someone each day via telephone or in-person (try to vary the conversation and really get into a good chat about something new and thought provoking)
 Learn to play a new game or instrument (chess, bridge, or the guitar are examples)
 Brush your teeth with your opposite hand each day
 Drive a new way to work or a leisure activity
 Look for new things to do and new people to talk to (about a topic new to you)
 Look for challenging and really engaging activities that require focus, concentration, attention, and strategy- and let them get harder as you master them

Here’s to your brain health!

Childhood Returns in a Welcomed Flash

Bear with me as I set the stage for this short story.

It was my husband’s turn to make dinner (yes, I am delighted I enjoy my life with someone who welcomes shared labor in the household) and I was working late. He was planning to make spaghetti squash but it didn’t turn out so well. So, he opted for old fashioned pasta spaghetti. I enjoyed it but felt something was missing. Was it a salad? I didn’t know. The meal just felt incomplete.

I had not had spaghetti in years. I couldn’t recall the last time. As I was reheating some for lunch the next day it dawned on me to grab the whole wheat bread too. I suddenly desired a piece of buttered bread with my warm spaghetti. It was like magic, I took the buttered bread and put some spaghetti on it and folded it over like a sandwich. Ah, yes, it all came back to me. This is how my mom and I used to eat spaghetti when I was a kid. Spaghetti wasn’t spaghetti without some buttered bread to wrap it up into!

Thanks Mom (who I know reads my blog religiously) for the fun food habit that came to me more than 20 years later. When it’s good…. It’s just good. 

Enjoy those moments when yesteryear floods you. Relish in the days gone by. I sure did. And, I’ll likely eat a little more spaghetti in the future too.

Join me Saturday, January 30th, at the Cavanaugh Bride Show from 12-2:30 PM

Planning my wedding was one of the most exciting times of my life. I loved nearly every minute of it. People are often surprised to learn that my planning was virtually stress-free and wildly enjoyable. There were no bridezilla moments or feverish running around. It was designed that way.

As you probably know by now, we took those planning secrets and put them in our newest book, The Coach's Guide to Wedding Planning.

I'm excited to announce I'll be signing copies of the Guide at Kelli Burns DJ Entertainment Booth #115 at the Cavanaugh Bride Show on January 30th from 12-2:30 PM. I hope you'll join me.

If you haven't yet met Kelli, who was our DJ extraordinare at our grand affair, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Next Champions Series Call January 26th: Business Tools and Resources

The Champions Series Conference Call will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2009


12:00 – 1:00 PM

Resources for Success

Owning your own business can be tough. Finding the right partners and attracting the right clients can be a long process. This seminar will identify resources to help you succeed in your own business or support your career and new directions. We’ll feature local, national, international, in-person and online resources that can positively impact your goals.


The Champions Series ...


For the price of dinner you can invest in yourself and your business- with other Champions! Finally -a flavor of coaching that fits your needs.

Champions Membership is open to those who are interested in personal and professional growth. A Champion is one who invests in him/herself and recognizes the potential for improvement in all areas.

The Champions Series:
- will introduce you to a HOT topic meeting each month and
- foster you in identifying and achieving your goals in a positive and productive setting.

I've known Lisa for over a year now and have been participating in the Champions Series since its inception in 2008. It has been a great pleasure working with her over the past year. She is professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. I have made a lot of progress over the past year because of her incredible dedication to my success. Because of her unconditional support, I have really come much more into my own than I otherwise would have. She has been instrumental in helping me express more of who I really am in every area of my life. It's not that she specifically coached me to do this; it's just been an added bonus I've experienced in working with her.


The Champions Series is an absolute steal. I have Lisa on my team for a nominal monthly fee and get the benefit of her insights and perspective on a monthly basis. Through this program I have also been introduced to many wonderful people in terms of their character and expertise.


Lisa Spahr is incredibly generous in a multitude of ways. She is always willing to help in any way she can. Lisa is absolutely awesome, and I have been very blessed to have her as my life coach. – Bill Frase

Join our Call live or listen at your own convenience later on. The call is free for Champions and $20 for guests. Pay here. Call instructions will be sent to you.

Are You One of Them? 50%+ Dissatisfied with Job

A KDKA report (linked to this title) highlighted a finding that more than 50% of us are unhappy with our work. Wow. That is the greatest amount of dissatisfaction in the 22-year history of the ongoing report.

Reasons cited include:

• Jobs are not interesting (my interpretation....Help! I'm bored!)
• Wages are not keeping up with inflation ...(money doesn't go as far as it used to)
• Health care is skyrocketing and taking more of my pay (see above)

The first reason really resonates with me. Not only has it been the reason I've hit the bricks in the past but its also the reason many of my career coaching clients are seeking new adventures.

Good employees (those you want!) want to be challenged. They want to be equally rewarded for their work too. (Imagine that!)  They look FOR responsibility not "assistant-forever" positions with lower than livable wages and hours that would make the Department of Labor cringe.

I have clients who are willing to make less and work in non-profit- where they can make a difference or feel as though they can.

I have clients who are seeking to contribute their 15+ years of corporate board knowledge to something greater than themselves.

Now is the time. The time to seek fulfilling work that actually fulfills you. To step out of your routine and try something new in the name of enrichment.... to your life.

I really hate to see a great employee who has lost any shine to their work and their relationship to their work. We see them all the time. Help them out by telling them about this survey. They are not alone. They are now the majority. There is hope out there... for those who dare to venture.

Pleased to Debut The Coach's Guide to Wedding Planning- Available Now

Available Now... to Exclusive Distributors (Wedding and Bridal Professionals)!


“…But it's daunting to try and plan a wedding."- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses the wedding plans of daughter Chelsea to CNN

Wedding planning has just been made easier! Life Coach Lisa Spahr releases The Coach’s Guide to Wedding Planning today. The guide will help brides navigate the sea of planning while remaining organized and stress-free. No “Bridezillas” will emerge if you read this guide. Take it slow. Take it easy. And, above all else, have fun.

This book is only available via exclusive distribution. Upscale bridal boutiques, venues, and exceptionally reputable wedding professionals (jewelers, photographers, florists, wedding planners, make-up artists and salons…) will be able to purchase the Guide at wholesale cost for resale or complimentary gifting to their clientele. This Guide will not be made available to the public otherwise.

Email lspahr@spahrconsulting.com for wholesale pricing and expected delivery dates. A sample book is available upon request.

Happy bridal planning!

Youth May be on Your Side or it May Not Be

Have you ever described someone as “youthful”? What did you mean? Often, this word is synonymous with naïve, spontaneous, fun, inexperienced, playful, etc…. So, depending upon the situation it could be a good description or a bad one.

Youthfulness when it comes to technology is generally a good thing. Most younger people are far better at all things technology than 75% of those above 30 years of age. But, in high-stakes negotiations for billions of dollars you may not want someone “youthful” at the head of the table.

Be aware of where you are on the “youthful” scale. Know when it’s a good thing and when it could cheat you out of opportunities.

Identify ways to be youthful as well as ways to be the opposite- when the time calls. Show your depth of character and range in a variety of situations.

Order Champions Audio's BOGO Offer until January 31, 2010

If you joined the Series after a Seminar, don’t worry. If you aren’t a Champion Member but really want a previous Seminar, don’t worry. If you want the audio version of the Seminar as a refresher, don’t worry. …

You can now order previous seminars. Seminars will be delivered to your email inbox.

Current Champions and Coaching Clients pay $15 per Seminar- NOW BOGO until 1/31/10

Non-Members pay $25 per Seminar- NOW BOGO until 1/31/10

Contact lspahr@spahrconsulting.com for the easy-to-fill order form and seminars will be sent to you within 24 hours.

Image Matters: How you and your business look effects your wallet!
Social Science research proves that those who are attractive get more… more attention, more assistance and more money. What exactly does attractive mean? Attractiveness isn’t just measured in height, hair and eye color. How can each of us improve our attractiveness and our image to “attract” more clients… and more money. In this no-holds barred series you’ll learn practical tips and actionable steps that you can employ immediately to boost your personal and business growth. The series will be led by professionals in the field, may include outside guests and speakers, and will include networking with other professionals.

Cultivating the Leader in You!
There are more than 295,000 books on leadership at Amazon.com. Wow. Where do you begin?
Are you born a leader or do you learn and practice leadership? What are the top 5 qualities that a leader must possess to be effective? Who determines your effectiveness? This seminar will give you the formula for cultivating the leader in you- in an hour! Beat that!

Marketing 101 for You and Your Business!
Without marketing there would be no business. People need to know you exist and feel compelled for some reason to reach out to you- to become your customer, consumer, member, etc… How do you get the right kind of attention to drive your business in the right direction? We’ll explore marketing in today’s world at the next Champions Meeting.

To Harness or Not to Harness the Electronic Power of Blogs, Social Networking and Newsletters!
“I have a plaxo, facebook and linked in profile, I think, but what does it all mean?” Know when and what to do with those online sources such as social networking sites, blogs and newsletters. This seminar will help you navigate the confusion and headache of where to spend your time- and on what!

Becoming the Communicator You Always Wanted to Be (and thought you were)!
Its like customer service, we all think we’re great at it. But, our communication can cost us dearly when we don’t get it right. And, the rewards for doing it well are enormous. Learn the 1-2-3 strategy to better communications at home and work. BONUS FEATURE- media communications made easy. Make your 20 seconds of fame count!

Building Your Wealth in a Tough Economy: Easy Tips You Can Live With!
Everywhere you go you hear about layoffs and smaller budgets. How has the economy effected your home, job, and lifestyle? We’ll examine the concept of wealth and give you dozens of tips to build your wealth amidst the bleak outlook!

Finding Time for Greatness! A Time Management Workshop
There are only 24 hours in a day, supposedly 40 working hours in a week, and the CDC recommends 8 hours of sleep each night (that’s 48 hours each week). We are limited by time yet most of us don’t use it effectively when we have it. Finally, a one- hour workshop that will help you identify and win the time you deserve, to do the things that are most important to you. Join us at 3:30 PM, promptly. J

Leadership Traits and Principle of the Marine Corps: Leverage Military Skill and Experience in Your Business
Since its inception the military has designed world-class leadership programs and fostered some of the preeminent leaders of our country. Sergeant Lee Wagner, of Waddell and Reed, will share the leadership traits and principle of the Marine Corps with attendees. He will use specific examples from his time in the Marines and discuss the transition from the military to how he uses them in his practice today.

Crypto-effectology – Finding Your Hidden Effectiveness
We all have strengths and talents. So why are some people more successful than others? Here is a hint: it is not because they are more talented than everyone else. It is not what talents and strengths you have, but how effectively you use them. Spend an hour with us on June 16th at 3:30 PM and discover how you can leverage your strengths and talents to achieve greater success in your life!

Writing a Book: From the thought to the publisher!
I hear it all the time. I’d like to write a book. ... So why do so few people actually get it done? Its stamina coupled with know-how. It’s designing actionable steps that turn into getting the job done. Learn those steps. Finally overcome, “I wanted to…” with “I did…”

Improving Your Memory at Any Age!
I don’t know about you but if I don’t write it down, it’s GONE. I forget things if I don’t have a gadget (blackberry, note or otherwise) to remind me. Sure, its part learned behavior but also part cognitive decline… and I’m only 35! The GREAT news is that we can increase our cognitive capacity today and benefit for years to come. Let’s learn together.

Rhetoric…
What is it? Is it a good or bad thing? People use it to taut the achievements of others but they also say it as though it was just “empty talk”. Together, with a guest speaker, we’ll get to the bottom of rhetoric.

Annual Goal Setting and Achievement
That title could be boring and evoke avoidance on the part of many people… but not Champions. We are familiar with setting goals and attempting to achieve them. We win some and lose others. This seminar will give you tips and hints as to how your annual goal setting session (for all goals) should be structured. We’ll explore individual examples to find a system that will work for you.

How do you look… on paper? Resume and Bio Seminar

Your going to be speaking at your local Chamber and you need a bio stat! You want to be prepared for a job hunt if the worst occurs but you’ve not updated your resume in years. We’ll discuss current trends and give you tips to make both of these documents viewer ready.

Do it for your employees or for your clients. Pick one.

I was very disappointed this week when I called a favorite beauty destination to book a few appointments and learned they are on a week’s vacation.

Now, I understand many professions taking a week off during the holiday season- especially those who find business slow during that time. But, the beauty industry should never be off. Well, okay, I suppose between 9 PM and 7 AM its ok.

Beauty is huge business. And, women and men who are faithful patrons of such places depend on them more than their attorneys or accountants. Really. Sick, perhaps but true.

Knowing my salon the way I do, having built a relationship with them for almost 10 years now, I sadly know the reason they were closing… micromanaging got the best of them. It’s the “if I’m not there the place will explode without me” syndrome. If one of the senior owners isn’t in place to run the show… there simply can’t be a show. Sad. Very Sad. And, bad for business. Extremely bad for the beauty business.

“What about me?” I cry. When eye-brows need waxed…. honey, they need waxed. It’s not a “wait a week” kind of need. Not only did these salon owners fail to consider her clients, she failed to consider the missed income of her employees.

Now, let me express this strongly, I do believe it is totally acceptable (and good practice) to close a salon IF IT WAS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE EMPLOYEES. If you run a salon where everyone wants to take off a particular week- GO FOR IT. Support them by making it happen- and tell all of your clients about it 60 days in advance. (Die hards are usually at the salon at least once during that cycle and that notice will be appreciated.)

But, in my case, I am 99% positive it was micromanaging syndrome that got the best of these owners. It sends the message that they don’t really care about clients (they have other customer service issues I won’t bore you with here), put themselves before their dedicated and loyal employees, and don’t trust any of their managers.

Bah Humbug.

Good thing this city has a gazillion beauty bars. My eyebrows are thankful too.

Do what is best for your employees and your clients. Even if that means you have to let go a little… it may just feel good after you do it a few times.

Happy Holidays to You!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!  Enjoy every moment of your holiday traditions or have fun creating new ones. In our home, we take this time to reflect on all of our blessings and put our plans in place for the next year. We wish you all good things.

Thank you for reading this blog and being a part of our lives, however remotely you are. We thank you and wish you many blessings in the New Year.

Write Your Volunteerism and Charitable Contributions into Your 2010 Goals

This year for Christmas I gave the pot away. I took all of the money I would have spent on gifts for people- gifts they’d likely not remember 2 months later- and donated it to my favorite charity. Each person on my gift list received a holiday card with a note inside describing where their gift cash went.

It felt great to do that. It also had the bonus of freeing me up from not having to join the stampede at the mall or fret over gift-giving this year. A win-win.

As you write you goals for 2010, I encourage you to include your acts of charity. It could be a donation, decide how much and when to stick to it. It could be volunteering your time or family’s time, note how much time per week or month and what tasks you’ll likely be doing. Also, make sure to write about and share why this is important to you. How does it enrich your life to give to others? That after all, is probably the most important lesson you can pass on to your friends, family and colleagues.

Be giving in 2010. Give what you can. Map it out now so you have some direction... and simply to start the year off right.



Happy holidays.

The Harmonica Man... a great story to warm your heart and make you think

Its not often I'm touched by a story. I hope you read about Bahia in my blog a few months ago. She was a little girl that survived the odds while her dad still called her "fragile".


This week I had on CBS Evening News while I was doing something else and the story caught my ear and then my eye. It was about a Harmonica Man. I was first interested because I love the sound of a harmonica. It’s so raw and timeless. The harmonica, to me, symbolizes the heart of men and women- their courage, their strife, their sadness and their triumphs. I can see people playing it on their Appalachia porches with barely little else to their name and I can also see it being played in the best blues and jazz bars in the world. Its one of the greatest instruments- to me at least. I've digressed.

The Harmonica Man had survived at least 5 heart surgeries and was on 15 different daily medications. He lived in an RV. He made the conscious decision one day to stop taking the medication and allow himself to die. Instead of paying for the meds, he bought 300 harmonicas and took them to the local school children to teach them to play. After a couple months, and the realization he was still alive, he decided to buy more. That was several years ago. He has since brought on an assistant, through a generous $5,000 donation by someone who saw him on the news years ago, and now not only teaches them to play the harmonica but other instruments too. He's had a few more heart surgeries along the way but attributes his being alive not to the surgeries or meds (that he opted to forego) but to the children and purpose he created with them.

It’s a great story and I've barely done it justice. Watch it for yourself on CBS Evening News http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5979464n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

Think about this story on many levels. Celebrate the Harmonica Man and his bravery and courage to live beyond the odds.

Happy Holidays.

Join me for Power Hour Wednesday, December 16 in Shadyside (Pittsburgh)

My friend Tom Baker hosts Power Hour each month at Alto Lounge on Copeland.

From Tom's Website:

"Come join difference makers and passionate leaders at the Get Involved! Power Hour. Each month we bring together difference makers to brainstorm ways to positively influence the region, assist each others businesses and organizations, and develop connections. We also feature brief speakers who will share about ways that you can Get Involved! and make a difference."

Its always a pleasure to be involved with Tom's events and activities. He practices what he preaches when it comes to being actively involved and making a difference in your communities. I'll be joined by other difference makers and leaders in Pittsburgh to share stories and ideas with guests.

I hope you'll join us. It should be a great time.



Visit Tom's event site here: http://www.bakerleadership.com/powerhour.html

Ethics Check!

Did you hear? Employees at a Walmart in Iowa found $10,000 in a tin can. The can sat on a counter for days before they opened it!  They called the police and turned the money in. My question to you is what would you have done if you found $10,000 in a tin can without any identification attached to it? What if you found it alone without anyone present? What if you found it with your best friend? What if it DID have identification - even just a name- in the can? What if it was $20 and not $10,000, would that make a difference?

Think about each of these answers. Ask questions I haven't posed here. Discuss this with your family. And, really flesh out why you'd do what you say you'd do. It could be an eye-opening exercise.

For the whole article on the cash visit http://kdka.com/watercooler/cash.tin.can.2.1357472.html

Happy Holidays.

Added Value this Holiday Season

6 Tips for Adding Value to your Business this Holiday Season

1. Offer free gift wrapping no matter what amount the purchase (all of your customers are valued right?)
2. Send handwritten notes (and handwritten envelopes) to those you hope to serve in 2010 and those you served in 2009
3. Reward your employees this season with something they really want (and you should know what your employees really want)
4. Invite those you value to an invitation-only cocktail hour celebrating them this season
5. Announce what your customers are in store for in 2010 (get them excited about the months ahead)
6. Be the model- enjoy the season (don't be a scrooge)

Bonus tip: I chose to celebrate this season by offering my clients and Champions 30-60% off services. I want to ensure they are geared up for the wonderful year ahead. Give your best clients something you rarely ever offer. You want them to always feel like a winner in your presence.

Join me at Heinz History Center, Saturday December 5th from 10-2

I had so much fun at this event last year. I'm honored to be invited back again this year. Join me at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th from 10-2. The even is free and open to the public.

I'll be on hand with more than 40 other authors. All genres will be there so you'll find something for everyone on your list.

Oh, and I'll have the Howard 430 radio that Flavius Jankauskas used in 1943 to hear my granfather's name from a Geman short-wave station!  You don't want to miss this.

Visit the Heinz History Center website to learn about this and other events: http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events.aspx?EventID=9