Sunday, August 28, 2005

CAREER FACILITATOR, SPEAKER AND TRAINER NEEDS A COACH TOO!

The first part of July I announced that I had hired my own Coach. Let me tell you, it was one of the smartest things I have ever done for a number of reasons. Now I totally, know why people appreciate so much how I help them move forward in their lives.

Mari helped me understand the importance of taking a day off. That means totally off -- no cell phones and no emails. Actually, the goal was not to even turn the computer on during my day off. The night before, I lost sleep thinking it was one of the dumbest things I have ever done -- I couldn't take a full day off --- I'm self-employed!!

Well I did it! After a day of exploring our great Northwest wherever the road took me, I came home totally refreshed and very clear. The next morning, I turned on my computer and 62 emails came up -- none of which required attention the day before. There were four phone messages -- none of them required attention the day before!!! I had missed nothing of importance on my Thursday off; and instead felt totally revived and ready to take on the world.

I have now taken off a day for five straight weeks. I am having fun planning my next day off. Last week I took the day and explored the beauty of the Oregon Coast.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION HINT: If you decide to take a day off, don't even consider checking your voice mails. One day I did and even though it wasn't a problem, it broke the energy of a totally carefree day.

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Kathy's Connection

Communication Training/Coaching and Speaking this Week

Spent two days in Kent, Washington training fourteen dedicated people who are locating positions for people with disabilities--"Job Development." With the jobless rate of 70 percent for people with disabilities they are working to become more efficient. O'Neill and Associates based in Seattle, WA realized my business communication experience would be helpful so they hired me to do the training.

I was pleased to teach participants how to:

Develop resumes that will get attention
Develop cover letters
Network Effectively
Write effective handwritten notes
Hints to keep track of their new networking contacts

I came home feeling very good for I felt that the two days were very effective--plus, there was lots of laughter.

COMMUNICATION HINT

The word "try" contains very little energy. If someone told you they would "try" to get the report
done by 3:00 p.m. would you believe they would do it?"

I'd suggest you work to eliminate "try" from your vocabulary.