Monday, October 30, 2006

Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR BLENDS SPEAKING AND VISIT WITH MOM

Long ago, I decided that I wanted to be a national speaker and trainer. Yet, I watched so many people get burned out for they were constantly on the plane and rushing from one hotel to another. I decided I wanted to take a different approach.

Last week I spoke in Austin, Texas at the Texas County and District Retirement System Administrators Annual Conference. I was the Keynote Speaker and launched the day with a "Intergenerational Communication in the Workplace." The people in charge were terrific and it was a great experience in every way.

After I was done talking, I checked out, rented a car and drove around Austin to see this city that I heard so many good things about. Let's just say I agree with everything--an alive, vibrant city, where one feels safe and senses this is a very proud community. Everyone I ran into was so helpful.

Then I headed south 82 miles to San Antonio to meet my 87 yr. old Mom and sister who were driving up from McAllen, Texas to meet me. For the next three days, we caught up on news, stopped and admired the architecture and flowers. We learned to really like San Antonio and plan to go back.

I came home refreshed and pleased with what I learned.

This week I am heading to Lake Tahoe to do a training. I called a friend, we're meeting in Sacramento and we're turning the trip into a three-day adventure --- and, of course, dispensing wisdom to 75 people on how to connect with the business community.

I am living my dream -- My career is rewarding and I am traveling and learning new things each place I go for I build in time to explore.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

On the way home from this trip, I noted details like the hotel and cost for taxi from the airport. I listed the restaurants I liked and would like to return. Finally, I listed things that I would like to explore on my return -- I can't believe I missed the fact that the Johnson Library is right there on the campus I drove through.

I am organizing the information by states, so I will be all set when I head there again.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR ATTENDS TRAINING SUMMIT

I am so fortunate for I have such a varied career. I write and have many opportunities to have articles placed in various ezines, magazines and continuously come up with updated information for my upcoming book "It Doesn't Hurt to Ask."

One-on-one coaching provides me with that all important person-to-person contact. There is nothing better than being a position to really listen to an individual and reflect back what you are hearing and help them learn the patterns they are repeating that might be preventing them from moving forward.

My "Identifying Your Talents" process has helped hundreds of people get on track. Interesting that my clients are usually over 40 years old and up and they have decided their present career path is not what they want to do the rest of your life. Nothing better than hearing from a former client how happy they are on their career path that truly uses their innate talents.

Helping people with their resumes and interviewing skills is so rewarding. The hardest part is helping people understand a resume is like learning another language--they shouldn't expect to know how to do it on their own.

Training -- I am fortunate to be hired, frequently, in my own community to teach my various topics. Twenty-one years of connecting and building relationships in my community is proving to be a wonderful benefit to my career. In addition, I am truly helping people in my own community.

Training/Speaking out of state. Many people received my Weekly Wisdom (You can obtain it by signing up on my website) and read that I received a three-year contract with California State Department Of Mental Health. Then the emails started arriving asking if I was moving to California. The answer is no. The training in CA are usually for one day -- so I go down the day before and fly home the night of the training. I am fortunate to speak and train throughout the nation --- Yet, Vancouver, WA is my home.

This week I did spend extra time in Sacramento --- I met all the other trainers that are part of this three-year contract. Some of them have been friends for years. It was also time to connect with new individuals and learn about their area of expertise. I have been to asked to stretch and develop some new training topics -- I'm delighted to accept the challenge.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIPS:

When traveling I have a goal to see how many of the employees at the airport I can make really smile. Keep in mind many of the employees are doing the same thing over and over again. When you ask them about their day or compliment them on something, you will note how their own body changes.......Someone truly cares about them as an individual. Keep in mind they are the ones that keep our travels flowing much smoother. Finally, it is fun!

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR WORKS TO KEEP HERSELF ON TRACK

I know the things I must do to keep myself in balance and on track. Yet, like those of you reading this, I slip up when some emotional events enter the scene. This week was no exception.

A yearly routine trip to the doctor for a skin check up resulted in three suspicious moles being removed and sent in for tests. I knew well what basal skin cancer looked like and found some in the early stages myself.

The look on my doctor's face told me the two on my back were different and he was concerned. He told me that I would have to wait for 1.5 weeks for the results. Knowing there were three of them increased my odds that one could be of concerned.

I am pleased to say that the report came early and all them are just fine....whew!!!!!

Again, this year, I have learned -- Keep going to the doctor for your yearly check-ups. That way you can catch things early and get concerns out the way faster.

AND, I am totally back on track -- including having my morning swim at 5:45 a.m. this Sunday morning.

To a good week!

Sunday, October 01, 2006

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR ATTENDS TWO INFORMATIVE SEMINARS

Keeping with my motto of never quit learning, I attended two one-half day seminars this past week.

Bafa Bafa --- was conducted under the auspices of Clark Community College here in Vancouver, Washington. Approximately 80 people were divided into two different countries--one with a formal language and based on individuals succeeding on his/her own. The other one had a matriarchal structure and stressed the importance of relationships with each other.

It was interesting for I was placed in the country where individual success was important. The first one-half hour I was enjoying it -- then the stress started as individual scores (successes) were put up on the chalk board. It wasn't long before I could feel my shoulders getting stressed --- I wanted the game to end.

For the last 1.5 hours we were all put together and learned the "rules" of the individual countries. A huge lesson on diversity and how our perceptions can get us in trouble--especially if we don't take time to understand another's culture.

I learned a great deal AND am extremely pleased that I have had the good fortunate of visiting my daughter, Kara, in Belgium on a regular basis. She has made me much more aware, yet, this seminar pointed out I still have much to learn.

WORKFORCE SEMINAR SPONORED BY IQ CREDIT UNION

This seminar provided a great overview of issues that are facing owners and managers of companies on a regular basis --- whether it be streamlining processes or attracting/keeping qualified employees.

It was great to learn what tools are available and where to go when one needs help. The moral of this event was -- if you need help, ask--there are tools available throughout our community.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS

If you are a small business and you dislike the aspect of your company that requires you do your accounting and invoices, find help quickly. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will relieve the pressure from your "must do" list and the more accurate your records will be --- Your taxes will be so much easier.