Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR REINVENTS HERSELF

One of my favorite programs is the Small Business School hosted by Hattie Bryant. Here in Vancouver, WA it airs at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon on the Oregon Public Broadcasting Station.

Hattie finds business owners that have grown their companies to outstanding organizations -- ones that care about their employees, contributes to the community and focuses on the future.

Last week, there was a line that caught my attention. "You
have to keep your eye on the future for if you don't others
will pass you." With that phrase in mind, I took time off this
week to really think about where I am going and what is it that I really want to do.

I smiled for I was an Executive Secretary back in the late 60's -- I knew that was where the the power was before others
figured it out. I taught networking/connecting with people before all the books were written, and now I am teaching developed speaking and training on Intergenerational Communications in the Workplace -- I knew that was going to be the next hot topic....and I am right.

The issue is so complex and there is so much written on the subject it takes someone like me who loves reading this information and learning about human nature to put it in a framework that makes it easy for people to understand. I am pleased to be speaking on this subjects and enjoy watching the "ahas" --- people see how it applies to their workplace and their home.

Now I am collecting books and articles on communication between men and women. Now that there is scientific proof that our brains are different, we have to learn how to communicate in meetings. I'm enjoying collecting the data.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Set up five hanging files. Label:

1. Regular Bank Account
2. Regular Credit Card
3. Business Bank Account
4. Business Credit Card
5. Cash

As you get receipts, circle the account number, date,
and dollar amount and drop into the appropriate folder.
Makes tracking your finances so much easier.

Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR LEARNS ABOUT OTHER CULTURES

Last week I went to see the movie "Conversations with God" --- really a biography of Neale Walsh and how the narrative for his books came about.

It was great to see Portland, Ashland and Medford and I was impressed how well they combined Neale's current life and his struggles before his success.

For me, the movie provided a true insight to the life of the homeless. It provided insights as to their values, thoughts and how they truly did survive, including through the rainy weather in the winter here in the Northwest. Let's just say I will never look at a homeless person the same way again. The movie taught me a great deal about friendships.

Then I went to see the movie "Lost Boys of Sudan." I didn't realize 20,000 young men have lost their parents. The documentary follows boys that learn that they are coming to the US and docomented their "struggles" to learn about the American culture. It begins when they are on the airplane trying to figure out what they were eating and what they were suppose to eat.

Greatest misperception -- They thought they were coming to America to get an education. For those over 18 years the task to get in enrolled in school was VERY difficult.

The panel, after the movie was superb and included one of the Lost Boys. He now is enrolled in college and you could here the pride in his voice and movie made you understand what he had to overcome.

I urge my readers to keep going to events that stretch you. It has been a terrific week of learning for me.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

If you stay in a hotel for your work or play, make
sure you sign up for their Points Program. The progams
vary greatly, so take the time to go to their website to
develop a clear understanding of how they work.

In addition, you will learn about other hotels included
and partners so your points add up more quickly.

Kathy's Connection

EXECUTIVE COACH AND CAREER FACILITATOR MAKES TRAINING TRIP TO LAKE TAHOE

While on the trip to Austin to give my keynote, I got a call that asked if I could fill in for a trainer that had to bow out of a scheduled training. I said "Yes." Then the flurry of arrangements began so I could get to Lake Tahoe six days later.

Called a dear friend who lives near Sacramento and she was available to go with me. She met me at the Saramento airport and we were on our way for a great adventure. The weather stayed warm so the rain, fortunately, did not turn to snow.

Sixty-five people where waiting for me the next morning -- District 7 from the Workability Program. What a delightful group -- open and eager to learn new tools for working with youth under 18 years old with special needs.

For six hours I provided them with practical tools that are very easy to institute. It didn't take them long to realized the tools I was giving them were ones they can use in their personal lives as well.

At the end of the day, while tired from giving them my "all", I walked up to my suite and felt like one of the most fortunate people in the world. I truly am living/working in a career -- a career that has the potential to make a big impact on the lives of individuals.

BUSINESS COMMUNITION TIP:

My friend, Scott Ginsberg (The Nametag Guy) gave me this great suggestion. When you are presenting, buy a postcard with a picture of the city you are in. Write on the back of it the details of your presentations...audience size, topic etc.

Scott mails it to himself ---- I opt to take it with me so I do not have to fuss with postage. Thanks for the idea Scott.