Thursday, May 24, 2007

EXECUTIVE COACH LEARNS NEW INFORMATION FOR COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE

This week I had the pleasure of attending a seminar on "Transgender Issues in the Workplace" sponsored by NW Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action Association in Portland, Oregon.
http://nweeo.org

The five-member panel consisted of a lawyer, two people who have gone through transition and two members of the Human Resource Department of the organization that supported one of the participants through transition. It was a very open, honest discussion with participants sharing their own stories. It was a an outstanding way to learn about both the triumphs and issues that people in transition face. As someone pointed out, ALL aspects of their lives are changed when they make the decision to proceed.

The handouts were outstanding. I have a better understanding of the challenges the person and their employment face as they move through this long, and involved process.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

No more aching shoulders for me after I get home after a training trip. I have found a great roller bag that holds my laptop, purse, snacks and the papers I need for the trip. I am able to move through the airport easily. If I need to put it overhead, there is always someone there to help.

Monday, May 14, 2007

EXECUTIVE COACH AND SPEAKER AND TRAINER NETWORKS IN COMMUNITY

When I am home, it is great to connect with people in my community. This week I had a great lunch with Beth Quartarolo, President of Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.
http://vancouverusa.com

Since I worked for non-profits for twenty-two years, I understood how people have a great ideas and the staff is often overwhelmed with just keeping up with day-to-day activities. It was great to work through some ideas and I was impressed how willing she was to step forward herself to help implement a new "idea." Stayed tuned, we're in the planning stages.

Then Thursday night I was off to help Pacific LifeStyle Homes http://pacificlifestylehomes.com celebrate their 11th Anniversary in their great Design Showroom. Wonderful concept, you walk into their show room after you have bought a house and then in one place you can select everything from door handles, to floors, to lights. On top of everything it was a great party and I connected with people I hadn't seen in quite a long time.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

When you are planning your vacation, make sure that you remember to have some appointments scheduled on your calendar the following week. I have learned to keep the first day back totally clear of appointments ---there is lots to catch up and if you have been traveling you'll appreciate the time so you can unpack etc.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

EXECUTIVE COACH AND COMMUNICATION TRAINER SPEAKS IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

When I was asked by the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA) http://www.printmusic.org
to speak at that their national convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin I was thrilled. I was born and raised in Wisconsin-Tomah to be exact (100 miles NW of Madison) so I immediately figured out a way to visit my brother in Madison.

I flew into Chicago O'Hare and rented a car and drove the 68 miles to Milwaukee. There is nothing more beautiful than Wisconsin in the springtime. Trees were leafing out, apple blossom were out etc. Yet, my role was to speak on "Intergenerational Communications." Since I knew most of the people in attendance owned music stores and hired X and Y Generation employees I focused my talk on how to talk to and reward people in these generations. It turned out to be a highly interactive session and people were willing to share both their successes and frustrations. I applaud the owners of the stores that brought their employees......in fact, many of these employees were great at reinforcing some of the concepts that we were discussing.

After the sessions, I headed to Madison and I was able to have a quiet evening with my brother who promptly helped me become even more literate with my new laptop computer.

BUSINESS COMMUNCIATION TIP:

Http://salescircular.com
is a great place for you to go to find the sales on a particular item in your area. Just enter your state and then the category and you'll be able to see if any store near you has a sale on the item. Great way to compare too.