IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS WITH OURSELVES

Why does it take a new year to make us think things will miraculously change if we turn the page of the calendar? From my vantage point, switching calendars has never made that much difference in my life.

I do believe I will scream if I get one more spam email suggesting how to set my goals for 2010. By the way, have you heard there is a controversy about whether we should say Twenty Ten or Two Thousand and Ten? Please! I think we have many more important things to concern ourselves with in our lives.

Okay, got all of that off my chest. Now what am I really going to do?

As the year closed, I finished a really interesting historical novel “Palm Springs”. Since I am living here through the end of March, it was fun to read about sites and people that affected this community. My walks have become more interesting since I now know “why” certain places received their names. It’s the little things that make these walks more interesting.

For those who know me the phrase “It’s the little things” has guided my life in many ways. Taught by my parents to observe and ask questions, this phrase is seemingly taking on a new meaning for me. I say that, because I have let that phrase almost disappear from my vocabulary.

I am reminded of this because I have started taking the time to look up a the mountains and at one point at 9:30 a.m. a gigantic angel appears on the side of the mountain (Thus, the name of number of organizations with the name angel in them….one of which is actually called “Angel View”.) It is the little details that make one’s eyes truly focus on this amazing site.

New Year’s Day I was up very early and went to the grocery store to get some treats for a wonderful breakfast for myself. As I went out to the car, there the rising sun behind the tall palm trees created a site that was breathtaking.

People are choosing a theme to live by during the coming year. I didn’t have to come up with a new one. I am just glad that I was reminded that I have to slow down a bit, enjoy the things and people around me. A dear friend here is dying of liver cancer. We are blessed that he lived through Thanksgiving, not alone Christmas and New Years. This wonderful man, who never hugs, honored me with a hug upon my arrival one day.

Therefore, as I begin this year, I look forward to stopping and taking in the little things that make a big difference in my attitude, business and most importantly my friendships.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Easy to keep track of your day if you leave a word document open and then make brief notes about what you are accomplishing.

Sign up for Weekly Wisdom at my website at the upper right. http://www.kathycondon.info

GARAGE SALES IN PALM SPRINGS

Before moving to Palm Springs, friends had said, “Kath, you have to come down here and go to garage sales with us”. While I liked garage sales, it wasn’t high on my agenda to fly to Palm Springs and get up early Saturday morning.

Okay, I am hooked. Let me explain. Friday’s paper lists the garage sales in the Palm Springs area. If you wanted to branch out and go to other parts of the Coachella Valley, there are many more listed for other areas. Normal starting time is 7:00 and ending at 1:00-2:00 p.m. – remember it gets warm here in the afternoon.

Our routine is to meet at my friend’s house at 8:00 a.m. She has a car that will hold lots of “stuff”. Normally, there are three of us. With cash in our wallets and the route researched by our friend, we head out.

Invariably, on the way to the designated first stop, we see signs for still another garage sales. We pile out and check out the “stuff”. Yup, one of us will find something and then it is back into the car…..where we find still another garage sale before we get to our goal.

Last week, we went to a gated community that was opening its’ gates for garage sales. We learned this is a once year occurrence and since it was high-end homes we were convinced we would find treasures.

Within the gated community I found at first stop:

New toaster for $3
A folding wooden white chair like they use at weddings $3 (Looks great on my casita deck)
A glass cutting board with art design $1
New dishtowels for $.25
Foot stool for $1

Second stop:

I wonderful cloth tablecloth for $3 (Ironically, the woman was moving back to Washington State)

Third stop:

White icicle lights for my girlfriend’s house --they will probably wrap around ½ of her house. $8

Fourth stop:

The most amazing black leather sofa with not a flaw $160
A dining room, solid wood, with six great chairs $360

No I didn’t buy them….but boy did I try to figure out “why” I might need them.

I trust I have painted a picture for you—garage sales here --- ANYTHING you need can be found at a fraction of the new cost. Imagine what it is for sale when the snowbirds leave in the spring?

Oh, I forgot….look at the sky in the picture that I have with this blog….How could I not get up early on Saturday morning?

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

When you are thinking you are not accomplishing much in your day, start an activities page. Write down what things you have touched that day. I do believe you will be surprised at how much you actually have accomplished.

ATTENDED TAPING OF THE ELLEN SHOW

Now that I am living in Palm Springs working on the Palm Springs West Fest http://www.palmspringswestfest.com, I am in within easy driving range of a number of interesting destinations. Since it was August and the new Ellen season was approaching, I went to her website http://www.ellendegeneres.com to see if there were any tickets available. My friend, Kim, who I wanted to take with me, has Tuesday and Thursday off so I aimed for one of those two days of the week.

October 7th and 8th were available, so I choose the 7th. I used my Washington address feeling that might give me a leg up on tickets. Two days later, I got a call from her office asking if I would be able to go on the 8th instead for we would be guaranteed tickets instead of being on the Stand-by list. No problem.

Two weeks before the date, the letter arrived. Interesting, it said to wear “nice casual”, no Ellen logos, or logos of any kind and no matching shirts and no flip-flops. Anyone who has seen Ellen have people in some of the games knows why.

We arrived at the assigned time 1:30 p.m. and were given a number. We were 20 and d 21 and as we suspected it meant the order you entered the studio. After sitting in a non-descriptive holding area for 2 hours --- they showed the Ellen show that was on TV that day. We learned the staff was watching us like a hawk and chose 15 people to go a trailer. These 15 people were the ones that were being considered to play the game.

We were ushered into the Riff Raff Room—quite the impressive place, that also houses the Ellen Store that was stocked with things to support Breast Cancer. We were there for about 15 minutes and then Kim and I were ushered in – front and center five rows back.

The set is exactly as you see on TV – really beautiful and no fake walks. Tony was the first one to come out AND he looks exactly like he does when we see him on TV. A crew member was excellent at presenting the rules and explaining what was going to happen. He led us all into lively dance routines. We were pepped up to welcome Ellen.

She came out and much to our great joy, not only did Ellen look as we expected, her personality radiated throughout the room. She took the microphone and talked directly to the audience after the taping was done.

Reflections

If anyone thinks a talk show host job is easy, think again. We watched Ellen change topics with each guest. She was phenomenal with a nine-year old who is sure to be a singing sensation for years to come.

During commercial breaks, she talked with the guests until a staff member urged her to move on. Then it was on to directions for the next segment. She was constantly on for the entire hour, and all the while, her famous smile was there. We also commented on how nice her staff was to everyone. Not the slightest hint of frustration and always smiles. Terrific customer service.

At the end of the show, we were told we could pick up our gifts: A CD from Joe Perry of Arrowsmith, IHome earphones/speaker for our computer, an accessory kit for the new Netbooks, and a new game “Bop” that taking the country by storm.

We went out the backdoor and hopped the cart to the Warner Brothers' gift shop and coffee shop. A word of warning when you go to tapings, be sure to take a sweater, it is freezing in there. Coffee warmed us up and then we marveled at seeing so much “stuff” related to TV shows that we were familiar with over the years.

The cart was waiting for us to take back to the entrance…the guide was terrific and drove us by many studio stages…one that sticks out is where the Mentalist is filmed. Alas, they were out on location for a shoot.

On the two hour drive home back to Palm Springs, Kim and I finally had time to talk about the day. The best way to sum it up is “There were no disappointments. It was day of relaxing, and learning how television tapings are done.”

PS We watched the show the next day on television. The only glimpse of us was the back of our heads at the beginning of the show—stardom obviously was not to be this time.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Networking means you are ALWAYS on your best behavior. You never know when the person you just met will become a big help in our profession or an opportunity to develop a new friendship.

ROAD TRIP WITH HARRY

It had been quite the week. Home in Vancouver, Washington deciding what things I wanted to take with me to Palm Springs. I will be working in Palm Springs to help bring back the Rodeo after 22 years for the next seven months. At the same time, I will be keeping my speaking, training and writing career on track. In fact, already have some speaking and training gigs lined up in the Coachella Valley.

My next-door neighbor, Betty, made sure I was fed before I began the 1080 mile drive. Once the car was loaded, we walked to the newly remodeled deli at our condo complex. It was good to relax a bit and spend some alone time with Betty, who helped me out tremendously during the last week….even down to doing my last laundry.

Decided to drive on I5 --- hadn’t done that in years and even though people comment how boring the drive is in California, I was sure I could find something to keep my interest. I had forgotten how beautiful Oregon was and marveled at the mountains. Which triggered in a mental note, make sure you do not drive home in the winter time—the mountains could be a bear to get across.

I saw the Rogue River for the first time --- and noted all the businesses with recreational activities. No wonder people like to come to this area. Literally, the pine tree scent floated into my car.

I stayed in Medford, Oregon (near the California border) and it was there I picked up Harry. At first he frustrated me because he was constantly moving. It was like he wanted to be sure I was paying attention to him. Then he quieted down.

So the journey continued through more beautiful mountains. A couple of times we went off the road and drove through some historic western towns. In one town, I found the belt buckle that was perfect for me. If I am going to be a cowgirl part of the time, I need to look the part.

Our journey continued. Wonderful rest stops along I5 --- Well shaded, clean, though miss the coffee served by volunteers like we have in Washington and Oregon. Harry continued to bug me, yet, at one point glad to have his company because I was in need of afternoon nap.

Thought for sure he would want to get out in Sacramento, but he decided to stay with me and journeyed with me the Harris Ranch. I had heard about this place on “Sunday Morning” and was determined to get there so I could see the place and have one of the outstanding dinners they talked about.

We arrived about 7:00 p.m. Went to a dining room and decided to sit at the bar. It gets lonely sitting at a table all alone. Harry decided to stay in the car. Before long, Jon, sat down beside me – he was on a road trip to San Francisco.

Jon is a distributor of Belgium chocolate. His main client is Trader Joes’s. Now with a daughter living in Belgium you can imagine how easy it was to strike up a conversation. Before long we had agreed to exchange my book “It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask” for some chocolate. We shook hands and agreed that we would talk more about working out a way his chocolate could become part of the Rodeo events. As my Mom would say “There’s always a way.”

Harry and I drove down the road about twenty miles and found a nice place to stay. I had driven about six hundred miles and had filled my head with many new ideas.

This morning, I put my bag into the car and Harry greeted me. There he was all bright and chipper and I hadn’t even had my coffee yet. So looks like Harry and I will continue our journey all the way to Palm Springs. We should get there about 2:00 p.m.

At first Harry irritated me, I did everything to get rid of him. Asked him to stop bugging me and tried to shoo him out at each rest stop. Nothing worked. At one point, I just gave up and smiled to myself that I fortunate to have the company. Harry, my new friend, is a wonder, irritating and friendly fly.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

When you cannot remember for sure what you heard in a conversation, write down what you thought you heard and send it to the other person for a review.

MISSION VIEJO RODEO BRINGS KNOWLEDGE AND FUN

Since I am using my networking skills to help raise funds to bring back the rodeo to Palm Springs after 22 years, six of us were invited to see the inner workings of this nine-year old rodeo. http://rmvrodeo.com

The day began with putting on an appropriate cowgirl-like outfit. Had the jeans and a top that would work, bought western looking earrings, and borrowed the hat and belt. I have a new appreciation for people who have to wear a belt every day…..not use to wide belts. The loops on my jeans barely accommodated the belt embellished with a great gold rhinestone buckle. Shoes, well we won’t get into that….my boots have not arrived.

Picked up my colleague and we made the two-hour drive to the rodeo grounds that was set in a valley, on a ranch, surrounded by magnificent mountains. We parked the car and the learning began.

First, we met with a woman in charge of all the vendors. Then we spent about an hour with the man who was “in charge” of the event. He let us in on unknown details and shared with us what they had tried in the past that hadn’t worked and why certain things work well.

The big white tent placed along the side the arena was filled with tables covered with white tablecloths and flower arrangements. Think of the feeling of going to a dinner theatre…only in this case, the rodeo takes place in front of you while you eat dinner. This area is reserved for the sponsors who dined on western barbecue complete with freshly grilled steaks.

We watched the stadium bleachers fill to capacity with folks who had bought general admission tickets. At both ends of the arena were the chutes where the real action always began.

At the appointed time, the announcer got our attention. About 30 people walked out with a 40 by 40 foot American flag and unfurled it before our eyes. We sang our national anthem under the brilliant blue sky and sunshine. Once that ended, three service members from the area were asked to come to the center of the arena…the crowd broke into an amazing applause.

While the service members were standing there, the champion cowboys were called to the arena and each one of them shook the service members’ hands. At the chute area, in front of us, the Rodeo manager, Cotton Rosser (83 yrs old) waited on his horse to shake every cowboy’s hand as he came back to the chute gate.

Then the action began. I have a feeling before long the names of the cowboys will start becoming very familiar to me as we develop our own rodeo Palm Springs that will be held March 12, 13, and 14, 2010. http://www.palmspringwestfest.com

When I arrived “home” that night, I thought about the day. I had been privileged to see and learn how a rodeo is put together. I saw the look of expectation on the cowboy’s face and watched as some of them limp from an injury they had received at a previous rodeo on the circuit. The filled to capacity stadium and dining tent help me understand the thirst to take ourselves out of our daily life routine.

My reasons for getting involved with this project was, in large part, the feeling that I could help people remember history and help others experience the western way of life that helped form this entire Coachella Valley. I look forward to this Palm Springs Wild West Fest & Frank Bogert Memorial Rodeo with great anticipation.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Do not go anywhere without a something to write on – your many brilliants ideas will be quickly forgotten if you do not write yourself a note.

HOME IS NOW IN PALM SPRINGS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME

Through many “coincidences”, I find myself writing to you from Palm Springs. It seemed only appropriate that the readers of my blog are the first ones I thought of this morning as I woke up to beautiful sunshine on the mountains.


View out my window of "home".

During the past two months, I have been setting things up at my Vancouver, Washington home to take an extended leave to move to Palm Springs. A project surfaced to serve as Fundraising Director the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Frank Bogart Memorial Rodeo. The last rodeo held in Palm Springs was 40 years ago. Perfect position for me to use my networking skills to help make this happen. Imagine the stories I will have to prove my networking and business communication points.

Meanwhile, my career of speaking, training, and writing continues –just working from a different “home” base. For the next month living in a friends’ beautiful casita (separate living quarters from the house). As my Mom always said “Taking life one day at time.” So yesterday was the official arrival and greeting by two dear friends. Getting groceries and unpacking. Today, it is back to official work—well most of the day. It seems my friend has invited me to CD Release party at VIP reception at one of the local grand hotels. Hey, I’m networking.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Snap decisions can sometimes get you in trouble, if a life doesn’t depend on it, suggest that you tell the caller that you will call them back with the decision– give them a specific time. Gives you a deadline so you do not procrastinate.

PALM SPRINGS FROM MY VIEW

Last night over dinner, we were discussing my recent visit to Palm Springs. I’ve been there three times in the last year and one-half. Two times taking care of my friend, Gary Galland, who has subsequently passed on from a brain tumor at the age of 53.

This trip was different; I was visiting his widow, Kim Galland. Since she was working when I arrived, I walked into the house that I had spent so many hours caring for Gary. Furniture had been rearranged and the quiet was practically more than I could bear.

I called the next-door neighbor who was part of my life while I was there on my other trips. She came over and soon the pain/hurt started to go away. It was apparent to me life in Palm Springs had moved on.

Kim came home and we talked, shared some tears, got that over with, and then planned for the party we had both agreed to the following afternoon. We had come up with guest list of the people that had come in and out during the times I was there – much to my great pleasure, every one of them accepted our invitation.

Sunday afternoon people started arriving. The smiles and the hugs were great fun. Conversations started out on the patio around the pool, around the breakfast bar in the living room. There was constant movement of people--it seemed as if we wanted to make sure we had time to talk to everyone there. Relaxed and easy can best describe the party. Perfect in every way.

Party was over and then Kim and I decided who we wanted to spend our time with during the next two short days I would be there. Each occasion was marked by easy conversation, genuine interest in each other and memorable moments. Like amazing fish tacos at ShanghaiReds,http://www.fishermans.com/shangaireds.php and relaxing setting for an afternoon at Café Koffi http://www.kofficoffee.com


Meet one of my new, friends--- A Bull Dog who is rated the fifth most outstanding Bull Dog in the nation. His ranking had not gone to head—he was one of the friendliest dogs I have ever met.

I drove out of town and headed to the site of the Leadership Trainer I was providing in Bakersfield, California. The day was beautiful and I smiled as I thought about the last four days.

During dinner last night, I told my friends how much I liked Palm Springs. All three of them were in disagreement with me—they found the city too pretentious and really couldn’t imagine living there .They were not even excited about visiting Palm Springs.

When I drove home last night, I thought to myself “I am blessed with some authentic friends in Palms Springs, who believe in living in the present.” They are risk takers and they do not take anything for grant it. “ Just my kind of people. Looking forward to going back as soon as I can arrange it.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

Keep a folder handy to put coupons in so you can find them. Office supply stores often have excellent coupons for reducing costs of making copies.