Executive Coach, Speaker and Trainer Travels in Southern California
Each time I head the airport, I smile to myself and say, "What kind of adventure will I have today?"
Many of us have passes to the Board Room (That is the name for Alaska's lounge--I know other airlines use other names). We tease, Frank, who is normally there on weekdays --- and he is great at dishing it back. He proudly announced Portland, Oregon won the "Best Board Room" of all of Alaska's sites. Even if he hasn't pulled off getting "Washington" brand potato chips at our site, I'm betting he is one of the reasons for the recognition.
We get our fresh cup of coffee. I smile when I notice how many people are reading the newspapers that are scattered throughout the room. Reading papers isn't dead with executives. These people know that what they read can be helpful when they are talking with others during the day. People need to know what is going on so they can start and keep conversations going--that's called building relationships.
Plane is on time and the tailwinds gets into Burbank 10 minutes early. Ah....there is sunshine and clear skies. Get my rental car and I'm off.....Again, the beauty of the mountains and blue skies bring me all kinds of ideas for new articles.
It helps so much to get out of your routine to remind yourself of how much you don't know and it helps you nourish your creative side.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
When you are reading the newspaper, pay attention to the ads. It is a great way to find events that you might find interesting. In fact, when deciding where to go I ask myself, "Will I learn anything or will I have fun?" Any event is a networking event.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
DAY OFF RESULTS
I do have to say that I have gotten people who are close to me trained to know that Thursday is my day off. The day I do not do emails or answer the telephone--no office work takes place. That circle is pretty small; and it doesn't have much of impact on my business day.
About two years ago, my Executive Coach, Mari Smith http://www.marismith.com suggested I take a day off. I live alone, love my work -- and really don't think of it as work. Yet, she knew I needed a break. At first, I was apprehensive -- "I'm self-employed. I can afford to take a total day off and not pay attention to the tools of business." She convinced me it would be good for me.
Yesterday was my day off. What a joy it was! Bright sun -- something we cherish in the Northwest this time of year. Fussed around the house a bit, just so I would come home to a really neat house was the first thing on the agenda. Put on a fun outfit and headed out for the day. Drove into the countryside south of Portland. Discovered an organic mustard farm, a place where you could pick your own holly and saw the gigantic tree at the outlet mall.
This morning I listened to my telephone messages. Only one of them needs action today, the others were updating me on projects I am involved with in California. Yes, there were 150 emails this morning, yet, I was able to move through them quickly. It won't take me long to catch up.
So I feel fresh, creative and ready to move forward again on my projects. Life is good!!!
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
For those of you who suffer from SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. I highly recommend "Happy Lite Jr." http://www.verilux.com
I sit in front of it for twenty minutes the first thing in the morning when I am reading my emails.
I do have to say that I have gotten people who are close to me trained to know that Thursday is my day off. The day I do not do emails or answer the telephone--no office work takes place. That circle is pretty small; and it doesn't have much of impact on my business day.
About two years ago, my Executive Coach, Mari Smith http://www.marismith.com suggested I take a day off. I live alone, love my work -- and really don't think of it as work. Yet, she knew I needed a break. At first, I was apprehensive -- "I'm self-employed. I can afford to take a total day off and not pay attention to the tools of business." She convinced me it would be good for me.
Yesterday was my day off. What a joy it was! Bright sun -- something we cherish in the Northwest this time of year. Fussed around the house a bit, just so I would come home to a really neat house was the first thing on the agenda. Put on a fun outfit and headed out for the day. Drove into the countryside south of Portland. Discovered an organic mustard farm, a place where you could pick your own holly and saw the gigantic tree at the outlet mall.
This morning I listened to my telephone messages. Only one of them needs action today, the others were updating me on projects I am involved with in California. Yes, there were 150 emails this morning, yet, I was able to move through them quickly. It won't take me long to catch up.
So I feel fresh, creative and ready to move forward again on my projects. Life is good!!!
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
For those of you who suffer from SAD -- Seasonal Affective Disorder. I highly recommend "Happy Lite Jr." http://www.verilux.com
I sit in front of it for twenty minutes the first thing in the morning when I am reading my emails.
Monday, December 01, 2008
EXECUTIVE COACH, SPEAKER AND TRAINER OBSERVES HOW PEOPLE ARE SAVING MONEY
It is not easy listening to the news -- like today when the stock market plummeted. Yet, lately I have been focusing on how people are starting to entertain themselves. A friend reports that the sales in their music store have soared...especially on Black Friday. Could it be that people have decided it is time for those lessons they always dreamed of taking?
When you visit a bookstore, there are so many people in the aisles. I don't know about you, but I have found myself curling up more with books. What a better way to escape or learn something new while people are wringing their hands in despair.
I checked in with some of my baby boomer friends. I asked them if they liked playing board games when they grew up. If I asked them on the phone, I can hear the smile in their voice. There is not one person I asked that didn't go on about how much fun they had playing with their family and friends.
From my view, it is looking like we are going back to the simple things in life AND we're enjoying it.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
People who are on top of social networking say that you should pick three groups and work with them, so that you can do them justice. It is not easy keeping up, however, I am on:
http://www.twitter.com
http://www.linkedin
http://www.facebook.com
It is not easy listening to the news -- like today when the stock market plummeted. Yet, lately I have been focusing on how people are starting to entertain themselves. A friend reports that the sales in their music store have soared...especially on Black Friday. Could it be that people have decided it is time for those lessons they always dreamed of taking?
When you visit a bookstore, there are so many people in the aisles. I don't know about you, but I have found myself curling up more with books. What a better way to escape or learn something new while people are wringing their hands in despair.
I checked in with some of my baby boomer friends. I asked them if they liked playing board games when they grew up. If I asked them on the phone, I can hear the smile in their voice. There is not one person I asked that didn't go on about how much fun they had playing with their family and friends.
From my view, it is looking like we are going back to the simple things in life AND we're enjoying it.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:
People who are on top of social networking say that you should pick three groups and work with them, so that you can do them justice. It is not easy keeping up, however, I am on:
http://www.twitter.com
http://www.linkedin
http://www.facebook.com
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