Organizing is this week's focus.
Read about the 13 weeks.
It's no surprise that Organizing would show up on a list of traits for personal and professional improvement. Most every person I know feels they would like to improve in this area. While there is probably such a thing as being too organized, it's pretty hard to imagine. Thus, I determined that some focus in this area would be of value for me too!
I listed 4 areas I wanted to address this week:
Processes- I looked at daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual processes for getting things done, mostly for my business, but I included some personal too. I am one of these people who can get really wrapped up in the details. If time was unlimited, I would enjoy detailed, complex planning and designing of processes. However, obviously I still have a business to run so I had to reign myself in and stick to what was really needed. It's worth noting here that we all need to work with our environments, finding ways to support our natural tendencies wherever possible, so that we can go with the flow. In other words, good processes should provide a supportive structure that allows greater productivity and creativity, using less energy.
Files- I organized my files, straightening some things up, putting some loose papers into folders, etc... I also organized the file and folder structure on my computer. This was mostly the kind of administrative work that office managers and assistants are so good at that makes offices run more smoothly. I also made some back-up files.
Financial- I not only installed and implemented new accounting software which was great(!), I also took a little time to determine what financial-related processes would work best.
Household- I identified several things I wanted to organize in our home, but beyond the basics, this category will wait for the next round of 13 weeks...
I feel that I accomplished some really good things in support of being more organized this week...now it's just a matter of maintaining it!
Envision Success Inc blog posts from Executive, Business, and Life Coaches on topics like Saying No, Focus, Effectiveness, Leadership, Changing Habits, Communication, Boundaries, Work Life Balance, and Perfectionism.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Relationships: Week 7
This week's focus is on strengthening & developing relationships.
Read about other focus areas.
My intention in developing this trait is pretty straight-forward, so frankly it's just a matter of determining which relationships to focus on and doing it!
First for me is my husband; like many other happy marriages, ours is also rife with busy schedules and less time together than we'd like. I committed to doing some nice things for him and for us, spending time as much as possible this week.
Other key relationships include family, friends, and clients. My to-do list could have just hatched out about a million more things to develop each of these relationships---but I resisted this and determined to be more mindful of the value of relationships this week, and to be more fully present when spending time with people I care about.
I succeeded this week- especially in terms of a general improvement in intention, awareness, and actions. The next time I visit this trait, I would like to add sending personal notes and cards to 5 people each day for that week, using SendOutCards.
Read about other focus areas.
My intention in developing this trait is pretty straight-forward, so frankly it's just a matter of determining which relationships to focus on and doing it!
First for me is my husband; like many other happy marriages, ours is also rife with busy schedules and less time together than we'd like. I committed to doing some nice things for him and for us, spending time as much as possible this week.
Other key relationships include family, friends, and clients. My to-do list could have just hatched out about a million more things to develop each of these relationships---but I resisted this and determined to be more mindful of the value of relationships this week, and to be more fully present when spending time with people I care about.
I succeeded this week- especially in terms of a general improvement in intention, awareness, and actions. The next time I visit this trait, I would like to add sending personal notes and cards to 5 people each day for that week, using SendOutCards.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Communication: Week 6
Read about other weeks.
I think "Communication" is a no-brainer on the improvement list.
Yet, how many people 1) acknowledge they could use some help and 2) know what to do to improve communication with others?
The principles of communication are simple. Yet so are those of weight loss--- and look how most of us are doing! In the spirit of continuous improvement, I resolved to work on communication this week.
I was in the Ozarks on the lake and deep in late-summer humidity, mostly shopping and eating while my husband was attending a work-related annual conference and I was left to my own devices. I brought plenty of work with me, and ironically during this communication-focused week I experienced very little communication with the "outside world" via technology due to connectivity issues. Yet at the same time, I was interacting person-to-person with people I see only a few times each year. I found myself being much less of a leader and much more observant given this opportunity. I enjoyed soaking in the details about others during conversation and saying less than half of what I considered saying.
Overall, a good way to live.
A note on my progress: once again, I don't think I focused quite enough on this (as much as I wanted to) but I still feel like I benefitted from the experience. I'm noticing a trend. Apparently I expect a lot from myself. Can you relate?
Onto the next week's focus area: Relationships!
I think "Communication" is a no-brainer on the improvement list.
Yet, how many people 1) acknowledge they could use some help and 2) know what to do to improve communication with others?
The principles of communication are simple. Yet so are those of weight loss--- and look how most of us are doing! In the spirit of continuous improvement, I resolved to work on communication this week.
I was in the Ozarks on the lake and deep in late-summer humidity, mostly shopping and eating while my husband was attending a work-related annual conference and I was left to my own devices. I brought plenty of work with me, and ironically during this communication-focused week I experienced very little communication with the "outside world" via technology due to connectivity issues. Yet at the same time, I was interacting person-to-person with people I see only a few times each year. I found myself being much less of a leader and much more observant given this opportunity. I enjoyed soaking in the details about others during conversation and saying less than half of what I considered saying.
Overall, a good way to live.
A note on my progress: once again, I don't think I focused quite enough on this (as much as I wanted to) but I still feel like I benefitted from the experience. I'm noticing a trend. Apparently I expect a lot from myself. Can you relate?
Onto the next week's focus area: Relationships!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Intention: Week 5
Post 5 of 13 traits. Read more.
Intention, ah...I can't help but think of the phrase, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." For some reason, this has been a staple phrase in my subconscious for many years.
So we can state that intention is not enough; we have to follow it up with action. But how? I am a big proponent for what is called "inspired action." In other words, when you know what you want, you will know what to do. It's when your intentions are not very clear that actions too are muddied.
My expected focus for this week was to visualize desired outcomes (much more) for lots of things: my business, proposals, projects, clients, transactions, and even conversations. ie, What do I want this person I am meeting with to experience today? As much as I teach my clients this technique, I can't claim that I am applying it 100% of the time either, and I was happy to give it some extra attention for a week.
The technique involves thinking about, articulating, and then pretending it's really possible---whatever outcome you'd really like to see. As an example, I asked a client Wednesday what she would really like to happen during an event she was co-hosting and she starting talking about it, and as she was explaining to me during her session, she was defining it for herself. And it was cool!
One reason this works so well is because once you articulate what it is that you want, then you will see opportunities differently, you will make different assumptions, you will use different words and interact differently with others. In short you will make those teeny-tiny decisions differently that you are confronted with a thousand times a day and will create the situation as you'd like it to happen. Long term, this means better results.
So yes, as expected, a lot of awesome stuff happened this week!
I'm back to journaling nightly.
And now for Communcation...
Intention, ah...I can't help but think of the phrase, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." For some reason, this has been a staple phrase in my subconscious for many years.
So we can state that intention is not enough; we have to follow it up with action. But how? I am a big proponent for what is called "inspired action." In other words, when you know what you want, you will know what to do. It's when your intentions are not very clear that actions too are muddied.
My expected focus for this week was to visualize desired outcomes (much more) for lots of things: my business, proposals, projects, clients, transactions, and even conversations. ie, What do I want this person I am meeting with to experience today? As much as I teach my clients this technique, I can't claim that I am applying it 100% of the time either, and I was happy to give it some extra attention for a week.
The technique involves thinking about, articulating, and then pretending it's really possible---whatever outcome you'd really like to see. As an example, I asked a client Wednesday what she would really like to happen during an event she was co-hosting and she starting talking about it, and as she was explaining to me during her session, she was defining it for herself. And it was cool!
One reason this works so well is because once you articulate what it is that you want, then you will see opportunities differently, you will make different assumptions, you will use different words and interact differently with others. In short you will make those teeny-tiny decisions differently that you are confronted with a thousand times a day and will create the situation as you'd like it to happen. Long term, this means better results.
So yes, as expected, a lot of awesome stuff happened this week!
I'm back to journaling nightly.
And now for Communcation...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Prospecting: Week 4
Read more about the 13 weeks here.
The value of prospecting is irrefutable. This is the main reason I selected it as part of my 13 weeks. Prospecting could include a lot of things, but for most people this week's focus would include finding more clients. For me, I noted desired focus areas of networking, leveraging connections, and asking for the business.
Not just Networking.
My intention was not just to do more networking because that is one of my best strength areas. I am naturally drawn to relationship building and feel this is easy for me. However, even as a business owner who knows better, I am not particularly good at capitalizing on those relationships. And frankly I am emotionally torn about this. I know darn well that when done well, it is absolutely the right thing to help more people by asking for the business. And yet, like so many people out there, including most of my clients, I don't feel all that comfortable wearing the "sales" hat. I love coaching! I am in business to coach people to succeed in business. So...well you can see the irony here. When in the right frame of mind I actually enjoy what can be called the sales process, but I tend to avoid it when I think of it as the sales process.
"Sales" really isn't a four-letter word!
We are all sales people in a sense. Perhaps if we think of it as gentle influence, expressing natural curiosity, and sincerely looking to be helpful by meeting needs, then we would never procrastinate or avoid sales activities.
Overall, I scored myself a 2 out of 5. Yes despite my disappointment in not really taking it to the next level, I did manage to hit all three focus areas. Unfortunately, I found myself organizing my business contacts list more than actually talking to people, but I did attend several networking events, and followed up with prospective clients. I also identified several opportunities for additional service offers with past and current clients. Now I just have to continue the follow-through!
The value of prospecting is irrefutable. This is the main reason I selected it as part of my 13 weeks. Prospecting could include a lot of things, but for most people this week's focus would include finding more clients. For me, I noted desired focus areas of networking, leveraging connections, and asking for the business.
Not just Networking.
My intention was not just to do more networking because that is one of my best strength areas. I am naturally drawn to relationship building and feel this is easy for me. However, even as a business owner who knows better, I am not particularly good at capitalizing on those relationships. And frankly I am emotionally torn about this. I know darn well that when done well, it is absolutely the right thing to help more people by asking for the business. And yet, like so many people out there, including most of my clients, I don't feel all that comfortable wearing the "sales" hat. I love coaching! I am in business to coach people to succeed in business. So...well you can see the irony here. When in the right frame of mind I actually enjoy what can be called the sales process, but I tend to avoid it when I think of it as the sales process.
"Sales" really isn't a four-letter word!
We are all sales people in a sense. Perhaps if we think of it as gentle influence, expressing natural curiosity, and sincerely looking to be helpful by meeting needs, then we would never procrastinate or avoid sales activities.
Overall, I scored myself a 2 out of 5. Yes despite my disappointment in not really taking it to the next level, I did manage to hit all three focus areas. Unfortunately, I found myself organizing my business contacts list more than actually talking to people, but I did attend several networking events, and followed up with prospective clients. I also identified several opportunities for additional service offers with past and current clients. Now I just have to continue the follow-through!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
How to Focus (No, It's Not Hocus Pocus)
Pay attention! Focus! How many times did you hear this is a kid (or as an adult, come to think of it)? When the ball is coming at your head or when you have 2 hours until a big deadline...all you need is more focus. Ugh, "just focus." Yeah right, like it's so super easy when your stress level is through the roof. Aaaah, but it can be. Easy, I mean. With practice. Yep, that's the catch. But it's not really a catch as much as a way in, and it is SO worth it!
Focus Defined
Q. Are focus and discipline the same thing, because I just can't seem to get a handle on either of these?
A. No, although the road to learning laser focus probably requires a bit of discipline for most people. Focus is the ability to put thought energy toward something specific. Discipline is the ability to give yourself a command and follow it.
What About This, That, and the Other?
Do you have this challenge too? You just sit down to focus on that project and almost as soon as your butt touches the chair, one or more things you "have to do" pop up. Such as: I have to go to the bathroom, and I should get that email out to the team before I forget, and oh I just remembered I need to call Bill, and omg I should have eaten lunch because I'm starving... First of all, rest assured this is normal in our modern world of work. Almost everyone feels like their focus is scattered pretty much all the time. My personal theory on this is that we are simply used to it, and we now expect it, and the cycle continues. We expect ourselves to be masterful multi-taskers. However, just like a computer processor, the human brain technically handles only one task at a time, even if it is at the speed of light.
How to Increase Your Focus
Determine what type of structures or processes you can use to help you create and maintain focus when needed. As an example of something my clients really benefit from, try using a kitchen timer to keep yourself focused. Determine a specific task to focus on, take a few minutes to clear out the procrastination items (go to the bathroom, refill your water glass, set the phone to silent, etc...) then set the timer for a reasonable period of time and focus ONLY on completing the desired task for that amount of time. This works because essentially you give yourself permission to put the other stuff on hold temporarily. Try it.
What to Focus On?
Another facet of Focus leads us to what exactly you put your focus toward. Which thoughts and actions will ultimately help you be more effective? What are you working toward? If you don't know your desired outcome, start by focusing on that.
As an example, if you have a project due soon, be able to articulate what you want to accomplish. In others words, what would you like the outcome to be? (At a medium-sized contact center, they determined as a team they wanted the clients totally satisfied, the team to feel the project was worthwhile, they worked together well and didn't have to put in as much overtime, and also the profit is in the good range due to improvements in project flow.) Once you have the goal to focus on, being as specific as you can, stretching for improvements with a bit of pragmatism. Then, hold the picture of this accomplishment in your focus while asking simple questions to help you drive it forward from your starting point. What could you do to make it happen? (If you have a team, like in this example, brainstorm with them.) Do NOT filter the ideas until AFTER you have a ton of real possibilities. Then figure out which ones to take action on.
ACTIONS:
1. Consider your ability to focus and whether or not discipline is required. Resolve to make 1 little tiny improvement this week. What will it be?
2. Try using the timer technique today or tomorrow to complete a task you've been putting off. OH, it will feel so good! Which task do you choose?
3. Keep a notepad handy and jot down things that come to mind when you are focusing on something specific. Write it down, then get right back to it, checking the list for actions after "focus time."
Bonus!
To help you focus your imagination and get motivated, I'd like to recommend a product I use personally and recommend to clients to help focus on creating their vision for the future:
http://www.visualizeyourgoals.com/cgi-bin/t.cgi?a=476574
Focus Defined
Q. Are focus and discipline the same thing, because I just can't seem to get a handle on either of these?
A. No, although the road to learning laser focus probably requires a bit of discipline for most people. Focus is the ability to put thought energy toward something specific. Discipline is the ability to give yourself a command and follow it.
What About This, That, and the Other?
Do you have this challenge too? You just sit down to focus on that project and almost as soon as your butt touches the chair, one or more things you "have to do" pop up. Such as: I have to go to the bathroom, and I should get that email out to the team before I forget, and oh I just remembered I need to call Bill, and omg I should have eaten lunch because I'm starving... First of all, rest assured this is normal in our modern world of work. Almost everyone feels like their focus is scattered pretty much all the time. My personal theory on this is that we are simply used to it, and we now expect it, and the cycle continues. We expect ourselves to be masterful multi-taskers. However, just like a computer processor, the human brain technically handles only one task at a time, even if it is at the speed of light.
How to Increase Your Focus
Determine what type of structures or processes you can use to help you create and maintain focus when needed. As an example of something my clients really benefit from, try using a kitchen timer to keep yourself focused. Determine a specific task to focus on, take a few minutes to clear out the procrastination items (go to the bathroom, refill your water glass, set the phone to silent, etc...) then set the timer for a reasonable period of time and focus ONLY on completing the desired task for that amount of time. This works because essentially you give yourself permission to put the other stuff on hold temporarily. Try it.
What to Focus On?
Another facet of Focus leads us to what exactly you put your focus toward. Which thoughts and actions will ultimately help you be more effective? What are you working toward? If you don't know your desired outcome, start by focusing on that.
As an example, if you have a project due soon, be able to articulate what you want to accomplish. In others words, what would you like the outcome to be? (At a medium-sized contact center, they determined as a team they wanted the clients totally satisfied, the team to feel the project was worthwhile, they worked together well and didn't have to put in as much overtime, and also the profit is in the good range due to improvements in project flow.) Once you have the goal to focus on, being as specific as you can, stretching for improvements with a bit of pragmatism. Then, hold the picture of this accomplishment in your focus while asking simple questions to help you drive it forward from your starting point. What could you do to make it happen? (If you have a team, like in this example, brainstorm with them.) Do NOT filter the ideas until AFTER you have a ton of real possibilities. Then figure out which ones to take action on.
ACTIONS:
1. Consider your ability to focus and whether or not discipline is required. Resolve to make 1 little tiny improvement this week. What will it be?
2. Try using the timer technique today or tomorrow to complete a task you've been putting off. OH, it will feel so good! Which task do you choose?
3. Keep a notepad handy and jot down things that come to mind when you are focusing on something specific. Write it down, then get right back to it, checking the list for actions after "focus time."
Bonus!
To help you focus your imagination and get motivated, I'd like to recommend a product I use personally and recommend to clients to help focus on creating their vision for the future:
http://www.visualizeyourgoals.com/cgi-bin/t.cgi?a=476574
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Business Education: Week 3
Post 4 of 14: Read more here
Wow, this was a really great week! I was so busy sponging up information on continuous improvement in my field, and immersing myself in learning that I didn't even blog about it.
I came up with a tracker in Excel to chart my progress and have been assigning myself daily ratings for how well I've been doing. With 5 being the top score and 0 being no activity in support of the focus trait, every day for Week 3 I scored a '5' - it was incredible!
Without going into nauseating detail about the activities I completed, suffice it to say I have definitely benefitted from these efforts, and have set a goal to have an additional certification and more CEUs completed in the coming months.
Once again, I feel that I'm just getting rolling with this trait and the time has come to switch gears. Arrgh. However, the good far outweighs the bad, and I am so on board with this whole idea that I just influenced another of my MasterMind groups to study this book and to do the 13 traits. We are starting it up in a few weeks. Yay!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Moderation: Week 2
Post 3 on developing 13 traits (link to more)
Wow, Week 2 came and went pretty quickly! At this point, I am a believer in this "program." I found myself whining just a bit about the extra time committed to making this all work, but frankly it is more than worth it.
I chose "Moderation" because I wanted to increase awareness of my consumption...yes food and drink, but also time spent on certain things, and applying a bit of the 80/20 rule, questioning whether I really needed to do or have certain things.
I realized a couple days in that I mis-named this one since this was meant to be about responsible living more than say, controlling myself at dinner. Therefore I believe I will rename it and clarify what that means for my next round of the 13 traits.
So was it a waste of time? Or a do-over? No.
I exercised my 6 days, I made better choices at mealtimes, I took my recyclable products home with me (and recycled them), and I committed to doing a few other related things and kept the promises made to myself.
Although it wasn't very different from a normal week for me, I definitely had more awareness and therefore considered the consequences of my actions a bit more. While admittedly in very minor ways, I am a better person for having focused on "moderation" this past week.
Any surprises? Kind of. I went a little crazy the day after the week ended, eating and drinking more, rebelling on getting a few things done, and skipping a planned workout. What the heck? Well- this just proves that focusing on it for a period of time DID have an impact.
Note: I have now "normalized" and am excited about my focus for the current week (read the next blog post to find out what it is).
Wow, Week 2 came and went pretty quickly! At this point, I am a believer in this "program." I found myself whining just a bit about the extra time committed to making this all work, but frankly it is more than worth it.
I chose "Moderation" because I wanted to increase awareness of my consumption...yes food and drink, but also time spent on certain things, and applying a bit of the 80/20 rule, questioning whether I really needed to do or have certain things.
I realized a couple days in that I mis-named this one since this was meant to be about responsible living more than say, controlling myself at dinner. Therefore I believe I will rename it and clarify what that means for my next round of the 13 traits.
So was it a waste of time? Or a do-over? No.
I exercised my 6 days, I made better choices at mealtimes, I took my recyclable products home with me (and recycled them), and I committed to doing a few other related things and kept the promises made to myself.
Although it wasn't very different from a normal week for me, I definitely had more awareness and therefore considered the consequences of my actions a bit more. While admittedly in very minor ways, I am a better person for having focused on "moderation" this past week.
Any surprises? Kind of. I went a little crazy the day after the week ended, eating and drinking more, rebelling on getting a few things done, and skipping a planned workout. What the heck? Well- this just proves that focusing on it for a period of time DID have an impact.
Note: I have now "normalized" and am excited about my focus for the current week (read the next blog post to find out what it is).
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Presentation: Week 1
2 of 14 posts on developing 13 traits
It's the last evening of the first week of my 13-week "traits" challenge.
7 days polishing up my presentation skills, and I feel like I just barely got the cart rolling. Yet it's time to move on to the next trait. I am updating my tracker in our MasterMind wiki tonight (ask me about this) and although I scored myself well all 7 days making effort to improve upon this trait, I feel a little disconcerted over moving on so quickly (my brow is actually wrinkled up in resistance).
Hold on. What was Ben thinking? One week to tune up my presentation skills?! I don't exactly suck, but I need more than a week (peripheral free time, mind you) to feel like I was able to take it to the next level...
Ah, but let's review my progress.
I crafted a goal card. Priceless!
I reviewed Toastmasters guidelines --which by the way reaffirmed how great that organization is for people desiring to improve speaking/presenting skills. Check it out! This was a useful exercise for sure.
I actually prepared ahead of time for a new 1/2 day workshop I have coming up soon. Very valuable! (I am sure I will feel less anxiety as the countdown continues.)
I also read several chapters from books I've had on the shelf for quite awhile that I had been meaning to get to. OK, I concede some definite value there, not just because I rifled through the books and have a better understanding of my existing resources, but also because the content was helpful.
I listened to some audio files on sales presentation skills. OK, yes I gained some perspective while also validating what I am doing is still the best approach for me (while doing household chores too!), so this was a good use of my time.
Hmmm...then again, I guess that Benjamin Franklin guy had some things right after all.
Week 2, here I come!
It's the last evening of the first week of my 13-week "traits" challenge.
7 days polishing up my presentation skills, and I feel like I just barely got the cart rolling. Yet it's time to move on to the next trait. I am updating my tracker in our MasterMind wiki tonight (ask me about this) and although I scored myself well all 7 days making effort to improve upon this trait, I feel a little disconcerted over moving on so quickly (my brow is actually wrinkled up in resistance).
Hold on. What was Ben thinking? One week to tune up my presentation skills?! I don't exactly suck, but I need more than a week (peripheral free time, mind you) to feel like I was able to take it to the next level...
Ah, but let's review my progress.
I crafted a goal card. Priceless!
I reviewed Toastmasters guidelines --which by the way reaffirmed how great that organization is for people desiring to improve speaking/presenting skills. Check it out! This was a useful exercise for sure.
I actually prepared ahead of time for a new 1/2 day workshop I have coming up soon. Very valuable! (I am sure I will feel less anxiety as the countdown continues.)
I also read several chapters from books I've had on the shelf for quite awhile that I had been meaning to get to. OK, I concede some definite value there, not just because I rifled through the books and have a better understanding of my existing resources, but also because the content was helpful.
I listened to some audio files on sales presentation skills. OK, yes I gained some perspective while also validating what I am doing is still the best approach for me (while doing household chores too!), so this was a good use of my time.
Hmmm...then again, I guess that Benjamin Franklin guy had some things right after all.
Week 2, here I come!
Who Are You and What Do You Do?
Oh, the dreaded cocktail-laced networking event line, "Sooo, what do YOU doooo?"
If it's a couple martinis in during a networking-gone-wild event (don't act all surprised; you know exactly what I'm talking about), I'm likely to deliver a spirited diatribe on why a person should get a little more creative when asking about work. Frankly, I think I'd prefer "Who are you and what do you do?" At least it would make me chuckle! On the other hand, if it's a fairly serious event, I'm tempted to be polite and stick to the basics of elevator-speech-giving/self promotion.
But wait? How many people out there have this networking stuff mastered? Very few. BUT- it could happen just about anywhere, any time. You want to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities for self promotion!
Networking Do's
1. Dress like you mean it. Are you a professional? Okay then. Manage your image appropriately for your industry and your brand (company and personal).
2. Have your business cards on you at all times. No exceptions. (Don't push them on people, but have them handy.)
3. Talk to people. Let's break it down:
How do you start a conversation with others during networking?
What if you are terrified to approach someone you don't know? Get over it. (OK, that's a bit mean...) Look for ways to connect. You already have several things in common with every person in the room: you are all there to meet people, you were invited to the same event, you are in the same city, you are a working professional, etc... Even if all you can muster is, "do you know where I can get a new nametag?" , "how did you hear about this event?" or similar, it's a start! Work up to "Hi, I'm ____ ," stick out your hand and be ready with something positive, tastefully humorous, or a question.
As a coach, I ask questions of others easily - partly because I have a lot of practice. My advice to novices? Try asking the questions you really want to ask or stating something interesting.
How do you talk about what you do?
First, you have to know what you do and how to state it concisely and clearly without being bland. If you haven't taken the time to nail this down, start it now. Let it sit and come back to it a couple times, then share with others and tweak it again. This is so worth doing that I cannot even remotely express the importance here. Currently, I personally like the format, "I am a _____; I specialize in ________."
For example:
"I am a business coach. I specialize in coaching women to succeed in business."
People always query for more. Then you can either share a well-crafted blurb about your product or service BENEFITS (not features!), or you can share your passion statement with full-on enthusiasm. That'll get their attention.
Keep the conversation going to make a real connection.
Ask them more questions about their passions, achievements, or current challenges in their work. IF you would like their information for any reason, ask for their business card. Let them ask for yours.
Once you made the choice to be at the event, enjoy every moment that you can. And at the end of the night, even if you didn't connect with some of the types of people you intended to, be optimistic about the connections to come from your newly expanded circle.
One last thing---and I almost hate to add this, but seriously: never judge a book by its cover.
Happy networking!
Sincerely,
Heather A. Legge
If it's a couple martinis in during a networking-gone-wild event (don't act all surprised; you know exactly what I'm talking about), I'm likely to deliver a spirited diatribe on why a person should get a little more creative when asking about work. Frankly, I think I'd prefer "Who are you and what do you do?" At least it would make me chuckle! On the other hand, if it's a fairly serious event, I'm tempted to be polite and stick to the basics of elevator-speech-giving/self promotion.
But wait? How many people out there have this networking stuff mastered? Very few. BUT- it could happen just about anywhere, any time. You want to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities for self promotion!
Networking Do's
1. Dress like you mean it. Are you a professional? Okay then. Manage your image appropriately for your industry and your brand (company and personal).
2. Have your business cards on you at all times. No exceptions. (Don't push them on people, but have them handy.)
3. Talk to people. Let's break it down:
How do you start a conversation with others during networking?
What if you are terrified to approach someone you don't know? Get over it. (OK, that's a bit mean...) Look for ways to connect. You already have several things in common with every person in the room: you are all there to meet people, you were invited to the same event, you are in the same city, you are a working professional, etc... Even if all you can muster is, "do you know where I can get a new nametag?" , "how did you hear about this event?" or similar, it's a start! Work up to "Hi, I'm ____ ," stick out your hand and be ready with something positive, tastefully humorous, or a question.
As a coach, I ask questions of others easily - partly because I have a lot of practice. My advice to novices? Try asking the questions you really want to ask or stating something interesting.
- What are you curious about and how could you ask it in a way that shows that you care about the answer?
- What could you sincerely compliment that person on?
- Ask about family, recreation, or goals.
When you get them talking they will almost automatically come around to their work. Then you can ask clarifying questions. It's easy. The key is to really care about the person and their answers. (In case they drone on and on, and you need to keep mingling, have a polite way to break away.)
How do you talk about what you do?
First, you have to know what you do and how to state it concisely and clearly without being bland. If you haven't taken the time to nail this down, start it now. Let it sit and come back to it a couple times, then share with others and tweak it again. This is so worth doing that I cannot even remotely express the importance here. Currently, I personally like the format, "I am a _____; I specialize in ________."
For example:
"I am a business coach. I specialize in coaching women to succeed in business."
People always query for more. Then you can either share a well-crafted blurb about your product or service BENEFITS (not features!), or you can share your passion statement with full-on enthusiasm. That'll get their attention.
Keep the conversation going to make a real connection.
Ask them more questions about their passions, achievements, or current challenges in their work. IF you would like their information for any reason, ask for their business card. Let them ask for yours.
Once you made the choice to be at the event, enjoy every moment that you can. And at the end of the night, even if you didn't connect with some of the types of people you intended to, be optimistic about the connections to come from your newly expanded circle.
One last thing---and I almost hate to add this, but seriously: never judge a book by its cover.
Happy networking!
Sincerely,
Heather A. Legge
Thursday, August 6, 2009
13 Should Be a Lucky Number!
Have you heard of this system that Benjamin Franklin used for self development?
13 weeks of self-improvement...
13 areas of his own choosing - those traits which likely contributed a great deal to his success and the many benefits we enjoy because of it...
I was not familiar with this before a member of one of my MasterMind groups suggested we read a book by Frank Bettger, "How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling."
Bettger revised Franklin's list, modernizing it a bit and tailoring it to his own circumstances and definition of success.
Our group of professionals is now embarking on our own 13 week focus to strengthen those traits that we (individually) feel are the keys to our success.
By the way, the concept includes repeating the process each quarter so that after a year's time you will have spent 4 weeks on each area and experience significant gains - ultimately to be living more successfully.
Here are my 13 (each with a definition/focus relevant to my personal development):
1. Presentation
2. Moderation
3. Business/Continuing Education
4. Prospecting
5. Intention
6. Communication
7. Relationships
8. Organizing
9. Spontaneity
10. Peacefulness
11. Effectiveness
12. Generosity
13. Strategy
I am excited for the progress each of us will make, and the difference we will make because of it!
To your success,
Heather
13 weeks of self-improvement...
13 areas of his own choosing - those traits which likely contributed a great deal to his success and the many benefits we enjoy because of it...
I was not familiar with this before a member of one of my MasterMind groups suggested we read a book by Frank Bettger, "How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling."
Bettger revised Franklin's list, modernizing it a bit and tailoring it to his own circumstances and definition of success.
Our group of professionals is now embarking on our own 13 week focus to strengthen those traits that we (individually) feel are the keys to our success.
By the way, the concept includes repeating the process each quarter so that after a year's time you will have spent 4 weeks on each area and experience significant gains - ultimately to be living more successfully.
Here are my 13 (each with a definition/focus relevant to my personal development):
1. Presentation
2. Moderation
3. Business/Continuing Education
4. Prospecting
5. Intention
6. Communication
7. Relationships
8. Organizing
9. Spontaneity
10. Peacefulness
11. Effectiveness
12. Generosity
13. Strategy
I am excited for the progress each of us will make, and the difference we will make because of it!
To your success,
Heather
Friday, July 24, 2009
More on Confidence
(Part II)
STEP OUT BOLDLY
I did it!
I said I would and I did.
Despite a minor injury, I set my mind to completing the triathlon and striving to beat my time from last year. I achieved my goal; I beat my time! I attribute this to the mental strength I've gained over the past year more than the physical endurance gained. It hasn't been a full week yet, and already I'm planning my improvements for next year's race, and have committed to a running event later this summer.
Frankly, I didn't feel great about my odds for achieving my goal, but I had committed to go through with it anyway and to make the best of it. (Yes, I did envision crossing the finish line with time to spare and feeling AWESOME, and I even took time to appreciate the beauty around me on the race route.) To reiterate from my last post: making a decision and sticking with it creates confidence. Even in the face of fear, doubt, uncertainty, confusion, etc...
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OBSTACLES (EXCUSES)
"But," you say, "I can't do a triathlon." "That's completely different from something like taking risks in business!" Is it? If you're not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you don't need confidence. You don't need faith either. Nor a host of other states of mind that make life worth living. Setting even tiny goals and accomplishing them gives you confidence. You feel good, and you gain the winning attitude that can drive forward those bigger goals.
During almost every client meeting this week, I've been noticing the value of confidence. Confidence in making the right decision: to change the focus of one's organization, to hire an assistant to lay the foundation for long-term growth despite the strong siren call of the higher profit margin in the short-term, to taking that leap to start up a new business in an unprecedented market. Confidence to be persistent: to not worry about what other people will think, to hire the right person and not go with the first one who seems mostly competent, to stick to your guns in a negotiation when they are giving you (only) 75% of what you want, to keeping promises to yourself and your family. Doing what you said you'd do takes some confidence, but it breeds even more, especially in the face of what seems tough or unfamiliar. (Remember that fear is imagined; all of it!)
" I see only the objective; the obstacles must give way." ~Napoleon
LAUNCH!
Take the first step, then course-correct IF needed. Too much preparation means you never leave home.
Do you know people who talk about great ideas, yet they're a bit like a missile that never gets launched? As John C. Maxwell says, it's "aim, aim, aim, aim....aim........aim." You've got to "Fire!" if you're going to reap the rewards.
USE YOUR STRENGTHS
Everyone has the means to make things happen. Have confidence in yourself as a human being who has unique strengths, insights, resources and talents. (If you don't think you have enough, contact me right now. In just one session I'll teach you to see these things more clearly.) What would you say to a friend or colleague in the same situation? After "What do you want to do?" and "Have you thought about this?" Probably, "Just do it!"
Here's to your success,
Heather
(402) 690-4946
Heather@EnvisionSuccessConsulting.com
STEP OUT BOLDLY
I did it!
I said I would and I did.
Despite a minor injury, I set my mind to completing the triathlon and striving to beat my time from last year. I achieved my goal; I beat my time! I attribute this to the mental strength I've gained over the past year more than the physical endurance gained. It hasn't been a full week yet, and already I'm planning my improvements for next year's race, and have committed to a running event later this summer.
Frankly, I didn't feel great about my odds for achieving my goal, but I had committed to go through with it anyway and to make the best of it. (Yes, I did envision crossing the finish line with time to spare and feeling AWESOME, and I even took time to appreciate the beauty around me on the race route.) To reiterate from my last post: making a decision and sticking with it creates confidence. Even in the face of fear, doubt, uncertainty, confusion, etc...
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OBSTACLES (EXCUSES)
"But," you say, "I can't do a triathlon." "That's completely different from something like taking risks in business!" Is it? If you're not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you don't need confidence. You don't need faith either. Nor a host of other states of mind that make life worth living. Setting even tiny goals and accomplishing them gives you confidence. You feel good, and you gain the winning attitude that can drive forward those bigger goals.
During almost every client meeting this week, I've been noticing the value of confidence. Confidence in making the right decision: to change the focus of one's organization, to hire an assistant to lay the foundation for long-term growth despite the strong siren call of the higher profit margin in the short-term, to taking that leap to start up a new business in an unprecedented market. Confidence to be persistent: to not worry about what other people will think, to hire the right person and not go with the first one who seems mostly competent, to stick to your guns in a negotiation when they are giving you (only) 75% of what you want, to keeping promises to yourself and your family. Doing what you said you'd do takes some confidence, but it breeds even more, especially in the face of what seems tough or unfamiliar. (Remember that fear is imagined; all of it!)
" I see only the objective; the obstacles must give way." ~Napoleon
LAUNCH!
Take the first step, then course-correct IF needed. Too much preparation means you never leave home.
Do you know people who talk about great ideas, yet they're a bit like a missile that never gets launched? As John C. Maxwell says, it's "aim, aim, aim, aim....aim........aim." You've got to "Fire!" if you're going to reap the rewards.
USE YOUR STRENGTHS
Everyone has the means to make things happen. Have confidence in yourself as a human being who has unique strengths, insights, resources and talents. (If you don't think you have enough, contact me right now. In just one session I'll teach you to see these things more clearly.) What would you say to a friend or colleague in the same situation? After "What do you want to do?" and "Have you thought about this?" Probably, "Just do it!"
Here's to your success,
Heather
(402) 690-4946
Heather@EnvisionSuccessConsulting.com
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Confidence For Any Situation
It's the eve of a triathlon, and I'm not worried today... I should be. I'm not the type who excels at these things. In fact, people are probably surprised that I participate in fitness events. I'm healthy, but I'm no star athlete.
Last summer was my first tri, and I signed up again this year. At some point I told myself I was going to beat my time by 20% --but then life cruised on and I focused on other goals. I didn't fully commit through action until the past couple of months.
I was a little freaked out about it. I was training pretty hard and it was great (met some awesome milestones!) but then a week ago I started limping. My left foot was hurting a lot and I started to wonder if I could do the triathlon at all. I put my workouts on hold. I allowed myself a few daily thoughts of "This sucks!" "It's not fair!" "Waaaahhh." I went through my days in a minor depressive state...
Then I stood back and wondered if my anxiety about meeting my goal was somehow the root cause of my physical distress. As a business coach, I know darn well that the mind is far more powerful than any circumstances --and I resolved to change my tune.
I made a decision: I will do the race no matter what & if I have to limp across the finish line, then so be it. Then when I looked back at my written goals, I realized I had committed to completing it and to beating my time from last year. And I felt better about it (what? where did the 20% come from??).
The point of this blog? The reason I am taking the time to type it up before I load the car with my gear? Because I realized that ultimately what matters to me is simply keeping my promise to myself. And I want to share this with you-
I'm doing this event because it is in line with my vision of the person I am becoming. This gives me confidence for tomorrow. This feeling of moving one step closer to my goals, my future, my "ideal" self gives me confidence. I'm doing the right thing by acting in support of my decision...no matter how the race goes tomorrow. This habit of sticking to a decision in the face of fear and uncertainty also gave me confidence a few weeks ago just prior to a speaking engagement I didn't feel truly ready for. And it will give you confidence when you need it.
Are we ever totally physically ready for whatever comes our way? I don't think so. Not fully. You just can't address every contingency for every situation. Besides, who wants to live a "worst case scenario" lifestyle? No thanks.
However, we CAN be mentally ready...for anything. I believe one way to experience this is by acknowledging who we are now and who we want to be. Then by making choices that fit with that vision we step boldly in the direction of our dreams. That IS confidence.
Who do you want to be? By the way, I don't mean you should care about what other people think or emulate others' behavior or accomplishments. I mean that when you think about your future self, what traits do you want to have? Who do YOU want to be? Step boldy in the direction of these dreams and goals, and live confidently! Live Out Loud! Act As If!
Last summer was my first tri, and I signed up again this year. At some point I told myself I was going to beat my time by 20% --but then life cruised on and I focused on other goals. I didn't fully commit through action until the past couple of months.
I was a little freaked out about it. I was training pretty hard and it was great (met some awesome milestones!) but then a week ago I started limping. My left foot was hurting a lot and I started to wonder if I could do the triathlon at all. I put my workouts on hold. I allowed myself a few daily thoughts of "This sucks!" "It's not fair!" "Waaaahhh." I went through my days in a minor depressive state...
Then I stood back and wondered if my anxiety about meeting my goal was somehow the root cause of my physical distress. As a business coach, I know darn well that the mind is far more powerful than any circumstances --and I resolved to change my tune.
I made a decision: I will do the race no matter what & if I have to limp across the finish line, then so be it. Then when I looked back at my written goals, I realized I had committed to completing it and to beating my time from last year. And I felt better about it (what? where did the 20% come from??).
The point of this blog? The reason I am taking the time to type it up before I load the car with my gear? Because I realized that ultimately what matters to me is simply keeping my promise to myself. And I want to share this with you-
I'm doing this event because it is in line with my vision of the person I am becoming. This gives me confidence for tomorrow. This feeling of moving one step closer to my goals, my future, my "ideal" self gives me confidence. I'm doing the right thing by acting in support of my decision...no matter how the race goes tomorrow. This habit of sticking to a decision in the face of fear and uncertainty also gave me confidence a few weeks ago just prior to a speaking engagement I didn't feel truly ready for. And it will give you confidence when you need it.
Are we ever totally physically ready for whatever comes our way? I don't think so. Not fully. You just can't address every contingency for every situation. Besides, who wants to live a "worst case scenario" lifestyle? No thanks.
However, we CAN be mentally ready...for anything. I believe one way to experience this is by acknowledging who we are now and who we want to be. Then by making choices that fit with that vision we step boldly in the direction of our dreams. That IS confidence.
Who do you want to be? By the way, I don't mean you should care about what other people think or emulate others' behavior or accomplishments. I mean that when you think about your future self, what traits do you want to have? Who do YOU want to be? Step boldy in the direction of these dreams and goals, and live confidently! Live Out Loud! Act As If!
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