Archive for the 'hot topics'

Recently I attended a networking event and was surprised by the presenter’s inability to hide her disappointment. It was a small group and she clearly had expected more attendees. People appreciated the information she had to offer but not everyone was jumping out of their seats to become her paying clients. So this made me think about a few things…

Now we all know as entrepreneurs to “think big”. We always bring double the amount of info to hand out “just in case”. We are never without business cards and have our elevator pitch memorized. But what do you do when it goes the other way? When only a few people show up? When everyone politely declines?

Here are a few things I learned in the beginning of my business about situations just like this.

1) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS remain positive and polite. Be your most gracious self. When the numbers are small, every eye is on YOU every MINUTE. How you conduct yourself has a much stronger impact on each individual than with a large crowd. Potential clients are less likely to become paying clients when they sense negativity.

2)NEVER NEVER NEVER try to force a sale with a small group. Since everyone is intently watching your every move you must ensure your actions encourage potential clients to become paying clients. No one wants to pay to work with someone who is pushy and rude.

3) Have good intentions no matter how many people attend. I have an attitude that no matter what, it is always worth it. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not going to knowingly book to present to a few people when going to the event will cost me with driving time, tolls, babysitter etc. But when I find myself at an event that is smaller than expected I make the best of it and use the opportunity to make a GREAT impression.

How do you manage your expectations when things don’t go as planned?

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

People seem to think that working with a life or business coach means a huge time investment to see any results. Since I am very results orientated, I don’t think that should be the case. So here are 5 small things you can do TODAY to start loving YOUR life!

I hope you enjoy trying these 5 simple techniques to love your life now.

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

Today my 6 year old is graduating from kindergarten. The class is having a “moving up” ceremony. The kids have been practicing songs and poems for weeks now and they are extremely excited to be headed to First Grade. It is clearly very important to children as they become “big kids” - a milestone to be acknowledged.

This event for my daughter made me think of how milestones are useful, important and significant on our journey of life or business success.

First, achieving a milestone means you set a goal, made a plan to achieve that goal then took the necessary steps to make it happen. That is a big deal! That is worth celebrating - YAY YOU! Whether you ran a marathon, got your first client or made your first million, the system is the same and each marker is worth acknowledging.

Second, it is important to reward yourself for a job well done. Setting a goal and achieving it IS a job well done so pat yourself on the back, sing your own praises, take a short rest then set your next milestone to achieve.

Finally, use what works and keep it going! You don’t have to get everything right but make note of what did work. What kept you motivated? What got you out there doing your thing when you would rather take a nap? Notice what worked and do more of it. Notice what did not work and do less of it.

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

So the latest buzz is Miley Cyrus’ photo shoot for Vanity Fair. The whole situation infuriates me on several levels and there are so many people to blame from the photographer, parents, managers, Disney (have they made a public statement yet?) along with the media that perpetuates the chaos.

As the mother of a 4 year old, I am very cautious about what is on my television. When we watch TV, it’s PBS or appropriate on demand shows so I can monitor what my daughter sees.

Of course, I am not with her every hour and she has sleep-overs with friends and cousins. Much to my dismay, Abbi has watched High School Musical and Hannah Montana during such sleepovers. So what is the big deal if my 4 year old is a Hannah Montana fan? The problem is Abbi, at age 4, is too young to differentiate the behaviors she sees and how she should act. Young children learn by mimicking the behaviors they see. Didn’t we all learn from Britney and Christina that working for Disney does not make you sweet or innocent?

You may think I am over protective by thinking these shows are inappropriate for a 3 or 4 year old. Yesterday’s photo of a half nude, 15 year old child all over the media — who happens to be the most influential media figure for the tween age group down to school age children — makes me hold firm to my beliefs.

As a Mom, it is my job to protect Abbi’s innocence; being strict about what she sees is the greatest way to do so.

It’s not about the shoot being “beautiful” or “artistic.” I was an art major - I get it - but what I don’t get is anyone thinking a 15 year old child posing half bare is appropriate, is in the best interest of that child or the children Miley Cyrus is such an influential power over.

I must say, I will be sure to make it perfectly clear Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is banned in my house!

Sorry, Abbi, no sleep overs for a while. Mom has to do what Mom has to do.