In the last few days, the letter I mentioned above is no longer functioning on my computer. And it’s so annoying and frustrating!! It’s amazing how we don’t give a second thought to the things we use on a daily basis. Yet, when they are no longer available we find ourselves in a tizzy! If I need to use that letter in a word, which does become an issue when I need to spell my … [Read more...]
Archives for 2010
The Marvelous Connector
Shea Megale is 14-year-old author of a successful book series called Marvelous Mercer; but she is no ordinary girl. Shea has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a paralyzing disease that has left her with limited arm strength and compromised motor skills. To help her get around more independently, Shea has a companion dog named Mercer. Mercer knows 60 commands that include turning on … [Read more...]
5 Important Things to Remember as an Entrepreneur
Guest post by De Francis (learn more about De at the end of this post) I attended an entrepreneur course several weeks ago. Many aspects were discussed that revolved around entrepreneurship and small business ownership. One day we had a guest speaker and reflecting on what stood out the most during his visit was the following: 1. Talk about your purpose and passion! Or more … [Read more...]
Can Leaders Take a Break?
Do we have to go off to an island with limited access to the internet to get some quiet? Is it ever okay to put a “do not disturb” sign on the office door? Can we ever admit we are fried, exhausted, done, and not be judged as lacking in mojo, courage, stamina? These were some of the thoughts I had after spending a remarkable day presenting at Purdue University in Indiana. … [Read more...]
How To Find “Hidden” Federal Contracts: Network
Do you monitor fedbizopps.gov and other websites that track potential federal contracts? Congratulations: you’re doing a great job…of finding 20% of all federal contracts. Some 80% of government contracts are never put up for bid, and if a contract is under a certain dollar amount, government agencies are under no obligation to issue a bid notice. (This is particularly true … [Read more...]
The Homecoming Queen Grows Up (kinda)
Guest post by Susan Finerty (learn more about Susan at the end of this post) I wasn't Homecoming Queen--I was on the court. I still have dreams of winning. There I am, in my dusty rose-colored gown, flower bouquet in hand, tiara on head. But then I wake up and remember that I am a 40-something mom and a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and nobody is going to put a … [Read more...]
How To Have A Scroogeless Holiday-5 Charitable Giving Strategies
Guest post by Lena Rizkallah (learn more about Lena at the end of this post) Whether it’s for a cause or organization we believe in, or solely for tax purposes, this is the time when many of us make our first and/or final charitable gifts to charity for the year. Here are five smart charitable giving strategies to keep in mind: 1. Clean out your closets! And your kids’ … [Read more...]
Building Your Brand “Buddy The Elf” Style – Part 2
Last week I talked about the first two steps of brand building: awareness and understanding, and developing brand associations and meaning. Just to refresh, if you have seen the delightful holiday movie Elf, you are familiar with the endearing qualities of child-like hope and wonder “Buddy the Elf” exudes. How endearing is your brand to your customers? What do you your … [Read more...]
Why is it so darn easy to say NO?
Oftentimes, there is more risk in customer service when the answer to our concerns is “yes.” Can you help me? Will you make an exception and do this for me just this once? Could you look into this issue I’m having? Being helpful comes with a price, and the price is more work. But what if the tables were turned and the risk was actually in saying “no.” How much better would … [Read more...]
Ask for a Promotion
According to Donald Asher, author of Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn’t and Why, “Bosses assume that any employee who doesn’t ask for more is satisfied with his job.” If this is accurate, which I suspect it is, why don’t we ask about opportunities to move up? Our hesitancy to ask for a promotion is more than likely related to our overall fear of self promotion. When we … [Read more...]