Posts Tagged 'Solutions'

Article reprinted from Professionally Speaking magazine, Winter 2010 issue.

While growing up, my grandmother used to say your body is like a temple. Be careful of the thoughts you dwell on and scrutinize how it is allowed to be treated. Lately, this memory has been on my mind. It made me wonder, what about our business? Are we as selective as we should be when it comes to the strategies we implement, the marketing and promotions we use or the software products we purchase? Do we ensure we are positioned as an expert in our field and take care of our biggest asset, ourselves? 

The beginning of every new year seems to be riddled with resolutions. Among the top resolutions made include better emotional, physical and fiscal health management. Although 46% of Americans lose their resolve within the first six months of the year, research shows that people who are resilient and explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals. Oh yes, written and consistently reviewed goals are ways to achieve what you want and at the same time, Shake It Up!

Let’s take a look at physical health. According to the Gallop-Healthways Well-Being Index, Americans exercised less in 2009 than in 2008. The benchmark for this study is based on exercising at least 30 minutes a day three or more times a week. What if we were on an activity regimen like this for our business? Imagine how our performance and productivity would improve if we were to adopt such a practice, if we exercised such discipline?

As NSA/NC member Joanne Black recommends, work on things that are closest to cash. Meaning, the activities that bring you closest to payday get priority. Then consider spending 30 minutes a day three days a week following up on referrals and leads. Meet prospects for coffee with the specific goal of getting to know how you can serve them better and strengthen your relationship. Dedicate this time to identifying and changing, when possible, prospects into clients.

Our business is a precious and vital aspect of our lives. We have to show due diligence in its maintenance and care. There is an old sales adage that says leaders do what needs to be done rather they want to or not. This year, be a leader. Get clear on what and how you feed your business based on your activities. By taking action on a plan, you can reduce stress, keep healthy and fit so you have the energy to Shake It Up!

Karen Walker-Tunoa, 2009-2010 NSA/NC President

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…for a year of greatness? Is there room in your life for good health, fabulous friends, and a thriving business all at the same time? If so, you have the mindset that will make you and your business flourish.

Every year has its own set of challenges peppered with opportunities to favor optimism and courageous movement if we choose to see them. This is a perfect time to embrace resilience, prepare for change, and Shake It Up!

The three step Resiliency System is all that’s needed to make this a victorious year, and I know you can do it; access – plan – act. Take the time to reflect on the multiple aspects of your life and business then analyze, as my friend Tom Drews recommends, what works. By identifying what works and where adjustments are needed, a plan can be established. As speakers, you all know a good plan comes to life and is most valued when action is taken.

So go ahead, access, plan, and act your way into an incredible year.

What a perfect way to Shake It Up!

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The business of health care and those in risk management refer to resilience as a process or procedure for handling emergencies. It’s a big part of disaster preparedness which covers what should be done before, during and after a disaster. Rather it be man-made or a natural disaster, businesses can’t afford to be down and non-operational. In health care, the stakes are even higher. Human life is on the line.

With resilience being so important in the business world, why isn’t more focus applied to community issues or personal challenges that seem to be forever present? How adaptive are these best practices? What if resilience could be increased through awareness? If individuals used resilience as a tool and it was available to all, maybe, just maybe more people would be better equipped when the expected or unforeseen complexity stands before them. Sometimes a little reminder is needed – You are Resilient!

What’s your take on this? How can individuals prepare for their own resiliency plan? Let me hear from you!

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As you may know, I’m the president of the National Speakers Association/Northern California. Our mission is to inspire quality and professionalism in both speaking and business development for those who use the platform in their work. The following article was written and published in the Fall 2009 issue of Professionally Speaking magazine to encourage our members and readers to remember possibilities. I hope you are inspired to remember possibilities as well.

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Children have an amazing talent – they know how to get what they want! Without any guidance from adults, they literally see possibilities and do not hesitate to try new things to get the result they’re looking for. Want proof? Go to a park or visit a playground on a sunny day. Nine times out of ten you will witness strategic planning and negotiations galore right on the blacktop, near the slide or the swings. Why? Most of the children playing are unaware of doubt, fear and self-imposed limitations – the things that typically rule the day for adults. Children embrace their intuition and insight while allowing creativity to flow. They really know how to Shake It Up!

Can you imagine what would happen if we allowed ourselves the freedom to see possibilities in our relationships and the work we do? With our knowledge and skills, especially when we collaborate with others, new ideas could be explored to foster better solutions for the situations we face. The benefits are endless. We can make this a reality by accepting a little-known fact: a change in perspectives may occur.

The possibility perspective does not let doubt, fear or self-imposed limitations impact decision making. Clouds of doom and gloom are not over our heads. We are smart and talented. We have what it takes to not only see the possibilities that are before us, but also to take advantage of them.

Opportunities for better possibilities exist. I know what some of you are thinking and I’m inclined to agree: exploring possibilities involves risk. Ahh, but the reward! The risk of freedom to expand your thoughts and do things you only imagined is well worth it. It’s OK to risk being right; to believe in your ability to see the array of possibilities around you; to do something differently. 

Whenever you want a fresh take on negotiation or intuitive skills, go out and watch children play. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn. Who knows, you may take a few pointers from the playground to the boardroom. Just remember to Shake It Up!