10 Reasons Why I Love Business Travel

It was Sunday afternoon when I wrote this, and I’m on a flight from Philadelphia to Las Vegas.

From there, I head to San Diego on Tuesday to deliver a speech. Then, it’s a red eye home.

Last week, I had at least five people say, “Don’t you hate to travel? Aren’t you dreading the next few days?”

Although I don’t like leaving home on Sundays, my response to them was, “No.”

Since many of you reading this also travel for work, I thought I’d give my top 10 reason (in no special order) that business travel is a gift.

1) I am working. Given the state of the economy, I feel blessed to be working -- and I love what I do.

2) Dragging my suitcase (I only do carry-on) and my laptop, etc., around the airport give me great exercise. I used to complain about this, but now that I view it as gym time, I say “Bring it on!”

3) It gives me more chances to DO... Whether it’s waiting before a flight, or sitting on the plane (trains work, as well), I have time to catch up on reading, writing or thinking. When else do you have hours of uninterrupted time?

4) I have a chance to see different areas of the country. Granted there’s not much time, but by arriving a few hours early or staying late, I can take a tour of the city, go to a museum, or just walk around.

5) By staying in hotels, I have the luxury of ordering room service. And, I can try foods from different regions.

6) In the hotel, I have total control of the remote control. Not to say that my husband doesn’t share, but he doesn’t!

7) I can go to sleep whenever I want. This means I can stay up and watch late night TV or go to bed at 7.

8) There are fascinating people all around -- other road warriors, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, clients, etc. I’ve learned a lot simply by asking questions.

9) Did I mention that I’m grateful to be working? To have a job that helps people be more effective, to love that job, and to get paid for it – what could be better?

10) The chance to go home. Having missed family and friends, and to be missed, I look forward to business travel, so I can go home again.

Gain a Professional Edge at BRODY Boost Camp, November 13, 2008

I just came back from Pittsburgh, PA, where I was speaking to a client about the importance of personal marketing.

In these times of “troubled waters,” the ability to sell yourself is even more critical.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating now: It’s not just who you know, but who knows you -- and what you’re capable of doing -- that counts!

My upcoming BRODY Boost Camp on Thursday, November 13, will help attendees enhance their professionalism, persuasive speaking, and personal promotion.

There are still some seats available.

You can check out the full agenda, and register, by visiting this link on the BRODY Professional Development site: http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html.

If you have any questions, just give me a call or e-mail me at marjorie@brodypro.com.

Pre-Debate Coaching/Advice for Presidential Candidates

The official count down to the election next month has begun.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of the political rhetoric.

I would love one (both would be better!) of the candidates to simply call a halt to the negativity.

People want straight talk. People want solutions. People want honesty.

I wouldn’t miss the next debate this Wednesday, even though it’s my 20th wedding anniversary!

That said, I will forgo the usual “dining out experience” so I can be home watching the TV. Fortunately, my husband concurs.

Aside from the politics, it’s fascinating for me as a speaker and presentation skills coach to watch the candidates do what we at BRODY Professional Development say not to do, and also what to do.

A free bit of coaching advice to both presidential candidates:

1) be respectful of each other
2) look at the audience and the camera
3) don’t over talk, or cut each other off
4) don’t make condescending comments
5) avoid repetitive words or phrases (examples from last time: “my friend” and “look”).

Oh yes, and one more thing – with the advent of fact checking, let’s be honest with the information shared, please.

The truth will come out at some point, so why not now?

Political Presentations: Is It What You Say, Or How You Say It?

I hope you are having as much “fun” as I am watching and listening to the debate buzz.

Of course, I have friends on both sides of the fence. A few have asked if I was coaching any of the candidates – and a few have suggested that I do so (I’d be delighted)!

The answer is, “No, I’m not coaching any of the four candidates.” But, the real question is, “Who is?”

My work, and the work of BRODY Professional Development, is to help people in all industries hone their message and delivery – hence, the effectiveness of corporate professionals.

It’s always amazing to me to see and hear the difference that a little coaching and training can make.

Just last week, I was coaching a young female who works in an older, male-dominated environment. In a short time, with coaching, she was able to shift her message and maximize what she brings to the table.

She walked away with a greater sense of self confidence. I have no doubt that she will accomplish her objectives (selling her credibility and her ideas), when she delivers her next message.

If you have any suggestions for our presidential and vice presidential candidates on clarity and consistency of their messages, and how they should be delivering them, why not send them to me? I will post your ideas here.

My message for the week: “Speak up. Speak Out. Let others benefit from your ideas.”