Wednesday, November 26, 2008

More Reasons to Be Thankful

Even in down times, it is critical to take inventory about what is good and what is working.

This is particularly true at Thanksgiving – what are you thankful for?

I can’t speak for you, but here are some things that I am grateful for. Maybe you can identify with a few:

•I am healthy (at least as far as I know!) -- I choose to ignore aches and pains.

•I have family who usually appreciate me.

•My friends think I am funny, reliable, thoughtful, and insightful (I choose to let them think that!)

•I love my work. If you don’t love yours most of the time, perhaps it’s time to rethink your purpose and be willing to take some risks? Life is way too short to be stuck.

•I have food on the table. And, for most of us, it wouldn’t hurt to eat a little less, and better.

•I have clothes that fit – believe me, that takes some work!

•There are many books to read, movies to see, and, of course, a new season of “24.”

•I can make a difference – and so can you. Do some volunteer work, give to a charity, and serve on a committee.

What are you thankful for? Whatever it may be, take an inventory, and be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

It's a Time for Business & Personal Reflection

I just got back from attending the National Speakers Association Board of Directors meeting and fall conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

Usually I come back feeling overwhelmed with a list of things “to do.”

This time, however, I feel different. Instead of just “doing,” I am now thinking, “Why do?”

It’s so easy to get caught up in the newest and coolest approaches. Remember TQM? Six Sigma? EI?

All good programs and initiatives, yet they only will be worthwhile if it gives you the results YOU need.

Now I look at blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Second Life, etc. -- all of which I’ve been active in -- and ask myself first, “What is the relevancy to my business?”

I still need to figure this out by fine-tuning my approach and involvement, then deciding what to do, how to do it, and what the priorities should be.

How about you? Do you take time to reflect and think before taking action?

Speaking of reflection, Thanksgiving is a good time to step back and think about -- and fully appreciate -- all that you have, and, most of all, the people in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Power of Mastermind Groups

As I wrote this blog, I was in Phoenix having a mastermind group meeting.

So many people ask me, “What is a mastermind group?”

It’s simply a group of like-minded businesspeople who regularly get together to share ideas.

One member from one of my mastermind groups said that he’s made more than $6 million just from the ideas he’s gotten from the rest of us!

Historically, I was a non-joiner, but began to hear more and more of the value of belonging to a mastermind group.

Ultimately, I became a founding member of two different groups -- one that has been meeting for 11 years now, Master Speakers International; and the other for seven years, Business Builders.

For me, mastermind group meetings have been a place to get great new ideas, receive feedback on my current ideas, help others, and share experiences -- not to mention develop incredible relationships.

This week, I’m giving a presentation about mastermind groups at the National Speakers Association conference. I’ve also invited a panel of professionals to discuss their own experiences – the good and the bad – what makes a mastermind group work, and what are the pitfalls?

If any of you reading this blog have questions about mastermind groups, please feel free to e-mail me. I’d be happy to answer any questions, or share more of my own personal experiences with them.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Value of Focus & Humor

Did you ever feel as though you were chasing your tail?

If you work within a corporation, or any business, or have a life at all, I’m sure you can identify with this feeling.

Luckily (despite the economy), I’m very busy with executive coaching and speaking, but it does require lots of flexibility … the changing demands of clients, shifting airline schedules, and coping with family/life issues (in my case, four generations).

These factors all make it very difficult to have things go as planned or smoothly.

The way I’m coping is to:

•Breathe
•Plan (lay it out on paper)
•Prioritize
•Be flexible
•Have a sense of humor

I also practice living in the present, appreciating that our only true reality is the here and now.

And, for now, living and meeting challenges is sure better than the alternative!

Monday, November 3, 2008

The World Isn't Fair

Granted, things are shaky with the economy and businesses everywhere.

So, what are your choices?

Give up or step up?

I am speaking about this very topic on November 6th in Chicago -- delivering a workshop presentation twice at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Leadership Conference. The title is “Step Up! for Success.”

Here is one of the key points that I’ll be making:

The world isn’t fair – it’s your attitude that counts.

People walk around lately as though they are victims. We aren’t.

We have choices – not always good ones, but choices all the same. No one wants to hear your whining. If you are lucky enough to still have a job, look for ways to make it more interesting. Make the changes that are necessary, or accept what you can’t change. Leaving is always an option.

Another thing you can do is hang around with winners, not whiners.

Negativity is toxic, and it spreads quickly. Every day, think about -- or better yet, write somewhere -- things that you are grateful for.

That attitude of gratitude -- which some of you may see as cheesy -- really does go a long way.

I’ll be sharing more of this message regarding stepping it up, and thriving in your career, despite economic factors, in my open-enrollment BRODY BOOST Camp career development workshop on November 13 in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

There are still some seats open for BOOST Camp; visit http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html to register, or call 800-726-7936.