I just returned from Dubai, working with a consultancy firm and realizing that all we think we know, we really don’t know. I have always been a curious person, which has contributed to my success. But today I continue to learn even more as I spend more time in the Middle East and Diplomatic arena. Many people are too set in their ways and believe their way is the only way, and that has led to a stagnant future.
There are a lot of individuals in the market for a job. They either got laid off, or quit a job for a new one and have found that they are not fitting in with the new company and culture. This can be a very tough time for some. The moment you think you know what you need to do in a job, someone comes along and tips you upside down.
In a rapidly changing world you can no longer predict your way to success. You must actively engage in making your future happen. An uncertain future can be daunting unless of course you are on top of your game. Surround yourself with like-minded positive people and never stop learning. The minute you think you have it under control, the wind blows in a different direction.
Have fun, be nimble and make the best out of this fabulous world of uncertainty.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Networking is not for the "tender heart!"
I was in London last week for meetings and in the evening was by myself. I am not one to sit in my room and watch movies and have room service. I like to go out and about and meet people. Yes, I said meet people. New, exciting people that don't know me and I don't know them. Now again, I have written about this in my book "Living with no balance and Loving it," and still I receive feedback from people that they would never go out alone as a woman, especially a married woman and meet people. It would feel too much like they were trying to get picked up. I couldn't disagree more. I meet the most interesting people and have connections all over the world that have led to friendships and new business opportunities.
So in London the same story played out. I went to a hotel I know very well, went into the bar where I know the bartender and sat at the bar and ordered a drink. Within 5 minutes I had met a couple from the states, a travel agent from Saudi, and a British investor who lived in the neighborhood. When I sat down they were all there but no one was talking to each other until I got the conversation moving. Within minutes it was like a group of friends who met for a drink.
Did I get any business from this - YES! I have already connected with one of the people I met and we are exchanging emails and discussing future business.
If you are in sales, marketing or communications I would highly recommend taking your social networking skills outside with "real people." It is interesting, fun and creates human connections versus "friend requests."
So in London the same story played out. I went to a hotel I know very well, went into the bar where I know the bartender and sat at the bar and ordered a drink. Within 5 minutes I had met a couple from the states, a travel agent from Saudi, and a British investor who lived in the neighborhood. When I sat down they were all there but no one was talking to each other until I got the conversation moving. Within minutes it was like a group of friends who met for a drink.
Did I get any business from this - YES! I have already connected with one of the people I met and we are exchanging emails and discussing future business.
If you are in sales, marketing or communications I would highly recommend taking your social networking skills outside with "real people." It is interesting, fun and creates human connections versus "friend requests."
Friday, March 9, 2012
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you know where you’re going to?
Years ago I used to sing this theme song from Diana Ross’ Mahogany. As a young girl searching for what I wanted I joined a band for a short period of time and sang Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross songs. This was one of my favorites because everyone is searching for who they are and who they want to be. Just hum the tune ~
“Do you know where you’re going to, do you like the things that life is showing you – where are you going to – do you know? Do you get what you’re hoping for, when you look behind you there’s no open door – what are you hoping for – do you know?”
Everyone deals with conflict in their life and work – should I or shouldn’t I? Always a question between you and you! No one knows the answer better than you do, but making those tough decisions is always the hardest and these decisions can’t be made in a vacuum. Think about the decisions of your past – which ones were right and which ones do you wish you would have listened to someone for advice. The key word is advice. No one can make the decision for you, but listening to your advisors, mentors and coaches can add to your thoughtful decisions.
What are you searching for – some people want freedom, while others want to be safe. Some want to go out on their own, while others want to be part of something bigger. At one moment we want this and the next moment we want that. Fighting internally with ourselves for what we “think” we want but don’t know what we really need.
As a personal coach I am always asked the question - what should I do? The answer is simple – I asked them back the question – what do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? If you could do anything in the world what would it be? 5 – 10 years from now when you look back where will you be looking and will you be happy?
Happy, successful people know how to make these decisions. They plan, they think, they collaborate and then make final choices. The choices must be made so that you always know where you are going and there is always an open door.
Years ago I used to sing this theme song from Diana Ross’ Mahogany. As a young girl searching for what I wanted I joined a band for a short period of time and sang Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross songs. This was one of my favorites because everyone is searching for who they are and who they want to be. Just hum the tune ~
“Do you know where you’re going to, do you like the things that life is showing you – where are you going to – do you know? Do you get what you’re hoping for, when you look behind you there’s no open door – what are you hoping for – do you know?”
Everyone deals with conflict in their life and work – should I or shouldn’t I? Always a question between you and you! No one knows the answer better than you do, but making those tough decisions is always the hardest and these decisions can’t be made in a vacuum. Think about the decisions of your past – which ones were right and which ones do you wish you would have listened to someone for advice. The key word is advice. No one can make the decision for you, but listening to your advisors, mentors and coaches can add to your thoughtful decisions.
What are you searching for – some people want freedom, while others want to be safe. Some want to go out on their own, while others want to be part of something bigger. At one moment we want this and the next moment we want that. Fighting internally with ourselves for what we “think” we want but don’t know what we really need.
As a personal coach I am always asked the question - what should I do? The answer is simple – I asked them back the question – what do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? If you could do anything in the world what would it be? 5 – 10 years from now when you look back where will you be looking and will you be happy?
Happy, successful people know how to make these decisions. They plan, they think, they collaborate and then make final choices. The choices must be made so that you always know where you are going and there is always an open door.
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