Hello from lovely New York City. I figured out why so many people are lost right now during the financial "crisis." Since I travel so much, there are many mornings when I wake up, that I actually have to "think" about what city I am in. It dawned on me this morning at 6:00am Eastern Standard Time when my wake up call arrived. I had only been back in the states for 2 days from Asia Pacific when I left California for New York City.
I needed some direction - I looked out my window and saw all the highrises and realized exactly where I was - but in the dark, with my curtains closed, I was confused.
I think this is our problem today - many people are living in the dark, eyes shut, listening only to the media and not asking for direction. Each of us need to open our eyes, ask questions and try to figure out solutions...not stay tucked away in the dark waiting for sunlight.
As leaders today, you need to step up to the plate and provide on going leadership and direction to your employees - now more than ever. Where is your business headed, what issues lie ahead, how can employees step up right now and what is the overall strategic plan.
Remember that many younger employees - fresh out of college have never seen this type of recession before and they need your direction to move out of the disaster and into the future.
In my leadership training, we focus on developing team members - there are beginners to masters and each step needs different leadership. You have some people on your team that "think" they are a master, yet are producing like a beginner. What have you done about that? What feedback have you given them, what development steps have you put in place and what inspiration are you giving your team to keep their heads held up high and shoot for the moon. Remember if they shoot for the moon and come up short they at least will hit a star!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thai Food - Spicy but Sweet!
Before I traveled to Thailand, I never thought I liked Thai food. My brother in law loved it and I always said - no, too spicy. Then I spent a week in Bangkok and fell in love with the spicy and sweet tastes of Thailand. Thai Cuisine is well-known for being hot and spicy and for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.
Last night I took Lefty to my favorite Thai restaurant in Singapore. I had been there before, and in addition to the great food ~ the employees are spectacular. They genuinely want to help you. They describe each item on the menu as if they made it themselves, they come up with ideas for local wines and beyond everything ~ they are excited you are dining with them. The name of the restaurant is Kha. So where does this dining experience lead me...
In life, there are people that are spicy - hot- hot-hot! But very sweet. I think I am one of those people. I have a lot of fire in my personality, but in the end I care deeply about those around me. You don't need to be luke warm to be friendly - you can have a spicy temper, passion and lust for life....just remember when you get too hot, enjoy the coconut sticky rice with mango to calm you down.
Here is to living a spicy life, that always has a sweet ending to each day!
Last night I took Lefty to my favorite Thai restaurant in Singapore. I had been there before, and in addition to the great food ~ the employees are spectacular. They genuinely want to help you. They describe each item on the menu as if they made it themselves, they come up with ideas for local wines and beyond everything ~ they are excited you are dining with them. The name of the restaurant is Kha. So where does this dining experience lead me...
In life, there are people that are spicy - hot- hot-hot! But very sweet. I think I am one of those people. I have a lot of fire in my personality, but in the end I care deeply about those around me. You don't need to be luke warm to be friendly - you can have a spicy temper, passion and lust for life....just remember when you get too hot, enjoy the coconut sticky rice with mango to calm you down.
Here is to living a spicy life, that always has a sweet ending to each day!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What a Small World!
It is Thursday morning in Singapore and Wednesday night - St. Patricks Day in Galveston, Texas. I just spoke to my daughter Jessica and my nephew Danny live over a webcam at The Spot in Galveston, Texas. How much fun is this? As they cheered with their green beers, I sipped my morning coffee and we caught up. Life doesn't get any better than this. Or does it?
I want to remind any of you reading this that I have spent the last 20 years traveling the globe and my daughter traveled with me. Now that she is in her 3rd year at Texas A&M, her travel schedule has slowed quite a bit, but today I had her with me in Singapore - if only on a webcam - live enough to talk and see each other. She spoke to the participants in the class and together everyone had a laugh.
So why is it so hard to talk to the people you see everyday - your family, your friends, your boss, your co-workers. Do me a favor. Get up tomorrow morning with a new attitude. Make an effort to reach out to those around you at home and at work. Get on the elevator and don't look down. Make eye contact with the people in line with you at Starbucks. Smile at the valet who takes your car, hold a door for someone and more than ever - appreciate all this wonderful world has to offer. It is ours for the taking - so let's do something about it.
Whatever corner of the world you are in - Cheers to you from me!
I want to remind any of you reading this that I have spent the last 20 years traveling the globe and my daughter traveled with me. Now that she is in her 3rd year at Texas A&M, her travel schedule has slowed quite a bit, but today I had her with me in Singapore - if only on a webcam - live enough to talk and see each other. She spoke to the participants in the class and together everyone had a laugh.
So why is it so hard to talk to the people you see everyday - your family, your friends, your boss, your co-workers. Do me a favor. Get up tomorrow morning with a new attitude. Make an effort to reach out to those around you at home and at work. Get on the elevator and don't look down. Make eye contact with the people in line with you at Starbucks. Smile at the valet who takes your car, hold a door for someone and more than ever - appreciate all this wonderful world has to offer. It is ours for the taking - so let's do something about it.
Whatever corner of the world you are in - Cheers to you from me!
Corporate Social Responsibility ~ "CSR"
Ok...the time has come to call it what it is - unbelievable. How can Howard Schultz the founder and CEO of Starbucks actually talk about "giving back" on CNN yesterday when he has closed 600 stores in the US and has laid off all of the assistant managers in each of his existing stores. Sounds like a good marketing message to let everyone know that $1.00 per coffee goes to help struggling countries. What about all his employees that are now out of work and can't find another job. Maybe he should donate $1.00 per drink to them. Corporate Social Responsibility - the new buzzword of business should start at home...
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also known as corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, responsible business and corporate social opportunity is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Ideally, CSR policy would function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure their adherence to law, ethical standards, and international norms.
Business would embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. Furthermore, business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.
Now it is not that I am against any of the above ideas or principles. In fact I am all about helping each other, saving the planet and honoring the community growth internationally. But I do believe that each of us are obliged to start with our own companies and countries. I have always believed that charity starts at home and if we all don't take care of our own organizations, neighborhoods, employees and families we will never solve much.
Too many movie stars, musicians and executives find it their role to try to fix the world when maybe they should drive into the "bad neighborhoods" of their own cities. Maybe it is time to help one another out at home so that we will have the strength to help others around the world.
My company has always practiced CSR - I take care of my employees, my customers, my community and help around the world with my customers. In addition, we are ethical, honest and deliver on our promises.
I believe it is time to look in the mirror and make sure you are walking the talk at home and in your own company before you branch out to save the planet.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also known as corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, responsible business and corporate social opportunity is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Ideally, CSR policy would function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure their adherence to law, ethical standards, and international norms.
Business would embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. Furthermore, business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.
Now it is not that I am against any of the above ideas or principles. In fact I am all about helping each other, saving the planet and honoring the community growth internationally. But I do believe that each of us are obliged to start with our own companies and countries. I have always believed that charity starts at home and if we all don't take care of our own organizations, neighborhoods, employees and families we will never solve much.
Too many movie stars, musicians and executives find it their role to try to fix the world when maybe they should drive into the "bad neighborhoods" of their own cities. Maybe it is time to help one another out at home so that we will have the strength to help others around the world.
My company has always practiced CSR - I take care of my employees, my customers, my community and help around the world with my customers. In addition, we are ethical, honest and deliver on our promises.
I believe it is time to look in the mirror and make sure you are walking the talk at home and in your own company before you branch out to save the planet.
Monday, March 16, 2009
It is a Global Promise of Success!
Stop focusing on your own problems, your own company, and your own country. We live in a global economy and it is amazing how positive things sound when you are reading the newspaper in Singapore or Sydney vs. New York. I am serious. The world is not coming to an end ~ although there is a global slow down ~ it is not the end of business. So here are some thoughts for those of you trying to run a business in the states.
1. Do you have a product that you could market internationally?
2. Have you opened up your company to do business in parts of the US or globally that you have never thought of before?
3. Is your Internet Marketing programs working for you while you are sleeping?
Now is the time to try out different things. Don't think for one minute that you must be a mega corporation to do business abroad. There are so many possibilites for those who reach out and grab them.
Are you ready to start selling to new markets, new clients, new territories. If you depend on the same customers that you have been doing business with over the past several years, you may find yourself behind - branch out and don't be afraid of what you don't know.
The world has become very small. There are entrepreuneurs in every country - someone ready and willing to rep for you, partner with you and capitalize on your ideas. Ready - Set - Go!
1. Do you have a product that you could market internationally?
2. Have you opened up your company to do business in parts of the US or globally that you have never thought of before?
3. Is your Internet Marketing programs working for you while you are sleeping?
Now is the time to try out different things. Don't think for one minute that you must be a mega corporation to do business abroad. There are so many possibilites for those who reach out and grab them.
Are you ready to start selling to new markets, new clients, new territories. If you depend on the same customers that you have been doing business with over the past several years, you may find yourself behind - branch out and don't be afraid of what you don't know.
The world has become very small. There are entrepreuneurs in every country - someone ready and willing to rep for you, partner with you and capitalize on your ideas. Ready - Set - Go!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A View From the Top From Down Under....
Business is back. I am sitting at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport ready to board my flight to Singapore and the place is buzzing with business travelers. I am fortunate to be sharing a conference room with an executive from a global accounting firm and he shares that his organization has pulled out all the stops and they are back on the road visiting their clients. Fantastic! Even the energy at the airport right now is different. It is positive, there are smiling faces and business professionals are networking and talking.
It gives me great pleasure to see this in action. I just completed a course with Business Events Sydney - the team of people that are responsible for bringing Internation Conferences to Sydney. It was so refreshing to work with a group of people who didn't know what to expect from the session and left on a high with real time results.
If you are reading this, you probably know me, are a friend, collegue or have followed my blog because you have been in the industry and maybe attended one of our sessions.
I want to have each of you think about what you need to do to clear up your mind as we get ready to enter the 2nd quarter of the year. These past few months have been filled with "stuff" that created a dull, negative headache and now that the clouds are passing and the sun is shining....it is getting easier to move on.
My suggestions are to go back to your clients - call them, thank them and ask them what you can do now to move business forward. What do they need from you or your company. Too often we get too busy and forget to reach out to our customers and friends just to say hi....now more than ever it is time to do that. Let's celebrate the dawning of a new day - business travelers and leisure travelers alike are heading back to the world of travel. I couldn't be happier. Spread the word...it will catch on.
Here is to safe flights, great hotels, city tours that amaze you and a life worth living.....Cindy Live from Australia
It gives me great pleasure to see this in action. I just completed a course with Business Events Sydney - the team of people that are responsible for bringing Internation Conferences to Sydney. It was so refreshing to work with a group of people who didn't know what to expect from the session and left on a high with real time results.
If you are reading this, you probably know me, are a friend, collegue or have followed my blog because you have been in the industry and maybe attended one of our sessions.
I want to have each of you think about what you need to do to clear up your mind as we get ready to enter the 2nd quarter of the year. These past few months have been filled with "stuff" that created a dull, negative headache and now that the clouds are passing and the sun is shining....it is getting easier to move on.
My suggestions are to go back to your clients - call them, thank them and ask them what you can do now to move business forward. What do they need from you or your company. Too often we get too busy and forget to reach out to our customers and friends just to say hi....now more than ever it is time to do that. Let's celebrate the dawning of a new day - business travelers and leisure travelers alike are heading back to the world of travel. I couldn't be happier. Spread the word...it will catch on.
Here is to safe flights, great hotels, city tours that amaze you and a life worth living.....Cindy Live from Australia
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I can help your business stay on top in this economy!
Don't let this economy get us down - come up with new ideas, improve your business and be the "cream that rises to the top!!!" Be more exciting to your customers and give them compelling reasons to do business with you!
Contact me so that I can help you motivate and train your employees so that you stay on top!
www.masterconnection.com
Master Connection Associates
31441 Santa Margarita Parkway
Suite A 273
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
92688
(800) 589-6137 Toll Free
(949) 589-6137
(949) 589-2758 Fax
info@masterconnection.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
No More Guilt Trip About Luxury!
It is March - and it is madness! I just celebrated Jessica's 21st birthday in Vegas with 28 family and friends at Mandalay Bay. It was absolutely unbelievable. Everyone had a blast...from the 21 year olds to the 75 year olds. I might add, that it was a "luxury" packed weekend that we have saved for since she was born. 21 only happens once, and why shouldn't we throw the party of a lifetime - forget the financial crisis - it was my baby's birthday. So I get home to the OC on Sunday evening at 8:30pm....pack for my trip to Australia the next day and sit back to reflect how grand life really is. All we hear about is that luxury travelers are gearing down, not taking the wonderful vacations they did last year, not saving for the special present for their mom or daughter because no one knows what the future holds.
Well I will tell you what the future holds. This is America and we are about freedom and spirit. Instead of keeping quiet about spending or showing your wealth...celebrate your hard work and all the things you have done to get where you are.
I board my flight for Sydney....get upgraded to business - yeah! And as I snuggle into my new United "bed" I read the cover story of USA Today - Weekend. There it is screaming at me - don't let your friends know about your cruise, don't let them know you upgraded to first class, and for heavens sakes don't ever let them know you got your tan from skiing in Gstaad...pretend your winter tan came from skiing a local hill. Don't you dare hire a car to take you to your hotel, hail a cab even when the price is the same...some might think you are a "jet setter."
Are you kidding me? So I sit in my brand new United "bed" and watch the couples around me that are flying to Australia for the first time. They are excited, celebrating with a champagne toast and cameras out to capture the memories. I speak to most of them around me. "So have you had this trip planned for a long time." They answer - "no, actually there were some good deals and we decided to enjoy this economic turmoil and cash in on some deals." So call it what you want - luxury shame, stealth wealth or guilt downsizing. I call it - "enough already!" There should be no guilt to trying to enjoy this fabulous life.
If we don't start spending money we will see a bigger downfall then ever before in the history of the USA. Since our president quotes Lincoln all the time, I thought I would set the record straight with a speech that Lincoln gave and one I have never heard our president refer to ...so here it is - read it with heart, mind and eyes wide open....
"The world has never had a good definition of the word "liberty". The American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty. But in using the same word, we do not all mean the same thing. "What constitutes the bulwark of our liberty and independence?
It is not our frowning embattlements, our bristling sea coasts. These are not our reliance against tyranny. Our reliance is in the love of liberty, which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere.
Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors. "At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us in a blow?
Never. All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years.
At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? "I answer that if it ever reach us, it must spring from amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be the authors and finishers. As a nation of free men, we must live through all times, or die by suicide."
Let reverence for the law be breathed by every American mother to the lisping babe that prattles on her lap. Let it be taught in the schools, in the seminaries, and in the colleges. Let it be written in primers, in spelling books and almanacs. Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And in short, let it become the political religion of the nation. And let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay, of all sexes, and tongues, and colors, and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly at its altar. "And let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued care of Divine Providence, trusting that, in future national emergencies, He will not fail to provide us the instruments of safety and security. Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, or frightened from it by menaces of the destruction to the government, nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might. And in that faith, let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." ... Mr. Lincoln
So there you have it my friends....it will come from amongst us...so get to work, get spending, stop hiding your desire to travel and enjoy fine hotels all over the world. Sip your champagne and toast to the hard work that got you here.
Well I will tell you what the future holds. This is America and we are about freedom and spirit. Instead of keeping quiet about spending or showing your wealth...celebrate your hard work and all the things you have done to get where you are.
I board my flight for Sydney....get upgraded to business - yeah! And as I snuggle into my new United "bed" I read the cover story of USA Today - Weekend. There it is screaming at me - don't let your friends know about your cruise, don't let them know you upgraded to first class, and for heavens sakes don't ever let them know you got your tan from skiing in Gstaad...pretend your winter tan came from skiing a local hill. Don't you dare hire a car to take you to your hotel, hail a cab even when the price is the same...some might think you are a "jet setter."
Are you kidding me? So I sit in my brand new United "bed" and watch the couples around me that are flying to Australia for the first time. They are excited, celebrating with a champagne toast and cameras out to capture the memories. I speak to most of them around me. "So have you had this trip planned for a long time." They answer - "no, actually there were some good deals and we decided to enjoy this economic turmoil and cash in on some deals." So call it what you want - luxury shame, stealth wealth or guilt downsizing. I call it - "enough already!" There should be no guilt to trying to enjoy this fabulous life.
If we don't start spending money we will see a bigger downfall then ever before in the history of the USA. Since our president quotes Lincoln all the time, I thought I would set the record straight with a speech that Lincoln gave and one I have never heard our president refer to ...so here it is - read it with heart, mind and eyes wide open....
"The world has never had a good definition of the word "liberty". The American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty. But in using the same word, we do not all mean the same thing. "What constitutes the bulwark of our liberty and independence?
It is not our frowning embattlements, our bristling sea coasts. These are not our reliance against tyranny. Our reliance is in the love of liberty, which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere.
Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors. "At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us in a blow?
Never. All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years.
At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? "I answer that if it ever reach us, it must spring from amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be the authors and finishers. As a nation of free men, we must live through all times, or die by suicide."
Let reverence for the law be breathed by every American mother to the lisping babe that prattles on her lap. Let it be taught in the schools, in the seminaries, and in the colleges. Let it be written in primers, in spelling books and almanacs. Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And in short, let it become the political religion of the nation. And let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay, of all sexes, and tongues, and colors, and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly at its altar. "And let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued care of Divine Providence, trusting that, in future national emergencies, He will not fail to provide us the instruments of safety and security. Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, or frightened from it by menaces of the destruction to the government, nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might. And in that faith, let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." ... Mr. Lincoln
So there you have it my friends....it will come from amongst us...so get to work, get spending, stop hiding your desire to travel and enjoy fine hotels all over the world. Sip your champagne and toast to the hard work that got you here.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Stimulus Package from Cindy!
So here is our Stimulus Package Options from MCA!
FREE e-learning Training!
Now more than ever, prospecting for new business and closing more sales is critical. To stimulate your sales, take two MCA e-learning workshops – Prospecting With Purpose & Turning Internet Data Into Sales and get the 3rd – Winning Closes FREE!
More MCA e-learning options: Go to www.masterconnection.com or www.mcaelearning.com
I have been told that I am "the Stimulus Package!" After 9/11 I personally traveled the globe helping organizations get back on the road and back to business. I can do it again.
Now more than ever, your success ultimately depends on the continued positive approach you take with your customers. Help is on the way…I am available to inspire and motivate, giving specific messages and techniques to remain productive and positive in this difficult time.
Service and Sales is critical and now more than ever we need to be at the top of our game starting with a positive attitude and using proper techniques that I will illustrate to help everyone make things happen.
Live – Customized Webcasts, Podcasts or "Me....Cindy" Live on location!
Live! Sales Stimulus Webinars
Now more than ever, everyone is in sales and needs additional support to compete in this uncertain time. Sales productivity has never been more important. MCA offers sales timely live, interactive webinars to provide strategic and technical skill training to support all your sales efforts.
Hot Topics:
1. How to Find and Sell More Local Market Business – effectively finding more local business to bring in revenue - weddings, banquets, special occasions
2. Everyone is in Sales-‘how to do it on property’ – this session is for all GMs, Front Desk, Reservations, Food & Beverage and of course Sales & Catering that needs to be searching for any possible business and how to help each other make it happen
3. 2009 Recovery Plan Selling Skills Series - 5 Session Webinar Series to sell effectively in 2009: Prospecting for New Business, The Probing Process, Selling Your Hotel with Impact, Handling Customer Barriers, Winning Closes
Call our office NOW - +1949-589-6137 - let them know Cindy told you to call!
FREE e-learning Training!
Now more than ever, prospecting for new business and closing more sales is critical. To stimulate your sales, take two MCA e-learning workshops – Prospecting With Purpose & Turning Internet Data Into Sales and get the 3rd – Winning Closes FREE!
More MCA e-learning options: Go to www.masterconnection.com or www.mcaelearning.com
I have been told that I am "the Stimulus Package!" After 9/11 I personally traveled the globe helping organizations get back on the road and back to business. I can do it again.
Now more than ever, your success ultimately depends on the continued positive approach you take with your customers. Help is on the way…I am available to inspire and motivate, giving specific messages and techniques to remain productive and positive in this difficult time.
Service and Sales is critical and now more than ever we need to be at the top of our game starting with a positive attitude and using proper techniques that I will illustrate to help everyone make things happen.
Live – Customized Webcasts, Podcasts or "Me....Cindy" Live on location!
Live! Sales Stimulus Webinars
Now more than ever, everyone is in sales and needs additional support to compete in this uncertain time. Sales productivity has never been more important. MCA offers sales timely live, interactive webinars to provide strategic and technical skill training to support all your sales efforts.
Hot Topics:
1. How to Find and Sell More Local Market Business – effectively finding more local business to bring in revenue - weddings, banquets, special occasions
2. Everyone is in Sales-‘how to do it on property’ – this session is for all GMs, Front Desk, Reservations, Food & Beverage and of course Sales & Catering that needs to be searching for any possible business and how to help each other make it happen
3. 2009 Recovery Plan Selling Skills Series - 5 Session Webinar Series to sell effectively in 2009: Prospecting for New Business, The Probing Process, Selling Your Hotel with Impact, Handling Customer Barriers, Winning Closes
Call our office NOW - +1949-589-6137 - let them know Cindy told you to call!
Business Means Business!
There is not a day that goes by as a motivational, sales trainer that I don't encounter people asking for help. What can I do to find more business, make more money or keep my job? The answer to all of these questions lies with you. Master Connection Associates has created a "stimulus plan" for their customers. We have the ability through our customer service, sales and leadership training to connect with your staff to create a positive outlook of the future. So what is the catch - it is simple. First and foremost you have to open your mind and be positive. The negative attitude and conversations that are taking place around the water cooler need to stop. Sure people are losing their jobs, lay offs are never easy, but creating a negative atmosphere for those that are left to pick up the pieces is not the way to pull ourselves out of this mess. So here are some tips to guide you through the next several months.
1. Stop all negative chatter around the water cooler
2. Communicate everything that is going on in the company - keep people informed
3. Hold people accountable
4. Don't let slackers off the hook
5. Reward and praise the super stars in public
6. Don't allow anyone to play the blame game
7. Allow everyone to feel free to ask questions
8. Create an environment that allows all employees to give feedback to one another
9. Open up yourself as a leader to feedback
10. Remember to stay positive - tough times don't last, but tough people do!
1. Stop all negative chatter around the water cooler
2. Communicate everything that is going on in the company - keep people informed
3. Hold people accountable
4. Don't let slackers off the hook
5. Reward and praise the super stars in public
6. Don't allow anyone to play the blame game
7. Allow everyone to feel free to ask questions
8. Create an environment that allows all employees to give feedback to one another
9. Open up yourself as a leader to feedback
10. Remember to stay positive - tough times don't last, but tough people do!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
It is always done this way!
So here I am at home trying to be normal. I go to my local grocery store and pharmacy to refill a prescription. I walk through the aisles and find that the line is fairly long, winding through the aisles to the pharmacy window. I get in line with my cart and a woman in front of me tells me that the elderly lady sitting down over there is behind her. I smile at the lady seated and say "ok, I will make sure you go before me." I stand in line for about 10 minutes while everyone ahead of me gets their meds, and just when it is clear I am next, I say o the elderly woman, "ok it is your turn." With that a very O.C. (Orange County) woman standing in a differnt line in a different aisle, says "excuse me I am next." I politely say - "oh no, we have been waiting in line for 10 minutes and this elderly woman is next." Ms. O.C. says - "that is not the line - it is always done this way - we stand in this aisle so I am next." Now I am not exaggarting, this woman was going to fight me and the nice elderly lady to get her place in line because that is how it is always done! Well she met her match. I am not one to back down anyway, but put me in charge of helping a "grandma" and I am all over that. This woman is an example of what is wrong with this world. It is not about you, it is about everyone. It is not about just having good manners and being a thoughtful person, it is about you never know who is watching you. So I decided to see who this woman was. I always wanted to be a PI - I followed her "cautiously" around the grocery store and then checked out right next to her, pushed my cart toward my car, which was parked not far from hers and as our eyes met, I said very nicely - "I am so sorry I didn't know the rules of the pharmacy today." "Thanks for helping me out." She looked shocked and said, "did I really seem that rude." I again in my nicest voice said "yes." I proceded to ask her if she lived in the neighborhood, and we exchanged small talk - knowing alot of the same people. She then said she was sorry for her bad attitude. I said thanks for the apology - now I won't have to personally bad mouth you around town - because in this town that "is how it is always done." Enjoy you week - and be nice - you never know who is watching you.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pay Attention to Everyone Around You!
So here I am skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado after just getting back from London....oh I know you think it is all fun and games, but seriously...I am always working, even when I am playing. Tonight I had a great dinner at Keystone Ranch - just like skiing, I love ski in and ski out. Dining is no different. I love the places where you drive up for dinner, they valet your car and you never have to hassle with your coat - dine in and in out. So why am I telling you this. Well, as in any situation, I love to talk to people around me. Tonight was no different. At Keystone Ranch, after you finish dinner, they escort you to a wonderful great room around a blazing fire and you sit in comfortable chairs with strangers and have your dessert and coffee - I said strangers! Everyone sitting around you is enjoying the same ambiance, and yet everyone is talking to everyone. That does not even happen in the same office. So we engage in conversation and it so happens that the party we are talking to is from Arizona...they began to tell us how they work hard so they can come to Keystone and enjoy this - fine food, wine and 40 year old port. They also said they noticed there were less people skiing - well it is the "crisis." The financial slow down of America. That is when the conversation got good. One person was a teacher, one was a business owner and the other was a lawyer. They began to talk about how we really need to focus on keeping business going and not keep dwelling on the negative. So I mentioned the MSN comment I read on line today - a financial writer for MSN spoke about how we should get rid of Valentines Day because we spend millions of dollars on unnecessary things. Now please understand why I am over the top about this author. She lives in a log cabin in upstate New York and just because she has this unbelievable degree in journalism she can write for MSN and make people believe she has all the answers. Well here are my answers....it is about capitalism and spending money to keep the economy going...not getting rid of what makes this country so great - she must be a very unhappy and naive woman who thinks that getting rid of a holiday like Valentines Day will save the economy. She needs to take a trip to the center of Manhattan and see how business is really conducted. Does she even know why she gets a pay check every week? I question anyone that thinks that big or small business is the problem in this country, when it is the reason this country has led the way for so long. So back to my friends at Keystone Ranch. They simply want to work hard, play hard and sip 40 year old port along the way. Mark my word - tough times don't last - but tough people do. I dare you to challenge the status quo and get out there and make a difference - not next week, next month or next year. Tomorrow will make the difference. Cheers to all of us that want to enjoy this fine ride of life!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Let's Take This Opportunity to Succeed!
It is February and still the media, government and even your friends are focusing on the dismal economy and what lies ahead. I am refusing to let this get me down. The apathy that fills the air is pathetic - we have never "saved" our way out of an economic crisis and we certainly won't this time. It is time to figure out how to grow your business - encourage your employees and create new, exciting ideas that will innovate our way through this mess. I didn't need a bail out, I didn't cheat investors and I certainly am not going to curb spending, traveling or conducting business on the road. I am an entrepreneur and I will continue to find ways to make money. I am a sales leader, a coach, a parent and the "stimulus package" for my company and family. I don't believe in negativity and yet I believe in reality. There has never been a better time to show the world what you can do... I plan on doing just that. So those who think I am crazy, can just set back in their easy chair and watch as life passes by. When you are living life, you are tackling problems - not hiding out waiting for hope to pick you up. So with that, I am off on a plane to Lisbon - upgraded to business class using miles - not money, reading The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson to figure out the history of money and how to make it all work in 2009! Have a great week - and remember that the miracle is YOU!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Full On!
I talk about positivity, I talk about going the extra mile, I talk about thinking beyond your boundaries and disruptive innovation. What is next? It is about you wanting to make things better. To communicate better, sell better, be a better partner/friend/spouse/parent or boss means that you take on each and every moment "full on!" I starting saying the phrase "full on" years ago when I would be telling a story and get excited - people would say to me, "really, did that happen," and my answer was not yes, no or maybe, it was "full on." It actually does not make a lot of grammatical sense, but I never worry too much about that - what it means is to allow life to come at you "full on."
January is almost over - financially speaking everyone is holding back until the first quarter is over...I say why hold back? While everyone is standing still - I am moving at a fast pace - "full on." I don't agree to let this "slowdown" actually "slow me down." In fact, just the opposite. Remember to be noticed you must keep moving while everyone else stands still. This is the year of hope, change and uncertainty for some. For me it is the year of success, pride, certainty, fulfilling my dreams and working harder than ever! Good luck as we enter the second month of this fabulous year!
January is almost over - financially speaking everyone is holding back until the first quarter is over...I say why hold back? While everyone is standing still - I am moving at a fast pace - "full on." I don't agree to let this "slowdown" actually "slow me down." In fact, just the opposite. Remember to be noticed you must keep moving while everyone else stands still. This is the year of hope, change and uncertainty for some. For me it is the year of success, pride, certainty, fulfilling my dreams and working harder than ever! Good luck as we enter the second month of this fabulous year!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Now More Than Ever!
Welcome to 2009! I can't believe it is here, and all the drama that is following it. I was over the top in December with travel to Egypt and the holidays that I had no time for "blogging." So here we go. The first focus is how to handle the coming months for business. My answer....we will thrive, not survive. Now is the time for disruptive innovation. Stir it up, blend it up, mix it up but whatever you do turn it upside down.
Ignore the negative media and friends around you, keep your head on straight and focus. Remember those who say it we can't survive should get out of the way of those of us who are making things happen. As we keep positive we must remember how lucky we are for what we already have. We are off to a busy start and you will not hear me grumble about the travel, the weather or the economy. I am thankful for everything that is going on in my life. Just this week, Lefty's dad had a heart attack....thank goodness he is in the hospital right now, and they just put a stint in and he is doing fine. I am thankful that Lefty could jump on a plane and get right there by his side. Jessica is back to Texas A&M, and for me....well it is back to the great smell of jet fuel in the morning. Happy New Year!
Ignore the negative media and friends around you, keep your head on straight and focus. Remember those who say it we can't survive should get out of the way of those of us who are making things happen. As we keep positive we must remember how lucky we are for what we already have. We are off to a busy start and you will not hear me grumble about the travel, the weather or the economy. I am thankful for everything that is going on in my life. Just this week, Lefty's dad had a heart attack....thank goodness he is in the hospital right now, and they just put a stint in and he is doing fine. I am thankful that Lefty could jump on a plane and get right there by his side. Jessica is back to Texas A&M, and for me....well it is back to the great smell of jet fuel in the morning. Happy New Year!
Monday, November 17, 2008
I love the smell of Jet Fuel In the Morning
So here we go again....great flight to Dublin, no issues and the city is beautiful. I was with Pam Jordan last week training in LA (which we are never together) and she mentioned this quote to me about smelling jet fuel in the morning....it is so true. When you live on the road, and at airports it is not the coffee you wake up to but the "jet fuel." So the traveling continues...
MCA just completed their first training in Nigeria, Africa and the client just emailed the results....a fabulous response to our sales and service training. MCA has made it into Africa in the most lucrative market there - we are so excited and IK from our team did an outstanding job.
I have received many comments from travelers regarding my blog on the flight attendants...many agree that the service from US based flight attendants needed work. I mentioned before that since my last blog about service United and American Airlines have upped the ante. The service I had on this flight to Dublin on American was fantastic. So my hats off to you - US based flight attendants that want to be known for spectacular service once again.
MCA just completed their first training in Nigeria, Africa and the client just emailed the results....a fabulous response to our sales and service training. MCA has made it into Africa in the most lucrative market there - we are so excited and IK from our team did an outstanding job.
I have received many comments from travelers regarding my blog on the flight attendants...many agree that the service from US based flight attendants needed work. I mentioned before that since my last blog about service United and American Airlines have upped the ante. The service I had on this flight to Dublin on American was fantastic. So my hats off to you - US based flight attendants that want to be known for spectacular service once again.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Where has the Year Gone?
So it is November and I can't believe it. I just returned from Mexico City - great visit...so many great people and of course great food. On my way to Nashville, Wisconsin and then Dublin. I guess by the time Thanksgiving rolls around I will have spent more time out of the states than in them. So what about the future? Every one is looking at the economy and wondering - what is next? Here is my take on this. It always has been about hard work and doing the right things. Today it is no different. All of us who have money in the stock market remember past years when this happened as well. You could say - "oh not this bad." But there are plenty of facts to show, that yes this too has happened and this too will pass. The problem is that it won't be for a while and it will not be easy. That is the biggest problem. It will not be easy. So let's buckle down. Last month I talked about the United Flight Attendants from Asia that were laid off and how disappointed I was that the U.S. based flight attendants never treated us as well. Well I take it back. I flew back to LAX from Japan with an entire U.S. based crew and they were lovely. They talked about how bad they felt about the current layovers and they did everything in their power to make our journey wonderful. So, remember "you gotta do what you gotta do" well these ladies show they know how to do it. Congrats to United Airlines for getting it right.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
United Flight From Hong Kong to Singapore!
Planes, trains, buses, automobiles and boats led us from Macau to Hong Kong International Airport. Again I will remind you how I love this airport. Miki and I shopped, went to a spa, went to the Red Carpet Club and killed 3 hours without missing a beat.
But this is not the story. We boarded our 747 to our upper deck business class seats (yeah!) and nestled down for our 8:00pm flight to Singapore. A lovely evening flight with dinner and the service of a Singapore based flight crew. Right after take off the purser introduced herself, the pilots and the flight crew. She then in a very "teary" voice let us know that this was their last flight from Hong Kong to Singapore as a flight crew ( the flight attendants only), they were being laid off due to the financial problems of United and from this point on the flights would have American based flight attendants. The pilot came on and asked each of us to thank them for their years of service with United. Needless to say the 4 hour flight was filled with tears from not only the flight attendants but from passengers including Miki and me. Corporate business travelers got together and we all had pictures taken on the upper deck and many executives were giving the ladies their cards and saying "keep in touch."
Now the rest of the story - I know that alot of people are getting laid off and as an American I want to keep our country working and our people employed. But let's make sure we want the jobs. There are some great US based flight attendants - but as a serious frequent flyer there are many that could care less about us - the road warrior. Just 2 weeks ago on a flight between Chicago and LAX in first class I simply asked the flight attendant who was picking up the already read newspapers if I could see the USA Today she had in her hand. She looked at me as if I were the enemy and stated very clearly, "when I am done reading it you can have it." Well to her surprise the passenger who she had just taken the paper from looked up and said, "no way - give it to her first and when she is DONE you can have it." This would have never happened with Singapore flight attendants - I know that for sure. I have flown throughout Asia for over 20 years and have never experienced that rudeness. So guess what - bring the jobs home to the USA, but let's not forget why we work - for the customers.
When I askd the ladies if they had interviewed with Singapore Airlines they said that in the past they had even worked for Singapore Airlines but they loved the culture of United. They explained that United lets their flight attendants interact with the customer, enjoy their job and they make you part of a family. They told us they would wait for business to get better and for United to ask them to come home!
Let's all work together to get out of this economic mess...work harder, be strong, stay calm and beyond everything - have a positive outlook of the future.
But this is not the story. We boarded our 747 to our upper deck business class seats (yeah!) and nestled down for our 8:00pm flight to Singapore. A lovely evening flight with dinner and the service of a Singapore based flight crew. Right after take off the purser introduced herself, the pilots and the flight crew. She then in a very "teary" voice let us know that this was their last flight from Hong Kong to Singapore as a flight crew ( the flight attendants only), they were being laid off due to the financial problems of United and from this point on the flights would have American based flight attendants. The pilot came on and asked each of us to thank them for their years of service with United. Needless to say the 4 hour flight was filled with tears from not only the flight attendants but from passengers including Miki and me. Corporate business travelers got together and we all had pictures taken on the upper deck and many executives were giving the ladies their cards and saying "keep in touch."
Now the rest of the story - I know that alot of people are getting laid off and as an American I want to keep our country working and our people employed. But let's make sure we want the jobs. There are some great US based flight attendants - but as a serious frequent flyer there are many that could care less about us - the road warrior. Just 2 weeks ago on a flight between Chicago and LAX in first class I simply asked the flight attendant who was picking up the already read newspapers if I could see the USA Today she had in her hand. She looked at me as if I were the enemy and stated very clearly, "when I am done reading it you can have it." Well to her surprise the passenger who she had just taken the paper from looked up and said, "no way - give it to her first and when she is DONE you can have it." This would have never happened with Singapore flight attendants - I know that for sure. I have flown throughout Asia for over 20 years and have never experienced that rudeness. So guess what - bring the jobs home to the USA, but let's not forget why we work - for the customers.
When I askd the ladies if they had interviewed with Singapore Airlines they said that in the past they had even worked for Singapore Airlines but they loved the culture of United. They explained that United lets their flight attendants interact with the customer, enjoy their job and they make you part of a family. They told us they would wait for business to get better and for United to ask them to come home!
Let's all work together to get out of this economic mess...work harder, be strong, stay calm and beyond everything - have a positive outlook of the future.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do!
Welcome to the last week of October. I am posting this on Monday in Hong Kong, where has this month gone?! I just arrived in Hong Kong but final destination Macau! Since I missed the 7pm ferry to Macau I had to wait for 3 hours for the 10pm ferry. What could have been a long wait after a 15 hour flight became another amazing experience. Airports have become so user friendly. The shopping and dining at Hong Kong International Airport is simply remarkable, even with the US dollar. As I always do, I put myself out there to meet new people and this trip was no different.
On my flight I met this amazing woman - a Managing Partner Attorney of a large San Francisco based anti trust firm. Full of energy, life, great conversation and before long we found we had so much in common. She works hard, has one child, has been married to the same man for a long time and yet she still faces the negative comments about her life from her "so called" friends.
She referred to these comments as the "you gotta do what you gotta do" syndrome. Each time one of her neighbors or parents of her daughters friends ask her to join them for a cocktail party, any social event or something at the school when she couldn't make it, the friends would say the same thing - "there is always one" or "too bad you work so hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do." This is so frustrating. The comments are so lame - after all, she worked so hard to become a lawyer, build a practice, and still have a family - she did all of this because she wanted to, not that she "had" to.
Why are so many women enemies of so many women. Yes, ladies I mean "us." We can be each others worst enemies. Instead of being excited for your friend who is successful in their career while balancing their family, we act like they are being punished for what they enjoy. Just because someone has chosen to stay home and raise their children does not mean that those of us who chose to work should be made to feel bad. Everyone has choices in life....be happy for each other! I do get a bit worked up, when I hear some feedback on my story, my style of living, working and loving life. The other day I gave a speech to over 500 people....99% of the feedback was great - they loved my message, got motivated, inspired and wanted more...but there were a few people and I mean 3 that said I needed to get over myself - enough Novotny! Well I am over those people. Just because I am real and say it like it is - some people don't want to hear the truth - "they can't handle the truth." You get out of life what you put into it. Just because I love living on the road with little or no balance doesn't mean that I don't live a "balanced" life. I have a wonderful marriage, a fantastic relationship with my daughter and am very close to my parents and sister. How many people that live in the same city as their own family can say that? So for all of you that think "we the working women of today" do what we "gotta do" are right - we gotta live this life since we only get one chance. Enjoy it now so you have no regrets for tomorrow.... from Hong Kong my best wishes!
On my flight I met this amazing woman - a Managing Partner Attorney of a large San Francisco based anti trust firm. Full of energy, life, great conversation and before long we found we had so much in common. She works hard, has one child, has been married to the same man for a long time and yet she still faces the negative comments about her life from her "so called" friends.
She referred to these comments as the "you gotta do what you gotta do" syndrome. Each time one of her neighbors or parents of her daughters friends ask her to join them for a cocktail party, any social event or something at the school when she couldn't make it, the friends would say the same thing - "there is always one" or "too bad you work so hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do." This is so frustrating. The comments are so lame - after all, she worked so hard to become a lawyer, build a practice, and still have a family - she did all of this because she wanted to, not that she "had" to.
Why are so many women enemies of so many women. Yes, ladies I mean "us." We can be each others worst enemies. Instead of being excited for your friend who is successful in their career while balancing their family, we act like they are being punished for what they enjoy. Just because someone has chosen to stay home and raise their children does not mean that those of us who chose to work should be made to feel bad. Everyone has choices in life....be happy for each other! I do get a bit worked up, when I hear some feedback on my story, my style of living, working and loving life. The other day I gave a speech to over 500 people....99% of the feedback was great - they loved my message, got motivated, inspired and wanted more...but there were a few people and I mean 3 that said I needed to get over myself - enough Novotny! Well I am over those people. Just because I am real and say it like it is - some people don't want to hear the truth - "they can't handle the truth." You get out of life what you put into it. Just because I love living on the road with little or no balance doesn't mean that I don't live a "balanced" life. I have a wonderful marriage, a fantastic relationship with my daughter and am very close to my parents and sister. How many people that live in the same city as their own family can say that? So for all of you that think "we the working women of today" do what we "gotta do" are right - we gotta live this life since we only get one chance. Enjoy it now so you have no regrets for tomorrow.... from Hong Kong my best wishes!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Authentic Life
So September is over - Jessica has moved to College Station, TX to attend the home campus of Texas A&M and I jumped back into work and life. I left Texas after helping my family and flew to London to work with a wonderful client. Trains, planes and automobiles...I trained in a different city every day for 5 days - traveling by train, planes and cars throughout England. It was great and although it was hard work I was back in the saddle again where I do my best - training, speaking and enjoying every city I go to. Again, the train rides were fun, and the dinners and desserts fab! While I was there we met with another great client and he introduced us to one of his former associates that was moving to Dubai to work for a great company. During dinner we were laughing, sipping wine and discussing all the woes of the world! At one point I do what I always do and ask a lot of questions about people....I started by asking how she got in the business she is in - customer service, finance and leadership when the story began to unfold. She was actually a nuclear physicist - a real "rocket scientist"! Then everything for me came into perspective. I had dealt with so much anxiety with the hurricane - the economy was falling apart - the media was driving me crazy with such negativity and now I am laughing and sipping wine with a "rocket scientist" and she is normal, nice, smart and FUN! I deal with so much feedback in my career - one group loves me and then there are a few people who are "over" me and have no problem letting me know....well I am authentic! I am Cindy Novotny - I walk it, I talk it, I live it and I deliver on my promises. I meet so many great people who are also very talented and authentic and then there are always the few that aren't. You know who you are - if you are reading my blog chances are you are curious and get it - but are you truly authentic?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)