Fly The Friendly Skies!

Let me be the first to say that I love flying. I love the time to read, watch movies, listen to music and catch up on the all important sleep. BUT… let me also be the first to say that I love – and I mean love talking to people.

Now of course some of you reading this are thinking – “Please don’t talk to me.” But, then again you must be a person who doesn’t “need” anyone! I am the opposite. I “need” everyone. I believe strongly in serendipity or the random moments of connection.

Of course, you are a weary traveler – you made it through security without the “friendly pat down” or 'TSA Massage' as I call it, you got a bite before the flight, bought the most recent magazines and are all settled in. And then you meet Cindy!

At least introduce yourself to your seat companion – “Hi my name is Cindy, looks like you have some great magazines for the flight.” You may be thinking – no way, but I challenge your thinking. You are going to be sitting next to this person for a few hours and in my case sleeping next to this person on long haul flights. I think it is only polite to say hello.
I look for some common interests. Recently on a flight back from the Middle East I sat next to a gentleman who was carrying a guitar. Of course I mentioned the guitar and asked what kind of music he played and where he was playing on this trip. He said we are with a band that plays Persian music and I said, oh I used to go to a Persian restaurant in Irvine and I loved their music. This created a great conversation that lead to many more interests and now a new customer for our restaurant.

Of course, there is always time to read your book, watch the movie and move into your “zen zone.” But I will argue with anyone that doesn’t want to talk to people on planes. Likeminded people find common interests and they find new opportunities. Unless you love pounding the pavement for new contacts and new business I would suggest saying hello to your seat mate on your next flight.

The Leader of the Pack Makes All the Difference!

As I sit with yet another client (not mentioning who, what, where or when) I find it utterly ridiculous that a senior leader could be so detrimental to a team. A leader who comes in and sits down with a new team of people and runs the meeting like this:
• “I am here to change things up and (points with a finger) you, you and you need to change how you are working right now”

• “I don’t care how this makes you feel – this is who I am and this is how I work – take it or leave it!”

• “This is not personal – it is work”

So I ask you as a reader of my blog – how does this make you feel? Even if you were taking over the toughest, worst and unproductive team of people, would you start like this? How dare anyone in a leadership role today treat people so poorly? People, I might add, are what make a company function – a leader alone can’t produce the results needed. Maybe this leader has a lot of work to do and doesn’t feel the team in place can do it. How can this leader make this decision so fast?
So my message today for any of you taking over a new team –
• Start with a clean slate
• Give a motivational and energetic welcome to all employees
• Lay out your plan to make some positive changes that will affect everyone in a positive way
• Share your ideas of how you are going to turn things around for more productivity
• Meet individually with all your direct reports and have a candid, open and honest conversation while listening to them as well
• Attend each one of your direct reports first meeting with their departments to hear how they give “your message” and correct any of the “he said, she said” stuff
• Treat everyone as if they are the most important person on your team and give them solid feedback and direction so that they understand what is expected of them so they can live up to it

At the end of the day, you can continue to replace “people” but who may need replacing is the leader that just doesn’t get it!

This World of Uncertainty

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.

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."

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.

Reinventing the Wheel Constantly in Business Just Gets you a FLAT!

Every where you look managers are struggling with sluggish sales, lack of employee accountability, increased costs in doing business and just simply getting worn out based on how hard you have to work today versus a few years ago to get the same results. So what is their answer - change things up - look for a magic wand to spark a recovery to their business.

Well I have news for you. There is no special wand or secret weapon - there is only one consistent means to the end. Straight talk, hard working leaders that create the future leaders. Not managers hiding behind the latest book, or the last speech they heard, but seriously doing what they were hired to do. Make things happen!

There is such a difference between a manager and a leader. Today the difference is even more glaring - either show up and make a difference or play your politics until someone plays harder than you and wins. Make no mistake about it - there is only one way to really win and that is to get into the game and play - not sit on the sidelines and coach in a game where you really don't even understand the rules!

Stop trying to come up with a new "widget." Just get serious about the reality of your business and do it better than everyone else.

What Means the Most in Business Today?

Understanding what is important to your clients comes down to a simple message - communication! Why is it so hard to build rapport and develop relationships today? Are you kidding? You must know the answer. Everyone hides behind email, social media, the phone, websites and the corporate coward politics that empower no one.

So today look in the mirror. Do you hide behind any of these things? If you do - why? As I set in a meeting in Europe with executives of a non-mentioned firm, I listen to them give each other kudos, pats on the back, and bragging rights about what they have done. I ponder how they can continue to believe a false sense of security. Personal assistants are asked to call clients back, emails are forwarded to interns to handle and hours of meetings are held that seem to go no where.

What is going on here? Why don't we just get down to business? Just when I think that the politics of business went out of style in the 80's - I am faced with more political rhetoric than I can deal with. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs - Stop the madness and get down to business; and business my friends is about clients - without them we have NO business.

So try this idea for one week. Call your clients everyday - new ones, old ones, and current ones. Engage in conversation - it may be tough but give it a try. Spend one week and focus on one thing - client engagement. Sure you will have to spend a few hours dealing with the "drama" of the workplace but see how happier you are when you just talk to clients.

Someone Changed My Life...

Life throws us so many curve balls and it is so easy to allow those down moments to send you into a downward spin. I keep a very positive attitude but there are those moments that I just feel like “Really, is there one more thing to throw my way.” That was until I met Kenny.

I recently boarded a flight from Orlando to LAX and like many of my long hauls I was not getting upgraded. I went into a minor pity pool, walked over to the bistro to get “a bite before the flight” and even that was messed up. I ordered quiche and some hummus and pita bread. I received two take away boxes thinking one was the quiche and the other was the hummus. I open the bigger box and there was my quiche with the hummus spread all over the quiche. Now who does that. Anyone knows that hummus doesn’t go on quiche – oh well, I ate away. I got out my United drink coupons planning on having a few red wines on my 6 hour “coach” flight home while I watched MoneyBall for the 5th time.

What I didn’t expect was to meet Kenny. Kenny was 11 days old and born perfectly normal. He and his mother were in a terrible car accident in Los Angeles and the doctors didn’t think Kenny would ever survive. His mother was determined to keep her son alive and she did – I met Kenny on his 35th birthday coming back from a trip to Disney World where he has celebrated every birthday since he was 10 years old. Kenny can’t speak, he is legally blind but can see some shapes and shadows. He can hear and makes gestures to respond to his mother. He is fed through a tube in his stomach and needs to be changed like a baby during our flight.

So how did I become so familiar with Kenny? I was waiting to board with the rest of the crazy, hurried, overworked and “I’m too cool for school” crowd when they called my name and asked to step up to the podium. Of course I immediately thought – “I’m getting upgraded after all.” Well that was not the case – I was called up because I had the seat next to Kenny and his mother and they wanted me to board first since I had the window, so that I could get settled while they assisted Kenny on board.

For the next 6 hours I sat with Kenny and his mother – I didn’t have one sip of wine, I didn’t watch the movie, I didn’t read one book or listen to music. I became friends with Kenny and his mom. A women that has more courage than most people I have met. Her ability to look life in the face and take it with every grain of salt was just amazing. That 6 hour flight gave me back what we sometimes lose in our busy days of “business.” It brought reality back to me about life, love and what any mother would do to save her child.

I will always remember Kenny. He will never remember me, but that is ok, because in many ways Kenny, without knowing, is changing the lives of others.

Holiday Spirit is Everywhere!

As a sit in my office very early on this morning of December 22, 2011 I can't help reflecting on this past year and what it means to finally take a breath and celebrate joy. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you should have the ability to take a minute, slow down and learn to appreciate your blessings. I have no time for "bah humbug" or those who feel it necessary to take the spirit out of this holiday. I am receiving cards from friends all over the world that celebrate this holiday even though they may not be Christian. How hard is it to let others enjoy their "time?" How difficult is it to have some quiet peace on earth? It shouldn't be hard at all if you could for one minute think of others instead of yourselves.

As business slows downs for at least a few days try and collect your thoughts, organize your life for 2012 and be at peace. Look at all the problems you could have, deal with the ones you do have and decide to change the ones you can. I am a firm believer in re-booting for the next year. It helps me prioritize, organize and finalize my 2011 to move steadily into 2012.

So let's get ready for a splendid new year and remember "if you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep!"

Tom Peter's 7 Step Path to Sustaining Success & Cindy's Twist on This!

I have always been a big fan of Tom Peters and his recent blog on the 7 Step Path to Sustaining Success really says it all...
-You take care of the people.
-The people take care of the service.
-The service takes care of the customer.
-The customer takes care of the profit.
-The profit takes care of the re-investment.
-The re-investment takes care of the re-invention.
-The re-invention takes care of the future.
(And at every step the only measure is EXCELLENCE.)

Read this again and think about it carefully - it makes perfect sense. You live this every day, if you do your job right and take pride and care in the company you work for or own. A big, successful company takes care of their people which in turn creates happy people. Those happy people are now in charge of your clients and provide excellent service. That excellent services gives you an ecstatic customer base which makes them return and continues to build your profit. The more profit you make, the more you re-invest to make your company better and stronger for the years to come. That re-investment turns to innovation which leads you in to a successful future.

Practice these steps as you continue to think about the new year that is shortly upon us!

End the Year with Positivity & Teamwork!

This week, my team focused a lot on teamwork and being positive in the workplace. Yes, yes - we all say this and talk about this a lot - but do you actually act on it? I know that as tired as I am sometimes, I don't always have the most upbeat attitude but I will say, I do try my ABSOLUTE best every single day. Now, it's your turn and my team's turn. I will tell my daughter all the time when I call her - let's be a little more positive Jess! Sometimes, she gets annoyed with me by saying that - but later, she thanks me because just smiling will make you feel better. TRY IT. A successful team cannot operate with negative vibes and attitudes - bottom line. As hard as it can be, don't bring the drama to work with you; not only doesn't it make your day less productive - it weakens your team players. End this year on a positive note and make your goals strong for a SUCCESSFUL 2012!

The CEO or Team Leader is Ultimately Responsible!

The time has come to call out the great leaders and the ones that are just sailing along. I think about what has happened recently with some businesses and wonder how many leaders have looked the other way because of "their friend" that works for them or the fact that if they hold people accountable then someone might blow the whistle on them.

How can any business owner, CEO or team leader not walk the talk every day? Why is it too difficult for leadership to be authentic, have integrity, embrace teamwork and empowerment? Simple...too many people are hiding behind the fallacy of what actually got them to this point.

Don't hide - speak up, shout from the rooftops and take charge of your destiny now or someone else will. You have very few chances these days to make a difference - today is your chance!

Be Careful When Business Gets Busier!

Wow you think to yourself. Just a few months ago business seemed slow. How would I find new business, how would I keep the clients I have? And overnight it happened - business turned around and you still have staffing levels of last year with less resources. Here are a few tips on how to handle a burst in business even when you are still short on resources:

1. Slow down and focus
2. Don't just raise prices without a candid conversation with your key clients
3. Create an internal process to handle inquiries/phones/RFP's
4. Don't lose the personal touch that your clients got used to during slower times
5. Remember as fast as business comes back it can go away - create a give and take with clients

We are dealing in a time when business flow is not constant. You need to prepare for the ups and downs without losing control. Time management is key at this point. How you manage your emails, proposals and follow up will separate you from your competition. Remember the average won't work - the middle of the road is the road to nowhere!

Let's Take It Up a Notch for Q4!

Where did 2011 go?!
As we have entered our last quarter this week, it is so important to raise the bar in the last months of the year. Because the year has flown by and things, for most, have been very busy - it can be very easy to relax and take the slow road through the holidays and onto 2012.
STOP RIGHT THERE!

Don't crash your creativity. I built my business on my creative spirit and that lives through my entire team. Creativity is the core of innovation. Begin to start thinking more creative today. Start this creativity course of action:
1. Change up your office environment.
2. Change your Outlook background and colors!
3. Start your day earlier and spend 15-30 minutes reading something - newspaper, online articles, a book or magazine.
4. Stand up during your calls and ALWAYS during your morning lineup.
5. Change where you go to lunch.
6. Get outside your comfort zone, where a different color to work today. (I know we all wear black, black, black!)

*Keep it fresh, keep it simple and never settle for ordinary!

Changing Face

How often are you looking at a brand name nowadays and notice that their brand image has changed? It is happening all the time, all over the globe. Companies are having to re-shape their organizations, create new images, messages and products - this isn't easy to do. Customers are no longer loyal to certain brands and can be quite picky when it comes to choosing where they want to shop, what kind of car to buy or what hotel to stay in.

These brands have recently changed their "face" -
-Starbucks: with store closures, menu refresh and a new logo, Starbucks has seen rising sales in 2011, after being down for 2 years.
-Walmart: with a new logo, renovated stores & new merchanidise with celebrity designers, Walmart is getting the kick they needed!
-Polaroid: this beloved brand from years and years ago has re-surfaced and has been brought back with Lady Gaga as their creative director!
-Holiday Inn: with a new look and comfier beds, 3,000 hotels have increased their revenue by 5%!
-Old Spice: this "old" brand was rebord with a new look, smell and their image focused on a younger generation
-Lincoln: the old "Lincoln TownCar" has received an image makeover to appeal to younger, wealthier customers.

These are just a few examples from the recent issue of Fast Company. You cannot remain stagnant - everyone is constantly changing nowadays and it is important to continuously be looking at your brand and "face" :)

Novo-nomics!

My new invention: "Novo-nomics" (you've heard of Reaganomics!)

Business is coming back! We all can see this. Things may not be up to where there were in 2006-2007, but we're getting busier, hotels are filling up and the demand is increasing.

It is time to start stimulating the economy again. You can do your part too - we must keep going. With Novo-nomics, you must spend money, whether it's a lot or just a little. Doesn't have to be frivolous spending, but we have to get back out there and keep the cycle going. If we continue cutting back too much, we will never survive.

Take this new approach and incorporate into your business and your personal life! We must keep America running strong!

The Art of Focus

How many times today, yesterday, in the past weeks and month have you said, "I really need to sit down and focus today." We all say it far too much and have a real issue with actually TRULY focusing on the task at hand. This results in decreased productivity and overall poor efficiency for you and your team.

Too many people start things, lose focus and never get back to finishing them. Yes, we get it - things come up, the phone rings, you get 1,000 emails in one day. But, believe me, I spend my life on the road and you have to learn to live with no balance sometimes and continued to stay on the track in the midst of something we call, life...

This is why people have a hard time in business - they open a new restaurant or store but the dreams and FOCUS that got them to that point in the first place are never realized because of the lost focus.

Do not lose focus on your dreams and goals. Set some for yourself this week and actually follow through with them. You will be amazed at the outcome...

Change or Chance?

The other day I was sitting on a plane (of course) and listening to the flight attendants talk about their lives. One began telling the story of how she was constantly uprooted from her home and moved to different cities because of her dads job. This she said is why I have had such a tough time in life! She explained that she was living in Newport Beach, California when her dad got transferred to Indiana and it was terrible. The "farm people", the "uncool people", "ugly clothes", and on and on!

At that point I couldn't take it and spoke up (as I would). I was sitting in row 1 so I was practically in their conversation. I said to the flight attendant, "oh I know what you mean, my dad was transferred so much that I went to 10 different schools and moved all over the country, including Indiana." She smiled and said "oh so you know what I mean." I replied with "no I don't, I had a great experience traveling all over the country, meeting new people, going to new schools and learning to fit in to my next home." You can only imagine the look on her face.

What is wrong today is that too many people want a certain life to fit into their plans and make it perfect. Well I have news for anyone that wants it to just work your way - it won't. Life throws us curves everyday and your ability to handle those curve balls is what gives you character.

I am writing this as I sit on my beautiful porch of our cottage in Northern Michigan. I remember growing up in Michigan (down state as they call it) and getting so excited each summer for our trip "up north." It was the same for many years - our vacation was always in Grand Haven, Michigan staying in my grandparents travel trailer until my dad started us sailing. Each year we would load up the boat and head "north." The weather was unpredictable, some ports were more fun than others and depending on which friend we brought with us the company was sometimes better than others. But what we did have was our family - my mom, dad and sister and me. We were a team and learned how to have fun in rain, sleet and sun.

I believe this came from our life moving around. My dad's career kept us on the move, he would get promoted and off we would go. I always remember how he would come home and tell us that we were moving - first he would say "I have some good news and some other news." Not bad news, just other news and we knew. I would get so excited - a new room, new friends and a new outlook on life.

I know that my idyllic life on the porch of my cottage won't last all year. I too have to go back to work and re-enter "real life." But for now I will always remember that change is good because it gives you a chance to find yourself in a new way.

FOCUS & De-Clutter!

Can you believe it is the last week in July, already?!

Time is flying by and I bet you all can feel it. Where do the days, weeks, and months go? As we are gearing in for the last portion of the summer, it is time to get truly focused for the fall and close out the year with a bang!

Today, you need to clean up your desk, go through your files, finally look at the emails that have been sitting in your inbox and CLEAN THE CLUTTER. Clutter bogs you down and does not make your work days run smooth. Ya, yaaaa - everyone says that. But, this time you should listen and actually do something to make your life easier and more efficient. Having mental clutter will destroy you. Focus on one thing at a time - by doing that, your business will thrive.

You have to go out and fight for your business - there is no such thing as loyal customers anymore. You have to continue making a difference, pushing the envelope and say that you will INTENTIONALLY do something to make a difference today.

What is your story? If you don't have one, go ahead and create one today!

Bust a Boss!

Attention - Attention! Listen to me loud and clear if you are a manager or leader of any kind. Your role as a "boss" is the most important role other than being a parent, spouse, friend, daughter or son. Your influence on those you manage will affect them forever! Years ago when I started my business I had so many people confide in me regarding poor leadership, I felt a need to do something about it. Fix the world! Let's just say I was young and thought I could change everyone. To this day, I still hear "off the record" from many people searching for advice about their "boss." I created a 800# back in 1990 called "Bust a Boss" which was similar to a "hotline" that would tattle on bad bosses and then I would try and follow up with their Human Resources Department and try to help with coaching on these individuals. Within just days I received so many calls about bad bosses that I had to shut it down because I couldn't possibly handle the volume.

Well fast forward - we are a much bigger company now and have the ability to provide a lot of executive coaching around the world. There are many individuals that are in the personal coaching arena but have never really managed people, they just got certified in coaching.

We are different, we not only have certified coaches on our team, each of these people have managed teams and have been very successful. Are you a boss who needs feedback and coaching? Do your people talk to you, open up to you and seek your advice and direction?

Or are you the boss who everyone avoids, goes around you for advice, tells you what you want to hear and overall wishes they didn't work for you?

So here I go again. Bust a Boss is alive and kicking. If you have an issue that you would like help on just simply email us at BustaBoss@masterconnection.com and we will take it from there. Remember trying to "throw some one under the bus" will be dismissed immediately. We are about authentic coaching and helping everyone get better.