The Bounce Forward Basics

What are the basics to Bouncing Forward? I was asked on a motivational radio show interview.  What a great question, because in many ways Bouncing Forward is about getting back to basics. In fact, bouncing forward is not rocket science…it involves a mindset and intentional actions (and most of the actions are not news to us).  The basics are:


- eating healthy, sleeping enough, exercising daily, and fresh air)

      - Hanging around positive people

      -  Prioritizing your day
      - Not carrying anger, regret and unresolved issues with you…let them go!

      - Putting a stop to self blame and self limiting thoughts and beliefs about yourself

     -  Stop being a perfectionist

    -  Manage what gets in the way

     - And laugh lots and smile whenever you can!

These are the basics… like I said there is likely nothing there you haven’t heard. The challenge is managing the distance between the knowing (what you should do) and the doing.  A few other tips are to:

•        ASK
•        Ask for what you need
•        Speak using Courageous Dialogue
•        Kindness

As life happens, remember to Get Back to Basics and ASK to Bounce Forward.

To order your copy of Bounce Forward, contact Hammond International Inc. at chris.alcock@hammondgroup.biz (www.hammondgroup.biz)for your signed copy.  And… Bounce Forward will soon be available in audio!

Would You Put That In Writing?

Earl Wilson has a great quote: If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it.

Far too often people speak before thinking about how their words will land. This can lead to miscommunication, defensiveness and the need for the do-over. Especially in conversations that are of a sensitive nature, and when a relationship is at stake, it is important to communicate clearly and be prepared to stand by your words.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before the conversation:

- Would I want to be on the receiving end of what I am about to say? (and if your answer is no, you can change the words)

- How will my message land?

- Is my message getting lost in the emotion and the drama?

- Would I be 100% prepared to put my words in writing, and sign the paper?

This is where preparation comes in. It saddens me that far too often people spend more time picking out their clothes for the work day or what they will have for dinner, then they spend preparing for courageous dialogue and important conversations. The result is often a conversation that went off the rails.

Worrying is not preparing. Avoiding is not preparing. Preparing is preparing.

A few ways to prepare:

- Jot down some brief speaking notes

- Practice the conversation in front of a mirror

- Refine the message

- Choose the right time and the right place

- Be rested


http://www.hammondgroup.biz/

What "Bounce Forward" Means to me

In the midst of re-creating our business brand, I put a stake in the ground.  I claimed the title Bounce Forward Expert.  Many people may wonder why I chose the brand "Bounce Forward" (TM).  I get asked as many questions as to what it means to me and how I implement it.  There is a, not short but, simple explanation and I would like to share it with you today.

When considering what stake I would claim I thought about the results I hoped to achieve with my clients, and what I want to be remembered for in my business.  The ideas, words, and values quickly spilled from my brain to the paper.  In an effort to make sense of this brain dump, a theme emerged.  I wanted to leave any business that I worked with better off than it was before we met.
Through my professional speaking, training, facilitation, consulting and mentoring services, I hoped that businesses and teams would become more resilient and inspired.  I figured if those two results became a reality, teams could pretty much survive (or even thrive) during change, challenge, adversity and crisis.
Our new brand "Bounce Forward" (TM) implies a sense of energy, movement and action, which are all critical to business success.
Life and business are really full of moments...moments that define you, moments that challenge you, moments that make you grow.  What we do in these moments really counts.  What we don't do in these moments also counts.  Any action, including no action, sets the stage for what comes next.
In essence, to "Bounce Forward"(TM) is to stand up, brush your knees off, and move forward when life's moments cause you to stumble or fall.  It is more than simply recovering or returning to the original state, which is how resilience is usually defined.  You can probably list numerous situations that you would never want to return to or simply recover from.  Recovering doesn't mean we are any better off.  Bouncing forward does!
So, in answer to why I chose the brand "Bounce Forward"(TM); I chose it for all the people and businesses that I would be working with that needed to reconcile the battles of change, challenge and adversity in order to step forward into their futures as resilient individuals and teams.

Act. Analyze. Adjust.

I have often heard this term Act, Analyze, Adjust associated with sales training; however I see such a strong connection and applicability for this in courageous dialogue and conflict management as well.
When faced with a difficult conversation, we must first determine the best course of action, then analyze how that action worked, and make adjustments as needed.
This process does require self reflection and, of course, being present, or in the moment, enough to pick up on how you and the other person are being impacted so that you can analyze and adjust in the discussion.
One of the best examples of this was a conversation I facilitated between a supervisor and a team member.  The friction between the two was quite intense and longstanding.  They had made other attempts to address and resolve the issues but had not been successful.  At one point, as we progressed through their conversation, the employee became very offended and defensive at something the supervisor had said.  Interestingly enough, it was the most supportive and attentive comment the supervisor had made in the whole conversation.  The supervisor was so taken back by the employee's comments that he simply sat there.  However, that silence seemed to be just what the employee needed to reflect on her reaction.  She was not really listening to what her supervisor had said, but had made an assumption and reacted.  The supervisor and I allowed the silence to continue for a short while.  It didn't take long for the employee to realize her error.  When she did she paused, reworded her comments calmly and the two discussed how the breakdown in their communication started and how they could move beyond these challenges in the future.  They assessed their actions, adjusted, acted and repeated this process with great success.

Decisions, Decisions!

What would you do?  How would you handle this?  Would you say yes?  Do you think this will move us to success faster?
These are questions I get a lot from my clients.  Of course, the answers vary depending on each company's situation, circumstances, and staffing.  Personalities and corporate culture also play a role in this process.  So, to try and make the decision making process a bit easier, here are five questions to help you in your business decision making process:

1. Does this serve me well/does it further my goal?   If the action you are considering is not related to your goals or does not serve you well, reflect on why you are even considering it.  What is driving you to consider this action?  What are the potential results of saying yes? No?  Usually if it doesn't serve you well and is not in alignment with your goals, it is not a course of action to choose.
2. Does this generate revenue?  Keeping the business plan and profit in mind is essential to business and team success.  Finances and profit must be part of the business decision equation.  Sometimes your choices and actions will produce revenue directly, and sometimes it will be more indirectly.  However, prioritize with those decisions that put money in the bank first.
3. Is it in line with our vision, values and strategic plan?  Double check your decisions, options and actions against your company and team vision, values, and strategic plan.  Is the decision and actions congruent to the vision and values?  Will your decision support the strategic plan or further it along?
4. Who else do I need to include/ASK or engage?  Who else needs to be engaged for input, advise or decision making?  What questions do you need to ask and what research must be completed?  Who do you need to bring along with you?
5. Is there another way to accomplish this (and if yes, what is it?)?  There are often many routes to the end goal.  Some more complicated than others.  When you are evaluating your choices, consider if there is a more direct, faster, smarter or cost effective way to accomplish your end goals.

Carefully considering important decisions can positively impact your end results.

Renovate to Sell

While watching a "sell this home" type TV show, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between renovating a home to sell it and developing effective sales skills in teams.
In the television episode, a woman was selling her home to downsize as her children had all left for college.  The feedback from the open house attendees who toured the home made comments like, "It is dated", "It is too dark", "I don't understand what this room is for", "Too busy and cluttered", and the list list went on.  You get the drift.  To address some of these issues, the home stager suggested that a coat of paint to some low cost fake wood furniture would actually improve the aesthetics, modernize the room, and make the room look fresh.  The home owner resisted this suggested strongly.  It was her belief that wood should not be painted, even fake wood!  She was so attached to what she knew and how it has always been that she could not see what it could be like.
This occurs in teams too!  Team members become so attached to the way it has always been (even if it no longer serves them) they emphatically resist how it could be.  You hear comments like, "Why change, we've always done it this way", or "It works just fine".  Sometimes the current way really is THE WAY.  However, in many cases, there is opportunity to change things up a bit instead of doing what has always been done.  Often it is difficult for reams and leaders to acknowledge when a system process, service, or approach is no longer serving them well.
Just as attendees at an open house must clearly understand the purpose of a room (e.g. is it a kitchen, a den, etc.), we must clearly understand the purpose of our business and the vision for the future.  When team members understand these things about the companies they work with they will be able to passionately and clearly share that with others, including our next customers.  When teams understand these aspects of their companies, it is then that they can explore how things COULD be.

Adequate Team Effort

The other evening Tabitha Takes Over came on the television.  What caught my attention about this episode was the business owner's expression of exhaustion and lack of passion.  It drew me to the TV to listen.  The owner of the salon looked exhausted, worn down and defeated.  It was clear she had given up on her business.  It was also clear that her team had given up on the business as well, and, they had also given up on her.  As Tabitha went about her masterful Takeover process she expressed shock at the degree of complacency that had developed in this business and the team.  Not only had the team given up but they had adopted the mindset of settling for low to no standards on cleanliness, reputation (their own included), and customer service.
What disturbed me the most was what happened at the renovation and on the subsequent "reveal day".  During the renovations the team collaborated to do a spring cleaning on the salon.  When Tabitha pointed out the filth in the salon and at their workstations each staff member blamed someone else on the team and the owner.  No one took ownership or responsibility for their work area and said things like, "Not my job!" and, "Why should I have to help clean this place?".  WOW!  Then, after Tabitha's team remodeled the business and gave it an extreme makeover inside and out, aside from the owner, there was not one smile.  They walked through their newly renovated, spotless and modernized salon with no enthusiasm.  They appeared to completely lack interest in all the effort and upgrades that were completed, in part, for their benefit.  Immediately the team members began making comments about everything they did not like.  "I think there are too many colours" and "I wouldn't have picked this type of chair" or "They should have chosen new toys for the waiting area, kids won't like these" were the only things they could find to say.
To bring the team back to a more healthy level of performance, and to stop the complacency, the following steps were implemented to help raise energy and passion:

• A policy manual and procedural expectations were set and documented.  Staff were advised that these must be adhered to.
• The team was held accountable to the new standards.
• The owner was also held accountable to uphold the standards.
• Training and coaching were made available to the team.
• The owner was more present and spent more time in the business

If your team is struggling and has become complacent, revisit the tips that Tabitha offers.  Ensure people know their roles and the roles of others.  Ensure that issues are addressed and dealt with immediately.  Don't allow them to build and grow complacent with them.

Cutting off the Rut

The other evening Tabitha Takes Over was on, and I caught the business owner’s expression of exhaustion and lack of passion. It drew me to the TV to listen. The owner of a salon looked exhausted, worn down and defeated. It was clear she had given up on her business, and, her team had given up on her...and the business. As Tabitha went about her masterful Takeover process, she expressed shock at the degree of complacency that had developed in this business and team. Not only had the team given up, they had become complacent, settling for low to no standards on cleanliest, reputation (their own included), and customer service.

What disturbed me the most was what happened at the renovation and the subsequent “reveal day”. During the renovations the team collaborated to do a spring cleaning on the salon. When Tabitha pointed out the filth in the salon and their workstations, each staff blamed someone else on the team and the owner. No one took any ownership or responsibility for their work area and said things like “not my job!” and “why should I have to help clean this place?”. WOW! And then, after Tabitha’s team remodelled the business and gave it an extreme makeover inside and out, there was not one smile, other than from the owner. They walked through their newly renovated, spotless and modernized salon with no enthusiasm, and what looked like a lack of interest. Immediately the team members commented on all they did not like “I think there are too many colours” and “I wouldn’t have picked this type of chair” or “they should have chosen new toys for the waiting area, kids won’t like these.”

To bring the team back to a more healthy level of performance and to stop the complacency, the following steps help raise the energy and passion:

-          A policy manual and procedural expectations were set, documented and staff were advised that these must be adhered to

-          The team was held accountable to the new standards

-          The owner was also held accountable to uphold the standards

-          Training and coaching was made available for the team

-          The owner was more present, spent more time in the business

If your team is struggling and has become complacent, revisit the tips that Tabitha offers. Ensure people know their roles, and the roles of others, and ensure that issues are addressed and dealt with immediately. Don’t allow them to build, and grow complacency with them.

Think Back to Move Forward

Do you remember, as a child, going into a restaurant that had the placemats with activities on them?  The mazes always seemed so hard to find your way out of.  Unless, you started at the finish and worked backwards toward the start.  For some reason that made it easier to figure out.  Sometimes the plan begins with the end too.
Far too often teams and individuals begin the planning process not having the end in mind.  A plan begins with a clear objective.  Think of it this way...what's the end result, the desired outcome you would like to see?  Then, work backwards.
Ken Kragen, the Creator of "We Are The World", and "Hands Across America", is also my business coach.  He wrote a phenomenal book titled Life is a Contact Sport.  In his book he talks about the power of thinking backwards from your goal to create the road map to follow.  This process helps you pinpoint every step, necessary action and person you need to connect with.  Ken also says it will help you in figuring out who the gatekeepers are; the people you need to get a "yes" from.  He also stresses the importance of really understanding the goal before you begin generating solutions.
I have utilized this process in many of the strategic planning and team building processes I have facilitated for my corporate clients.  The process of working backwards has been especially useful in identifying the time required for specific tasks and then setting deadlines and time lines from there.
Based on Ken's teaching, ask yourself or your team these questions in your next planning process:

• What is the desired outcome (or, what is the end result we envision?  What problem are we solving?)
• Before we get there, what do we need to happen?
• What permissions are required?
• Who do we need to connect with to get the permission?
• What gatekeepers do we need to speak with in order to get the permission?
• Continue to repeat process until the plan is formed.

Begin with the end to get to the finish faster!

The Power of Appreciation and Gratitude

As I was on the internet I found this beautiful short statement that is packed full of meaning.  These simple sentences say a lot:
Thanks to those who loved me, You made my heart grow fonder.  Thanks to those who cared, You made me feel important.  Thanks to those who entered into my life, You made me who I am today.  Thanks to those who left, You showed me that nothing lasts forever.  Thanks to those who stayed, You showed me true friendship.  Thanks to those who listened, You made me feel like I was worth it.~Author Unknown
This statement reminds us of the power of appreciation and gratitude.  Everyone faces challenges, disappointments, and loss.  However, the way in which we perceive and cope is so defining.  When we see the opportunity, the learnings, and blessings wrapped inside the difficulty, we are more apt to cope and move forward.  As we are half way through the first month of the year, it is a great time to reflect upon the people who have made a difference in your life, impacted your life, there are many ways in which you impact others around you.  Your family, community and workplace are all areas of your life where you have influence with other people.
How do you want others to remember you?  What is it you hope others say about you in your absence?  In what ways do your actions support your intended results?
Who could you show Appreciation and Gratitude to today?

Quiet the Mind, Open the Heart

How fun to have my photo beside Lindsay Wagner! I was the opening guest on a radio show we both presented on. I must say...it was awfully fun to be side by side, even though it was virtually, with the bionic woman, a show that I watched faithfully in my pre-teens years ago.

The bionic woman, Jamie Sommers, reminds us of the importance of listening. While on the show, Lindsay Wagner's character had amplified hearing in her right ear. We can be reminded of the importance of listening. I mean really listening. Another lesson is that of discerning what information is to be shared, and what is not. Often on the show Jamie would receive a message that said Top Secret...This information is classified. I find far too often information that should not be shared or divulged is communicated, and this can break trust, and certainly create other challenges in the workplace. Listening and knowing how to effectively manage the information we glean from listening is a critical skill in building and maintaining relationships.

Is there a relationship, work or personal, that you need to practice better listening with? Do something about it today! Make it a point to focus during conversations with that person and really listen to what they say. Set it as a goal to play a part in enhancing that relationship by by coming into the conversation prepared to be present!

Approaching the Finish Line

I have had the opportunity to hear speaker and NYT Bestselling Author Lisa Nichols tell her incredible story of never giving up. Over the years I have heard stories from clients who confessed to giving up just as they almost reached their goal. I have also talked to colleagues who were Olympians and learned what helped them persevere to the finish line and win! Those who reached the finish line told me they believed they could win! They believed that their training, skill, stamina and coaching would take them there. My clients who fessed up to giving up too soon stated that they didn't believe they could reach their goal, or their disbelief shadowed their hope. Believing in your goal, yourself and ability to reach your goal is critical to your success. I have always loved the poem by Edgar A. Guest titled "Don't Quit". I hope this brings you inspiration and a renewed belief in the importance of your goals and your ability to reach them.

Don't Quit

by Edgar A. Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit -

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with it s twists and turns.

As everyone of us sometimes learns.

And may a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And when you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it sees afar'

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst, you must not quit.

Have a great day everyone!

Terms of Movement

Recently I was watching television and caught the tail end of a powerful statement. I wish I knew who to credit for his/her brilliance. The statement was "Settle the past. Engage the present and believe in the future."

WOW. What an insight. I flew out of my chair to find a pen. Throughout the evening I found myself reflecting on this statement and the power of the words which moved me to action. To bounce forward, that is to be resilient, you must be able to settle the past, be engaged in the present and have belief in the future. That doesn't however mean this is a simple task.

For many years in an earlier career I was a Correctional Officer, (yup, that's right! A Correctional Officer), and I remember thinking how many inmates, even some staff, were plagued by their past, struggling in their present and had no belief in their future. Years later as a mediator, I often mediated situations of family conflict, and the past always came up. Instead of being engaged in the present, many still had both fee in the past. Because of this, it was difficult for them to believe in the future. As a former mediator in workplace situations I saw this same challenge, people championing the problems of the past causing them to disengage and not be present.

Here are some simple tips to Settle the Past:

• Listen to your story. Everyone has stories of the past that come up in conversation. When you tell the story, are you "detached" from it, or do you find yourself with both feet back in the moment? A good way to tell is your emotional state when you tell the story. And, pay attention to these stories that run through your thoughts. The great news is that you can change your story.
• Decide to forgive. Look at the situations, disappointments and unresolved issues that are weighing up down. You may not be able to fix or resolve the past, it has already happened, but, you can forgive or resolve for the future. And, forgive yourself for mistakes you have made that you continue to self blame.
• Give up blaming. Blaming seems to increase the emotional state and can certainly damage relationships. Look at what is within your control to fix and what is not, and put your attention and action on what you can control.
• Reframe and change your language. Instead of saying "I regret not making things right with my supervisor" say "I look forward to righting situations and conflicts if they arise".

As you head into the weekend take some time to reflect on the "past" areas of your life. Put aside some time to work through listening, forgiving and not blaming. It will change your perspective and, come Monday morning, it could start changing your workplace as well.

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Power of ONE

Have you ever found that it can be a challenge to focus on just one thing...no distractions...no interruptions of thought, just focus on one thing? It can be difficult, especially in our busy and quickly changing world. One step towards your goal, better health, improved relationships, resilience or communication is far better than no step at all. The power of one could include ONE:

• Idea
• Question
• ASK
• Action
• Person
• Success
• Word
• Opportunity

Never underesitmate that ONE can make a BIG difference.

Imagine you are on, or lead, a team of twenty members. What would it be like if each person came into work tomorrow simply focusing on the concept of one...one action that would make a difference. One act of encouragement that would inspire others. One degree of extra effort to communicate effectively. On e act of kindness that would create a chain reaction of kindness. One action towards a specific project. One phone call that markets and promotes the business. The results would be significant.

And, what if tomorrow, each person took one specific step towards a company goal. The result would be twenty actions towards the company meeting that goal. In reality that could be more intentional steps toward success and corporate goals than the team had taken in a month!

Think what that ONE step each day could mean for 2012. You have a whole brand new year ahead of you and it just takes ONE step at a time to make it great! As you begin your day, focus on the ONE act that will make the difference, and see what happens.

No Additives Here!

Recently we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the beach in California. The beach was busy with people basking in the sun , riding the waves and catching up on conversations while lounging in their beach chairs. As my husband and I sipped our coffee and enjoyed the view of the surf, I began to notice how many times these word were being used in different conversations around us: "yah...uh...no" and "But...ya...". The frequency of the use of these words seemed to detract from the conversations. It drew my attention and I noticed something interesting. The more frequent these words, the more it seemed the listener disengaged from the dialogue. While I am not saying that these filler words cause people to check out of conversations, it did provide me with an opportunity to consider what might work instead. Often my clients in communication and conflict resolution workshops tell me that:

1. Silence is uncomfortable so they just keep talking (although sometimes they say things they regret later, or are not clearly thought out for the listener)
2. Sometimes in conversations the brain doesn't work as fast as the mouth so extra and unnecessary words get tossed into the dialogue.
3. When a conversation is stressful or defensive, filler words give your brain a chance to try and find the words to say next

This moment on the beach was a great opportunity for self reflection, right there, in the moment. I asked myself how many times in conversations do I replace silence with filler words? When I have been uncomfortable in a dialogue, how do I manage the discomfort without impacting the conversation or changing the context of the discussions?

Next time you are in an awkward or uncomfortable silence, listen carefully to the words you speak. Are they clear? Do filler words creep in to mask your discomfort or create an appearance of informality? Are people checking out or zoning out of the dialogue too early?

Here are three tips for speaking with clarity and confidence in your next uncomfortable conversation:

1. Think in advance about your message...that is what you want to say. Take this one step further and practice saying your messages out loud. Listen carefully to the words that actually are spoken as sometimes what one thinks and what one says are not at all the same.
2. Imagine yourself on the receiving end of what you are about to say or are saying. How does it land? How clear is it? What's the defensiveness level? If you don't like how it is sounding, simply change it up or reframe what you are about to say.
3. Instead of filler words, take a breath or a pause. Trying counting to five in your head before responding or moving on to your next point in the conversation. Rushing doesn't exude confidence and we sometimes get lost in our thoughts so the message is stated in a disjointed or confusing manner. Breathing is a great way to improve conversation - and the good news is, you are doing it already, just be more conscious and mindful of breathing and slowing down in stressful conversations.

Remember, just like in food, additives in conversations can to be harmful to include!

Have a great day everyone! Chat with you again on Wednesday when I blog about "The Power of ONE".

Tips to Dye For

Tabitha Takes Over is a reality television show that features salon expert Tabitha working with struggling salons to give them a makeover. She is focused on business success, owner commitment, customer satisfaction, memorable service and professionalism in the industry. Though Tabitha has concentrated her attention on the salon industry, the truth is, no matter what field of business you are in, these matter!

While I must confess I don't normally watch this show, something Tabitha said as I was flipping channels caught my attention immediately. To the salon owner Tabitha stated something like, "if your business does not look professional, chances are your approach and team won't be professional". This particular salon was dated, unkept, disorganized, lacked efficient systems and proper equipment, had no apparent leader when the owner was absent, and lacked standards of performance...and it showed in the team's approach to customer service. Immediately, Tabitha worked with the owner to improve her personal commitment to the business and, as the owner's commitment grew, so did the employees'. The business also received a makeover - new paint, new lighting and furniture. The employees were excited about their freshened work space and their pride showed, they cared about their environment. Tabitha helped the owner set standards about employee dress, performance and customer service expecatations. The employees appreciated this clarity! Customers appreciated the new levels of service.

Here are some questions to consider as you move forward into a new year...and hopefully an incredibly successful year:

• How is your customer service?
• Do you know the quality of service?
• Are you investing in your business?
• Who takes over when you are not there?
• What personal habits are negatively impacting your business...and your family?
• How do you show your commitment to the team, business and customers?

Happy New Year! Can't wait to share 2012 and all of its successes, lessons and rewards with you!

Marketing Mishaps

You can learn a lot about what not to do in marketing simply by paying attention to your surroundings and what other businesses are doing, or are not doing. Is what clients see actually congruent with what you promise to deliver? Are your mission, actions and presentation consistent with one another?

One example I have personally witnessed of an incongruent marketing method was a safety and security company who promoted "safety and security for your home and business." While walking by their store I noticed that their door had been vandalized and was taped with duct tape. Almost a week later, the door was still taped and not replaced. I don't know about you but, I was not feeling a strong feeling of faith in their ability to maintain security of my home or office. They would have been well served to replace the door immediately.

Another example was a Realtor promoting "We will sell your home". However, while on holidays, we walked past one of their client's homes for three weeks. During that time, the information sheets for the home that were in the plastic box beside the "For Sale" sign where never replaced. Interested people passing by could not get the information about the home because the flyers were gone. The Realtor's actions did not match the promise.

How you show up is everything! One of my marketing mistakes on this very topic of "How you show up" was featured in Carol Roth's 55 Business Marketing Mistakes article. Check it out here: http://www.carolroth.com/blog/55-marketing-mistakes-in-business.

As you plan your marketing strategies for 2012, spend time ensuring that your actions match your promise.

Do More Than Grow...Innovate!

In October I had the pleasure of emceeing an incredible event for the second year in a row. The event was the HR Boot Camp. The audience was a skilled group of Human Resources professionals and leaders from businesses, small and large. The speakers were from local businesses that were are engaged in innovative and creative solutions to Human Resources issues.

After listening to the incredible examples and case studies featuring HR innovation at its best, I left the event with new information, powerful reminders, and some concepts that challenged my thinking.

Some of the reminders that stuck with me, even two month later, are:
- The importance of identifying and building talent in the organization. One speaker gave examples of how they foster employees "growing with us" (with their company), and exchanged numerous examples of how they do this through innovation awards, engagement, opportunities for training and development and professional growth, mentoring and coaching, and exposure to hew learning.,
- How vital training is, at every level in the organization. There was a focus on the importance of leadership development. Far too often companies invest less in their leaders as their experience level grows. The reality is that leaders, as much as anyone, benefit from ongoing support, coaching and development. Investing in leadership is an investment in the company.
- Knowledge transfer is essential to ensure the long term survival of an organization. When an employee leaves a company, they take with them an invaluable amount of corporate history, knowledge and wisdom. Companies that find ways to transfer knowledge, develop and review succession plans, and who have seasoned employees mentoring new employees will ensure that corporate knowledge is retained and that legacies live on.

What examples of innovation is your company proud of? How do you foster innovation in your place of work? What has worked for you in terms of having employees "grow with you"?

As you move forward into another year, take a few moments to expand on what is working well, explore some new ways to foster innovation and ensure that you have actions in place to retain corporate knowledge and history. A plan in more than a great idea. It is a great idea with action behind it.

Live Healthy, Cope Better

As many of you know I often speak about the importance of self-care. That is, how important it is for us to get exercise, drink lots of water, get proper rest and eat balanced meals if we are going to be able to handle conflict in a positive way and bounce forward. If we don't take care of ourselves we won't be able to deal with daily stress and other challenges very effectively. Exercise helps us exert energy and positive endorphins which helps relieve stress. Water keeps our bodies hydrated so that our brains aren't sluggish and we can better respond to our environment. Proper rest works also helps keep our minds sharp, alert and focused on the task at hand. Balanced meals give us the right kind and right amount of energy so that we are always at peak operating potential. There is no argument, self care is essential to effective conflict resolution and peaceful living.

I know the basics of self care. Much of it is common sense. However, there are others, experts, that can help us go deeper and really apply the principles of self care to our lives. Just ask Tara Marie Segundo, M.A. She is Fitness Expert and Personal Trainer. a radio talk show host and TV personality, freelance writer published in several top health and fitness magazines, and Pro Natural Figure Competitor based in New York City. Tara Marie is an excellent source of information and inspiration for anyone that believes in the importance of taking care of themselves so that they can be the best they can be every day. Visit Tara Marie Segundo at http://www.healthylife.net/RadioShow/archiveTM.htm to see hear this amazing woman share her knowledge and wisdom about self care.

We have so many demands placed on us everyday that it is easy to neglect ourselves. But, we need to make self care a habit if we are going to bounce forward and have healthy workplaces.

Here Comes the Pitch...

So often in meetings we are approached by people that come on so strong with their elevator pitches. A few short sentences that answer who you are, what problem you solve and your business is all you really need to present. Sometimes people work so hard on coming up with something so exciting and catchy that the listener has absolutely no idea what you do. Often they won't ask for clarification because they are so overwhelmed by the pitch. So, what happens is that you are left meeting someone who has no clue what you do.

I have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of elevator pitches, and the ones that resonate for me are the ones I can remember the person's name and what they do, what their business is and what problems they solve. Keep it simple and concise. Too much information combined with too much emotion can often create confusing situations. If people don't understand who you are and what your business is they will never think to call you after the meeting, even if they do need your help, because they won't recognize that you can help.

It is also important to be passionate about what you do. Be sure not to be overwhelming though. Confidence, clarity and desire or excitement are enough to show that you love your business and how you help others. This is another great opportunity to practice with friends and colleagues, and in front of the mirror.