tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245953462024-03-13T11:14:18.128-04:00bizwomenCompany of Women, an organization that supports, connects and promotes women in business. Bizwomen focuses on the thoughts and observations of being women in business today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.comBlogger559125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-61221550185692855852017-11-09T06:10:00.000-05:002017-11-09T06:10:47.774-05:00Time Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer my husband and I took a long vacation – three weeks. And two days, my husband would add, which perhaps conveys his thoughts on all this family togetherness (the whole family came) and being away from his business for such a length of time. And he’s not alone.</div>
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In his chapter on recovery, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rest</span>, shares that “For many people, the idea of leaving the office for two or three weeks feels impossible, and the thought of facing a mountain of work and an overflowing inbox on their return is more stressful than never leaving. “</div>
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But not taking a vacation has high costs too – to the individual and to the company as there is a higher risk of heart attack, burnout and lost productivity. All of which leads you to ask what length and type of break have the best return for employee and employer. For the last twenty years, German sociologist Sabine Sonnentag has been exploring that question.</div>
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Her findings are fascinating. In her research, she found that there are four major factors that can impact performance and health – relaxation, control, mastery experiences and mental detachment from work – and a combination of all four produces the best results. </div>
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For relaxation, it’s an activity that’s pleasant and while not totally passive, not connected to work. For some, this could be playing golf or sailing, where you still have to concentrate, or gardening where you can get absorbed in what you are doing – anything that takes your mind off work.</div>
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Or it could be volunteering. I spent several weeks sorting clothes for the refugee families coming to Guelph. It was such a pleasant break. I didn’t have to think too hard and it gave me a warm feeling to know I was making a small difference.</div>
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The impact of control on your recovery can be measured by the amount of control you have in your daily living. If you have the freedom to decide how to spend your time, energy and attention, then it is a quicker fix. If however, you have family commitments, work shifts and generally less control over your life, then it will take longer to recharge.</div>
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Mastery experiences could be a hobby or interest where you have developed some skill and talent, and which uses your creativity in a different way. My daughter, for example, is a prolific knitter and quilter, both activities help her to relax and switch off from the demands of work, and at the same time, she has something positive and tangible to show for her efforts.</div>
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During World War 11, the people working on the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park would play chess. The game still required their mental skills, but had rules and was concrete, unlike the work they were doing trying to crack the code.</div>
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Another example was a group of physicists who played in a rock band as a way to totally remove themselves from the mental demands placed on them every day.</div>
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One of the challenges to becoming detached from work is with our Smart Phones, and the Internet, it is much harder to switch off 24/7. Yet if you wish to avoid burnout, leaving your phone behind on weekends maybe the answer.</div>
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Going back to World War 11, apparently, when Eisenhower arrived in the UK, he was first based in a hotel in London, a hotel that was brimming with military personnel and where everyone was on call and on edge.</div>
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He chose early on to move out of the city and found a hideaway, Telegraph Cottage, where he would relax, get in tune with nature and not talk nor think about the war at all. Yet when he went back into London, he was alert, astute and in control. </div>
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Many of us in Canada may already have our hideaway - our cottage - where we can escape from the pulls and demands of work.</div>
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As Jessica de Bloom, a psychologist and vacation researcher advises “vacations are like sleep, you need to take them regularly to benefit.”</div>
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So what’s my takeaway from reading this research – we need to switch off, and if possible, get away. Look at taking mini-breaks on a regular basis, every few months or so, and for your ideal vacation – researchers found it was eight days. </div>
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But shh… don’t tell my husband! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-69094927286410975722017-10-25T07:32:00.000-04:002017-10-25T07:32:09.185-04:00Belonging in our changing world<br />
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<em style="background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are." </em>Brené Brown</div>
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Before I headed south to hear Brené Brown, I got into a discussion with a friend about belonging and its relevance to Company of Women.</div>
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Belonging to me was an integral part of what we do. Everyone, I felt, needs and wants to belong, to be part of something larger than themselves. So reading Brené’s new book <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Braving the Wilderness</span>, confirmed what I had recognized intuitively.</div>
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Brené Brown grew up in a large family but outside of her family, she often struggled to fit in. Because of her father’s work, they were always on the move, making it hard to settle down, make friends and fit in. Feeling that she never belonged was one of her greatest pains.</div>
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She shares a story of how she was speaking at a conference, all dressed up and feeling distinctly uncomfortable, to the point where she got up, grabbed her suitcase and changed into her more casual clothing. As she said, how could she talk about being authentic, when she felt disconnected with herself.</div>
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Being yourself, she warns, means sometimes we have to stand alone. We have to brave the wilderness of uncertainty, vulnerability, and criticism. We have to belong to ourselves first.</div>
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And Brené is definitely brave as she tackles and labels what is happening in the world today. Right now, she says the only thing that binds us is fear, disdain, and rejection, not humanity, shared trust and love. We’ve become afraid to speak up, to reveal our innermost thoughts or opinions.</div>
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Partly because we treat everything as black or white, whereas grey might be a more accurate description. We are either for something or against it. No middle road here. She challenges us to be prepared to stand alone with our integrity.</div>
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Braving the wilderness, she cautions, means that you’re not going to like all the terrain. It means sitting with people, listening and having hard conversations. It means being curious, not defensive.</div>
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She talks about the spiritual crisis we find ourselves in. We are so busy stereotyping people, slotting them into our comfortable files, without realizing that they are people, people with pain. Pain, she feels, that leads to anger and hate. Pain that can only subside when we acknowledge it and care. But she argues, people are hard to close up. Move in, she suggests.</div>
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She goes on to say that we are dehumanizing people. It is much easier if we create an enemy image, one that depicts people as inferior or even dangerous. It starts with language. Abusive words should not be tolerated at any level or “either side.” The names tossed at Hilary Clinton, she suggests, are just as deplorable as those aimed at the President. We need to challenge ourselves to live by higher standards.</div>
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It is, she observes, those precious moments of joy – like going to your band’s concert, watching children play or spending time with old friends – that will fuel our lives. We need more joy. But it is also about being prepared to feel the pain. Funerals, for example, are not just for the people grieving, but for everyone who is there. However, not enough of us know how to sit in pain with others.</div>
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The way we engage with social media is like a fire – you can use it to keep warm and nourish or you can burn down the barn. Much depends on your intentions, expectations and reality checking skills. That said, face to face connection is imperative in our true belonging practice. </div>
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And that brings me back to why Company of Women exists. While connecting online enables you to “meet” globally, it is through the in-person, face-to-face connections that we can build a community; a community where we all belong; a community that cares.</div>
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What can you do to speak out and belong? It takes all of us to make a difference. Together we have strength.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-64903281471080729912017-10-06T08:16:00.000-04:002017-10-06T08:16:46.839-04:00Speak up - the world needs women leaders <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was the first sign we saw as we entered the Pennsylvania Convention Centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It quickly brought home the difference between living in Canada vs. living in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder there are so many shootings there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is obviously a norm that you may carry a gun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because Michelle Obama was speaking, security was tight, as it should be. Heaven forbid someone took a shot at her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the reasons I wanted to go to the conference was just to witness how other groups manage their events, but my lowly 200 does not remotely compare to the 12,000 there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine 12,000 women and a few brave men in one room! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am still digesting all that I learned that day, but overall the message was that it’s time for us to speak up as women, to find our place at the table and if we are not going to do that, then move over so another woman can. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Given all that is happening in the US – politically, the shooting in Vegas, floods, and earthquakes, there was a serious undertone at the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t mean that there wasn’t laughter or fun, but people were aware of the strife and suffering around them. It was hard to deny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bren<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">é</span> Brown tackled it head-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lives in Houston and shared that her home was one of four on her street that had survived the hurricane, but only because they’d recently rebuilt with a stronger foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband went out on his kayak to try and help people, and as she said, “it doesn’t matter how you voted, we are here to help.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bren<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">é</span> advocated that now is the time to come together, to help each other, regardless of our colour, faith or political stripes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“People, she said, are hard to hate close up. Move in closer.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She also encouraged the audience to connect with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be civil and talk.” she advised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants us to walk through the world with a strong back, soft front, and a wild heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The conversation between Michelle Obama and Shonda Grimes echoed the same sentiments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was denying the recent tragedies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michelle was relaxed and real, especially when, with great humour, she described the challenges of raising teenage girls. Listening, you felt, she’s just like us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Before becoming First Lady, Michelle was a typical working mother, juggling all the different roles and she spoke of the time constraints women face but also said that she would start her day with exercise. She was determined to eke out this time for herself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Asked what was next for the Obamas, she answered with a smile, that right now they were just chilling, given the pace of their lives for the past ten years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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She is writing a book which will come out next year and wants to focus her energy on making life better for young girls. Often, she said, “there are rules that slowly suffocate young girls.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are like thin cuts, paper cuts that leave scars and eat away at their self-esteem. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She also wants to see training for future women leaders and more women entering politics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is important to make way for new people. The seats, she observed, belong to the country, not the people elected.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As she described her childhood, where her conversation at dinner was respected, not dismissed, you can see why she is so grounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The session ended with Barack Obama coming on screen to celebrate their 25<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary, which brought a big sigh from the women in the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just being in the same room as Bren<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">é</span> and Michelle was almost an out-of-body experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard to believe that they were there, talking to us. They were funny, real and authentic, advocating for the strength of women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Bren<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">é</span> said, true belonging is the courage to believe in yourself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-42086876732983408312017-10-01T07:59:00.000-04:002017-10-01T13:08:41.619-04:00New look. New feel. New direction.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing like a deadline to
make you move and make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday our new website went live!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We started our rebranding discussions back in March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 15 years of operation, we decided that
Company of Women needed a facelift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
an adolescent, our views on what we needed to do had changed, and it was time
for the organization to represent the new reality of doing business today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gone are the pinks and purples that represented our femininity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are women in business and we’re here to
stay and to be taken seriously. We’ve gone with an edgier look – lime green and
blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our logo is no longer just our
signature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are more than that and the
symbol of the mountains reflects the journey we are on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each mountain represents the three pillars of our
organization – business development, leadership and personal development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After working on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Enough</i> book for three years, in which we explored why women
don’t feel good enough about themselves, it became clear that without
confidence, we can’t achieve what we wish for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in addition to focusing on business
development, we also want you to have the tools and faith in yourself to be
successful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And talking of success – our new slogan is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success on your own terms</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more comparing yourself to others. No
more living someone else’s dream. No more striving for other people’s
definition of success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all about
you and what you want out of life, and we’re behind you every step of the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The smaller triangle in the middle represents
leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is smaller because not
all of us are leaders, yet we wanted to foster women’s leadership because this
is the way to the future; to changing the world we live in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there you are – a quick snapshot of our new look and
programming focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday we launched
the new website, so we start October afresh, moving forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a bit nerve wracking and a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had to let go of my need for perfection,
because while we have hopefully ironed out the kinks, there are bound to be
some teething problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be
patient.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve always said you are never alone when you own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well that is so true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of this would have happened without the
facilitation, input and creativity of other others. My thanks to my team for
helping us pave this new future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a
special thanks to my daughter Megan, who worked tirelessly to create the new
website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://companyofwomen.co/" target="_blank">Go check it out</a> – <a href="https://www.companyofwomen.co/">www.companyofwomen.ca</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-66377066352430969442017-09-21T18:29:00.000-04:002017-09-21T18:29:18.108-04:00Lessons from the trenches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95iSU_CTQwYbim3tOGmlz97KmyEP9EWL6KOEX3b0DTS_GpAjMRltrq091WHNe3oMo-hhf1GfO3tXgb9PV9rdlNPqsRFXSNvEIDc3N30o9hjfFDz6eZ55RnB68kqNvyhpnjy6RMQ/s1600/1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1502" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95iSU_CTQwYbim3tOGmlz97KmyEP9EWL6KOEX3b0DTS_GpAjMRltrq091WHNe3oMo-hhf1GfO3tXgb9PV9rdlNPqsRFXSNvEIDc3N30o9hjfFDz6eZ55RnB68kqNvyhpnjy6RMQ/s320/1045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fifteen years ago I started Company of Women. It was supposed to be a sideline to my consulting practice, something I did that was really for me, rather than a whole separate business. </div>
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You see I found working at home isolating and I suspected that other women likely felt the same way and to be honest I just wanted to meet some like-minded women and perhaps make a few friends! It wasn’t that altruistic at all.</div>
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Little did I know that 165 women would show up to my first event, that two years down the road, I would close the doors on my consulting practice, Community Connections, or that 15 years later, I would still be running Company of Women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it is as well, as if I’d known I was in for the long haul, it wouldn’t have been as much fun.</div>
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Now it hasn’t always been fun and I’ve learned and grown a lot since 2003 when we started out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here ‘s what I have learned.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">People<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Surround yourself with people who believe in you.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all need cheerleaders on our side who are there when we succeed and when we fail. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let go </b>of the naysayers, the negative nellies or those who just want to “use” you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drain your energy and take you away from what you want to achieve.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You won’t please everyone.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As women, we tend to be pleasers, but it is impossible to keep everyone happy. There will always be someone who complains. Don’t take it personally.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not everyone is going to like you.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a tough one to learn but it is a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Develop a thick skin and keep believing in yourself.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take the high road</b>. Don’t get drawn into battle when someone bad mouths you. You and your “people” know what is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at the source and let it go.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Business<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be clear on who you are trying to reach</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you can visualize your target audience, who they are, what they do and what they want, it becomes much easier to recruit and attract them to your business.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do your homework</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Disclaimer - this was before social media)- but we once we spent thousands advertising in a publication that wasn’t read by our target audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be nimble and fluid</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get locked into how you want your business to unfold and what you have to offer, as you could miss out on some great opportunities.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nothing is carved in stone.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something isn’t working for you, change it.</div>
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Early on I learned that having membership run for a calendar year was disastrous cash flow wise. So we switched it up year two. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stay current.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pay attention to the trends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Change things up.</b> Just because something worked in the past, doesn’t mean that it always will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be prepared to change your mind.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask your customers/clients what they want or need and deliver. It’s not about what you think they need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, you could be wrong.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do the math.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure you know how much it costs you to deliver a program, product or service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be ready to change the price if it is not working out for you financially.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Delegate.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Build a team of people who can help you realize your dream. You don’t have to be the expert or do everything in your business.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revisit your vision</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a regular basis, at least annually, check in on your vision for your business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you on track? Are your end goals the same or do you need to change them? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Involve your team to make sure you are all on the same page. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Last but not least - You</b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Learn to celebrate</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often we focus on what went wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spend time congratulating yourself on what you have achieved.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mistakes are lessons you needed to learn</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can all too easily beat ourselves up on our mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, ask yourself what you would do differently next time? And then move on.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trust your gut</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Pay attention. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be authentic</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you connect with people, be who you are. Don’t try to be who you are not, play a role or be sales driven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sincere. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take a break</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let your business become all-consuming. There is a life outside of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take time to enjoy it. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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When I started writing this blog, I was initially aiming for 15 pointers – one for each year, and I wasn’t sure I could come up with fifteen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess I could. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And more.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-36614598478137746802017-09-13T19:25:00.000-04:002017-09-15T14:26:45.608-04:00It is what it is...for now<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gKYxe6f8c4Kv7HP2hLEsZPQ_oL3LHU0wksnzjhYwzpVOREM30zCZsqzSSemiD9irg1lTfoCGaL6_K5b1ze2BuPUaf0FgkNna6A5QxErYQ5uQwSmRFcICPcDxd9P6EcMgCLnZwQ/s1600/2329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="517" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gKYxe6f8c4Kv7HP2hLEsZPQ_oL3LHU0wksnzjhYwzpVOREM30zCZsqzSSemiD9irg1lTfoCGaL6_K5b1ze2BuPUaf0FgkNna6A5QxErYQ5uQwSmRFcICPcDxd9P6EcMgCLnZwQ/s320/2329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you first start your business it is such a leap of faith, and you have such wild and wonderful dreams of how it will be.</div>
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The reality however often proves to be very different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the business takes off with great zest, only to wind or slow down at a later date. And for others it is more a timid start, picking up as you learn and grow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The challenge with any business is you just never know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Popular one minute, struggling the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any one of us could find ourselves in this predicament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I started to think about this because several women I know have had to go back to working for someone else because their businesses were just not bringing in enough money to make it work for the family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s so tough, and what a difficult decision to have to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, it is what it is. When you have to keep a roof over your head, food on the table then you have to do what you don’t want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could say that you have to put on your big girl pants and get on with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That doesn’t mean it is easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t mean that you may feel like a failure. And it doesn’t mean that you don’t second-guess yourself as to whether you are making the right decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You probably are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But here are some thoughts that may make it more bearable:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You are brave. You took a risk and learned from it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make the most of your time back in the workplace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You can be intrapreneurial in the workplace too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t lose your entrepreneurial skills, just use them differently.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learn new skills when you are there, ones that you could use if you return to your business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make new contacts, you may meet some people who can help you down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Enjoy the steady paycheque. (Many of us envy you that)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
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And keep in touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to hear how you are doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-979660210562949772017-09-07T09:51:00.000-04:002017-09-07T09:51:33.948-04:00Breaking barriers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Persistence. Resourceful. Guts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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That’s what Ginella Massa believes got her to where she is today<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the first hijab-wearing woman to be an anchor with a major Canadian TV station.</div>
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As I listened to her talk at a recent Women of Influence event, it struck me that these are three key ingredients vital to success for women entrepreneurs too.</div>
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She credits much of her persistence to her mother. When Ginella went to school in Toronto, there were only two girls wearing the hijab – Ginella and her sister. Her mother lobbied for their religious celebrations be respected at the school, and Ginella learned that first, you have to ask. And if that doesn’t work, ask again.</div>
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Following her studies at York University and then Seneca College, she started to pursue her career in broadcasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted her voice to be heard as a woman, a woman of colour and as a hijab-wearing woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she also knew that she’d have to work harder, aware that wearing the hijab could be the death knell for her career.</div>
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Much of her early career was spent behind the scenes as a news writer and producer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Ginella’s dream was to be on television reporting the news herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a leap of faith in 2014, she quit her full-time job so she could focus her energies on making that dream a reality.</div>
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Three times she applied for a position in Kitchener-Waterloo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time when she got turned down, she decided to get more training and volunteered at Rogers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second time she was informed that they’d filled the position internally.</div>
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The third time, she got the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve learned to be my own cheerleader. Unlike others in this industry, I didn’t have the networks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t draw on my parents’ connections. I had to create my own network.” she shared.</div>
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Ginella demonstrated her resourcefulness when she shared the story of an interview that took place in a restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She arrived early and the waitress recognized her and was quick to tell her how wonderful she was, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After a moment’s pause, Ginella went back to the waitress and asked if she’d do a repeat performance, in front of the two men who were interviewing her. And she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked if this happened to her often, Ginella was quick to smile and say “yes.”</div>
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But in some ways, that wasn’t stretching the truth in that when she first arrived on the Toronto scene as an anchor at CityNews Toronto, her story caught media attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her story appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, FLARE, Aljezeera and the Washington Post.</div>
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However, not all the attention was positive and she also received her share of hate emails and tweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Racism, she observed, is often the elephant in the room. “We fear what we don’t know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she could tell when people were giving lip service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would the tone of their voice or the back-handed compliments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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All of which left her feeling at times that she wasn’t good enough. “Your own self-doubt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can become your biggest barrier to success.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are our own worst enemy and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” she cautions the women in the audience.</div>
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Ginella was quick to say at the beginning of her talk that she preferred to talk about representation, rather than diversity, which she feels can get laden with tokenism.</div>
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She feels her role is to report the news, which at times can be challenging and upsetting to her personally, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but she remains professional feeling that she’s not there to talk about or defend her religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just happens to be a hijab-wearing woman reporting on the news.</div>
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Being the first, the trailblazer takes guts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got no role models to follow, you are paving the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are times in our own businesses, that we are carving out our own path, breaking down barriers too.</div>
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Ginella’s story was inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her lovely smile drew you in and the standing ovation at the end of her talk was well-earned.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-21828308881916191142017-09-04T01:55:00.000-04:002017-09-04T01:58:00.801-04:00Stop. Start. Continue.<div class="MsoNormal">
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September always marks a time of renewal, a time of transition as we move from one season to another, one school year to the next. And for me the Fall has always been a fresh start.<br />
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The summer gives you more time to reflect and determine what worked and just as important, what didn’t in the previous months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year at Company of Women we go through a stop, start and continue exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trouble is, we often didn’t stop anything, but kept adding to our plate!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Often the stops are areas where financially it doesn’t make sense in terms of the investment of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another stop can be to stop trying to do everything yourself and delegate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my new admin help, I can tell you it is SO freeing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for continue - while we are continuing with much that we do, we are also looking at ways to maybe do it differently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for the start… well we have several exciting new plans. Back in March we started a strategic planning process that we are still working on, but we are getting closer to implementation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Changes are scary aren’t they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be a risk to change the status quo, but Company of Women turns 15 this September and if you don’t freshen up or reconfigure what you are doing, you run the risk of getting stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So we have been busy - working on rebranding, our website and the type of programs we want to offer moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are excited about our new “look” which will be unveiled later this month. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What I will share now is our new slogan - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success on your own terms.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success means so many different things to each of us, but the important piece to remember is that it is YOUR definition of success, not your partner’s, not your friends – it is all about you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And to help you get there, we are focussing on three pillars– business development, mentoring and leadership, and personal development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal is to provide you with the biz tools, connections and confidence to move forward and achieve success on your own terms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what are you going to start this fall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What changes are you going to make to your business and life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some questions to ask yourself:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->As you look at your business and life, what would you stop, start or continue?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What could you delegate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you spend that regained time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When you decide to continue something, ask how you can make it even better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Are there some ways that you can enhance what you are doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Could you market it in a different way and spread the word further?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What about something new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you done your homework and thought it through?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Try it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going through this exercise can help you focus on what you really, really want.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And as for Company of Women – stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-8670404498056892652017-08-24T07:07:00.001-04:002017-08-24T07:07:24.656-04:00Switching back on. Slowly.<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0oWaAw57ptSLp0kO_v_fK8JFUptUcCrtpxzkpILpl9neXLKCP_VTwmbR4Wxqask-IcebPy5O2Rhcyw5xhqaWpWU00FjXDP_Ho4q_rJYlt_Gnxu07Tc_kNNWd1pFtdmdUwR3F8w/s1600/checklist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0oWaAw57ptSLp0kO_v_fK8JFUptUcCrtpxzkpILpl9neXLKCP_VTwmbR4Wxqask-IcebPy5O2Rhcyw5xhqaWpWU00FjXDP_Ho4q_rJYlt_Gnxu07Tc_kNNWd1pFtdmdUwR3F8w/s320/checklist.jpg" width="234" /></a>It’s Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have to write my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After three weeks
(and two days) away on vacation, it’s been a tough week trying to switch back
on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t remember when I last took that amount of time off …
and I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mean really off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My business was totally off my radar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were travelling, meeting with friends and
being the tourist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of fun, new
memories were created.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I highly recommend it, but have to say ramping back up is
challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And perhaps if I am being
honest, I don’t want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still want to
bask in that mellow, free feeling of being Anne Day, not Anne Day, business
owner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, reality is that I do need to get myself into
gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s just one week left until
it is back to school, back to work and a whole new year of programming ahead of
us at Company of Women. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember when my girls were young having such mixed
feelings about this time of year – longing for them to be back at school, and
back in a routine, but dreading the thought of the school lunches and homework,
and being back in a routine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I am not alone with these mixed emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer is such a short but special time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One that I think we need (and deserve) to
energize ourselves – both physically and mentally – for the year ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you get yourself ready for the fall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make
lists</b> of what you have to do. I am a list maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my lists that keep me on track, as I try
to bring my head back into thinking business and what I have to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Break
down big projects</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can reach
your end goal, one step (task) at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It makes it less overwhelming and easier to achieve.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pause</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step back and look at what you really want
and have to do, rather than over-committing yourself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want to rush to get back on the
hamster wheel again. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plan
ahead</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how hectic the fall
can be, so book some “girlfriend” time now, so you have eked out some time for
fun and can stay connected to your “tribe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be gentle
on yourself</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ease yourself back
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drop the need for perfection. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Already the temperatures are getting cooler, and you just
know that fall is around the corner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And with it comes a fresh start, a new season and maybe even
a new you!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-67368272912569012952017-08-17T06:34:00.000-04:002017-08-17T06:34:24.006-04:00Best laid plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDjYwHoy3s61-gRh0K-yXPPeXs1au1tSAT2hvzj20IvDsAOvX9tPYZ1fYxFK3s3M7dlxPzZwjyolix9MbEKSKBAOkX9a__eJFCNCU-Kf99xE3ca3wLJ_Ke5dzIV_imew6VhS8JA/s1600/port+appin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDjYwHoy3s61-gRh0K-yXPPeXs1au1tSAT2hvzj20IvDsAOvX9tPYZ1fYxFK3s3M7dlxPzZwjyolix9MbEKSKBAOkX9a__eJFCNCU-Kf99xE3ca3wLJ_Ke5dzIV_imew6VhS8JA/s320/port+appin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This summer I learned an important business lesson – when
Plan A doesn’t work, be ready and embrace Plan B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To allow the failure of your plans to
overtake your dreams, just fosters further disappointment and festers away at
your intent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had spent at least six months planning a big family trip
to Scotland and the Isle of Man to celebrate our 45<sup>th</sup> wedding
anniversary and 50 years of being together as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d decided to celebrate the 50 years now
when we were all able to travel, rather than wait.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a complicated itinerary, as I worked to ensure
everyone got to do what they wanted to do, and we also had some down time and
space away from one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first dent in THE PLAN, occurred before we left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered, by chance, that the airline
we’d booked our tickets to get to the Isle of Man, had gone into
liquidation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we had to scramble to
get seats with another airline and as I write, we are still trying to get our
money back from the first one, but not holding up much hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had gone ahead of the “kids” and were collecting them in
Glasgow to head off <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>together for a few
days in the Highlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except, last
minute because a truck had hit their plane, their flight was cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 3.00am in the morning before they got
checked into a Toronto hotel, where the three of them were left to share one
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever chivalrous, my son in law,
spent the night in a chair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A day late, we met them at the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’d had to move hotels, as there was “no
room at the inn” where we were staying, and with two big concerts taking place
in Glasgow, hotel rooms were scarce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
ended up having to tough it out at a five-star hotel, which while lovely, was not
part of our trip budget.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I had decided early on with these unforeseen delays,
that they were not going to spoil our vacation, which they could just as easily
have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I encouraged everyone
to think about the great stories they’d have to share about what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And with one day short, we focused more intently on we
wanted to do and see in the time left. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As leaders in our businesses (and families) we set the
tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being pragmatic and coming up with
a Plan B is a good start, but so is having a good attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As John Lennon once said “life is what happens when you are
busy making other plans.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-66928252553326311962017-07-20T06:39:00.000-04:002017-07-20T06:39:44.219-04:00A legacy of love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNreiUjq_2es4uXMMi4gQgY6MD98Q7Xzrbo_1mqlAfuYgtaqbhtt8KqGNaZMb6cj1WksjLYnqr6NfLdWSuEht4xLeKaaP3tYDMXlKCtzvUALRHn1kNbGDyDJszR3zWLEUaa7rgbg/s1600/tom-pumford-254867+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNreiUjq_2es4uXMMi4gQgY6MD98Q7Xzrbo_1mqlAfuYgtaqbhtt8KqGNaZMb6cj1WksjLYnqr6NfLdWSuEht4xLeKaaP3tYDMXlKCtzvUALRHn1kNbGDyDJszR3zWLEUaa7rgbg/s320/tom-pumford-254867+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I listened to Debbie’s daughters describe what she was
like, I started to wonder exactly what my daughters and friends would say about
me after I died?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s an interesting thought isn’t it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all want our lives to have meaning, to bring
meaning into the lives of others and to leave a legacy that will carry on long
after we have gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Debbie, who was fondly known as “The Boss.” had played such
an important role in planning her memorial service - picking the verses from
the bible, the music to be played - that you felt she was in the room, watching
over us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was listening to a podcast on CBC this week about a man
who decided to have a living wake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was terminally ill and had chosen to have an assisted suicide, so he knew when
he was going to die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, rather
than the funeral after he was gone, he wanted to host this last party and be
there for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was touching listening to the tributes, and I found
myself laughing when one friend lamented that the host kept pissing him off, to
which he replied it was one of his great talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The friend then went on to explain that first
he’d retired two years earlier than him, and now he was checking out earlier
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all said with great love and
respect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of which leads me to thinking that we need to say more
to the people we love now while they are alive and able to hear us, and not
wait for the eulogy to emotionally share with others about how we felt about
the person who has just died.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I announced my news at a Company of Women
meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did so because I wanted the
women to go for the mammogram and not put it off, and also because as I said at
the time, it was not convenient to “check out” right then, as I was busy and
had too much to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was touched by the
outpouring of love I received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that’s my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We shouldn’t have to wait until someone is dying or gets a cancer
diagnosis to share how we feel about that person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much happier we would all be if we spoke
up now, not when it’s too late for your loved one to hear, about how we feel
about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granted we all show our love differently, as I learned when
I read the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Five Languages of Love.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some it’s being of service, kind gestures
or thoughtful gifts, for others it is more physical, but I can’t help but think
that using our words, actually saying out loud how we feel means that the
message is received and understood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one
four-lettered word that is under-used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Time to change that. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-47412109504689145242017-07-13T18:41:00.001-04:002017-07-13T18:41:55.727-04:00Shedding some light in the darkness of death<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ooF2cqUiuLSA5KJGWbBSNPWq2K7tv8w681XmnzG3pguVD0iy7ClOqEYUo2h91gA_YP7QxQJUeoEKP5om1tyunrpR_lyIBC4B8QP0bJ9LN_E_O4Mda2SBrNDOFaeexa0bah-dKg/s1600/darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ooF2cqUiuLSA5KJGWbBSNPWq2K7tv8w681XmnzG3pguVD0iy7ClOqEYUo2h91gA_YP7QxQJUeoEKP5om1tyunrpR_lyIBC4B8QP0bJ9LN_E_O4Mda2SBrNDOFaeexa0bah-dKg/s320/darkness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of us really knows what is around the
corner. Guess that’s why it’s best to take
each day as it comes, to live life in the moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am reflecting on this because this week
has been darkened by news of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> First the d</span>eath of a friend’s mother who had cancer, then the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
death of a husband in his
prime who took his own life and updates on a husband who knows </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
he is dying and is making
the most of the time he has left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suicide always leaves you with so many
questions. Why? What did we miss? How could we have changed this outcome? It is so hard for the family and
friends. It’s an emotional roller
coaster – from being distraught and sad to feeling betrayed and angry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And it is not something to be dismissed or
swept under the carpet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In fact that may be part of the
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While mental health issues are
getting more recognition as something we have to pay attention to and not hide
away from in shame; we still have a long way to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I had a cousin who committed suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d had a son when she was 17, and as was
common at the time, was forced to give him up for adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three years later, on his birthday, she took
an overdose of sleeping pills and died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now this was over 50 years ago, and today, many children are born out of
“wedlock” and raised by single mothers, but back then, there was a real stigma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I remember once saying that I thought that suicide
was such a selfish act, and I was quickly and correctly admonished by a friend
who angrily told me that depression was an illness. It was a disease, one that the
person wanted to escape from to end the pain, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with suicide seeming like the only option, the
only way out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I’ve never forgotten her explanation. It
has stuck with me. It changed my perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The three women in these situations are
part of the Company of Women community. This is when we need to rally round and
be supportive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to show we care,
because in that caring, the family feels less alone and there is a glimmer of
light, in a world of darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-69886556976310950012017-07-06T14:13:00.001-04:002017-07-06T14:13:28.261-04:00Flying under the radar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ZLLlwwVEFcEsS1KFFkXVqih0vYWN-8ZgwloDhRp2JyNJr9Z0gpHOzqgeDcrAikg4XTAmk2FfEP0OfV49hsFFsNCOmX1aZ0AD9m3cmUpeGfklcANmipI6dV91k8S2G9a1t6K3g/s1600/ross-parmly-25230+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ZLLlwwVEFcEsS1KFFkXVqih0vYWN-8ZgwloDhRp2JyNJr9Z0gpHOzqgeDcrAikg4XTAmk2FfEP0OfV49hsFFsNCOmX1aZ0AD9m3cmUpeGfklcANmipI6dV91k8S2G9a1t6K3g/s320/ross-parmly-25230+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes we have to relearn lessons the hard way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have always known that “it’s not a deal until it’s
deal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And armed with my paper
documentation, I had no qualms about our upcoming family trip to the Isle of
Man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had wanted to make a last minute change and add another
flight to our master trip, only to discover that the airline we’d booked with
had gone into liquidation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only that, they did so just three days after I booked our
flights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the way our travel works these days, a paper document
is usually all you need, not even an e-booking ticket with some airlines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you imagine our surprise if we’d gone to
the airport to discover that not only was there not a plane, there wasn’t an
airline?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t tell you how relieved I am that we discovered this
in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it is, thanks to Sarah
Boville, Barefoot Travel, we have managed to get ourselves on another flight,
with another airline, but few fly to the Isle of Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we were lucky.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of this speaks to using a travel agent to book your
travel arrangements. Sarah had booked the bulk of the trip, but I’d booked this
part myself, which means it is not covered under our travel insurance. Our best
hope at getting our money back is through our credit card company, but there
are no guarantees and we are considerably out of pocket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what have I learnt:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Never take things
for granted. </li>
<li>Don’t make assumptions. </li>
<li>Check and double check all is arranged. </li>
<li>Have it in writing. </li>
<li>It pays to use travel professionals when you want to
travel. </li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Let's hope this is the only glitch we experience on our trip.</o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-15047971150168981542017-06-28T13:43:00.000-04:002017-06-28T13:43:36.076-04:00Weather watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80Riqn4GZHWF8-3hZ1rNKgQIXHvNaSOp8rU7KRUMhVshlnQ35AXnA7ofW-sgQLTet5SENglBf2Tjq325rFseh5FBd04Hrs0No1vlVmh-tWrc1XnWSHnZtdmwuRphAz5rCzYcJOQ/s1600/stormy+weather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80Riqn4GZHWF8-3hZ1rNKgQIXHvNaSOp8rU7KRUMhVshlnQ35AXnA7ofW-sgQLTet5SENglBf2Tjq325rFseh5FBd04Hrs0No1vlVmh-tWrc1XnWSHnZtdmwuRphAz5rCzYcJOQ/s320/stormy+weather.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For our mentoring program meeting this week, we held it
outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I must confess that I was
a little nervous, given how temperamental the weather has been of late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm one minute, cold the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunny in the morning, wet all afternoon. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I came armed with a raincoat, a jacket, a shawl, an
umbrella and even a towel!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At some point in the meeting, I had all three pieces of
clothing on, and minutes later they were off as the sun broke through the dark
clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laurie Hunt, who is leading the mentoring program, kept us moving, we
started in a circle with yoga stretches, broke into pairs and then walked
around the property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we
moved, the sun would shine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from lunch under the tent, most of the meeting was
spent outdoors. The ironic thing was no sooner had we packed up to go home,
than the heavens opened. We all joked that perhaps because we were meeting on
church property, the meeting was blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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However, Laurie said something that started me
thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was comparing our
challenges with the weather with the obstacles we can face in our businesses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For example, I am sure most of us can admit to times when
the business seemed to be under a cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing seemed to go well and it became quite stormy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Laurie’s suggestion that day was that we
were to keep moving, no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in a way, that’s true for our business too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to walk through the storm to get to
the rainbow, maybe not the pot of gold, but at least to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because if we stay still, not only do we get
very wet, but in our drenched state, it can be hard to find a solution, or to
find shelter, and much easier to just give up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re stuck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By moving we are less likely to get pulled under and may on
our travels, like we did, find moments of sun and we would change our direction
to embrace it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this weather analogy, most of us came
prepared for all eventualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
are planning your business, you need to do the same. It’s important to have a
plan B or C, for that matter, in your back pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you bounce back quicker and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be nimble in navigating the inclement
conditions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So the moral of this story is come prepared, keep moving and
be ready to take cover. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-22157446773802021002017-06-22T09:02:00.000-04:002017-06-22T09:02:30.243-04:00Birds of a feather <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb8jgT-sTbLPvViaNARGZu8sOtQdCwxlWkX-8yKpkEgl1cgm2xc6SyKvr9i9_ODDe_E81zIUts1WxBV_aAly-WrUOhotjEb8IsdDQ9euvnJUwWfIc2_oa9rI8i77Z2mGuRwpuqA/s1600/srivatsa-sreenivasarao-5959+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb8jgT-sTbLPvViaNARGZu8sOtQdCwxlWkX-8yKpkEgl1cgm2xc6SyKvr9i9_ODDe_E81zIUts1WxBV_aAly-WrUOhotjEb8IsdDQ9euvnJUwWfIc2_oa9rI8i77Z2mGuRwpuqA/s320/srivatsa-sreenivasarao-5959+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is something energizing and exciting when you bring a
group of people together who are not only on the same wave length, but get what
you want to achieve in your business and are keen to help you get there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s how I felt after our team meeting this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of great ideas – not all will happen at
once – but everyone seemed invested in what we wanted to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a group discussion about what direction we were
heading in and our goals for the upcoming year, I’d split everyone into small
groups, drawing on their expertise and areas of interest, and each group was
tasked with some questions to answer that would give us some direction moving
forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we gathered together as the large group again to hear
what the others had to say and toss in our own ideas as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having run Company of Women for fourteen
years now, there were times, to be honest, when I had to bite my tongue as a suggestion
came up that we had already done, or were already doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But nothing kills brainstorming quicker than someone saying
“we’ve done that and it didn’t work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well maybe not then, but it might now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also find there are new approaches out there, and perhaps we (read I)
need to get with the program and go with the times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But to be honest that is easier said than done, but I am
getting there. I am a work in progress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is if you want to move your business forward and
take it to the next level, you have to:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Build a team, a tribe who will get behind you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Listen.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Give opportunities for others to grow personally
and professionally.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Draw on the expertise of others, especially in
areas where you do not excel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Realize that you can’t (and shouldn’t) do
everything, nor do you have the knowledge and skill set to do so.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Understand that letting go is not easy, and
sometimes it seems like a necessary evil.</span></li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I am getting there, comfortable in the knowledge that at
the end of the day, it is still my business, still my decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I need to take heed to the input of
others, otherwise why bother asking for their opinions or input in the first
place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As someone said at the meeting, we are birds of a feather,
and we’re creating a caring nest for us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just watch us soar and take off in the year ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-8522658425043240842017-06-16T04:35:00.000-04:002017-06-16T04:35:17.733-04:00Say yes to yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD2rIWQvHUhFYjI6tsI3BbP0aTPfAlea83OiqVvmvS5Gfka4jLh_1OzRRxUBELr_-ZGZHJT2FE-JfPuTYA64Wb5jstq7lfSz5OWIriH9l2ovBpsH4NczfWv7vQhmgAIpJawQCcA/s1600/What_Does_Work-Life_Balance_Mean_To_You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD2rIWQvHUhFYjI6tsI3BbP0aTPfAlea83OiqVvmvS5Gfka4jLh_1OzRRxUBELr_-ZGZHJT2FE-JfPuTYA64Wb5jstq7lfSz5OWIriH9l2ovBpsH4NczfWv7vQhmgAIpJawQCcA/s320/What_Does_Work-Life_Balance_Mean_To_You.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m just a gal who
can’t say no… “ <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get a lot of requests to do stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the past, I used to say “yes”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to disappoint anyone and ever
the pleaser, it felt good to agree.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you know what, there were times when I should have said
“no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were times when I just
didn’t have the time on my schedule to take on something extra, and there were
times when I wasn’t the right fit or I wasn’t that interested… and yet, my
response was the same – “sure yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do we do this to ourselves? Part of it is ego, I am
sure, in that we’re flattered to be asked, but it is also because we don’t want
to disappoint anyone and we want people to like us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None are good enough reasons, especially if we stretch
ourselves too thin and we end up too close to the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were interviewing women for our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Enough</i> book, Amy and I found they
talked a lot about being pleasers, about wanting to keep everyone happy but
they weren’t saying this with pride, more out of resentment, because they felt
depleted by all the demands placed on them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One way to avoid over-committing yourself is to pause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone asks you to take on something
else, to do a favour or give a presentation, tell the person that you’ll get
back to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give yourself some time to
think it through so you don’t leap in with the automatic “of course, yes I
will.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then if, on reflection you really don’t want to do it, you
can get back to the person and say that you’ve checked your schedule, and right
now, it is just not feasible. You don’t have to go into lengthy reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep it simple. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But say “no.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we say “yes” to something we don’t want to do, we are
denying ourselves the opportunity and time to say “yes” to an activity we
really want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try not to box
yourself in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep yourself open to the
opportunities that make you excited. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
While you may not want to disappoint anyone, you also don’t
want to disappoint the most important person in your life – YOU.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-79584653366611280522017-06-11T08:11:00.000-04:002017-06-11T08:11:58.778-04:00Trust in the truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntdlHG0n2nAcJM9266iKE_Wawx-j8O7OxncnexKR_962jyZzI19uSoRIC_woIulR_1gNwkhbb1-b3_sOu1OTpnvFWKAYcsMSARzMM6Y_gJYkN0ze-Bj6l4uvAoxe3VyKEhEy9gA/s1600/luca-campioni-215076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntdlHG0n2nAcJM9266iKE_Wawx-j8O7OxncnexKR_962jyZzI19uSoRIC_woIulR_1gNwkhbb1-b3_sOu1OTpnvFWKAYcsMSARzMM6Y_gJYkN0ze-Bj6l4uvAoxe3VyKEhEy9gA/s320/luca-campioni-215076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I usually leave it pretty open as to what I am going to
write about in my weekly blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer
to be current, go with the flow and be open.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I tossed around what I could write … it became clear that
the global focus of this week is one of trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Between what is happening down south and who to believe, and the recent
election in the UK – it seems to me that much of our challenge today is
building trust, keeping it and not betraying it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who do you believe is working in the best interests of your
country? Who do you think is putting the everyday person first, or does
everyone have their own agenda, one that does not include you? How do you know
what is true or what is all smoke and mirrors?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a small business owner, there are some crucial lessons to
be learned from the global political arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First as you work with your clients and potential customers, it is vital
that you build their trust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because as is often said, people do business with people
that they like and trust. So how do you build that trust?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You are authentic in your dealings with people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You provide what people say they need, not
necessarily what you want to provide. In other words, you focus on their
agenda, not your own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You deliver what you say you will deliver. On
time. On price.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You are honest about what you can and can’t do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You care and show your client that you are
interested in them as people, not as part of your money train.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line – you drop your agenda because inevitably it
does become a win-win for all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another lesson - do not underestimate the power of young
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we saw in the UK, when you
listen, respect and involve millennials, they will support you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignore them at your own peril.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are our future. Pay attention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in complicated times. Times when it becomes harder
to determine what is truth and what is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What we can do as individuals and as business owners is be true to
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Because when we do that, we can sleep at night, knowing we
have done our best, we’ve stuck to our values and believe that at the end of
day, people will trust in what we say and do. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-26925257987600481862017-06-02T15:00:00.000-04:002017-06-02T15:00:33.757-04:00Confidence. Don't leave home without it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXakd5Gt9orl9TS08OOxewtoVVy47igmThhzcYqY5r-MT_4ovLV2VwsQ2JFI3aCYCfXR3OB1nUXPxjr8Nq4_uutLOQwFKJfxQW_Hf0Lrc2D-5Peod-ypKUm1mlhRrjIqEARWD0Q/s1600/If+it+is+to+be+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXakd5Gt9orl9TS08OOxewtoVVy47igmThhzcYqY5r-MT_4ovLV2VwsQ2JFI3aCYCfXR3OB1nUXPxjr8Nq4_uutLOQwFKJfxQW_Hf0Lrc2D-5Peod-ypKUm1mlhRrjIqEARWD0Q/s320/If+it+is+to+be+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The only thing standing between greatness and me, </i><i>is me.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Woody Allen<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t that the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So often we are the ones getting in our own way, letting our fears and
lack of confidence hold us back from becoming who we are meant to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another truth is that starting and running your own business
is not for the faint of heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing
rarely goes to plan and at the first roadblock it would be all too easy to give
up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not if
we really, really want to have our own business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes it means taking a step back and
looking at what we are doing and want to achieve and asking if you’re on the
right track or do you have to tweak something to make it better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In her book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She Means
Business</i>, Carrie Green identified that the first step to building a
business is to look inward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Conditioning yourself for success is far more important than any
business strategy, because if you don’t have the right mindset, you’ll get in
your own way and won’t be able to create the success you want.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to succeed we have to push past the self-doubt,
fear and obstacles. In our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Enough</i>
book, we talk about confidence, and how you don’t want to leave home without
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how do you build confidence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it is not something you can put on
and leave on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a fair weather friend.
In some situations, we can be self-assured and willing to step up to the
challenge; in others, we hold back, tentative and fearful of making a mistake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And maybe that’s the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s letting go of that fear of failure and realizing that mistakes are just
feedback that we need to listen to and move on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we heard from our panel of trailblazers at
the conference, just do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longer
you wait, the harder it becomes to step out of your comfort zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing yourself helps you to better understand what you
strengths are and where you may need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask your friends and family what strengths you bring to your
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might be surprised with
what they say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking of friends, you want to hang out with people you
believe in you, who are supportive and are there to give you honest feedback,
and if necessary, the kick you need to get moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carrie Green is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we don’t believe in ourselves, how can we ask other people to do so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her book is divided up into three sections.
Interestingly only one is dedicated to the actual business planning process,
the other two are devoted to helping you understand yourself, your motivation
and developing the right mindset to succeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is one of the reasons why at Company of Women we will be introducing a new series of programs to help build women’s self confidence,
because without that component, it is hard to succeed – whether you are in
start-up mode or more seasoned and want to take your business to the next
level. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-23129368150656733952017-05-25T10:22:00.000-04:002017-05-25T10:23:25.569-04:00Where's Wilma?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PB6GgHmNAdzmR3tMleGNXWFdz1-pc-RXwNlms5lOthkWheqkIQFh4uFksE3o5q5pDJ6d0-VSuB72GXUwVHhP9q6Ni9kghgXikBlv8tfE_0vuplQdYDIaGjYGhvU-l4l4yk3jdQ/s1600/Where%2527s+Wilma%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PB6GgHmNAdzmR3tMleGNXWFdz1-pc-RXwNlms5lOthkWheqkIQFh4uFksE3o5q5pDJ6d0-VSuB72GXUwVHhP9q6Ni9kghgXikBlv8tfE_0vuplQdYDIaGjYGhvU-l4l4yk3jdQ/s320/Where%2527s+Wilma%253F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was meeting a friend for coffee this week and somehow we
got onto the topic of women on boards, women on panels, and women in IT.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sparked a discussion about how we should start a game,
like where’s Waldo? But instead it would be where’s Wilma?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because more and more, despite the moves
forward that we have made, there are still too few women on boards, in
leadership positions and when groups have experts to speak on business topics, for example, few women can be found.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now at Company of Women it is the reverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only choose women speakers and experts,
because I firmly believe we have comparable skills, and I want to role model
women in roles of responsibility and sharing their expertise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Brenda and I are launching a #wherearethewomen? campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time you see something -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
poster or announcement - that showcases men but no women – fire off a post with
this hashtag.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a small way we can make our point and get the message
out that we’re watching, we’re taking notice and we want our voices heard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-47973555164550789932017-05-18T07:10:00.000-04:002017-05-18T07:10:22.429-04:00Make time to work ON your business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeDoZCzaw7js7hY6eAvfN_zq3b5_lMJLVl4uPYgQBTCAxGMi7Fz7ttV-TJkpxx4jeegceXP1Is3ockslk9xdajetF-_n2kVyLugFCWPyj4Gu13K5MyejHKQAWqtT8HWKFDLIOow/s1600/Working-On-Your-Business-And-Not-In-Your-Business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeDoZCzaw7js7hY6eAvfN_zq3b5_lMJLVl4uPYgQBTCAxGMi7Fz7ttV-TJkpxx4jeegceXP1Is3ockslk9xdajetF-_n2kVyLugFCWPyj4Gu13K5MyejHKQAWqtT8HWKFDLIOow/s320/Working-On-Your-Business-And-Not-In-Your-Business.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between the conference and the launch of our new book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Enough</i>, I’ve been really busy
working IN my business, knowing only too well, that I needed to spend time ON
the business.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where do I see the business going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s our vision moving forward? How is the
business evolving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we need to change
up what we are doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good questions
for you to ask yourself too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To help me I hired a consultant to walk and guide me through
the process, and then held several planning sessions with the key members of my
team as well as strong supporters who brought an objective perspective to the
conversation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I still hadn’t really sat down to digest and reflect on
all that’s been said and the recommendations in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were having work done at the farmhouse and I had to
vacate the premises for four hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t have access to a computer, so I was back to paper and pen but I used
that time to regroup, to think about what’s unfolded through all these planning
sessions and what I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>liked, wanted to
continue, and what we could perhaps drop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I highly recommend doing this because when you start to look
at what you want to start, continue and stop – it makes your choices and direction
much clearer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have this tendency
to keep adding to the menu, and in some ways, maybe I still am, but the key
difference is the “stop” component. M y major conclusion is that I have to
stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to stop being involved in
every detail of what is offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
to stop doing the admin behind the scenes (I suck at it) and I have to stop
thinking it all relies on me, because it doesn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now have a great team, who all get what we are trying to
achieve and why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are authentic,
real and genuinely want to help women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That makes a huge difference, as we are all on the same page, each
bringing our unique talents to the organization. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am excited about where we are heading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new direction will, I believe, positively
impact more women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And take my advice, try to eke out time alone to reflect on
your business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-14571514958643537002017-05-12T06:28:00.000-04:002017-05-12T06:28:21.018-04:00Just do it<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24EggKnDEdfy9gBpmJKvNY2EdxBKwhezDkGoS6XHbqPLKmcZIToC22dnMAQU4pBFKCcybGsScOPlE803qoMUwk6v-5LZ4STI3TIChZlW-zPZKTT9HpHoy7fSS_Fdrd4MT28Mzuw/s1600/The-Thing-You-Cannot-Do.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24EggKnDEdfy9gBpmJKvNY2EdxBKwhezDkGoS6XHbqPLKmcZIToC22dnMAQU4pBFKCcybGsScOPlE803qoMUwk6v-5LZ4STI3TIChZlW-zPZKTT9HpHoy7fSS_Fdrd4MT28Mzuw/s320/The-Thing-You-Cannot-Do.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was one of my main takeaways from the Journey 2 Success conference on
Tuesday. A great message for women
entrepreneurs to hear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So often we second-guess ourselves and want all our ducks in
a row before we go further with our plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there are no guarantees in life, and sometimes if we wait too long,
we lose momentum and it never happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I listened to our panel members -Brenda Halloran, Toni
Morgan and Lindsay Rice – each of them had an ambitious goal for themselves,
and steadfastly went after their dream.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Brenda’s case it was to become mayor of Waterloo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With limited political experience and limited
funds, she threw her hat into the mayoral race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She made us all smile when she confessed that she and her friends had
limited political experience – for example –she chose to go with turquoise as
her campaign colours because of a mug she liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very much the outsider in the race for mayor,
she’d been dismissed by her competitors, only to beat them on election day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Toni, she wanted to go to Harvard, which for someone who
had been homeless as a teen, seemed like a pipe dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t underestimate this young woman, who
crowd-funded her way to Harvard and recently completed her masters in
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lindsay chose to become a racing car driver, a lonely and
different path for a young woman to pursue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like Toni, it took money and guts to make this dream a reality, and not
only did she make it happen, she’s winning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At 23 she explained she was late to enter this career, but she is
certainly making up for lost time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our next speaker, Molly Burke, further emphasized the need
to just follow your dream because when you do, you are living your life to the
fullest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With wisdom beyond her years,
Molly shared how being blind was not holding her back – she travels, rides,
surfs and rock climbs – which some of us wouldn’t dare to do and we have our
sight. This gutsy young woman showed us that we need to get out of our own way
and just go for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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All four women are role models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are trailblazers, leading the way so the
rest of us can pave our own journey to success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-48931394802675413672017-05-06T10:22:00.000-04:002017-05-06T10:22:11.548-04:00What business are you in?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KzwTW5NBzLgTNEJowr5mE5HA56Df8CwyTulnLrMb4L6rgEQ6wBKc8GPjxH2wOgUok8cXhtj-GOsS4cXbfgRtI4kZTvqLdizpqMTCrL-FOA6Hybif5Msx_ILsAR-3ghNJxGjykw/s1600/OpenBusiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KzwTW5NBzLgTNEJowr5mE5HA56Df8CwyTulnLrMb4L6rgEQ6wBKc8GPjxH2wOgUok8cXhtj-GOsS4cXbfgRtI4kZTvqLdizpqMTCrL-FOA6Hybif5Msx_ILsAR-3ghNJxGjykw/s320/OpenBusiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember when you started your business?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the first thing you did? Likely got
a logo and business cards printed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
according to our recent speaker <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charmian
Christie, we’ve got it all wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing
the logo is the last thing we should be doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because first we
need to think about what business are we in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to work out what we want to do and even more important, what we
don’t want to do, and why.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charmian was speaking from experience as she shared the dips
and turns she went through to get to her current business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She found that she just kept saying yes to
everything that came her way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
remember doing that when I had my consulting practice, partly because you don’t
know when the next contract is going to come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The freelance life can be a feast or a
famine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Chairman found that she was taking on too much, doing stuff
she didn’t really like or work that didn’t sit well with her values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she started to make two lists, one of the
work she wanted to do, and the other of work that she didn’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She also drew up standards for herself in terms of what she
would do to promote her brand on social media, and again what she would not do
– such as make political comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although as she laughingly acknowledged, these days that is hard, but
she has drawn a line in the sand and just won’t go there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only after she’d gone through this process did she determine
the name of her business, the look and the design of her logo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she had a brand, a brand that she was
proud to promote.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She encouraged us all to come up with one word to describe
the business we are in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As your business evolves, know that this can change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you had asked me this question when I first started
Company of Women, my answer would have been we were in the support
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today… while we still
provide support, I think we are moving more towards the confidence
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, I’d like to
think we give you the tools and confidence to succeed, and most importantly, it's success on your own terms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Let me ask you, what business are you in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-14720585996855610002017-04-27T18:44:00.000-04:002017-04-27T18:44:34.115-04:00Rule of three <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UBnMUbW1rCxS00WvwvuoG-xH1xiJXRogTyaD8ueSjImkW83uPMseKRhZaKYmXjbsfsoPMMOo-AtddmFcksaZPlW_TrD638cRV-LDK3RQlW-cGf-VZ5iGCCnCxADaJdr-VjLc3w/s1600/dreamstime_m_4281780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UBnMUbW1rCxS00WvwvuoG-xH1xiJXRogTyaD8ueSjImkW83uPMseKRhZaKYmXjbsfsoPMMOo-AtddmFcksaZPlW_TrD638cRV-LDK3RQlW-cGf-VZ5iGCCnCxADaJdr-VjLc3w/s320/dreamstime_m_4281780.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have you heard about the
rule of three? It applies to several aspects in life, and certainly
works well in business too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I remember when I first
started writing, my mentor told me that starting a sentence with the same
words, three times in a row, helps to make a point. </span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 10pt;">It makes a powerful
statement and I often use this strategy in my writing today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The other week we heard
from a speaker who was emphasizing the rule of three when you are making a
presentation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you are developing your talk, it helps to come up
with three key messages as more than that, and it starts to get confusing for
your audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And in working with
authors, I also have them work through a template where they have to come up
with three key messages. In this instance, it helps you focus and
keep true to what you want to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the rule of three
expands beyond the written and verbal word. In decorating for
example, designers advise that you group objects in threes. And I seem to
recall doing an one-two-three countdown with my kids when I wanted something
done or they were in trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what is the impact from
a business perspective? Good question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremy Anderberg wrote
about the rule of three in terms of productivity. He quotes author
Chris Bailey when he suggests that at the beginning of each day, before you
start working, decide what three things you want to accomplish by the end of
the day. It’s a simple, but game changing concept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you only have three
priorities to focus on, you are more likely to get the work done. And
maybe if you’ve tried three times to start something and haven’t, your
procrastination is telling you that you really don’t want to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s some other
interesting facts about the number three, according to Eric Walters in <i>The
Rule of Three</i>:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you can last three minutes without
air.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you can go three days with water.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you can last three weeks without
food. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
seems to be a pretty important number, and of course there is the fact that I
was born on the 3rd month, March! But I digress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Getting back to the rule of
three, here's my three key points - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pick three key messages when you
have to make a presentation or write a book<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">select three priorities a day to
focus your attention on. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">if you’ve tried to do something
three times and not managed to do it, maybe you're not that
interested. Take it off your list.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Try it. You may find that it
takes the pressure off, and helps you focus your energy and time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-90428138904176038602017-04-20T18:14:00.000-04:002017-04-20T18:14:10.623-04:00Living on Facebook<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0azvO3xRHU7FcXIl0yHXenGFEQSUfxNmI34bEA4MI0QS-B4U1yc1rVdNglLbB67cyzqsPZAKlWYZS2b74AX6TnErh8S93aBHQbjq3VfCClh6z77Y6Xt9rdpX6ge6SoKnZlU_nTA/s1600/facebook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0azvO3xRHU7FcXIl0yHXenGFEQSUfxNmI34bEA4MI0QS-B4U1yc1rVdNglLbB67cyzqsPZAKlWYZS2b74AX6TnErh8S93aBHQbjq3VfCClh6z77Y6Xt9rdpX6ge6SoKnZlU_nTA/s1600/facebook.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a relative newcomer to Facebook and I know people
love communicating through this medium, but I have come to question whether it
does more damage than good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the plus side it is an easy way to stay connected with
friends, and like everyone else I enjoy the occasional cartoon and the
philosophical posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it can skew how
you view other people’s lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the outside looking in, it would appear that everyone
has the “perfect” life, the perfect partner, the perfect children and a wonderful
career and home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is that true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it, we can post what we want
people to believe, when deep down we’re lonely, hurt and life isn’t so peachy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My other concern about Facebook is some people just live
there instead of in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Measuring
their popularity and how much they are loved by the number of likes they get or
“friends” they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that’s sad. I know I for one don’t do too many likes
when I do go onto Facebook as usually I am just scanning to see what is
current.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I use Facebook to inform and pass on great articles,
thought-provoking quotes and the odd laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes we promote our programs, but I wouldn’t want to bombard people as
frankly that can backfire on you as, to folks like me, that’s a turn-off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like all social media, it is a fine line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much depends I guess on why you use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What concerns me is the power and impact it
can have on your self-esteem and your relationships with your “friends.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Guess I am an old-fashioned gal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer to get to know people face-to-face. I
give myself a day off from time to time, so I don’t get suckered into the
Facebook vortex.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What do you think? <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223098934575623788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24595346.post-67966324825797142132017-04-13T07:26:00.000-04:002017-04-13T07:28:20.383-04:00Standing out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbNT1cvermDk7QYipr0QkOTJCKwWGjZEEOrdDD8t2IhBq5A-7KXI4G-2Q8xa7iN2zqny2Dop5p1aE9ixUkNy-oB6fRvI0pItm_bUPYxNVX9m3hSULtN012brJRd2PwyWI3jasCA/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbNT1cvermDk7QYipr0QkOTJCKwWGjZEEOrdDD8t2IhBq5A-7KXI4G-2Q8xa7iN2zqny2Dop5p1aE9ixUkNy-oB6fRvI0pItm_bUPYxNVX9m3hSULtN012brJRd2PwyWI3jasCA/s320/apples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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As the carousel revolved, I had a moment of panic, watching
all the black suitcases going round and round.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that because I was only in Ottawa for an
overnight stay, I’d brought a different suitcase, one that was not labelled nor
had any sign on it that would indicate its ownership.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Terrified that I would not identify my suitcase, I watched
them all very closely. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t worry, my case and I were happily reunited. Part of my nervousness was that my “dress-up”
clothes were in the suitcase and I had visions of myself talking at House of
Commons in my jeans!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there are some business lessons from this little
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You have
to stand out.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a sea of black
suitcases, mine looked just like everyone else’s.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
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Just like my luggage, if you don’t do something
different to stand out, you run the risk of fading into the background.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let
people know how to contact you.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
my luggage had gone missing or home with someone else, there was nothing on the
suitcase to let the person know how to contact me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
With your marketing materials, make sure it
is clear how potential customers can connect with you.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Protect
your assets.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quite easily could
have had to make my presentation not dressed for the part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Don’t leave it to chance that a key element
could go missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a plan B, so you
are ready to face any eventuality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
What
did I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went off and purchased a
luggage tag, tied a sock to the handle and so the journey home was less
stressful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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