Invest in Yourself: 3 Ways to Get Started

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

The other night while having dinner with a former student, I showed her a clipping I keep with my driver’s license. It says simply, “Invest in yourself.” So how does this look in reality? Here are three suggestions.

1. Invest in your relationships. Example: Make a list of all the friends and family members you’re overdue in reaching out to. If your list is like mine, it’s long. Really long. Commit to reaching out to two people on your list, each week. Good relationships not only add joy to our lives, for many of us they make up our lives.

2. Invest in your career. Identify the one thing you could do that would make the greatest difference. Could be anything from tweaking your schedule to going back to school. You may not be able to tackle this “one thing” all at once, but wouldn’t it make sense to know what it is, and make plans for its accomplishment? If that seems like too much, identify one thing that would simplify your daily routine.

3. Invest in your community. This could be your neighborhood, your profession, your place of worship, anywhere you feel a sense of connection. What we get back, even from those who can’t repay us in the traditional sense, is often so much more than we give (corny, but true). If you’re reluctant to get started, remember these words from Harvey Mackay: “And don’t give till it hurts. Give till it feels good.”

What are your favorite strategies for self-investment? Please share them in the comments below!

For next time: 3 Investments to Avoid.

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Presentation Skills Training Quote for the Day

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

“Audiences are so used to death-by-PowerPoint that they’ve seemingly learned to see it as normal, even if not ideal. However, if you are different—if you exceed expectations and show them that you’ve thought about them, done your homework and know your material, and demonstrated through your actions how much you appreciate being there and that you are there for them—chances are you’ll make an impact and a difference, even if it’s just in the smallest of ways.”

Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen

Presentation Skills Training makes the difference …

… between merely getting applause and getting results. Let Maestro Consulting Group help you get more of both! Not able to see the above link? You’ll find what you’re looking for at http://maestroconsultinggroup.com/presentation-skills-training/.

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Restraint. Let me explain. Business communication skills are often equated with things like using proper grammar. But if we really want to improve our working relationships, we must take notice of our effect on those around us — and leave certain things unsaid.

Here’s an example: On Friday afternoon, I flew into Lindbergh Field in San Diego and was greeted by a shuttle driver. Never mind that while I was hoisting my heavy suitcase off the carousel, he was parking himself on the next carousel over. What rubbed me the wrong way was the dialogue that followed once we headed for home:

Driver: Were you away on business or vacation?
Me: Both!
Driver: I see you’re on your BlackBerry. Are you a workaholic?
What I was thinking: What’s it to you, Bob?! (whose real name wasn’t Bob)
What I said: No, sir. Thank you.

Oy! Whenever we’re asking questions, even “friendly” ones, let’s make sure they’re not annoying or derogatory. It’s good for business. Just ask Bob’s competitor, whom I’ll be using next time I need a lift from the airport.

Friday Quote for the Day

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

“I naively believe that self-love is 80 percent of the solution, that it helps beyond words to take yourself through the day as you would your most beloved mental-patient relative, with great humor and lots of small treats.”

Anne Lamott, Operating Instructions

Self-Care and Coaching

As a career coach, I have three goals: 1) to help you achieve more of what matter to you, 2) to help you succeed with my coaching in ways you might not have otherwise, and 3) have the whole thing be more fun and rewarding, not less.

Think of coaching as custom business training tailored to your exact needs — no wading through material that doesn’t apply, just you and I talking about whatever matters most to you. And in case you’re not able to see that last link, just click on Custom Coaching Programs at the top of this page, or go to http://maestroconsultinggroup.com/custom-coaching/.

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Old Spice Campaign and 3 Takeaways for the Workplace

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

1. At work, “Smell like a man …” can quickly turn into “Man, you smell!” Men and women, let’s leave the fragrance at home.

2. If your workplace performance leaves something to be desired, a brilliant sales job will only sink you faster. Work on your skills and attitude first — then decide how much of an ad campaign is even necessary.

3. Don’t let one setback define your whole career. As I type, B.B. King is on my radio, crooning “The Thrill is Gone.” But if we stay in the game and move on more wisely than before, the thrills come back around again.

How’s your workplace culture?

Communication skills can make the difference between a tolerable workplace and a top-performance workplace. Let us help you raise the bar (and as my mother would say), reap the rewards. Not seeing the above link? Go to http://maestroconsultinggroup.com/programs-and-solutions/ or click on Programs and Solutions at the top of this page.

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