Leadership Wisdom & Wine; What a Pairing!

Dispelling Myth About Women - A F(W)ine Example

2011-01-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

Chances are you wont find two women competing for business side by side at the same event. But to declare there is no support just doesn’t seem right. The statements below compelled me to add my two cents.

“It’s a dirty little secret among women that we don’t support one another,” says Susan Shapiro Barash, author of Tripping the Prom Queen: The Truth About Women and Rivalry and professor of gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College.

To the contrary

“The iVillage ‘Women Like Me’ study clearly validates that women’s communities engender an unmatched level of trust among their users,” says iVillage EVP Jodi Kahn, “and are ideal places to go for product and brand information.”

Look what happens when you combine Wine, Women & Motherhood – You get one very successful Facebook page, Blog and a thriving income generating business.

http://www.omgisoneedaglassofwine.com/press/

My newest Northern California neighbor is rocking at a global level. See what a healthy glass of wine will do for you. I can’t wait to meet her.

For full article dirty little secret http://bit.ly/fq1y8m

For full article Women Like Me http://bit.ly/epGOH4

Beware of Impotent Goals

2011-01-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

An impotent goal will not lead you to success rather disappointment. But a goal with passion at the root will get you where you want to go. If you are working for money, why? There is rarely a passion for money – rather it’s how you will use the money. What is it you are so passionate about you are willing to sacrifice?

Example 1

Impotent goal: I will double my income in 2011.

Passionate goal: I will double my income in 2011 to achieve the top sales award and take my husband on a dream vacation to Italy’s Tuscan Wine Country.

Example 2

Impotent goal: Run 8 miles to get/stay in shape.

Passionate goal: Run 8 miles so that I can open and drink my last bottle of limited production 2006 David Bruce Petite Sirah, guilt free.

In my case it was running eight miles through rough terrain to simply enjoy a glass of wine. The first four miles meet my daily calorie burn. The next two help me burn more calories than I consume. But the last two miles of calorie burning agony are exclusive of all goals because my passion for wine has driven me to this point. I can now enjoy a “calorie free” glass of wine this evening.

Beware of impotent goals.

Working Women Want Wine

2011-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's true - based on my personal experience, working women want wine. Networking events typically offer hors-devours. For years food has been a determining factor when choosing one event over another. This works well to magnetize men. But if you expect working women on the scene, include the word wine in your event invitation. We ladies are forever working on our Wine-Waistline(c). Women have gone so far as to include wine under the fruit & vegetables category to replace the food otherwise offered. Consider this when planning your next business networking event.

Search For Existing Research

2010-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

The hobbyist with an entrepreneurial spirit will eventually come around to the idea of turning the hobby into profits. What often stops them are the words "I don't know." Why not find out by getting the facts from credible research often available online? Are you curious about the costs and realities of starting up a winery? I did a little research and here is a quick easy snapshot posted to my website:
www.divinitatis.com/wineryinvestment.pdf
Notice that wineries small and large turn a profit within 3 years. Research like this can be used when presenting your dream to investors. Use existing research and jump start your hobby turn business dream. Use your answers to "I don't know" into a profit.

Another Start-Up Tries to Sell Wine Online

2010-09-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Any article or story about balanced entrepreneurs interests me. When it is wine industry related you've got may full attention. Claire Cain Miller hooked me with the title above. Below is part of an article she wrote about not just the business but the driving force, Lloyd Benedict. Enjoy!

Despite all the other products we now buy online, Web sites selling wine have struggled. Consumers don’t automatically think of the Web when they want to buy wine, and labyrinthine laws complicate the shipping of wine between states. During the dot-com craze, several wine e-commerce start-ups were born and died.

A new start-up, AmericanWinery.com, is betting that the time for online wine has finally arrived.

The site, which was founded in 2007, has the requisite Web 2.0 tools for wine aficionados. Winemakers can post their tasting notes and tips for tourists who want to visit their vineyards. Wine drinkers can buy, rate, review and discuss wine. A blog offers recipes with wine pairings and interviews with winemakers, and a wine encyclopedia defines terms from “abboccato” to “zinfandel.”

AmericanWinery.com’s founder, Lloyd Benedict, is also tapping into the latest foodie craze: buying local. Three-quarters of the 435 wineries that sell on the site are small vineyards that produce fewer than 1,000 cases of wine each year and sell in few or no stores. These winemakers don’t have other ways to reach customers beyond those that visit their tasting rooms and don’t always have the resources to set up their own e-commerce sites, said Mr. Benedict, who wears a “Support Your Local Winemaker” T-shirt to trumpet the cause.
"Take me to this leader."

or continue this article...

“People in the United States are producing fantastic wine, but they are barely making it,” said Mr. Benedict, who has seen wineries go out of business in Walla Walla, Wash., where the company is based, because they can’t reach enough customers. “Direct sales are a turning point for them.”

Many start-ups tried something similar during the dot-com bubble.Wine.com, a major online wine seller, has imploded and rebuilt itself several times in the last decade. Other start-ups weren’t so lucky. Wineshopper.com, which sold a 45 percent stake to Amazon.com in 1999 when it first tried to enter the wine business, didn’t succeed and merged with Wine.com in 2000.

Wine will never be easy to sell online, said Barbara Insel, chief executive of Stonebridge Research, a consulting firm for the wine industry. Wine purchases are driven by recommendations from trusted friends or salespeople, a visit to a winery or a special experience at a restaurant, she said. “You don’t get that just from going to a Web site. It’s the ultimate experiential purchase.”

Still, consumers’ interest in buying wine online is growing, said Jeremy Benson, president of Benson Marketing Group, a Napa Valley wine marketing agency. In the last 30 years, he said, the number of wineries in the United States has bloomed to 6,000 from 300, while the number of wine wholesalers has shrunk to 200 from 12,000. As a result, more and more people visit vineyards, can’t find the wine they want in the store and go online to buy it.

Nonetheless, Mr. Benson said, only 10 to 20 percent of most wineries’ business comes from the Web.

AmericanWinery.com hopes to fill that void. The site is free for customers and vintners. When a winery sells a bottle of wine through the site, AmericanWinery.com processes the payment and the wineries are responsible for shipping. Shipping is $15 for one to three bottles and $25 for a case.

Wineries set the prices for the wine, which range from $5 to $1,000 a bottle. AmericanWinery.com keeps 10 percent of that and returns 90 percent to the winemaker.

That is a crucial difference between his business and other e-tailers, Mr. Benedict said. Many of them operate as re-sellers or wholesalers, keeping the wine in warehouses and handling the entire transaction. A typical distributor gives the winemaker 50 percent of the sale price, according to Mr. Benson.

For example, Amazon.com, which is reportedly starting a wine e-commerce service sometime soon, is said to be using a fulfillment service called New Vine Logistics to store and send wine and will give winemakers 47 percent of the retail price. (Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.) Wine.com operates nine warehouses.

Mr. Benedict said it was important to him to leave distribution up to the wineries — a lesson he said he learned from the travails of wine e-commerce start-ups during the dot-com bubble. “Looking at the bust, I’m dead set on never touching the product,” he said.

One advantage of using a service like New Vine Logistics: it will navigate the maze of confusing shipping laws that govern whether and how out-of-state wineries can ship wine to each state. Thirty-five states allow wine to be shipped into their states, but each has different rules, and most require winemakers to buy licenses, pay sales tax and fill out paperwork, said Mr. Benson, who is also the executive director of Free the Grapes, an organization that advocates easy, direct wine purchasing.

Mr. Benedict said he planned to have a system in place by December to coordinate these shipping licenses so that winemakers on AmericanWinery.com can sell to customers in the majority of states.

Mr. Benedict, who at 24 has only been able to legally drink for three years, said he first became interested in wine when he moved to Walla Walla to attend college in 2002. The region is a burgeoning wine destination.

He started the site with $2 million from angel investors as a free service for winemakers to post information about their wines online for other vintners or for visitors planning a trip to the vineyard. Winemakers quickly asked him to add an e-commerce feature so that consumers could buy wines. He did that a year ago, and 35 to 40 new wineries sign up each month.

Still True: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

2010-09-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

Our best evidence of people's true feelings and beliefs comes less from their words than from their deeds. Observers trying to decide what people are like look closely at their actions. Researchers have discovered that people themselves use this same evidence -- their own behavior -- to decide what they are like; it is a primary source of information about one's own beliefs, values, and attitudes (Vallacher & Wegner, 1985).

It does not hurt to check in with ourselves from time to time (or daily in times of change).
Let's pose the questions:

What does my behavior say about me?
What actions of others are drawing my attention?
What will I do today that will reflect my own beliefs, values, and attitudes?

If we ask the questions we are 1/3 closer to greatness.
If we answer the questions we are still another 1/3 closer.
If we act on our intentions we 99.9% there. The last 1% is reserved for those of us that go back to question one throughout our lives.

Forget About the Competition: Lead & Develop Success

2010-04-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

"It's mind over matter, I don't mind because you don't matter." -me

The "you" in this quote refers to the competition. Its time we stop giving our energy and focus to them. Your own ability to deliver a quality product and outperform the rest depends on your leadership not theirs. You take control of what happens in your business. Every second given to checking out the competition is a second away from your personal best.

When asked what they do to outperform the competition, Ron McManis of McManis Family Vinyards responded: "Our focus is on three things: quality, consistancy and value."

Ron is not checking out the competition's quality and consistency. He's focusing on his business and what he controls and accomplishes. Competition is a diversion from success. When you started your company or developed a vision, did it have anything to do with competition? Maybe quality, consistency and value is what you too want to deliver. Decide on what they looks like to you.

Forget about the competition because they don't matter. What three things you do to lead, succeed and consequently, outperform the competition?

Turning A Gamble Into Certainty

2010-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

What do a future restaurateur, human resource consultant and a wine maker have in common? They all asked the question “Should I start my own business?” The one question they all had an answer for was, “Do I want to continue doing what I am doing?” That answer “no” was the key motivator for starting their business. In these difficult financial times starting a new business seems like a gamble but it does not have to be.

A good start would be to reduce the risks by confronting reality. That does not mean giving in to fears and coming to a full stop. It means research the means to creating a successful business. Gain certainty with real answers for making sound decisions. Reduce risks by changing any gamble to a specific known. Allow yourself to make S.M.A.R.T. decisions.

On September 11, 2001 Jim Waters was a New York City firefighter faced one of the most tragic experiences of his life. Not long after he made a career and life changing decision to turn a hobby into a dream. To meet him you need only visit his now family owned and operated Waters Crest Winery in Long Island’s North Fork wine region. He’ll forever be remembered as one of America’s heroes. He also made it on to my list of favorite winemakers.

In both careers there is risk. Both careers require you to make very important decisions; some life threatening others financially distressing. So when it comes to the transition it is simply a matter of how to make the change. There are always tough choices in life – so gamble with it? Live life knowing, with certainty, it is the right life for you.

Memorable Experiences Drive Our Decisions

2010-03-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Memorable refers to the depth of understanding that comes by allowing experiences to speak to one another: familiar and exotic, new and old, or side by side.

I find my expectations around the taste and quality of wine vary depending on my surroundings or the location. Location can mean any number of places: countries, regions, large or small wineries, family-owned wineries, in a restaurant or at home. Some of my favorite and most memorable experiences are those visits to small family-owned wineries in the middle of nowhere.

While driving through Franconia, Germany, and we saw a small sign near a driveway that read “Wein.” We made a right turn and parked in front of a simple house with a typical wooden swing set near the house and a heavy wooden door with a doorbell, which we pushed. An old woman (OMA or Grandma) opened the door. Her face and hands were weathered from years in the fields. Her hands looked strong, a finger was missing and there was plenty of earth under her nails. She spoke German with a regional accent so strong we could hardly understand her. However we all spoke “WINEeese” without strain.

When we asked if we could taste her wine her face lit up! She was cute as she wobbled back inside gesturing for us to follow her. She opened a little refrigerator and pulled out bottle after bottle of wine, all sorts of wine. If I remember correctly the bottles were already open and few had labels. She poured wine for each of us including herself.

Our expectation for the wine’s taste and quality was low. We were CORRECT; it was mostly undrinkable and nothing we would buy in a store. BUT we were having a fabulous time just soaking up the old woman’s joy of sharing wine with strangers. We stayed for at least an hour. She doted over our daughter pouring her glasses of varying grape juices: red, purple, white. Hayden eventually went to play on the swing and we bought wine.

I can’t say whether or not we ever drank the bottles we bought. It doesn’t matter – it was a memorable experience. It drove our decision to buy undrinkable wine.

Memorable refers to the depth of understanding that comes by allowing experiences to speak to one another: familiar and exotic, new and old, or side by side. Can you create an experience so wonderfully memorable that you could drive another to buy even the undrinkable?

Dictate Your Own Schedule, Business & Life

2010-03-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

You dictate your schedule, your business and life. This is the powerful mindset you need to successfully be a leader. I caution anyone that sees it the other way around. If you WANT to give your control and passion to someone or something else this is not the blog for you.

Yesterday the sun was shining and was the warmest day of 2010. I had planned to be in the office all day. Tuesday coaching sessions start at 6am and wrap up by around 11. I develop new business the rest of the day. That can mean a networking luncheon, follow-up calls, writing this blog or my ezine. Sometimes I schedule my own personal development.

Given the beauty of the day and the call of the convertible I made some adjustments to my plan. Why couldn’t I write, network and research in the wine country? I checked in with my boss (that would be me) and declared it an excellent idea!

I ventured to Bucks County Wine Trail, PA. This was a work day and I planned to do it my way. The beauty of a vineyard is my place of inspiration. As I sat in the sun and sipped wine I focused on all the same tasks I would have in the office.

The people I met either worked at the winery or were business owners in search of a release. It gave me a chance to connect within my niche. Everyone we meet can use your expertise or services someday. Who knows maybe you need there’s, right?

Don’t be afraid to change up your business day. Resentment, longing and frustration are clear indicators you need attitude adjustment. Talk to your boss (that’s you) and get a new perspective on how to get a handle on your schedule, business and life.

WINE ENTHUSIAST RECOMMENDATION:

If you ever get to Bucks County, PA, be sure to visit Crossing Vinyards & Winery. The property is majestic, they have award winning wines, and Mary is absolutely delightful.

If all this sounds unachievable consider giving me a call for Life Coaching.

If you would like to inspire others with your own success stories use this blog to COMMENT!

Open That Bottle Night - Feb. 27, 2010

2010-02-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

It's Friday friends - and that means you get less of leadership and more of wine.
February 27th is Open That Bottle Night.
I know what you're thinking, "Jake made that up."
Nope - see for yourself.

http://www.openthatbottlenight.com/index.shtml

I think that might be the right time to introduce Divinitatis Coaching's new wine label. Oh, and open up that bottle.

Use your leadership skills to create an evening with one mission in mind: Open That Bottle!

What will you be doing? Your fellow blog readers really do want ideas - I bet yours is a good one.

Do you value your leadership quality like an exquisite rare wine?

2010-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

"There are things whose value depends upon only their rarity, such as...exquisite wines. Since we can only procure things from particular territories of very small scale, it follows that their quanity be very limited: no amount of hard work is able to increase their quanity." Ricardo, English economist

There is only one you so you'll need to value the quality of your leadership. Be sure to invest in yourself. Be your personal best. No matter how hard you work there is only one you - so be the best and reap the rewards of earning top dollar for your value.

Value depends on rarity. Economics is quite simple- right?

Leaders don't give up on what's important!

2010-02-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

I reward myself for an excellent work week with a worthwhile wine. I'm pleased the artisan that made the wine did not give up when facing challenges that came his way.
Read on...

I recently received a tip that was especially relelvant for any of us who are parents, and for us business owners (that includes winemakers) too. Charles Fay from the Love and Logic Institute (www.loveandlogic.com) was talking about his father who made a profound impact on this life by repeatedly sharing this important thought:

"Well, Charlie, what's really worthwhile in life is rarely easy."

Charlie goes on to say that many children rarely get this powerful message about struggle, and end up going from one thing to the next, hoping for it to be 'easy', and desperately trying to find fulfillment.

That got me to thinking, "Doesn't that apply to us as business owners too?" Marketers everywhere are telling us that it is easy, when in fact anything worthwhile in life is rarely easy.

As a result, we have unrealistic expectations about growing our business, the results we will get, and the amount of work involved. And then in the end we feel like WE are not suited to be businesses owners, and that WE are the failures. And then we move on to the next venture hoping to find more ease and success there.

Is it worthwhile to grow a thriving business, and are you willing to do the work to make it happen?

I reward myself for an excellent work week with a worthwhile wine. I'm pleased the artisan that made the wine did not give up and faced any challenges that came his way.

Leadership Perspective - Fresh Mondays!!!

2010-02-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

Fresh Start for Monday - Pay & Plan. Unlike Garfield the Cat - I like Mondays.

I begin by paying bills. There is nothing like a sense of completion when closing your checkbook for the week. Major ahhhhhh, right?

Next I reward myself by finding a wine event (you can choose any activity) and write it in on my calendar. No time for attending the event or its too far away? Write it down anyway. You never know if your schedule will open up for an activity that interests you. Now your prepared for possibility.

Now your bills are done and you're prepped for fun. The rest of the week is yours!

Brandywine Trail: Wine & Chocolate Month

February 2010
Bring your sweetheart and come celebrate with the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail as we present delicious wine and chocolate tastings and other romantic activities throughout the month.

See you on the trail?
Monday Inspiration

Each man set his own standard

2010-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

There are no standards of taste in wine... Each man's own taste is the standard, and a majority vote cannot decide for him or in any slightest degree affect the supremacy of his own standard. ~ Mark Twain

We like to think we set the standards for others, right? We set the bar or we even raise the bar. But truly it is we that decide for ourselves just which stardard we would follow or set. Thus WE/ YOU set your own standard.

While I know what may be right for another and see in her the possibilities, she must see them for herself. She must decide on her own personal standard for it is only that standard for which she will strive. If you truly want to grow or help another to grow, encourage her to look within first. If you want to help, teach her ways to discover her internal compass for setting her own standard. Your reward for this effort is watching her grow. Who knows, her standards may be far beyond whatever you would have set for her.

These thoughts are a little deep for a Monday - so it's Friday and I'm enjoying a fabulous Zinfandel Hayley's from Kamere Vinyards, CA. Here's a thought when selecting the people with whom you will share your wine:

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ~ Mark Twain (1835–1910) American humorist and writer

Does Commenting On Other People’s Blogs Make a Difference?

2010-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

Do you comment on other people’s blogs? If you are a blogger, you know the emotional lift you get when people actually take the time to acknowledge what you’re writing. It makes all the effort feel really worth it. But did you know there are business reasons why commenting on blogs is a good idea?

Consider this:

Your primary objective through social media is most likely to build visibility for yourself and your business. When you comment on the influential blogs in your niche regularly, you become known by not only that blogger, but by the people that regularly read that blog too.
Some people that read that blog, and appreciate the thoughtful points you make, may click your name to read more about what you have to say. That’s why you should always include a website link in the optional field. (NOTE: I advise against including your link in the text of your comment. That just feels spammy.)
Sometimes, if the blogger hasn’t disabled it, those website links count as incoming links to your blog, increasing your search engine visibility.
You contribute to the larger discussion that helps everyone in your niche consider different viewpoints, and ultimately become better. Are you helping to shape the conversation?

It’s so easy to just consume the content that other people are putting out there, without giving back. But those that are most successful know that contributing is an important part of visibility. Take some time to read 3-5 influential blogs in your niche several days a week, and leave comments! It will benefit the visibility of your business. blog contributor - Jennifer Fong

You share your comments about wines - good or bad. Why not take a few minutes to comment on the thoughts of another. Chances are they will be thrilled by your feedback - good or bad. So - get going!

Martin Luther King Day

2010-01-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

You may be enjoying the day off. You may be scrambling to work while your children are enjoying their day home from school. You may experience inconvenience on the “bank” holiday. Breathe and reflect on how Dr. Martin Luther King’s words are still worthy of guidance going forward in our complicated and global world.

“…my four children will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Character! As we are challenged to grow our businesses, close sales and juggle family life, remember his words. While pursuing your dream and your personal best you need only remember the significance of your character. The REAL you, the content of your character, will lead others to be a part of your success toward accomplishing your dream.

Today we honor a leader above leaders. A man who brought honor to this great nation by holding our leaders, our people, accountable to the promises we hold self evident. Today we honor a man who teaches us not to live in fear.

“Tonight I’m not worried. Tonight I’m not fearing any man – my eyes have seen the coming of the Lord.” Martin Luther King

As leaders we have the power to act on our passions without fear. Whatever your dream – you have the power of choice!

I imagine bits and pieces of Dr. Kings famous speeches will be running on the TV or maybe even radio. Just in case you would like to listen on your own time, I’m attaching this link:
I Have a Dream

Bless the lives of those you care about by BEING a Leader.

Consider Each Moment a Success

2010-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

I live moment to moment and see greatness all around me, especially in others. When asked about my greatest achievement I am stifled. Greatest? Really? Are they asking me to nail down a particular life accomplishment like childbirth, writing a best selling book or climbing a mountain? If that were the case I simply couldn't choose.

If asked "What would you say contributed greatest toward your success?" I could easily answer: learning to live in the now. It allows me see and enjoy the wonders around me. It allows me to see the beauty in the person beside me.

Sound corny or 'earthy'? Consider the person who has had a near death experience. They have a greater or even new appreciation for every moment in life. They live each day as if it were their last. You too can have the same exhilaration for life without the near death experience.

Now, when asked about the greatest wine I've ever tasted I again reflect on the moment. How I feel or want to feel depends very much on where I am mentally and physically. So would my answer. At the moment I am energized and its sunny and cold outside. Writing this blog it would be great to have a buttery yet mild-bodied Chardonnay with notes of toasted oak in my hand. I'll post this and possibly make my way to the wine cellar to see what looks the great.
Try it... it is GREAT!

Lead the Way ... what it takes to get your products to your customers.

2010-01-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

Lead the Way and be a part of progress.

Since moving to Pennsylvania I am constantly reminded of how difficult this state makes it for Winemakers to sell their wines. I've even gone to extreme measures to get my favorite wines shipped into the state (names witheld to protect the awesome). Well it seems Pennsylvania is finally giving in to consumer demand and making a few changes for distribution.

Follow this link to see progress in the making.

Lead the Way and be a part of progress.

It is ever-so-exhillerating and inspiring to see anyone willing to act on an idea and see it become a reality. Thank you to the creative minds behind this idea.

Reflections of A Leader

2009-12-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

Observe the maneuvers of your critical mind (as well as your critics) and decide what role they will play in your Leadership Success.

Rather than working against your inner-critics consider observing them. Meditation is considered a powerful method for turning-in for clarity. However, in our ordinary (or extraordinary) waking moments the pointing finger, angry and doubtful voices cry out for attention.

By observing their manoeuvres, you can “distance from your (my) own inner condemning, critical voices, literally encouraging you (me) to "watch" these voices as if they had no more importance than other thoughts passing through your mind.” To be able to regard these critical voices as the "antics" of the mind, to train yourself to simply observe their maneuvers, you achieve greater peace of mind and leadership Success.

The wine enthusiast may want to venture out to Artesa Winery in Napa California to begin just such a journey.

Aretsa is one of the most architecturally stunning wineries in Northern America. Sitting on 350 acres, this ultra-modern winery offers panoramic views of Napa Valley, the Carneros growing region, and San Francisco Bay. Steeped in the property’s modernistic, minimalist look and surrounded by contemporary sculptures, fountains, and reflecting pools, the Visitor Center and Tasting Room are a delight to behold.

They are known for their sparkling wines, but the winery has since found its niche in still wines, especially their Estate Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – according to Barbara Scott-Goodman author and fellow wine enthusiast.

Observe the maneuvers of your critical mind (as well as your critics) and decide what role they will play in your Leadership Success.

Planning 2010 Before Year End

2009-12-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

What are you doing NOW to plan for 2010?

At the moment you're planning what wines to serve with Holiday Meals and Parties. I'm with you and have a good start on purchasing sparkling and other wines. Years past we did not realize we could not get wine in PA grocery stores (remember I'm from CA) and Wine & Spirit stores were closed on holidays. My husband knocked on a winemaker's door and we were saved. Needless to say wine is first on our holiday event planning list. As priorities go I highly recommend you add Create a 2010 Leadership Success Plan For Personal & Professional Success.

Wine growers and makers we can't predict what the crops for the next year but they work with what they already can. They create marketing plans for their existing product, budget for new barrel, create goals for distribution and greater market share, etc. And they can work on their overall VISION: why did I start this business and what am I doing now to make sure my dream stays alive?

When you create your leadership success goals now, you can think about your plan of action. What better time of year to share your vision with friends, family and associates. Let them know you are already prepared for success in 2010. Of course you'll need to take a little time now and get it out of your head and put it on paper.

I've got some suggestions to get you thinking - check them out.

What were you doing at twenty five?

2009-11-19T04:12:00.000-08:00

Starting to turn that job into a career? Beginning to wonder if you’d get married at thirty? Maybe thinking about putting that tiny bit of stashed away retirement money into a really nice car? If you were Andrew Murray, the answer to the question “What were you doing at twenty five?” would be “being praised as one of the top winemakers in America.” (Woot Wine)

I wonder how you would answer the question. Better yet, are you doing what you want to at whatever age you are today? . How will you look back at this day 15 years from now?

It's never too late to start or restart leading your search for your personal legacy.

Attract New Clients: Lead With Wine

2009-11-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Prospering in today’s economy will require an extraordinary examination of your personal commitment to “the truth” as it relates to your industry in general and your own business or job in particular. In dealing with clients from many different backgrounds, I have noticed that, quite often, we do not make decisions according to what is true. Rather, we make decisions according to what we want to be true. Or what we wish was true. This is usually a recipe for disaster.

Consider the well established restaurant that's been serving food and drink since 1796. By now there’s been quite a turnover in clientele - graveyard conveniently located across the street. As time dictates the menus change as do the people they attract. Once again they felt it was time for a change. So what did they do to get attention and attract new patrons? Host wine events of course!

Until now I've only heard about the Ship Inn and driven past on many occasions. I've asked friends and neighbors; they too have heard about it but haven't been to "that old place on the corner."

New business developer, Terri Stevens, took a realistic look at how the area and culture had change and formulated a new approach. Each month they host a fabulous & affordable wine event. Each event raises money for one particular cause or another. Then she went about spreading the word. She went to the hottest women's groups in town and promised fabulous wine and food events in a classy atmosphere.

They are on to their third month. Each time the place is rocking and everybody’s talking about the "Classy Hot Spot's" next event:

"Traveling Through California Vineyards in Support of Lung Cancer." Proceeds go to the Cancer Center at Paoli Hospital

Notice what's working and what's not working. And when it's not working, change your approach. And keep changing until you finally achieve what it is you're committed to.

Coach Jake declares: Enthusiastic Leaders Enjoy Premium Wines

2009-11-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

Be the enthusiastic leader in your life! Enthusiasm must be nourished with new action, new aspiration, new efforts, new vision. It is one’s own fault if enthusiasm is gone.

Remember it is the power of enthusiasm that leads others to act- so make it contagious. Our latest joys in Va La’s Enoteca (also known as a wine tasting room) illustrated the resounding response to our celebratorious enthusiasm.

My sister flew from California to Pennsylvania with only 36 hours to share and participate in a special religious event in honor of my son. We were full of life and joy in sharing this time together, brief as it was.

I insisted we visit some wineries on our way back to the airport. During our tasting we concentrated on the wines and intermittently recalled the previous day’s experience. We shared our stories with our server. She was engaged and our energy was quickly transferred.

We then mentioned our next stop was the airport. Surprise, surprise our now high energy yet empathetic server insisted on honoring my sister with a glass of wine from their premium wine list. We smiled, were truly grateful and suggested a premium chocolate would be the perfect pairing for a perfect farewell. The rest goes without saying.

Leadership includes sincere enthusiasm for a meaningful experience and a shared vision. There is truly no desire for resistance only assistance. Part of my job as a leadership coach is to help energize and motivate leaders to focus on those activities that invoke such enthusiasm.

Winemakers: Entrepreneurs, Artists, Leaders

2009-10-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Most of the winemakers I know started making wine in their garage or basement. Some inherited the family business which was also started in a basement or barn. All have the hearts of a true entrepreneur as they forge on to develop great wines.

Hobbyists beware of the words “you should sell this stuff.” BAM! The entrepreneur inside turns its creative mind to large quantity production and cool labels. But if they ever want to get it in your hands they have to do much more than create and bottle the wine.

While researching the newest winery in the region I met Lance and Valerie owners of Black Walnut Winery. I should add that they do have partners in crime (wine), Jack and Karen. These four are the classic wine enthusiasts turned hobbyists turned entrepreneur and soon to be leaders recognized for their award winning wines. I can not describe how much I enjoyed their wines and YES, their story.

[read Rob Kallessa's article bacause I could not have written it better: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091006/SPARK0302/910070304/1129/rss06]
http://www.blackwalnutwinery.com/about.html

For the purpose of this blog I continue…

You see, we all have something great within us that we want to share. In each story there is a pivotal moment when they sought advice and expertise of other entrepreneurs they consider leaders. The spirit that drove them to ask for advice also encouraged them to act. About that time they totally become paralyzed.

One winemaker I know said he got great advice and did do what he needed to trademark and begin selling the wine. When he finally had everything in place he freaked out! When the license to sell was in his hands reality hit; his dream had come true. Up ‘till then he was so busy following instructions and DOING.

I don’t know that we always see the shift from artist to entrepreneur when its happening. We experience the challenges and feel the anxiety about a particular task – but only after we allowed the internal leader to take charge. Its being a leader that helps us to get the do done.

So my fellow artisans I encourage you now to look back at what happened in your life just before you started DOING – that was your first defining moment. That is when you unleashed the leader in you. My bet is 50% of you were laughing over a glass of wine when it happened.

Am I right? Comment!

Location, Location, Location - for the love of wine!

2009-10-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I find my expectations around the taste and quality of wine vary depending on my surroundings or the location. Location can mean any number of places: countries, regions, large or small wineries, family-owned wineries, in a restaurant or at home.

Some of my favorite and most memorable experiences are those visits to small family-owned wineries in the middle of nowhere in foreign countries. Not to say I don’t have a fondness from family-owned here in the United States. It’s quite different… read on and you might agree.

While driving through Franconia, Germany, and we saw a small sign near a driveway that read “Wein.” We made a right turn and parked in front of a simple house with a typical wooden swing set near the house and a heavy wooden door with a doorbell, which we pushed. An old woman (OMA or Grandma) opened the door. Her face and hands were weathered from years in the fields. Her hands looked strong, a finger was missing and there was plenty of earth under her nails. She spoke German with a regional accent so strong we could hardly understand her. However we all spoke “WINEeese” without strain.

When we asked if we could taste her wine her face lit up! She was cute as she wobbled back inside gesturing for us to follow her. She opened a little refrigerator and pulled out bottle after bottle of wine, all sorts of wine. If I remember correctly the bottles were already open and few had labels. She poured wine for each of us including herself.

Our expectation for the wine’s taste and quality was low. We were CORRECT; it was drinkable and nothing we would buy in a store. BUT we were having a fabulous time just soaking up the old woman’s joy of sharing wine with strangers. We stayed for at least an hour. She doted over our daughter pouring her glasses of varying grape juices: red, purple, white. Hayden eventually went to play on the swing and we bought wine.

I can’t say whether or not we ever drank the bottles we bought. It doesn’t matter – it was a memorable experience.

Insight, I believe, refers to the depth of understanding that comes by setting experiences, yours and mine, familiar and exotic, new and old, side by side, learning by letting them speak to one another.

By Appointment Only

2009-09-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

When a winery or vintner states that tasting is “by appointment only,” GO! For years this turned me off because I assumed the winemaker pretentious. Growing up in an open-door policy lifestyle, I didn’t understand why they were closed to the public when all the other wineries were open. I changed my mind in the spring of 2000.

My husband and I were on a quest to taste ALL the wines of the California Central Coast before we moved to Germany. We had only a couple of weeks to hit all the wineries, including those that were “by appointment only.”

We discovered these to be quaint mom & pop set ups with a small inventory. We called on a winemaker located on the outskirts of Paso Robles. His wife was most friendly when we called and set a time within the hour. Just enough time for her to bake us a loaf of bread to enjoy with our wine.

When we got there her husband, a man in his 70s greeted us on the driveway. He was a retired engineer from Italy turned winemaker. After showing my husband his prized Alfa Romeo we were invited into his home to enjoy the fresh baked bread, wine and listen to stories from Italy to America. It was their story that brought the flavors of the wine to perfection.

I never looked at my watch. It didn’t matter that we had many more wineries on our list. By Appointment Only: “Wherever you are, be there.”

If you could schedule an appointment for somewhere special, where would that be?

Arbor Mist Bubbly White Zinfandel at a Wine Tasting?

2009-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

When I moved to my new neighborhood my husband & I hosted a BLIND wine tasting party to meet our neighbors. We sent out formal invitations and simply requested they bring a white wine. I mostly drink RED wine but it was a summer time (think hot).

So anyway, my neighbor, Trish, said she didn't drink wine and wasn't sure of what to bring. Immediate response: What? She said, she had tasted wine on occasion but did not like it. Follow up response: What! After the initial shock I told her to pick ANYTHING at the Wine & Spirits store and I added that expensive did not mean better.

The whole idea of the event was to meet neighbors and share my favorite pastime: wine tasting/ consumption. At the party neighbors tasted a variety of wines and were surprised to discover that one Chardonnay tasted different from another. Or that Pinot Gris tasted a lot like grass (the kind you walk on). And so on! We played down fancy industry terms.

Back to the whole Arbor Mist experience. Trish brought the one wine she knew: Arbor Mist White Zinfandel. When I said, "pick any white wine" I should have added, "And White Zin does not count." Can you imagine how funny it tasted after a sip of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? I was like, "Okay who brought the Bartels and Jaymes wine cooler?" No wonder she said she did not like wine. Maybe if all I ever tasted was Arbor Mist Bubbly White Zin, I'd consider beer a better option too!

LEADERSHIP TIP: When you're asked for guidance by a newby, keep it slightly more specific and include absolute no no's.

What's the oddest or most surprising wine ever brought to one of your gatherings? Do you have a similar story?

Ready To Start Your Business?

2009-09-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have the right stuff to start a business?

Did you franchise your lemonade stand when you were 8 years old?

Do you have "entrepreneurial" genes?

Are your spouse, children and parents loyal?

Is wealth a better reason to start a business than riches?

Do you love your better mousetrap?

Do you know when to replace passion with pragmatism?

Ever doubled down in Vegas?

Are you honest, trustworthy and committed to avoiding evil?

Do you know a spreadsheet from a bed sheet?

Do you have the tenacity of a pit bull?

Count your "yes" answers and see how you did ... Scores

2009-08-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Lost Keys ?

2009-08-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 1500 sets of keys are turned into the Las Vegas International lost and found department annually? That's just one airport in one city in all the world (albeit many things stay in Vegas). There is a cool website, www.return2owners.com that helps you tag them and get them back.

What do keys have to do with leadership? Surly you know the term Keys to Leadership. It's all related.

I wonder how many clients or contacts you lose a year because you don't have anything to link them back to you. The care and keeping of your existing clients and contacts is more valuable than and takes less energy generating new ones. Never under estimate the value of tried and true birthday cards, newsletters, gimmicky give-a-ways and quarterly phone calls.

Never leave out family. Make sure they see you as the leader you are in your life. Keep them close and tuned in to your leadership activities. Last year I received a referral from my Uncle Paul. I haven't seen him in years but the birthday card I send (thanks mom for burning that one in my brain) and keeping him on my email list kept us connected.

Until someone develops www.return2(yournamehere).com , make sure you take the time to stay linked. You'll better serve your existing clients, keep channels open for prospects and generate leads.

I'm off to Vegas to search through 1500 sets of keys; this may take some time.

Leadership Speaks in Tones

2009-08-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Leadership has a tone of voice that is heard even in whispers.

An inherent change leaders experience as they develop confidence is in their tone of voice. A truly self-confident leader drives projects with precision. Clear thoughts result in verbal clarity and a fervent tone. The natural change is subtle to immediate co-workers creating greater performance synergy overall.

“I’m saying the same thing I always have only now my team is listening.”

Remember, how you say something is as important as what you say. Clear and respectful tones overshadow any former need to inflect authoritarian tones: pitchy, heavy-handed or dominant. Relaxed intelligence encourages leaders to literally speak up. It’s no wonder others listen more.

Leadership is a human experience. INSTEAD of concentrating on what you’re going to say, concentrate on developing greater self confidence and let nature take its course.

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

2009-02-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

In the modern day world of leadership are Thomas Paine’s famous words, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

First and foremost, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense advocated an immediate declaration of independence, postulating a special moral obligation of America to the rest of the world. Not long after publication, the spirit of Paine's argument found resonance in the American Declaration of Independence.

Might Mr. Paine’s words serve to support your own mantra for independence and a moral compass for those people you lead? What is your obligation to yourself and the rest of your world? See what happens when you take some time to contemplate and actually answer these questions. It’s a challenge worth taking and here is why:

You are forced to consider how your thoughts and actions contribute to your personal leadership style: Am I leading, following, or in my own way?
You discover how often you hold yourself accountable.
You’ll know if you demonstrate leadership to others through your own actions.
It’s an opportunity for you to check in with yourself and come to terms with your own moral compass.
You’ll have an answer at the ready when life asks you to : “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

The Juggler's Balancing Act

2009-02-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

What happens when a juggler attempts to juggle while walking a tight rope? Type A and Type B people in their own chosen element juggle with great success. They are more likely to thrive mentally and physically. When you combine the two you get quite the balancing act; you get the Type AB personality.

More and more women find themselves inside the Type AB parameters. She can be productive and efficient in the work or studies, although she can be calm in situations that require it. Sometimes she feels nervous. She relaxes more than a Type A person but not as much as a Type B person.

Back to the juggler on a tight rope. There is no either or, only AB. Her well rehearsed circus act relies on balance. Sometimes she may need to drop a ball in order to keep from falling. She CAN drop a ball and the show goes on. If she falls: shows over.

We ladies are resilient and flexible, persistent and determined, dedicated, diverse, courageous. We are wives and lovers, mothers and grandmothers, daughters and sisters, and we must juggle daily. A key to balancing it all is to know what ball you really CAN drop to keep moving forward.

After all, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

How Leaders Deal with "Jerks"

2009-02-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

It is not unusual for developing leaders to be challenged by the "Jerk." You know that person recognizing and threatened by your personal or professional development. You're getting ahead and they aren't. A common 'new' experience for a leader is an increase in Jerk encounters.

Developing the leadership skills to respond swiftly and effectively is really quite easy.I define a “jerk” as typically a person who verbally attacks fellow employees with blows non-related to work performance, is self absorbed, insecure and mean. The Jerk can be likened to a terrorist or a three year old on the playground.

Here are a few tips for dealing with a Jerk when his actions are directed at you:

Don’t ignore them – they expect you to shy away and it empowers them to continue.
Do look the Jerk in the eye and smile at them with pity. Recall the phrase “I pity the fool…!” in your mind.
Don’t wait – time diminishes the power of your non verbal ‘higher road’ response.
The proper response to their “What?” is a controlled, “I think you know what. If you truly are confused please come see me later and I’ll help you to understand." The later statement strips him of his power and requires him to respond positively under your terms. My estimate is that 9 out of 10 times a real Jerk will not follow up – they know exactly “What” they’ve done.
Don’t negotiate or debate with terrorists or three year olds.
Do immediately disengage and return to whatever you were doing before your encounter with the Jerk.

Enjoy the fact that the Jerk no longer enjoys behaving like one around you. Remember we can not change people, only their behavior around us.

Expand Your Network: Volunteer

2009-02-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

No time for volunteering because you're busy networking to expand your business? Think again! Who better to include in your network than like-minded passionate yet diverse people. Most likely you will meet many people you would have never met. Remember everybody either knows someone or personally needs your services or product at some point.

Before you join yet another business referral network or a second Chamber of Commerce, consider donating that same commitment of time to a cause. It seldom, if ever, requires a monetary commitment. You can make a difference in the world and meet just as many people.

Tips when choosing a charity or special cause:

Look for a group or organization that may have had an impact on your life or someone close to you.
Choose an activity or role that you will enjoy. You want to shine. There are plenty to choose from so don't pick something you dread; it wont bring out the best in you.
Ask about opportunities that fit your time schedule. Some are long term project commitments and others don't matter when you come or go.
Pick an activity that exposes you to other volunteers.

Networking happens at all levels. I encourage you to diversify, create opportunities, and lastly go to sleep at night knowing you did something really cool for someone else.

Integrity as a Leadership Base

2009-02-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it hundreds of times “Leadership is not any one method taught by an instructor. Leadership is developed from within with the support and guidance of an expert.” As a Leadership Coach I challenge people already in leadership roles, to reflect on integrity. That’s right; I want them to start with the core of what is most important.

Does it really surprise any of you that I wouldn’t sidestep the hard stuff? If you want to ruffle my feathers just question my integrity. When my client said, “Jake, Intention… Integrity… Ingenious!!! Thank you for listening & finding the “I’s” in me.” I opened an excellent Syrah and smiled. That’s how much I value integrity. It is the foundation for leadership – and we all have it in us!

”The glue that holds all relationships together -- including the relationship between the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity.” --Brian Tracy

Ahhh, well said Brian!

Here’s a quote you’ll want to read, wait, read again, ponder, re-read and then entirely agree:

”Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values.” --Ayn Rand

See what I mean?

If you are struggling with work-life balance, use integrity as your starting point for your personal and professional development journey.

Life Leadership

2009-01-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

When it comes to our daily lives I pose the question, "Who's leading you?" Could the answer be my clients, my kids, my finances, my staff, or even... my dog? When a client said, "my dog" I knew it was time to blog!

Laura has a lot going on her life. She is a mother of two children in elementary school. She is head of household with a husband that is 70% on the road. She is a school volunteer. She is an author. She is the owner of an adopted 5 year old dog. She believed she had some sort of balance in her life until the dog entered the picture.

Perception is reality and if you believe someone or something is running your life - then it is. If you believe that you have the authority to make your own decisions and control your perspective - you are the leader in your own life.

You decide to be active rather than passive. The busy mom decides on the compromises that often take place. The business owner decides to let a call go to voice mail while she completes the project on her desktop. The community volunteer decides just how much responsibility she will assume for a project. The wife decides how she will spend her time with her husband. The woman who is all of these decides if she will enlist the help of others. You decide to lead yourself enough to love yourself.

But what about the dog? Is the dog part of your family or a pest? It depends on your perception. How do you make decisions about your family, more specifically, your children? You plan meals, babysitters, playmates, doctor appointments and the like. You prioritize & compromise based on the needs of all those around you - including you. You decide if the "baby" is a burden or a blessing.

If the dog is a pest, do what you do with all other pests: get rid of it. Give someone else the opportunity to decide on the dog's behalf.

There are limits to how much we can do in a day. Knowing your limits allows you to actively make decision - to be a leader. Embrace the life leader in you, discover a life full of choices.

Quick fix for what gets under our skin

2009-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

Every so often someone does something that is unsettling or annoying. I've been known to say something like, "Seriously?" That someone could be family, friend, client or coworker. Regardless they are still human. Here are some quick steps save your energy, recover, and move on to what's important to you.

Ask your self the following:

Can I let it go?
Will I let it go?
When will I let it go?

Act with intention and concentrate on what matters in your life.

2009-01-20T11:15:00.001-08:00

"Treasure the one who is thinking of you when all others are thinking of themselves."

James Gunn

"This is your time -- call out to others and they will come."

Jake Tuschinski

Today was an amazing day in history. No doubt you have heard or read the words of our 44th President. No doubt you feel the desire to be a part of this world in which we live. Support your network and let them know how they can support you.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/politics/2009/01/20/obama.inauguration.speech.cnn

I love Mondays!!!

2009-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love Monday because it represents the beginning of my workweek and the kids' school week. It is my fresh start. It's a new week! For that matter I can say the first week in a new month is equally exciting. Who doesn't like new - rhetorical question of course.

Tips for creating newness for Monday:

Review your plans for this week and the events that will take place only this week.
Create a NEW call list on Friday to begin on Monday.
Observe that you have been away from the office for two days and the smell is different than last Friday's smell.
Wear your into your business attire even if you don't have an appointment. You'll feel confident and stylish no doubt.
You have 5 new days to accomplish something on your to-do, goals, or wish list. Decide what that will look like the prior Friday so you can jump right in and get started on Monday.
Observe the heightened and fresh energy of those around you. They may not be aware of it but you are and you can FEEL it. It feels great, new & refreshing. Enjoy!

I wish you a great new Monday!

A little something for you!

2009-01-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's a given that women lack the ability to be selfish. Women want to pamper themselves and be pampered. Have you ever seen a woman's magazine that does not include "ways to treat yourself?" Editors know that we fantasize about doing nice things just for us. Most women don't actually act on it.

Recently a group of successful business owner were given the challenge of doing something nice form themselves each day for a week. Assuming their dedication to discipline as required by their business ethic you would think this an easy task. Shocker... only one woman met the challenge.

Here's the kicker, they are big thinkers and dreamers so they thought it was necessary to do something significant. Significant resulted in unachievable when expected to occur daily. The woman who succeeded scaled down her ideas and was quite happy. One of her simple pleasures was to quietly step outside of her world and shave her legs. She tuned out the world and tuned into herself. She stroked her smooth legs and smiled as she shared her simple pleasure.

Give yourself the gift of a guilt-free simple pleasure each day of the week.

Contribute to your own greatness!

2008-12-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

Journal the Way

2008-12-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

My daughter recently asked me what I write about in my diary. Grinning, I realized that my journal is the equivalent to her diary. I told her that I mostly write about my personal thoughts as they relate to me ( i.e. what I think, I believe, I desire and I feel). And yes, I write about boys too: my husband and son. I feel journaling is great start to figuring out "what's up?" when things don't feel right .

I confess, I am an on again off again journal writer. Daily journal entries do not exist in my book. Whew, I'm glad that's off my chest. Many people are reluctant to start a journal because it might add to their mental failure list. The usual statement is, "I don't want to start a journal because I wont keep it up." Well what does "keep it up" mean? Nobody writes the rules for your journal use but you. Let the leader in you decide when you will write.

Beware, your decision to express free-will does lead to inner and outer greatness. Others may notice your personal growth and see you as leader in your own life. You are constantly modeling the way for everyone around you - no pressure.

My actions are modeling the way for the next generation. My daughter feels no pressure to write daily. I did not ask her what she writes in her "diary." Again, model the way and respect what the personal thoughts of others. I believe she has greater ownership in her thoughts by simply writing them down.

Check out this link: http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2008/12/10/5-kick-ass-reasons-to-use-a-journal-and-how-to-do-it/

Coping with Holiday Stress

2008-12-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

Would you believe it is not so much money, family or time that stresses me out this time of year? Instead I am tormented by all the edible goodies. Everywhere I look there is some yummy morsel calling my name. I swear I hear the truffles using both my first and middle name to get my attention. As if the smell alone wasn’t enough.

Coping skills that actually address the problem are considered most effective for relieving stress. Actions taken toward removing obstacles, restraint and self-control are just some examples.

I ask my husband to keep the cookies at work and hide any treats he may bring home. The kids have Advent Calendars and would know if I snuck (stole) a precious itsy bitsy piece of chocolate. So, I’m pretty safe at home. Action to remove the cause of my stress effective! “Out of sight out of mind.”

Then I went to my book club and the coffee table was piled high with cookies, cake and chocolate candy. I swiftly switched to restraint mode! But the act of restraining was causing me more stress – this coping skill was proving ineffective. I would have to switch to an emotion based coping method before I could take effective action.

Coping skills that do not necessarily address the problem but reduce the stress are considered emotion based. I could distract myself by actually being fully present to the book discussion. I could also find some humor in the situation. Or I could completely deny my weakness as well as my adrenalin rush.

I t was easier than you might think. I leaned over to my friends and declared the chocolate sitting in front of me was talking louder than all the rest of them put together. We all laughed. I ate one and in my best Scarlett O’Hara impersonation said, “Please, take them away.” As I sighed with relief I was joined by a chorus of sighs. What do you know, I wasn’t the only one stressing out about that darn chocolate.

Have you ever considered how many different coping mechanisms you use in any given day? There are many causes of stress and many ways to cope. Some more effective than others. The same ones don’t work every time. Knowing varying forms of healthy coping mechanisms can save you unwanted wrinkles and possibly your life. Even the sharing of learned coping skills with others is often beneficial.

Seminar Satisfaction

2008-11-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

I admit that as a speaker I expect a lot from other presenters. I want them to engage me and educate me. Before I register for a seminar or luncheon I:

Check out the scheduled speaker’s bio or website.
Review the marketing materials to see if it is designed to present the information I want.
The location; professional focus.

Homework completed, there is not a lot more we can do to insure we get what we want. Still I’ve been stuck in a room with a presenter that misses the mark and delivers some kind of incoherent unorganized message. What do you do when you attend and pay for a seminar that doesn’t deliver? Here are some answers:

Ask for your money back.
You deserve to obtain the knowledge you expected. Contact the speaker directly and kindly ask them the questions you wanted answered at the seminar. Hopefully they are excellent communicators one on one.
Go home and pour yourself a glass of wine. You deserve a treat for politely sitting through a disappointing presentation.
Stay positive that the next seminar will deliver a top notch program and speaker.

I encourage you to comment and let us know what you do to get results.

Outside of The Box

2008-10-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

The meaning of Outside the Box:

Think creatively, unimpeded by orthodox or conventional constraints.

For more than a decade I studied and taught rote methods for communication and business management. Generic models for success were developed and learned for greater leadership. The single thought was if it works for him it must work for me. I know that is simply not true. Fortunately, with experience comes wisdom.

Not a week goes by that a client doesn't ask me what everyone else is doing. My response is generally, "First tell me what YOU want to do and how." Which leads to the answer, "I don't know." While there are certain business practices that are just plain good business, who YOU are and what YOU do is entirely up to you.

Deep down you do KNOW what you want. Giving yourself permission to think outside of the box is the first step in believing its possible to achieve. Let your heart lead you and your mind will catch up. Blend passion, possibilities and practicality to achieve your personal and professional best. You wont find that in a box!

I know that simply said, does not mean simply done. That is why I help women uncover their desires, guide them to their own solutions and provide support to help them achieve a certain outcome. I start by getting them out of the box.

Time IS Money

2008-10-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law is a stickler for excellent service and not object to paying for it. When we go to a restaurant he places a large sum of money on the table. He then tells the server deductions will only be made when he feels their service distracting to him. Whether it was an insult or incentive to a server I don't know. What caught my attention was the method of deduction. Look at the dollar amount right in front of you then decide if you will earn it or loose it.

Apply the same principals with your own income. Say that you aim to earn $20,000 a month (dare to dream). That means that if you work four 30 hour weeks you're worth $166.66 per hour. If you drive to meet a client 1 hour away and dedicate an hour of unpaid time you experience a loss of $500 from your overall income. Quite honestly, it better be a potential gain of greater to accept this meeting during your business hours.

When you look at it this way are you driven to avoid time wasters? When you recognize them you can to shift your focus to activities that will generate income. This also helps to consider your worth when setting your rates or fees. If that same meeting was a speaking engagement at a luncheon you would need to consider the expense of time related to that presentation to set those fees. Three prep hours (new or custom presentations usually take up to 10 hours or more) plus travel time and the actual event equals roughly $1,000. If you accept this opportunity to speak for free it costs you $1,000.

So how much did this blog entry cost me? About $55.33. Is it worth it? When it promotes client retention and new business, yes. When I fail to get the word out about my services and ask for your business, no.

I am dedicated to energizing women to discover their personal best and become leaders in their lives by empowering the personal and professional CEO within. All women deserve to happily live life to the fullest. I want the opportunity to do just that for you.

What Is Your Business Parenting Style?

2008-09-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

I published a tips article titled "When Your Business is Your Baby" to help women develop a professional mindset to match any parenting guide. I myself have been known to say I have three children; Hayden, Will and Divinitatis Consulting.

As our babies grow we can resist change or embrace it. Ladies, embrace it! The question is how do you respond to your growing and changing business? Your answer defines just what kind of parent you are.

One of my clients has a product that just isn't selling at the speed she expected. She put her heart and soul into the development of this product and it's fabulous. Unfortunately it is collecting dust as she waits for something to happen. This passive approach to parenting isn't working. If she grabbed a parenting book and looked up teenage behaviors? What do you think she might read?

When kids reach their teens some parents tend to take a back seat to guidance. They have the impression that since they have developed an independent child, its time to back off. Wrong. Passive parents will find themselves frustrated because their child just hangs out all day. Now is the time to teach them new skills: Focus and Direction. Help them develop goals and create opportunities for them to succeed.

If she sits back now her product will continue to just hang out. No product, no matter how great, sells itself. Nor should a teenager be expected to raise himself. She needs to transition from frustrated passive parent to active parent. She can decide and define exactly where she wants her product to go (your business wont backtalk). She can actively create opportunities for her product to fly off the shelves. As an entrepreneur she needs to transition from product developer to marketer. Until her product is out of her hands her job is not done.

Whether or not our job as parents is ever done - well... our roles may change in life but we'll never forget our baby.