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!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Lead the Way ... what it takes to get your products to your customers.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Reflections of A Leader
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Planning 2010 Before Year End
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.
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.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What were you doing at twenty five?
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.
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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Attract New Clients: Lead With Wine
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:
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.
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
Monday, November 9, 2009
Coach Jake declares: Enthusiastic Leaders Enjoy Premium Wines
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.
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.
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