Are Your Manners Showing?

You have all seen RSVP on an invitation. What is it, why is it there, and what does it mean? In practice it means that you should contact the hosts of the event and let them know if you are going to attend. The actual translation is from French répondez, s'il vous plaît ; it means please respond promptly.

So you ask “what’s the big deal?” Responding promptly to your host is not only a sign of your good manners, it is a sign of respect for your host or hostess. Leaving them wondering whether up or not you will show is very stressful, as well as making it difficult for them to complete their plans; seating, catering, gifts and all the other things that go into planning a great event.

RSVP is also akin to “register now” for a seminar, fund raiser or trade show. Reservations, locations, catering, publicity and more often have to be paid in advance. Not knowing if you need seminar materials for 20 or 200 is a major challenge. This is why reservations or registration is so often requested so far in advance of the event. There is no other way to put together a successful event.

RSVP’s and other good manners need to make a comeback. The civility of life is sorely missed.

It's That Time Again

It is about this time of year that we start evaluating what happened this year; what was good, what was bad, what should be changed in the upcoming 12 months. Typically, we only look at the highlights instead of really putting some concentrated thought into the whole year. This usually leads us to making "New Year's Resolutions" that probably last more than a few weeks, or days.


Resolution (decision): a firm decision to do something. This is a pretty scary thought. That's why most resolutions don't last. Making resolutions sets you up for failure, they are too inflexible. If the situation is not the product of a commitment to self analysis, making a broad promise is a direct path to guilt and self abuse. Making a resolution to lose weight next year is doomed to failure unless it is less generic and more specific. Telling yourself instead, or better yet journaling, that by the end of next year "I will lose 20 pounds in order to make my blood pressure lower. I will do this by (insert your specific game plan here) "will give you a better chance of victory. Now you have a plan for success, with specific parameters, that will assure you a greater chance for success; and you won't have to suffer the guilt of failure.

This best way to make this system work is to take the time to study your core values. This can be a frightening task, but I assure you that the results are worth your effort. Actually, I have noticed that the process is more important that the answers. Nobody will ever see your list, unless you choose to share it, so you can be brutally honest. This is the hardest part because we don't really like to look at ourselves up close, but we should. Also remember that your list is not cast in stone, you should review it at least once a year and make any necessary changes.

Your Core Values can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. You are judged by how you appear, how you act and how you react. Knowing yourself well will help you make the kind of decisions that make you stronger and inspire the people around you.

Networking forFun and Profit

hAs we have discussed, although Social Media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are terrific tools, there is one that is more powerful than any of them; old fashioned personal contact. The answer is Networking. Networking gives you the opportunity of meeting your clients and associates on a personal level that is not available over the internet.

Of course you do have to depend on the internet to stay in touch with distant contacts, but even a phone call can strengthen that bond. Checking in just to say hello, see how you can help, or share a referral adds a personalization otherwise not available.

Face to face contacts make for much stronger relationships; whether business or personal. This is where Networking comes in. Mixers, meet and greets, and seminars are all great places to solidify existing contacts and make new ones.

Just like any other activity, there are rules of conduct that apply to Networking. Remember: “you only have one chance to make a good impression.” Some things must be avoided at all costs, including hogging the conversation, drinking or eating too much (unless you are at a dinner meeting), selling, bragging, not listening, hanging out with people you already know, or spending time on your phone. (anything except a true emergency can wait).

Networking is all about building relationships; people buy from people they know and trust. You are there to make new friends, enhance your reputation, and share local knowledge. You should be prepared (investigate the event before you attend), be approachable, be enthusiastic, write your thank you notes and do your follow-up, and by all means remember your manners.

Besides making new friends and strengthening existing relationships, you are likely to have a good time. They used to say in New Zealand that ”a change is as good as a rest” so get out of your comfort zone and try Networking. You will be amazed how your life will expand as a result.

Do You Know the Score?

Do you know where you stand in the credit World. Until now you could get one free credit report per agency, once a year. You also had the option of getting your report and paying to find out your score. We have found a credit information site that will actually give you your credit score for free!

It is worth spending some time at CreditKarma.com Of course, they are going to offer you special deals from their partners, but they are optional. However, they do offer you some great information on how to improve your score and how to manage credit. They also have a valuable Credit Advice section, News, and reviews; and all this information is free.

Who knew...The Power of Facebook

They say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", but look at me. It's taken a while to get on board the blogosphere and we are still learning, but we are moving forward. I consider social media another tool to help you grow your business by my sharing ideas and concepts. FaceBook has proven to be an amazing tool. It is not just for finding and connecting with old friends and family; a lot of business is getting done. There are over 500 million people now using it; some of them are your future customers.

One local eatery in my community promoted his business on FaceBook for three months before he opened. We all cheered and booed as he did, and didn't get the permits he needed. Delays were lamented, successes cheered. By the time he opened he had a huge following and has been growing ever since. This is a terrific example of using social media to grow a business.

Writing a blog (web journal) is another very powerful tool to use to promote your success. Writing on interesting subjects, related to your field of expertise, lead readers into knowing you. Consumers like to do business with the people they know, and trust. Delivering useful information is a good way to create that trust.

Check out my website http://www.othercreations.com/ if you need help figuring out how social media and blogging can make money for you, and for more helpful hints.

Ina

“Never underestimate the power of passion.” *

Is this how you feel about your job, your business and your life? Are you excited about getting up in the morning and approaching your day? If you aren’t, maybe it is time for you to make a change.

Yes, I do understand that with today’s economic prospects this may seem like an insurmountable challenge; it is necessary for your health and well being. The other choice is to change your attitude about your circumstance. Look hard at your day to find the few things that do give you pleasure. Maybe it is just the idea of finishing the work day so you can go home to play with your children; working lets you afford this luxury. Your job may just be a stepping stone to the next stage of your life; learn as much as you can. It is possible that the only lesson to learn is how not to do something. Just think about the value of that lesson.

Being able to make all the parts of your life work together is the greatest reward. “When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”(anon) . When you can make all the pieces of your life’s puzzle come together you are set for the maximum happiness. Don’t be afraid. Take a hard look at your approach to life and alter it to create a permanent smile.
* (Eva Sawyer).

Are You a Turtle?

TURTLE  an order of reptiles that have a shell of bony plates usually covered with horny shields enclosing the trunk and into which the head, limbs, and tail usually may be withdrawn. The move at a slow, timid pace and are very rarely aggressive.

Does this describe you? Are you a turtle? Do you tend to be meek and timid? Like the turtle, do you pull up inside yourself any time you are challenged?

There is nothing wrong with being cautious, but always avoiding confrontations can hamper your success, both in business and life. Sticking your neck out, just a little, allows you to determine the facts so you can act accordingly. Hiding from reality, retreating any time your comfort zone is nudged only yields missed opportunities. The world is full of all kinds of adventures, information, and opportunity. If you are always hiding inside your shell you are guaranteed to miss out.

It may take some time and patience, as well as practice, to become more daring. Try a little at a time. At a mixer or party talk to the person alone in the corner; they are just as apprehensive as you are. See, you already have something in common. Remember, you are both at the same event so that is something else you have in common.

When all else fails, just ask yourself, “What is the worst possibly thing that can happen if I take this action? The consequences are probably tolerable so you might as well move ahead. You will probably find that reaching out is not that freaky, and can be very rewarding.