Empowering YOU to Succeed

Back in the Saddle

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:29:00 +0000

It has been a lovely fall and I was due for a lovely break. One of my dearest friends calls it taking the time to "simmer". I love it. To me, it meant slowing down and pressing the pause button. With the year closing to an end, I do feel a sense of rejuvenation, so I recommend that you take a moment to pause, notice what is around you and just simmer. Ahhhh....

After several months of being on simmer, I am ready to start boiling again! So I would like to announce my upcoming workshop: What the Heck is Twitter? happening on Monday December 14th from 11-1pm. Click on the link to register.

Are you one of the people out there that is baffled by Twitter?
Join me for this comprehensive guide to simple strategies and best practices for using Twitter.

Learn how to use Twitter to:

Promote and grow your business
Increase your client list
Find a job
Fix your washer, or anything else that you are interested in

This workshop will cover why Twitter is useful and show you how to leverage it wisely to generate the results you want without spending hours and hours on line.

Designed to ramp up your Twitter skills and optimize your use of Twitter, for beginners and seasoned Twitterers alike, this workshop will cover:

What is Twitter all about?
How is it useful to me?
The Twitterverse: All things Twitter
Get Set Up! Create a profile and a following
Twitter Tools

Networking to follow the event, so please bring your marketing materials.

Lunch Included!

"I just have to say how much I appreciated Pam Narvaez’s “What the heck is twittering” class on Monday. It was short, sweet, and to the point. And completely worth the fee – many times over." ~Jane, Austin TX

"Very well done. Easy to understand explanations by the presenter, and she stayed on task and on time." ~ Lisa, Austin TX

"In a very limited time frame, Pam did an excellent job of explaining Twitter. Great job Pam!" ~David, Austin TX

Survive and Thrive: Household

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Getting Organized To Survive and

Thrive In Today’s Economy

Oh, the irony. We have lived in an age of more is better, but oh my, how times have changed. Now we are realizing the importance of relationships and that we can live without all the excess stuff. What many people may be realizing now is that all the excess that we have brought into our homes and lives in the past takes a lot of time and energy to manage. Time and time again after I have helped clients get organized and declutter their spaces I hear back from them telling me about some type of major positive event that happened in their life after we worked together. This has happened to several of my clients and I truly believe there is a connection between the clutter in our lives and what is allowed to come into our lives. When our lives or spaces are filled it is difficult to allow anything else in. When we remove the excess, the out of date and the items that bring about negative feelings we are able to make room for new opportunities and experiences.

There is no better time then now to put this theory to test. Here are my tips to not only survive an unpredictable economic situation but to thrive in the year to come.

Survive: Generating and Saving Money

Clutter to Cash.

There’s no time like the present to reduce your clutter and make a little extra money. Tried and true solutions include garage sales, E-bay, Craigslist, resale shops and consignment shops. Here are a few items that you may be able to resell: furniture, clothing, any items that are new with tags, children’s and baby clothing and toys.

Think out of the box. Selling gold and silver jewelry is another great way to make a little extra money. Be sure to get estimates from multiple shops before selling. Sell old cell phones on Cells for Cash http://www.cellforcash.com/. Exchange or sell unwanted gift cards at Swap A Gift http://www.swapagift.com/.

Find money, gift cards, checks.

When cleaning out piles of paper and money it is common to find checks, gift cards, and even money! Be sure to open every envelope, you just never know what you will find.

Save money by avoiding duplicate purchases.

Being organized and free from clutter will allow you to know exactly what you have and help you avoid making duplicate purchases. You may find that you have a three month or a year’s supply of some items. This will keep you from having to spend money now.

Thrive: Now and In Years To Come

Create a filing system that can handle all your paper. Getting your paper and filing under control can help you save time and money for years to come. Purge or shred old, outdated paper. Have a filing system to handle your incoming bills and paper.
Invest in creating systems to help your life run more smoothly. What can you do now that you can leverage again later? Can you create a system that is easy to replicate over and over again? Investing time now by creating a form, checklist, or establishing a new habit can benefit you in the long run when you get busier.
Create a space that supports you. Remove all unneeded clutter and anything that brings negative feelings. If you have old projects or items that bring on negative thoughts, emotions, or feelings then it is time to let them go. Not only are they taking up physical space, but they are taking up mental space each time you see the items.

Using your time now to reduce your clutter and establish new habits may be just what you need to have a breakthrough this year.

Angela Ploetz is a Certified Professional Organizer, CPO® and owner of POSH Space Professional Organizing Specialist serving the greater Austin area. Angela is an experienced speaker and addresses women’s groups and business groups. POSH space provides solutions for home and office organizing challenges. Specialize in residential paper and filing systems, home offices, small business organization, new home set-ups and move-ins, and student organization. Angela can be reached at www.theposhspace.com.

Social Media Time Management by Jennifer Fong

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:49:00 +0000

When you’re a mom entrepreneur with your own business, you have a lot to do. You have customers to service, leads to follow up on, billing and accounting…the list goes on. When you consider adding social media to the mix, it can feel overwhelming. After all, you’re already filling every hour of the day. How do you take advantage of all the benefits of social media marketing without allowing it to take over your life?

Here are some tips to make it easier for mom entrepreneurs to manage the time they spend on social media.

Start with a strategic plan. Before you begin blogging, tweeting on Twitter, or meeting people on Facebook, make a marketing plan for your business. What are your goals? Who are you trying to reach? Why? What problems can you solve? By being specific and strategic about what you hope to accomplish, you’ll make sure all your social media efforts will bring you the maximum return on your investment.
Do an honest assessment of the time resources you can invest. For every tool you consider using, figure out how long it will take you to set up the profile, find friends, and maintain relationships. Then weigh that against the total time you have to invest. That will help you make good decisions about which tools will BEST help you reach your goals. You don’t have to use everything, and if you use fewer tools and develop quality relationships with them, you’ll have a better chance of success.
Start slowly and build relationships. Don’t try to get a million friends and followers overnight. You’ll quickly become overwhelmed, and you won’t develop the quality relationships that lead to more business. Instead, start conversations with 3-5 new people each day, and really engage. Get to know people, ask and answer questions, and be a participant. Don’t begin pitching your business. Instead, become someone worth knowing.
Set a timer. Plan the time you’ll invest each day (you should be engaging with your social networking tools daily if you want the maximum benefits), schedule it in your planner, and then set a timer so you don’t get off track. You might want to schedule smaller chunks of time at multiple times per day, rather than investing all your time in one shot. By keeping yourself to a schedule, you’ll still be able to focus on the other core business activities that lead to success in direct sales.

By being strategic in your use of social media, you can use social media without becoming consumed. And that will help you leverage the power of social media marketing while taking advantage of all the benefits your core business activities will also bring.

How are you managing your social media time? Would love to read it in the comments below!

And if you’ve found this post valuable, why not subscribe to my newsletter? You’ll get great content like this and more! I’d love to have you become part of our family.

Cheers!

Jennifer

© 2009, Jennifer Fong If you wish to publish any of this content on your own blog (without editing), you may do so by providing the copyright notice above, along with a link to this blog: http://liajen.wordpress.com. To use this content in any other way, please contact me at jen (at) jenfongspeaks (dot) com.

Survive and Thrive: Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Well I have had a nice summer break and it's time to get back into the groove and on with our expert series. One of the five elements of balanced success is focusing on your personal wellness, both mental and physical. The first installment in our expert series comes from Karen Shopoff Rooff a Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Pre/postnatal Fitness Specialist. She is the founder and owner of Balance Personal Fitness Training, which was born out of her passion for teaching and with gratitude for the benefits she has reaped from leading a fit and active life. Karen shares with us her practical guide on how to survive and thrive these uncertain times by staying well.

Survive:

1.Relieve Stress
Fortunately, an immediate way to improve your well-being is both easy and free! To quickly and effectively relieve stress, stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. To facilitate deep breathing, relax your facial muscles by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth for 5-10 seconds, then release. Next, visualize yourself somewhere that makes you calm and happy—a beach, by a mountain stream, snuggled up in bed, or whatever works for you. Continue to breathe deeply until your mind feels more open.

Gentle stretching is another stress-buster, and when done in concert with the breath, it is a highly effective way of calming and resetting your nervous system. For example, to release tension from the shoulders—from a long day at the computer or driving in traffic--, inhale deeply as you scrunch your shoulders as close to your ears as possible. When your inhale is complete, let out a long, forceful exhale and fully drop the shoulders. Repeat this sequence 3-5 times and enjoy a clearer mind and more relaxed body.

Gentle stretching, deep breathing, and visualization can help relax the body to relive stress.

2. Clean your palate
Wait! Don’t take another bite! Do you know where your food came from?

Eating well need not be difficult, expensive, or time-consuming. By choosing unprocessed foods, you maximize the nutritional content you consume; by choosing in-season, local, fresh foods make generally the most economical—and environmentally-friendly-- choice. Healthy foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables require little preparation and are easily transportable.

To ensure that your body is best able to process the foods you eat and absorb the appropriate nutrients, keep yourself well hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day not only aids indigestion to keep your body fueled, but it allows muscles to function at their best. Furthermore, you can stave off hunger with a zero calorie glass of water.

Eat fresh, local foods to maximize nutrition and minimize environmental and financial costs
Staying well hydrated is key to physical wellness

Learn more clean eating tips and generate a nutritionally-sound eating plan for yourself using the USDA’s website www.mypyramid.gov.

Thrive:

1. Break the adrenaline habit
Our society promotes a culture of pressure by reinforcing the idea that we can (and should!) do multiple tasks at once, for as long a duration as possible. Multitasking requires the brain and body to work in overdrive, thereby increasing adrenaline production. In the short term, adrenaline is a useful hormone; however, studies indicate that high adrenaline production and stress are closely linked, and neither is positive for long-term wellness.

Be a rebel and eschew multitasking! Think about it: juggling is much harder than throwing and catching a single ball. By focusing on one task—or person—at a time, you can be focused, present, and genuine. As such, not only will the quality of your work likely rise, but you’ll be lowering your stress at the same time.

Attention to your physical well-being deserves the same kind of focused attention. Schedule workouts into your day—just as you would any other important meeting—and you’ll eliminate the pressure that comes with trying to squeeze everything in as the day progresses. Planning ahead is key to breaking adrenaline’s grip on your daily life.

Focus on one task at a time to complete it effectively and efficiently, with as little stress as possible
Incorporate planned workouts into your schedule

2. Consistent physical activity

If you struggle with exercising consistently, whether due to lack or interest or competing priorities, make a list of types of exercise that you enjoy. These can include walking, gardening, playing soccer with your children, going to the gym, or participating in a group exercise class or on a team. Do you prefer to exercise alone or with a group? Do you like one sport or activity so much you do it exclusively; or do you need the social outlet of a team sport; or is the accountability that a class or personal trainer offers motivating to you? It doesn’t matter what your answer is, but devising a fitness plan that takes your preferences into account will result in better adherence to your program.

Also, many people don’t exercise consistently because they think they need a single, large block of time to reap the benefits of exercise. Scientific studies support breaking exercise into short, manageable bursts throughout the day to achieve the same physiological benefits as one longer session. Furthermore, you receive the added benefit of reinvigorating yourself throughout the day.

Identify what motivates you, and devise a fitness plan that compliments your interests and fulfills your needs
Short bursts of activity are physiologically and psychologically beneficial

You can download six different ten-minute workouts from http://balancepft.com/docs/tenminuteworkouts.pdf

Karen Shopoff Rooff is a Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Pre/postnatal Fitness Specialist. She is the founder and owner of Balance Personal Fitness Training, which was born out of her passion for teaching and with gratitude for the benefits she has reaped from leading a fit and active life. Karen is committed to helping others become models of wellness as we strive to make Austin the fittest city in America.

As the mother of two young sons, Karen understands the significant role exercise plays in achieving a sense of balance. Pre/postnatal fitness is a topic that inspires her; guiding other women along their fitness path during pregnancy and the postpartum period is an honor. Using fitness to cope with the realities of motherhood is paramount in her work, and she is adept at finding ways to integrate exercise and fitness into daily life. Encouraging consistent, life-long wellness is the goal of her work.

Karen has completed nine marathons (including four Boston Marathons), numerous other road races, and countless playground obstacle courses.

Balance Personal Fitness Training

www.balancepft.com

Survive and Thrive in a Recession!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:08:00 +0000

We are all being bombarded by bad news. It's hard not to look at any type of media without getting a negative message, not to mention how easy it is to carry that sentiment through friendly conversations. And most of us probably know more than one person that has lost a job. So how do you overcome all this negativity? You have heard me say it before, it's time to change your mindset about the world you live in and begin with the smallest step: have an attitude of gratitude.

However, it's time to take it a step further and think about what ACTIONS you can take to change your situation and create the life you truly want. With that in mind I have created an expert blog series dedicated to helping you Survive and Thrive in Uncertain Times. Our series focuses on each element of your life, based on the Five Elements of Balanced Success model: Financial, Wellness, Career, Household & Personal Growth. Each week I will feature a different expert for each topic that will provide a practical guide with tips and resources designed to support you in achieving personal success.

Meet the Experts!
I am pleased to have so many wonderful resources available to my clients. Experts in their fields, these business owners are here to support you.

Financial: Melanie Johnson is an Independent Investment Advisor, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ , and founder of Athena Financial Group and Divorced Financial Solutions.

Wellness: Karen Shopoff Rooff is a Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Pre/postnatal Fitness Specialist. She is the founder and owner of Balance Personal Fitness Training, which was born out of her passion for teaching and with gratitude for the benefits she has reaped from leading a fit and active life.

Career: Michele Rhoten is a Career Coach with Profit Consulting Co. She brings a combination of executive recruiting experience and executive coaching skills to support her clients through the ups and downs of their careers.

Household: Angela Ploetz is a Certified Professional Organizer, CPO® and owner of POSH Space Professional Organizing Specialist serving the greater Austin area.

Personal Growth: Renée Peterson Trudeau is the president of Renée Trudeau & Associates and the author of The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life.

Be sure to tune in each week for a new expert series that is packed with practical tips, resources and advice on how to get you through the short term (survive) and propel you through to even greater success in the long term (thrive).

Social Media 101

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:58:00 +0000

I did not set out to be a social media coach, it just happened! First Fox News interviewed me on how to use social media to get a job, then I started getting requests for one-on-one coaching and workshops. One of my good friends even referred to me as the "information guru". So here we go, it's a social media month! Get set up and get going!

What is social media?
In today's world the internet is a living and breathing thing. In one click you can see into other people's lives, hear their views, and share your own. There are literally hundreds of different applications that people are using to connect with others and share information. The big favorites are Facebook, LinkedIn and now the new dynamo - Twitter.

What's the point?
Social media outlets are a powerful way to get across to a large audience and network 24/7. Whether you are looking for a job, running a business, or just staying connected with old friends, social media offers you a vast resource for connecting.

However, these tools are only effective if used properly. Here are some tips on how to best leverage social media networking strategies:

Create each profile consistent with your “brand” – what you want people to know most about you.
Understand how to leverage each platform – control images and content as necessary.
Choose a mixture that is right for you and keep your content fresh – schedule one day per week, or one hour per day to update content and participate on-line.

How Can I Get Set Up?
I am glad you asked! I am now offering one on one social media coaching packages for $125 per hour. This is an interactive session designed to get you set up and ready to use social media to further your success! I also have workshops and a fabulous MeetUp group that are designed to get you moving in the right direction. Call or email to schedule your session 517-2518 pam@directeffectcoach.com

Upcoming Events:
Social Media 101: Get Set Up! $50 per person
The purpose of this workshop is to help you get set up on the top social media tools out there: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Blogging and simplify your tools so they are working for you and saving you time. Bring your laptop and you will set up your tools live during the session.

What the Heck is Twitter? $5 per person
Are you one of the people out there that is baffled by Twitter? Join me for a live call on the in's and out's of Twitter. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the phone number and pin to access the call. Can't make the call in time? Register anyway and a copy of the call will be mailed to you after 4/20 for you to listen to at your convenience!

DEC Interview: PW Properties

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:00 +0000

One of my favorite groups here in town is the unique woman's entrepreneur group that I am a member of, Business + Balance headed by founder Renee Trudeau. Business + Balance is comprised solely of Mom-entrepreneurs "dedicated to assisting you in creating a business and life that supports you inside and out!" This group is literally comprised of some of my favorite women in town, and I have the privilege of working with them directly to offer my clients a robust network of resources to help you succeed.

This week I am featuring a fabulous resource and double business owner, Wendy Papasan. You won't find a more grounded, fun-loving and wise woman than Wendy. Her calm nature and insightful perspectives make her a powerhouse any field she enters. Wendy is a multi-talented woman, owning businesses in marketing and media, real estate investing and most recently Millionaire Meals. On top of all of this, Wendy is also a Real Estate Agent.

I am pleased to have Wendy as one of the valuable resources available to my clients.

What do you find most rewarding about your business?
Helping people find financial freedom and long-term wealth through the acquisition of real estate.

Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it.
After I had my children, I really wanted a business that would work for me, instead of me working for someone else's business. When I was eight months pregnant, we moved into a larger home and kept our first home as a rental. Managing real estate seemed easy and even fun, so I kept buying properties. I now own and manage seven income-producing properties. Now that my son is heading towards kindergarten, I decided to help others build their wealth through the acquisition of real estate in Austin.

What are the qualities that make your business unique?
Since I am an investor and a real estate agent, I know the qualities to look for in a property. Are you looking for cashflow or equity appreciation? Is is a short-term flip and resell or are you a long-term buy and hold. I'll use my strategies for success to help you build your wealth too.

Be sure to put Wendy at the top of your list when considering Real Estate investing because you are guaranteed to work with someone that has valuable insight and high integrity.

And whatever you do, on't miss out on the next Millionaire Meal!

If you want to be successful,
then surround yourself with successful people.

Tired of the rat race? Do you want to become financially free, but don’t know how to get to the next level? Do your friends think you’re crazy when you tell them you want to retire at 50? Well we don’t! Millionaire Meals brings together like-minded individuals who are on the path toward financial freedom. Each month an intimate group gathers to share food, laughter, and strategies for building our wealth.
Each dinner, served in our home in Central Austin, features a fabulous three-course meal with paired wines. January’s meal: Pancetta wrapped asparagus, curry butternut squash soup, coq au vin, & peanut butter pie. Okay, so that’s four courses.

Our Next Millionaire Meal is Saturday, March 28th, 2009 8-10:30 p.m.

Cost $40/person

Seating is limited to 10.

RSVP to Wendy Papasan at wendy@puddle-wonderful.com or (512) 297-9431.

How to Use Social Media to Get a J-O-B

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:43:00 +0000

The new wave of networking has shown up through the use of social media tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others designed to support networking 24/7. However, these tools are only effective if used properly. Here are some tips on how to best leverage social media networking strategies:

Create each profile consistent with your “brand” – what you want people to know most about you
Understand how to leverage each platform – control images and content as necessary
Choose a mixture that is right for you and keep your content fresh – schedule one day per week, or one hour per day to update content and participate on-line.

Watch my interview on Fox News Austin to learn more, and visit my site for specific resources and articles on how to best use social media as a networking tool. (I know, the still shot is hilarious...)

Want to get really savvy with your networking?
Join me each month here.

Five Steps to Becoming a BALANCE GURU

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:05:00 +0000

Practical Tips for Transforming Your Hectic Everyday Life

We all crave more free time to do whatever we want and “relax”. That is the idea that most people have about balance. Personally I own a business, work full time for another company and have a child under 5 – throw in a husband and a social life and you’ve got a pretty hectic schedule. But I don’t feel hectic; I feel happy and relaxed – how is this possible you ask? Let me show you.

Step One: Change Your Mindset – An Attitude of Gratitude

For most of us, the trouble is how we are looking at things. My favorite quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer is, “if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.

Set an intention of gratitude. Read more about the power of intention here.
List 3 things that you are grateful for right now
Let the people in your life know that you are grateful for them today.

TAKE ACTION:

Start off every morning by setting a daily intention “today my intention is to feel relaxed and happy”
Start a gratitude journal and write down at least three things per day

Step Two: Eliminate Your Negative Beliefs, or “Head Trash”

You don’t have to do it all – there, I said it. One of the most powerful chapters from Renee Trudeau’s book, The Mother’s Guide to Self Renewal is GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH. Adopt this mantra immediately. It’s time to give yourself a break and replace those negative thoughts with awesome ones – you deserve it!

Start small with a simple but powerful question – Why am I so amazing and powerful? Coined by Noah St. John, these are your new afformations that will start to shape your thinking. Read more here.
Question everything that is blocking you with a simple question, so what? When something is holding you back, a thought that you are holding on to perhaps, challenge it with this question.

TAKE ACTION:

Pay attention to your thoughts and counter the negative ones that are not serving you.
Start each day with a new afformation. Use them as often as you can.

Step Three: Break the Adrenaline Habit

Adrenaline is a total racket – kick the habit now and start enjoying a more serene life now. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Click here to find out. Here are some behavior changes to get off the adrenaline drug from Jennifer White, author of Work Less, Make More.

Stop drinking caffeine and eating sugar. This is not a popular position, but it works. Make small changes in your diet until you can fully kick the food rush habit.
Leave 15 minutes earlier than you do now for every appointment. You can do this one right away and start reaping the results of a calmer mind. (Plus you’ll be a nicer driver!)
Underpromise and overdeliver everything. Give your self adequate time to complete each project or task that you need to get done (tack on an extra 48 hours). Then you have the time to get it done and can deliver it earlier than promised! Win-win!

TAKE ACTION:

Evaluate your caffeine and sugar intake and see where you can start to make small changes. Make at least one change this week.
Review your calendar and to do list and make changes that allow you to underpromise (add that 48 hours) and overdeliver. Make this your standard for scheduling.

Step Four: Use Your Support Network

I’ll say it again – you don’t have to do it all. Most of the time you don’t even realize the amount of support that you have available to you. Take out your pen for this one.

Make a list of the five areas of your life: household, financial, well-being, personal growth, and career.
List the support that you have in each area. This includes people, services and resources that you use. (ex: Networks, mentors, family, friends, websites, services, therapist)
Now just look at how much support you really have! Which areas could you use more support?

TAKE ACTION:

Where do you have great support? Leverage at least one of those resources this week to help you accomplish a goal, or get any type of support you need.
What areas are lacking support? Add one resource to your list for each area that is lacking adequate support this week.

Step Five: Learn to Say NO!

There is no such thing as time management; you do not have any control over time. You do, however, have control over your energy. Saying no to things is tricky at first, so start slow, say one or two things a week, and then build up until you feel your schedule fits your goals.

What are your top 3 priorities for the next 3 months? Only say yes to things that fit into these priorities. Read more here.
Say No to information overload and harness your power to focus. When you are working on a task, turn off the TV or shut off your email to avoid distractions. Don’t take calls until you are done!
Give yourself permission to delegate a task, or take it off your plate for the next three months. Then don’t add another task unless you take one off your list.

TAKE ACTION:

Post your top 3 priorities where you can see them. Remember to say no to anything that does not fit into those priorities.
Delegate at least one task this week either to someone else, or move it to the next 3 month’s list.

These five steps are all well and good, but if you do not implement the 10 actions laid out here, you’ll still be struggling for balance. I personally challenge you to do these 10 actions THIS WEEK and then revaluate how you feel at the end of the week. Try following these steps for one month. If you like, keep a journal to track your progress so you can see your own transformation into a BALANCE GURU!

Send your success stories to pam@directeffectcoach.com to be part of my BALANCE GURU blog series where I will feature a new GURU each week! (subject line: Balance Guru Blog)

My favorite thing to do is support you, so if there is anything you need help with, do not hesitate to call or email me. Check out my website for events and resources galore to help you be the best BALANCE GURU you can be!

Pam Narvaez, MBA, CEP

Success Coach

Direct Effect Coaching

512-517-2517

What the heck is coaching anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:53:00 +0000

I have been meeting a lot of new people lately and I was reminded a couple of times last week that everyone doesn't know exactly what a coach is or does. "What do you coach, dance?", that's the one I like the best. So what the heck is coaching anyway? It's simple. Just like a sports coach improves your game, a professional coach improves your life - career, business, personal.

Let's use a couple of analogies: #1 You want to lose 20 pounds. #2 You want to find a new job. (keep in mind these are just scenarios to show a point).

DO IT YOURSELF:
#1 - You hit the gym a couple of times a week and do some weight lifting and a few minutes of cardio. You switch over to baked Lays chips and yogurt ice cream. You lose 10 pounds in three months.
#2 - You update your resume, post it on the major job sites and start searching for a new job. You get one interview over 3 months.

YOU HIRE HELP:
#1 - Your new personal trainer has you in the gym 3 times a week doing a strict cardio and weight routine. Then he has you supplement your gym time with 2 days of tennis/biking/running. You new nutritional consultant teaches you the basics of making healthy food choices. You lose 20 pounds in six weeks.
#2 - Your new career coach has helped you develop a career plan that includes how to brand yourself, and updated resume, a networking plan and recommended training to fill the skill set gap that you discovered between where you are and where you want to be. You leverage your support networks get an interview within weeks.

What are the major differences in these two scenarios?

SUPPORT - When you hire a professional, you have instant support for your goals. Your new partner wants you to be successful!
ACCOUNTABILITY - You are no longer in this alone, so you are held accountable for the goals that you have set for yourself and are challenged to achieve more and be your best.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES - Because you now have support, you also have access to all the tools and resources necessary to help you achieve your goals. You get the tricks of the trade!

So what does any of this have to do with Success Coaching? There is an important point in all of this, and that is that you do not have to do it alone. So many people are ingrained with this idea that independence is powerful, yet most highly successful people are where they are because they had support along the way. Success coaching is all about helping you achieve all that you desire. Whether it's a personal or business topic.

Gain clarity around a strategy or direction
Solve a problem
Set and achieve goals
Create and implement action plans
Provide tools and resources along the way

Hiring a coach is a powerful and effective way to start living the life you really want. Whether you are trying to find a job, change careers, start a business, or just want to get your life in order, a coach can help you make more money, have more balance and energy, work smarter, and make better decisions .

This month I am offering a FREE 30 minute coaching session ($50 value) to any new client. So if you want to give coaching a try and see if it is right for you, please contact me for more information.

To learn more about my coach approach, visit www.directeffectcoaching.com

Empowering YOU to Succeed!

Six Ideas for Writing a Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:17:00 +0000

This past week I held my monthly Austin Networking Smart MeetUp group where we discussed how to use social media to promote your business, or raise your profile. One of the key ways to do this, whether you are an entrepreneur or not, is to blog.

Since you are reading this blog, I'll assume you know what a blog is and we'll move right into the best tips for creating your own blog.

Before we get started, there are several blog sites out there for you to choose from. Personally I like Blogger, but there are many other popular tools like Wordpress. Choose the one that is easiest for you!

Now what in the heck do you write about? Here are some great ideas to get you into the blogging universe:

Interviews: one of my favorite blogging methods is to interview someone. You can interview anyone in the topics that you care to blog about. I interview the resources that I provide my clients to showcase their talents.
Book review: did you just finish a great book? Blog about it! Be sure to link back to the book in your blog to increase blog traffic (links are good...)
Lists: just like this one!
Pose a question or create a survey: this inspires blog readers to respond to your blog, and again drives blog traffic.
Guest author: send out a notice to network groups asking for a guest blog author, this is a great way to cross promote.
Blog about another blog: this is just like a book review, so be sure to link back to the original blog and always give proper credit for quotes.

These are all great ways to get started in the world of blogging, but the most important tip is this - have a point. Know what the purpose of your blog is so that your content stays consistent with what you are trying to accomplish. Also remember that your blog content is easily transferred into your newsletter, so leverage your media. Happy Blogging!!

How to do SXSW for FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:54:00 +0000

I hear people all the time talking about how they would LOVE to go to SXSW, but they just can't afford the pricey wristbands. Guess what, you don't have to buy a wristband! That's right, there is a ton of completely free shows and events going on throughout the week. Here are a few of my best tips on how to go and enjoy a FREE week at SXSW:

1. Sign up for as many hosted parties as you can - check out Do 512 for information. These are parties that are thrown by companies or record labels and all you have to do is RSVP yes to get on the list.

2. There are wristband only venues (not many tho) so go downtown early and many times you will catch big name bands in rehearsal at another venue.

3. Be on the look out for FREE drinks! Many venues have parties early in the day (like before 5pm) where they offer free beer until they run out.

4. Myth: you must have a wristband to get into the shows - totally FALSE! Most venues don't require you to have a wristband to get in. If it is crowded, wristbands get to go first, so if you really want to see a band bad, get there early. Some venues charge a cover, but most do not.

5. Don't forget the Auditorium Shores shows are all FREE and happen each night.

6. Check out Yelp for deals and discounts on food for the entire SXSW week.

There you have it, you can absolutely enjoy SXSW without buying a wristband and see as many bands as you like. Get out there and have fun!

DEC Interview: The Savvy Doula

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:41:00 +0000

I love being a coach. I love helping other people achieve what they want most, and I love it when I watch someone have a break through moment. It is a wonderful career and I get to meet so many fascinating people.

One of the benchmarks of my business is being a resource for others. Especially since my main practice is centered around the five elements of balanced success - a methodology designed to create balance in all areas of your life or business. I am honored to offer my clients a variety of resources to tap in to as you navigate your own journey to balance. I am blessed to be part of an amazing community here in Austin, Business and Balance, "a unique community of entrepreneurs dedicated to assisting you in creating a business and life that supports you inside and out!" This blog is the second in a series that is intended to highlight all the amazing resources that Direct Effect Coaching has to offer and introduce you to each of them personally.

Among these amazing women entrepreneurs is Darlene MacAuley, the Savvy Doula. Here is my recent interview with Darlene.

What do you find most rewarding about your business?
Helping women feel empowered during their pregnancy and birth.

Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it.
I am a birth doula, a certified professional coach and a Reiki practitioner. I had been working in another business of mine for several years but was not finding the work fulfilling. In fact, the work depleted me very much. I decided to become a birth doula after seeing an ad for a workshop, and if felt like the right thing to do. I love helping women in birth and incorporate my skills from coaching and also the energy work skills I have. It's very rewarding to empower women.

What are the qualities that make your business unique?
I believe that birth is less about the physical aspects as it is about the emotional aspects. I utilize my coaching skills to encourage couples to think about their values and their vision for birth. I also bring energy work into my business. The combination of all these skills creates a holistic experience for couples.

Contact Darlene anytime for more information on the savvy services that she has to offer!
512.691.9546
www.savvydoula.net
www.savvydoula.com
kekoaskye@gmail.com

Attitude of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Today’s environment is rough all around. There is plenty to be worried about and quite frankly it’s just exhausting. There doesn’t appear to be any relief – even when you turn on the TV to try and “relax” – you are bombarded with messages of stress and anxiety.

And yet there is something radical that you can do about it. For a change of pace, try an attitude of gratitude. I can feel your immediate resistance to this concept and I know where you are coming from – simply being grateful doesn’t change the economy. However, as your coach, I am going to challenge you to give this concept a try.

Let’s start by setting an intention of gratitude. Intentions are so simple to employ, and yet so powerful. They will literally direct your energy throughout the day. Before you get out of bed (or while you are in the shower) simply say, “Today I intend to be grateful”. Give it a try for one week and notice how it changes your emotions and behaviors, then start setting your own intentions and watch your energy levels change! Read more about the power of intention here.

Next, list 3 things you are grateful for right now. They can be small or big, generic or specific; the intent is to get your mind going in the right direction. You can do this at any point in your day.

And finally, let the people in your life know that you appreciate them. Ordinary every day people doing ordinary every day things. When someone holds the door open for you, give them a smile. Tell someone that made you laugh thanks for brightening your day. Keep it simple and be easy on yourself. The idea here is to start forming small simple habits of gratitude that will increase your wellbeing and reduce your stress levels.

These are some simple steps to follow to start bringing gratitude into the forefront of your life day by day. Before you know it, this will be one of your favorite habits! Personally, when I am feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, this is one of the first things that I do to set myself straight! Take a deep breath, give my self permission to relax, and simply be grateful.

Best Success,

-Pam

I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.
William Allen White

PS- Turn off the TV!

Time to Reinvent Your Career? Liz Lynch Interviews Pam Narvaez, Coach AND Corporate Employee

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:03:00 +0000

From Liz Lynch's new teleseminar:

One of the things I'm most excited about my new teleseminar series is the opportunity to profile in more depth those individuals featured as Networking Success Stories in Smart Networking.

I'm so pleased that my first guest from the book will be Pam Narvaez of Direct Effect Coaching (Networking Success Story #7) who currently holds a full-time job with a major corporation while she builds her coaching practice. Listen in as we discuss...

* * Reinventing Your Career: How to Look Before You Leap * *

Learn some key lessons about making big career decisions, dealing with risk, trusting your intuition, and leveraging your network for advice and support.

If you've always dreamed about getting out on your own, get some first-hand insight on how to make a smooth transition. The teleseminar is FREE; register below to get access to the call-in details:

EVENT: Liz Lynch interviews Pam Narvaez of Direct Effect Coaching and Networking Success Story #7 in Smart Networking

DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

TIME: 7:00 PM Eastern (6:00 PM Central, 5:00 PM Mountain, 4:00 PM Pacific)

FORMAT: Join us from the comfort of your home or office. Listen via phone or the Internet through a live webcast. No special software is required, you just need a telephone OR a computer with an Internet connection.

COST: It's FREE to attend the LIVE event!

However, you must register to get the call-in number and webcast details.

** Note: the Interview will be recorded, so even if you can't make it live,

About Pam Narvaez

Pam Narvaez is a success coach who is truly passionate about helping her clients gain clarity around their desires and designing their lives to be successful, balanced, and full of joy. Her zest for a healthy, active lifestyle spill over to her true passions: balance and family.

Combining her creativity and project management skills with her desire to serve others, she created a dynamic and unique coaching method based on her core principles: helping others achieve day-to-day balance, and helping people start their own business. Her program, The Five Elements of Balanced Success™, was developed with these two principles in mind.

Pam holds a Masters in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts. She has successfully spent the past ten years in the high-tech industry, where she works as a Program Manager in a leadership role. Pam is a graduate of Coach University and a member of the International Coaches Federation. She is also certified as an RTA Facilitator.

Links:

www.directeffectcoaching.com

Individual and group coaching programs, workshops and speaking engagements.

www.decprg.com

Personal Renewal Group coaching program

Empowering YOU to Succeed Blog

DEC Interview: Sonya Davis, Business the Feminine Way™

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:04:00 +0000

The first time you meet Sonya, you are struck instantly by her warmth and her presence. Sonya is many things, a creative genius, a masterful coach, a marketing guru, a copyright expert - but the one quality that you are forced to know about Sonya is that she is authentic. You don't find too many people in business today that are the real deal and Sonya is definitely that.

Sonya is the founder of Business the Feminine Way™ and co-founder of the popular east Austin work/life balance and wellness center, Soma Vida. Direct Effect Coaching is proud to have Sonya and her team as a trusted resource for client referrals. I recently had the chance to interview this powerhouse and creative maven.

What do you find most rewarding about your business?

SD: That I get the opportunity to help people uncover their authentic self and put that authentic self into their business. I love that my clients feel more integrated, fulfilled and excited about their businesses. They become magnetic with their creative energy and experience the flow that is part of the Business the Feminine Way™ process. There is no better gift than to be present during their transformation.

Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it.

SD: Business the Feminine Way™ and Marketing the Feminine Way™ was built from my own journey towards integration. I was tired of working hard, navigating single parenthood and not being able to find work/life balance with financial security. I was ready to create for others and myself a paradigm shift in the way we work. I learned through my own journey, that by aligning our businesses and our marketing with our authentic self, doing what we love and learning to manage our energy, we can create a magnetism that draws clients, money and opportunities easily with less effort. So I started with coaching clients one-on-one, then I created the workshops and now I am offering marketing services to completely support my clients in creating Business the Feminine Way. This business is an integration of my spiritual quest, my marketing & branding background and my years of working one-on-one to help others transform their lives.

What are the qualities that make your business unique?

SD: My whole process is unique in that it utilizes a philosophy that works with the energy and intention of the individual, you could say it works with a company from the inside-out. I also teach people to understand the difference between their intuition and their emotional blocks and how to make decisions that put them in the flow. My Marketing the Feminine Way™ is a completely different angle on marketing your business, because it is centered on the idea that if put your true self into your marketing, you will create a pull that draws people in. In today's marketplace usually the opposite is done, most people look at the target market and industry and then create their marketing. This creates a disconnect between their true self and their marketing, and people can feel it.

What ever you do, do not miss Sonya's upcoming workshop this Saturday, Feb 7th from 1-6 at Soma Vida. I will be there and I can't wait to learn from the master!

"Marketing the Feminine Way is a workshop that teaches you how to communicate and market your business from the inside-out. You will learn techniques and tools to accelerate your growth and your success, and make your business magnetic. These techniques work regardless of economics & outside influences. This approach makes outdated and ineffective methods of marketing obsolete."

The Five Elements of Balanced Success

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:24:00 +0000

It's easy to look at one area of your life or your business and focus all of your energy addressing that area. For example, you may decide to lose weight and put all of your energy toward that goal. If you are attempting to lose 20 pounds, but you are also in debt or suffering through a bad relationship, it becomes very difficult to achieve that weight loss goal. Similarly, if you starting a new business and are buying business cards before you have spent any time on your branding and marketing plan, you are likely to miss key opportunities to develop your business image.

The Five Elements of Balanced Success program evolved from my own experiences and journey seeking balance and starting a business. The program takes a holistic approach toward life and business so there is clarity and balance around your goals. The five step process serves as your guide and support to building the life or business of your dreams.

Five elements of Life: well-being, career, wealth, personal growth, household
Five elements of Business: marketing, financial, human, growth, operational

Five Step Process

1. The What: Get clarity around the present and the future
2. The Why: Create a vision and mission to live or operate by
3. The Who: Discover your brilliance and learn how to leverage it
4. The How: Create your goals and support system
5. The When: Put it all together and take action!

Join me February 10th for the Career Magic Workshop: How to Have a Successful Career in Uncertain Times.
Using the Five Elements of Balanced Success™ model, create a career plan that will navigate you through these uncertain times with clear goals and actions.

~ Learn how to network smart and leverage your support system
~ Create a concrete personal vision and mission based on your values
~ Uncover the secrets of working less and making more
~ Gain clarity around what your ideal career looks like
~ Create a plan on how to get there
~ Connect and share insights with group participants

When: Tuesday February 10th from 9 am to Noon
Where: Soma Vida 1210 Rosewood Ave, Austin 78702
Cost: $99 per person and includes follow-up email support, resources and materials.

GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign Up Today: Login, email pam@directeffectcoach.com or call 512.517.5218

Ditch Your Resolutions for New Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:17:00 +0000

The New Year's resolution is a crock. How many times do you set a resolution only to break it, or plain forget about it a month later. And most often resolutions are created as a "should" - I should quit smoking, I should lose weight. The problem with setting a resolution because you "should" do it is that you most often won't do it. Why is this the case? In her book The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal, Renee Trudeau describes a should as something that you feel pressured to do by an outside influence.

Let's explore the concept further with a quick exercise.

First, do this quick 2 minute exercise to clarify what your top values are today. Your values are the maps for your life and everything that you are motivated to do is in alignment with these values. If you find yourself dissatisfied with one area of your life, it is most likely because it is out of alignment with your values.

Now that you have a clear picture of what your values are, take out a piece of paper and write down where you currently are and where you would like to be in these five areas of your life: financial, career, household, personal growth, and well-being. Your future state can be as limitless as you like, but remember it will take action to get you there.

OK, so now you have a vision for your life that encompasses your values - now we are going to set your top 3 priorities for the next 3 months. Look at where you are today versus where you plan to be in the future (your vision) and create your top 3 priorities to focus on for the next 3 months. Focusing on priorities implies they are important to you and therefore you are motivated to pursue them. Keeping it to the top 3 over a finite period of time also supports your ability to accomplish the actions needed for success. At the end of 3 months, take 20 minutes to sit down and create 3 new priorities for the next 3 months, and so on.

How is this different from a resolution you may ask? A resolution usually represents a year long goal and for most people, it is not very specific. Instead of focusing on one goal for the year (again, only to forget or abandon it in a few months) you are going to create and recreate priorities that sustain your attention and focus throughout the year and encompass your values to keep you motivated.

This year, opt for a new approach to creating the life that you want in the new year. Take a few minutes to reflect on your personal mission and vision for the future. Put pen to paper and be sure to post your priorities where you can see them. Most importantly, take action right away toward living the life of your dreams!

Here are some additional resources to help you create and sustain a plan for a successful new year:
Mygoals.com
Personal Mission Statement
More Tips

Smart Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Last year a friend of mine suggested that I send in my networking story to an author that was writing about successful networking. I wrote my story and then forgot all about it. One year later, I received an email asking for my address because I was to receive a free copy of a new book that I was featured in. Imagine my surprise!

I read Liz Lynch's Smart Networking in two days (partly because I was off work for the holiday and partly because I couldn't put it down!). This book is a must read, especially for entrepreneurs or anyone interested in making a career change. I have already implemented several of the 24/7 tips to ensure that I can connect with others and increase my network even while I am asleep!
Here is an overview of this powerful book:

Packed with powerful strategies tested by years of experience as well as real-life stories from the field, Smart Networking describes how to integrate face-to-face techniques with a strong online presence to expand your professional circle exponentially.

Learn how to:

Identify the gaps in your network and develop a plan to fill them
Tap into existing contacts and master the art of the ask
Increase visibility through speaking, e-zine publishing, and blogs
Expand your reach with social networking tools
Develop a winning mindset to guide all your networking activities

Whatever your profession, relationships are a key driver of your success. It’s not too late to start networking smart.

Get a head start on the new year and get Smart Networking by Liz Lynch.

Recession Proof Your Life - What's at the Top of Your List?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Networking to ensure marketability?
Saving Saving Saving!
Simplifying your life?
Learning a new Skill?

Vote in our poll and tell us more!

Grow Your Biz In Tough Times

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:13:00 +0000

We keep hearing how bad things are all over - which is why I stopped watching the news. I am knee deep in starting my new business and I have every intention of doing so despite all the negative buzz. My business is success coaching for small business owners and I have to use my same advice to ensure my own success! Here are a few of the things that I am doing right now to make sure that I thrive:

First, get creative. Now is the time to start creating value for people and businesses structured around our current environment. It's time to think differently in order to come out more agile than the competition. Easier said than done, but try taking a day off - unplug - and just focus solely on what you can create to generate prosperity for your biz.

Second, stay grounded in the present. There is a lot of focus on the future economic conditions right now, which draws us away from our current focus. Remember that there is no stress in the present moment! Take the time to get present, focused, and define your priorities for the next 90 days so you can keep your mind on the end game.

What are some of the things you are doing to ensure that your biz comes out stronger than ever?

Hectic Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Pam Narvaez) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:59:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, we all get so busy getting ready for the upcoming holidays that we barely have time to sit down and take a deep breath! Between, hosting, shopping, planning, baking, cooking, more shopping and cleaning - when is there time to just enjoy yourself? With so much going on around the world on top of everything else, it's hard to feel relaxed.

Not this year. This year you can be different. You have the power within yourself to make the choice to relax and enjoy yourself. How you may ask? It's simpler than you make think. Follow these few easy steps and lighten your load this year.

First - change your mindset. Where are all these expectations coming from anyway? Do you have to do all the things on your to-do list? Most often you will find that you are the one creating the expectations. Think about some of those things that are keeping your thoughts racing - would anyone even notice if you didn't do them?

Second - set an intention to relax. Yes, it's that easy. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself that your intention for the day is to relax. Anything that comes up in your day that doesn't support that can come off your to-do list (I give you permission!)

Third - be present in the moment. There are so many fabulous little moments that go by each day without any notice. Take a few deep breaths every day and just be here. You'll find there is no stress in the present moment.

Make this year different and truly enjoy your holidays by simply being mindful of the wonderful world we live in, all the things you have to be grateful for, and enjoying a few nice moments for yourself.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday,