Linx to Professional Success

Know When to Change

2011-06-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

Ya gotta know when to go. Ya gotta know when to change.....Steve Jobs is the master of staying ahead and doing clear, simple things to move his business forward.

The Solution Linx Team is consolidating 3 blogs into 1 so that you can get personal growth, professional success and health & wellness coaching all in one place. That will be easier for you...and of course, easier for us!

Visit Linx to Life Your Way....that's where you will find all posts from now on.

Click here to get to the intro post.

Thanks for being here with us. Make sure you join us there....and share us with your friends.

Your Leadership Voice

2011-04-26T08:52:00.001-04:00

There are many voices that you use in your day.

Your Leadership Voice is strong and clear.

But what does that voice really say.

Find out about the Voices of Change at Leadercast 2011.

Windsor, Ontario Event Details - click here.

Other sites - click here.

The Element

2011-04-20T08:26:00.000-04:00

The Element by Sir Ken Robinson
This amazing book opened up my eyes to learning. Learning is action. The Element is finding the space where learning, growth and happiness/fulfillment go together for you. So for each of us it is different. Take a minute to imagine that space - where you act in tune with who you are - you are a creative individual. Think about the people you lead....do you allow them to be in their element?
"People who think differently make the world a more interesting place. We need to nurture and help develop creative people, instead of labeling them as damaged."

[Temple Grandin, Author of  Thinking in Pictures]

"Ken Robinson presents the theme of creativity and innovation in a way that makes you want to go out and make your dreams a reality. In his wonderfully easy-to-read and entertaining style he presents the stories of many who have done just that. This is a valuable book for educators and community leaders ... most important, it is a book that lightens and lifts the minds and hearts of all who read it. "

[Susan Jeffers, PhD., bestselling author of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway® and Life Is Huge!

"The Element gives you the feeling that all is possible if we dig deeply within ourselves, utilizing imagination and curiosity."

 [Vidal Sassoon, hairdresser and businessman] - (all reviews originally by theelementbook)

Sir Ken Robinson will be at Leadercast on May 6, 2011. To find a site in your area click here: Leadercast

What is Your Trajectory?

2011-04-06T12:19:00.001-04:00

Have You Planned to Hit the Bullseye?

Professional success and personal development go hand in hand. If you plan to reach your goals, you will hit the mark. Helping to increase your chances of success and keep your career trajectory on track is the implementation of a personal development plan.

Pretty easy to do....list your strengths and areas of opportunity and quickly jot down ways in which you can continue to leverage your strengths to build your opportunities into strengths as well....or simple build more opportunities.

If you would like a template, simply post a note on this blog and I would be happy to send you one and walk you through it!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Can You Adapt?

2011-03-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

Change is happening all around us. The world of work, the world of play, our communities are constantly changing. How are you prepared to handle change?
Do you:

take a moment each week to step back and look at where you have been?
take a moment each week to look at where you are going and determine if that still makes sense?
talk to people in your industry, including competitors to understand how change is affecting them?
listen to your customers or clients and their needs so that you can help to create solutions to their problems?

These are 4 quick and easy ways to get ahead of change, or at least not get broad-sided by it. Try it out and see what happens.

Leaders Build Teams

2011-03-22T12:06:00.004-04:00

"The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say "I." And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say "I." They don't think "I." They think "we;" they think "team." They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but "we" gets the credit...This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done." - Peter Drucker

Whatever your role, in whatever organization, you need Teamwork to succeed. Solid leaders build teams by engaging others first, leaving themselves to the end. Do you follow that leadership principle?
What can you change so that you can start to emulate Mr. Drucker's leadership model?

I Know I Need a Coach When...

2011-03-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

I ask myself these questions and get stuck finding an answer....

Am I on the way to professional success?
Am I getting the recognition at work that I deserve?
Do I do everything because no one else can do it as well as I do?
Do I feel that circumstances beyond my control are dictating my destiny?
Do I have trouble communicating with my boss? My co-workers?

Take control of your life....don't let life control you!
Investigate professional success coaching at the following sites:

Solstice Group Coaching

Mastermind Experience

Online Coaching

Lots of coaching programs have free sessions or trial opportunities, what do you have to lose?

The Stand Up Meeting

2011-03-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

"Stand up when you're on the phone. A USC study found that your brain's information processing speed increases 5 to 20 percent when you're standing. Think you may look a little goofy standing around your office? You'd be in good company. Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway and Winston Churchill all stood while working."

~David Cottrell

I once worked at a very large company that had so many meetings nothing could ever be executed. They decided to institute a timer so that speakers at the meetings would get off of their soap-boxes and stick to the point. This worked for all of about 3 days.

The company had a counterpart in the UK. They actually held the same number of meetings each day but in less time. When asked how this could take place, the answer came back with the following:

a clear agenda with only 3 points max.
only decision-makers attended the meetings
every meeting started on time no matter if all were in attendance or not
the attendees could leave the meeting if the host did not appear within 3 minutes of the start time without advanced notice
all meeting were held standing up - NO chairs in the room

Pretty simply, this led to efficiency and productivity all around. While the decision-makers were at the meeting, others were able to work on projects to meet deadlines.

Imagine that!!? Try it! It works.

On-boarding Talent

2011-03-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

What is your story? Why would I, or anyone else, want to work for you and your company? Leaders need to face the facts that people join companies because the find an affinity to the values, the culture, the reputation and most importantly, the other people who work there. In order to attract talent, leaders and the human resource teams need to ensure the atmosphere in the workplace is properly translated into the job posting, the interview process and the on-boarding process.

If your company is very one dimensional in decision-making, having a job posting that describes team decision-making would really not paint a true picture. This would also hold true of a panel interview when only one person is going to make the decision.

If the company dress code is blue suits, ties and pumps, then having the interviewer dressed in jeans does not connect. Same goes with a call from the company that has music in the background, noise other distractions, that do not reflect the quiet, calm that is what the potential hire will live in during their tenure.

Attracting talent is really a marketing plan. This plan needs to be built on the brand of the company. Each segment of the hiring process needs to follow the plan. Most important, and most neglected is the on-boarding process. It is no longer acceptable to have to wait 3 days or a week to get access to company email, voicemail or tools. It is no longer acceptable to hope people will just figure it out. As much as we may think that this time spent is wasted, it will actually set the tone for the rest of that new hire’s time in position and their ability to refer people to the company as future employees or clients. You will need to be very methodical and literal in your explanation of policy, tour of area, introductions to all key players and more. This list, although not all-inclusive, would be a great start to build an on-boarding program.

□ Basic tour of entire work area and building including washroom facilities, emergency exits etc.

□ Overview and completion of all on-boarding paperwork with deadlines for returning any outstanding documents – especially for health benefits, this will eliminate future issues.

□ Review of employee handbook or operations manual that describes key company policies, including specific policies that would affect the new hire’s role. For example: a field salesperson will need more in depth review of travel and meal expenses than the customer help line new hire.

□ Introduction to all members of the team – leadership team included. Building a schedule for 15 minute sessions with each area would help the new hire familiarize themselves as well as get comfortable with the new team.

□ Members of own team – develop schedule for 30 minute sessions for each team member so that they can get to know each other one-on-one and then a team session to go over current projects, priorities etc.

□ Show desk area and supplies, as well as how to handle getting more supplies – order process or cabinet, who is responsible for that etc.

□ Work with new hire to develop a calendar for training opportunities that are unique to your company – culture-based learning, e-learning, off-site courses or classes, required meetings to attend. This will help the new hire develop a routine within the business as well as understand the support that is available to them

The list could go on. If your company does not have a structured on-boarding process, I would advise that you develop one. To start, think back to when you started with the company....how did you feel? How did you find out everything? What did you miss and find out later? Build the rest around the brand.

Untapped Business Opportunities

2011-02-23T12:28:00.003-05:00

You are sitting at your desk, or better yet, outside at lunch just relaxing and breathing for a moment. Suddenly it hits you. The idea of a lifetime. You say “why didn’t I think of that before?” it’s a business opportunity that has not yet been tapped. Perhaps it’s a new way to segment your market or a new way to market to your niche; it could even be a completely different industry, and you have discovered an innovative way to tap into it.

What do you do now?
Try this:

□ Write out exactly what you have discovered

□ List all the resources & references that you will need to look at to investigate your new opportunity

□ Determine if you will need investors

□ Create a short plan with dollars and cents so that you can do a high-level evaluation of the plan.

□ Look at your lists and match that to your current available time to determine where this untapped business opportunity will fit into your timeline

It’s a start. You need to understand if the time you will spend here will be worth it in the end. From this decision, you will need to create your business plan and move forward.

Who knows? Through your investigation, you may figure out that this is a brilliant untapped opportunity for someone else – don’t be shy to pass it along.

Share with us....

The Customer Experience at Sephora

2011-02-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Every now and again you come across exemplary service. Las Vegas, Nevada is an amazing place – you would expect service. I got amazing service! Being from the southernmost part of Canada and visiting there in January, I noticed that my skin was very dry and I needed some moisturizer. I walked into the Sephora store that is located at the base of the Venetian Hotel & Casino and was approached by a wonderful, sweet lady who asked me what I needed. I explained the moisture situation and she got into action – finding the products that would solve my dry skin. This lovely ‘angel’ spent almost 45 minutes with me....and yes, I left with product – Philosophy product – but only exactly what I was looking for even though the ‘angel’ graciously showed me about 10 different items. Not only did she show me the products, she tried them on my skin, told me how to use them, alternatives, ingredients and more information than I could believe was available. She was very knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable taking advice from this ‘angel’. I thanked her and even mentioned the awesome service to her manager (who was on the salesfloor – if you can believe that!!!) I left smiling and happy.

Now after a few weeks of using the products as instructed, my skin looks even better, and the cold Canada winter that is hitting can’t even change my look. I have even had compliments on my skin.

Thanks ‘angel’ and Sephora – for the awesome service and product knowledge. Thanks Philosophy for the skin care products!

Sometimes You are the Product

2011-02-04T07:04:00.001-05:00

Sometimes YOU are the product – it is the service that you provide that is what the client sees as the product, you need to be focused on building the relationship for whatever amount of time it may take (statistics show that people need to hear the same message at least 9 times before they act on it)

 Listening is critical – we need to provide the response to their needs – sometimes we cannot do this right away as they are not sure what their questions/needs are – listening and continuing to ask questions of the prospect or client will help us get there.

 Providing value-add information with the letters and emails – so not just a pitch, but interesting information that make the client & prospect look forward to your information.

As the product, you are responsible for delivering what the client is looking for....are you ready for that?

Group Coaching

2011-01-26T06:58:00.005-05:00

Group coaching is about getting together (in person or by teleconference) with people who have like goals or a common agenda. Group coaching can help open your eyes to challenges and roadblocks as well as successes and milestones that other have reached.

Your progress in group coaching can quickly and efficiently help you move towards your goals. Group coaching is a great way to test out the 'coaching waters' and see if a Professional Success Coach and one-on-one sessions can help you create the life you want to live.

Topics covered in Group Coaching are:

Business Energizer
Create Your Vision
Get Control of My Time
Ready to Change
Solo-preneurs & Start Ups
Get Your Business Out of Neutral

Click here for more details on Group Coaching.

Networking vs. Relationships

2011-01-19T07:35:00.014-05:00

There was a 2 week period in the last month where I was invited to more than 10 different networking events. Through Facebook, LinkedIn and even from groups that I already belong to, the invitations kept pouring in.
Now, I know I am not that popular...my business is barely a year old. I started to look at the invitation lists - because on Facebook you can see who else is invited, attending or not...and noticed that there was not really a selection process, more or less, just everyone from someone's list.
I also noticed that many of the same people were invited to all the events, and a few were attending all of them.
That got me to wondering:

why would I go to all the events to see all the same people?
when do these people actually spend time working ON their business or with clients if they are out at an event everyday?
what focus is there on building relationships not just networking?

What do you think?

I think that as an entrepreneur there is great value to being out in the marketplace to be visible and get introduced to people. I also believe that the value comes from taking time to get to know others, listen to their story, find out what makes them so passionate about their business so that you can understand them and your connection to them. They may turn into a client - they may not...they may also be able to refer you to others, but it does not stop there...it becomes continued connection through emails, or social media...staying in touch and following up for a personal meeting, even the odd phone call to see how life has been treating them - professionally of course!

What I have learned from all of this is the following:

be selective in the events you attend and do your research ahead of time - who is the host, what is the goal, who is attending
set a goal for yourself describing why you are attending - to meet how many people or which types of business owners
say 'No' to the ones that do not fit with you, your business or your schedule - there is no point in wasting time, and energy

Live as a Leader

2011-01-16T07:50:00.001-05:00

If only leadership was a button on our keyboard or an AP on our phones.
Imagine what we could switch on and do, or re-do?
Unfortunately that is not the case.
Leadership is LIVE ACTION.
Leadership is change on a dime.
Leadership is taking what comes at you and making the best of it for others.
Leadership is straight-shooting, forward-thinking, dynamic, energetic, LIFE!

To live as a leader, you cannot separate the personal and the professional - you will always be only one person. You will need to live authentically in all you do. You cannot switch off from one type of individual to another based on the circumstance at the moment. I am not talking about the many facets of our personality - I am taking about our values at our core. (if you can switch off your values and actions...then that will be a difficult life).

No matter what - you are always you. The way to you act with your kids, speak to your neighbours, engage with your team, work with your colleagues, is all about the authentic you, living as a leader.

To learn more about living as a leader click here.

Do You Mastermind?

2011-01-12T07:00:00.005-05:00

Napoleon Hill, author of 'Think and Grow Rich' is the father of the 'mastermind' concept.
The mastermind is quite simple.
The mastermind is what happens when more than one mind work together in harmony, focused on a common goal. More than one mind can conceive ideas that a single mind may never find.

Joining a mastermind group - online, by teleconference or in person, can provide you and your business with a unique avenue to look into the future and create amazing new plans that are developed because of the focus on your business by more than one mind.

To learn more about the Mastermind Experience or to join a free teleseminar - click here.

Be the One

2011-01-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

Are you the One?

Be the One.

You can listen to great speakers and participate in a facilitated leadership discussion in person or by teleconference.

Speakers include Jim Collins, Connie Podesta, Steve Uzzell, Chip Heath, Mark Sanborn and Tony Dungy.

Join the Be the ONE Leadership Development Series and find what you are looking for to move your leadership to the next level.

Click here to complete the information request form.

New People on the Team

2011-01-05T07:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes adding new people to a team is like a tug-of-war.
The team members that are already in place want to stick to what they know, who they know and what they do. They have difficulty giving up old systems, routines, plans, ways of working or thinking because they feel that it worked in the past.
The difficulty comes from lack of familiarity - it is important for new people to be properly introduced to a new team so that their qualifications and background are presented to help the group understand why this person was brought on.
Open-mindedness and new ways of working will evolve as the team develops in their relationship. It will take time. Be patient and listen to both the team and the new individual - their feedback will tell you everything you need to know about where the future will be.

2011 is Here!

2011-01-01T16:10:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011!

May all your wishes come true.

from the coaches at Solution Linx

Way to Go!

2010-12-29T07:59:00.005-05:00

The New Year is just around the corner. You made it this far! Congratulations!

(I hope that you can hear me clapping for you!)

Time to reflect on your year.

List 5 things that you did that were really proud of this year.
List 3 things you did that you wish you did not.
What did you do that surprised you?
Name 5 new contacts that made an impression on you. Why did they make an impression?
What have you got planned for the New Year?

Not sure - then head over to this link and create your New Year plan today.

What A Day to Celebrate!

2010-12-25T07:08:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

May all the stars shine on your and yours.

from the coaches at Solution Linx

Get Out There

2010-12-22T07:42:00.001-05:00

"Life is not a dress rehearsal."

John C. Maxwell

I love that saying. Always think of everyday as a stage - you are on it.

What you say.

What you do.

How you act.

Is there for all to see.

Are you ready?

New Things

2010-12-15T07:22:00.002-05:00

New routines and plans can cause stress on the team and for yourself. Taking a risk to implement new things - routines, schedules, reports, creates change to the status quo.

This action now becomes about change - improvement and innovation, new ideas and following up on the suggestions/input of others. Getting people on board with the change is where leadership is required.

Questions to consider when taking a risk:

why am I taking this risk? what will the results be?
what is the difference between new and old?
who will be impacted?
what education and follow up is required to make the new 'thing' stick?

If you have considered this during your plan, you have mitigated some of the risk in introducing new things to your team.

Go ahead - take that risk - you will learn from it no matter what!

Voices of Change

2010-12-14T07:19:00.001-05:00

Every year, Giant Impact presents the Chik-fil-A Leadercast.
A fabulous full-day simulcast with world-class speakers on leadership.

The theme this year: Voices of Change will inspire us to use our voice to tell our story and change the world in which we live and work.

This phenomenal day will leave you uplifted, ready to move in new directions and change the way you think and act.

To participate in a Leadercast event near you visit www.leadercast.com.
If you are in the local Essex County Area - visit Windsor Essex Leadercast 2011

When Their Problem is Yours

2010-12-08T07:06:00.000-05:00

There comes a time in every leader's life when the problems of the team become their problems. What to do? Why does this happen?

As the leader, you have already accepted responsibility for the team and their results (see, I did not say actions). Your role is to guide them to success through execution of the plan or project. There will be a time when the team gets stuck and the problem becomes yours. Have a look at the reasons you now own the problem:

was the direction unclear
were the steps not cohesive
were all the roadblocks anticipated, examined and resolved
were all the stakeholders involved

Now - push the problem back to the team. Unless it is one of funding or lack of people-power, you really can't solve their issue. You can guide them through it. That is what you do as the leader.

Here are 2 great books to read that can help you with the struggle of accepting the problems of others: