The Contrasts of Life
Posted by: Catherine on: May 14, 2012
- In: Business | General Interest | May 2012 | Success
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As I travelled from meeting to meeting today, I observed, heard and experienced so many situations that were such contrasts. Here are some of the scenarios…
Scenario 1: A mother walking with her toddler down the road was dressed in a parka with the jacket closed and fur-lined hood was up and drawn tight. On the opposite side of the street was a middle-aged man dressed in a Hawaiian style short-sleeved shirt, shorts and sandals walking his dogs.
Scenario 2: A radio announcer was speaking about the weather. We had clear blue skies, lots of sunshine and a light breeze, but the breeze was very cool — not what you would expect when looking out of the window.
Scenario 3: A very thin woman was sitting on the road in the sidewalk in downtown, intoxicated and required the help of two young men, dressed smartly in casual clothes, to come to her aid so she was safely escorted to safety. The gentlemen who ran to her aid were driving high-end SUV’s.
Why do I share these scenarios?
In business (and life) things are not always as they seem at first glance. Some scenarios may look funny, others unexpected while others may appear sad or fill you with despair. Instead, it is important to take a wider look, and consider more than what is on the surface.
One of my clients recently faced a situation where was experiencing decreased sales. His team were working harder and longer, but his long-term employees revealed a low turnover rate. He also had many repeat clients. Their first instinct was to blame this downturn on the economy, which later proved not to be the cause. A review of their financial records indicated the average sale per client had actually increased by 10% or more. Next they blamed inadequate marketing and set out to reposition their key messages and modified their marketing channels. After 3 months, there was no change.
When I began working with them, we reviewed all of these areas. Poor leadership and communication soon revealed itself as the underlying cause. The business owner realized the cored of his problem was an unclear vision, poor delegation and communication between himself and each member of the team, as well as between the company and each client. Establishing a new approach and working together, the team was able to improve internal and external communications, improve efficiencies and stem the profit leakages.
In this case, as in many others, a situation may send you a message which may or may not be correct. Not always do the contrasts reveal themselves as clearly as you may expect, but they exist just the same. Look beyond face value, be willing to look at yourself, your reaction and all factors facing you so that you can make the best decision possible.
Do you want to move your biz or career forward? Are you open to new opportunities and change? Learn more about my products and programs
Improve Your Productivity!
Posted by: Catherine on: May 4, 2012
Earlier today I read an article featured in Forbes, entitled “The #1 Productivity Tool You Aren’t Using”. In this article, contributor Dorie Clark shared insights from Harvard Business School professor Teresa Amabile’s new book “The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work
I began journalling awhile ago and recent business courses I haven on leadership and those focused on entrepreneurs have repeatedly encouraged daily journalling as a way to stay focused and improve results. I concur with these sentiments and have experienced the benefits first hand.
As a business leader, you may not see journalling as the ideal tool. I thought that way too. I related journalling to young girls keeping a diary of their deep dark secrets and feelings. I always created written goals and reviewed them quarterly and thought this was enough. Over a few years I read about leaders who reported that a journal was valuable tool for their success as it allowed them to identify priorities, successes, connections and record thoughts, ideas and goals.
From my experience, I have experienced significant changes, business growth and development, innovation and a strong positive focus that is reinforced every day as I take time out to write in my journal.
Are you journalling daily? If not, I strongly encourage you to start today.
My Business Leadership Journal is the ideal tool to get you started! In only 10 minutes a day, you too can achieve the successes I have experienced, and those shared by Amabile.
What are you waiting for?
The Business Leadership Journal has made ME so much more productive in only a week…
It’s the best get-it-done system I’ve ever done!
Bonnie Sainsbury, Left-Brain Marketing
Are you ready to cheer on our #Canucks?
Posted by: Catherine on: April 13, 2012
Are you ready to cheer on our #Canucks? Game 2 is tonight. It’ll be a good game! #reigningcanucks Go Canucks Go!!
Podcast on Breaking Through Your Glass Ceiling
Posted by: Catherine on: March 22, 2012
Last week I was interviewed by Christine Till, Practical Podcasting. It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to participate in her program. During this podcast, we explored more about my group programs…
3. Goal Strategy Success (with the Business Leadership Journal)
I hope you will enjoy the podcast!
Connect with me today if one of these programs will help you navigate your own success story!
Mastermind 4 Success
Posted by: Catherine on: March 19, 2012
Are you feeling stale in your job?
Do you have a sense of uninspired leadership?
Are you isolated or feeling unsupported?
If you answered yes, our Leadership Mastermind programs are for you.
A mastermind group is also referred to as a peer mentoring group or personal board of directors. Napoleon Hill shared the concept in his book “Think and Grow Rich”
A mastermind group offers a you a supportive group of peers who can provide insights, inspiration, and accountability, peer brainstorming, shared resources and more! Each member of the cohort is motivated to achieve their own success, and the collective success of the entire group. You will not feel alone and struggling any more!
We offer our program virtually using a video conference call. In the metro Vancouver BC area we also have in-person sessions. The group is limited to 6 motivated business leaders (both self-employed professionals , business owners and skilled mangers/executives).
Check out this Napoleon Hill video to learn more about the power of a mastermind.
Don’t delay Your Success….
Register your spot for the May or June Cohorts. Space is filling quickly.
Register before April 1st and receive an early bird discount.
Learn More about the Ignite Leadership International Masterminds
The Need for Followers
Posted by: Catherine on: March 17, 2012
In this TED video, Derek Sivers discusses how movements start. It takes a leader, and a series of followers. It is the first follower who bravely steps forward that starts a movement and is a leaders in their own right.
Are you ready to be the leader? The first follower? or will you be one of the massess who waits for other followers to be in place before being convinced.
More Myths Busted
Posted by: Catherine on: March 9, 2012
Here is another nutrition month handoutfor you to enjoy.
Did you sign up for my newsletter to receive the other handouts I have been sharing this month?
If not, it’s not too late!
Our Way of Igniting Leadership
Posted by: Catherine on: March 4, 2012
Ignite Leadership International is proud to announce
our new fundraising project
with Create Change!
As part of Ignite Leadership’s “More Than Green™” program, we are proud to share our latest social responsibility program.
Our Goal:
To change the lives of six (or more) capable young women in Northern Ghana, who cannot afford to fulfill their dreams of having a career.
To empower these young women to become leaders in their community.
The Story:
In Northern Ghana, most girls drop out of high school by the age 15 due to the quick jump in school fees at the high school level. Thanks to the support of Create Change Foundation, these six girls have successfully graduated and are now dream of obtaining university degrees.
With the average family earning $400 a year from the farm products they sell, girls very rarely make it to university in Northern Ghana, with the tuition costing about $500 each year.
Join us and help these six determined young women to fulfill their potential to become independent, knowledgeable experts in their field, and leaders in their communities.
Nutrition Myths
Posted by: Catherine on: March 3, 2012
March is Nutrition Month. As a Registered Dietitian by profession, I thought it would be fun to share some nutrition resources with you throughout the month.
Nutrition is a key component of healthy living. The intake of each person is swayed by family, friends, media and information on the internet — and myths abound. How do you know the myth from the truth?
I will be sharing a variety of Myth-busting handouts, each with a yummy recipe, throughout the month in my blog and in my ezine. Sign up for my ezine today to receive the full set!
This first issue includes two handouts.
One first handout explains why choosing a Dietitian is a smart choice.
The second handout features a variety of common nutrition myths and the truths behind them!
Build Biz – Insider Secrets
Posted by: Catherine on: February 26, 2012
Building a strong network is key in business today. Many business owners, and professional, undervalue what their network has to offer. If we look at the most successful people, they have all created a very strong network — people they know who offer advice, feedback, support, or help them advance the
ir career or conduct business faster and easier.
Networking events are held regularly. Do you take advantage of these events to build your network? Do you cultivate the relationships with key people who can help you and your career or business?
Sue Clement, Success Coaching, has written a book for business owners who want to attract clients faster and easier, and who are “pre-sold”. No more cold-calling or hard-selling!
Sue guides you on how to create Referral Partners who are great members of your sales force because they know, like and trust you and recognize the value you have to offer others.
This book is an easy read and includes a proven system with valuable worksheets that will help you create your own Referral Success!
To obtain your copy of our Book of the Month… go to http://www.sueclement.com/referral-success-book
