Our lives are full of transitions! Sometimes changes occur at a fast pace and other times there is a lull before the next change hits us. But all in all it is guaranteed that we will experience some form of change; whether minor, catastrophic or somewhere in-between.

Over the years, I have paid attention to how toddlers react to change. What I discovered was quite consistent; they seem to embrace change with a willing and determined spirit. Show them something new and they are ready to mimic it and would not hesitate to let you know they “got it”, my granddaughter’s favorite quote. That age group is willing to try new things. Yet as adults we shy away from change.  Read on

AUGUST 2007 ARTICLE
(Part 3 in the Series: 7 Principles for Transition to Entrepreneurship)

In continuing our series on Transition to Entrepreneurs, the focus this month is on the social aspects affiliated with business ownership.

In no uncertain terms, owning and managing a business have their challenges; one of which is time. The volume of work or the allotted time to get the work done is off-balance. The time factor is a critical component in the success of business ownership. In order to get the right balance requires a high-level of focus and right placement of our energies. It also means getting lean and fit by skimming away the excess. On the other hand, having a well-thought out game plan with proactive measures will undoubtedly be beneficial in making the process smoother and manageable.  Read on

JULY 2007 ARTICLE

Part 2 in the Series: 7 Principles for Transition to Entrepreneurship

Business Principles for Transition to Entrepreneurship

In my interactions with seminar and workshop attendees, clients, business colleagues, and other business individuals, I have observed an emerging pattern that can threaten the success of new businesses. As a result, I’ve put together six key steps for potential business owners to consider as they make the switch. One of the secrets in using this principle is to learn as you go and to apply the steps appropriately and often. Think of it as the roadmap to your destination, not baring detours, setbacks, construction and other interruptions along the way. The best advice I received when I made this transition was to keep moving and not waiting for perfection which is a moving target.  Read on

JUNE 2007 ARTICLE

Part 1 in the Series: 7 Principles for Transition to Entrepreneurship

Personal Principles for Transition to Entrepreneurship

More and more people are stepping out of Corporate America and stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. In his book, "The E-Myth Revisted", Gerber emphasized the importance of working on your business rather than working in your business. New business owners gravitate naturally to the former while neglecting the marketing, planning, strategizing, branding, and technological components to build a strong successful business.  Read on

MAY 2007 ARTICLES

5 Winning Ways to Make the Sale

My basis for this article is geared primarily towards my interactions with sales associates. From my observations of their behavior and strategies over the past several years, I’ve identified 5 key negative habits they’ve practiced in trying to retain my business.

Going forward, I have converted these negative observations to 5 winning ways for sales associates to reverse those ineffective practices to achieve more effective results. In particular, they should apply the following principles:

1. Appropriate focus. Focus more on the prospect and pay close attention to his needs. Do not get distracted by the big sale and ignore the needs of the clients, regardless of how small you perceive them. Remember, this could be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship and referral source.  Read on
   

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Salute To All Graduates!

Now that you have reached this milestone what is your next move? I'm sure relaxation and celebration are the first order of business and rightly so.
But let's look beyond that.

College Graduates, take some time to think through these questions:
• What is your next step?
• Are you prepared to enter the career world?
• How are you going to get there?
• Are you interested in work that fits your purpose or will any job do?   Read on

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Summer Goals - Eat Healthy and Lose Weight

Limiting our favorite foods during the summer can be difficult. But it doesn't have to be. You can still enjoy your favorite foods while eating sensibly. 

I want to share 3 common-sense things I have done to help me maintain my weight and even lose a few pounds during the summer. Whether or not you are struggling with a weight problem, it is not too late to indulge in healthy living. You have to start sometime, why not now. 

Three Common-sense Things to Maintain Your Weight:   Read on

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APRIL 2007 Articles

Taking Risks

I recently learned an important lesson. As a participant in a recent tennis tournament and in my attempt to size up my opponent, I took my game down a notch or two by cautiously going after shots that were within my reach. It was four games into the set when I realized I was still playing below my potential. The fear of losing had gotten to me. Things had to change quickly. I had a motivational conversation with myself that went like this: “Go for it; take a chance. Get more forceful; take some risks.”  Read on

Conflict Resolution from the Employee's Perspective

As we continue with our series on conflict resolution, this month’s focus is looking at conflicts from the employee’s perspective.

In reviewing the commonalities of conflict resolutions, both employers and employees at one point or another have displayed similar patterns of behavior leading up to and after the conflict. Employees have a shared responsibility or burden of conflict resolutions, both proactively and reactively.  Read on

Getting Organized

When we think of Spring, we conjure up visions of cleaning, organizing and decluttering and rightly so for Spring is the rebirth of the old.

I want to share with you the Peace Plan 

P Plan for getting organized

• Spend some time thinking about how things will be different when your project is done. Sketch, write or talk with someone about the finished project. Think order, serenity, harmony.  Read on
  

(Developed by Dr. Donna Cameron.  Click here to get in touch with Dr. Cameron.)

Conflict Resolution from the Employer's Perspective

Who takes ownership of conflicts as they surface in the workplace? Is it the manager’s responsibility or the employee? Arbitration processes and procedures have been put in place to deal with this matter and often the employer is found playing the defensive role. In most cases, these standards are set to protect the employer from potential lawsuits or reduce cries of discrimination from the employees.  Read on

Financial Readiness

Getting Ready

I must admit I had some misgivings about this topic all because financial readiness seems so simple, yet so evasive.  It eludes us and we become victims instead of victors.  As I delved more into the topic, it occurred to me that our first defensive action in reversing this mindset is to take control by first understanding the nuances conceptually and literally.

If our approach to financial matters comes from a needy or not enough mentality, chances are our results would reflect such.  On the other hand, if we are open and ready to obtain, we have postured ourselves to receive.  Making this transition requires discipline, attitude change, faith and belief.  Read on

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

Dealing with conflict in the workplace is unique in itself.   It is a very touchy subject which we try to avoid. We all know that ignoring the problem does not work.  Things just seethe and settle internally to resurface later at times when we least expect it.   It also creates tension and undue stress making the work place uncomfortable.

It has been determined that workplace conflicts increase tension and stress, reduce motivation and disturb concentration.  Studies have revealed that an average 42% of a manager's time is spent addressing conflict in the workplace and “CEOs and senior vice presidents can spend up to 70% of their time on conflict...”   This definitely reduces productivity and can affect us in our pocketbooks.  Consider these key tips in better managing conflict in the workplace.  Read on

Putting Balance Back in Your Life

Having balance in our lives is so important in today's fast-paced society. When our lives are out of sync, the effects are manifested in different ways, such as undue stress, fatigue, low energy, confusion, and procrastination among others.

The primary foci in this article are twofold: 1) to identify areas of our lives where imbalance exists and, 2) to address the challenges of managing self regardless of the different roles we hold. Though the approach focuses on the multifaceted aspects of our lives, we must be mindful that these entities do intertwine and lack of balance in one area can tilt the scales in another area.  Read on...

Importance of Business Preparedness

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), “planning is critical to successfully starting and building a business”. How often have we heard these words, but somehow they are ignored. Businesses start and fail in the United States at an increasingly staggering rate.  For example, every year over 500,000 people start a business of some sort. By the end of the first year, at least 40% of them will be out of business. Within 5 years, more than 80% of them—400,000 people—will have failed!  And, if your business has managed to survive for 5 years or more, don’t breathe a sigh of relief. More than 80% of the enterprises that survive the first 5 years will fail in the second 5 years. Read on . . .

Key Steps in Recognizing your Defining Moment

One's defining moment can be a result of procrastination or not putting forth enough effort.   Each of us have to come to our own defining moment where we ascertain that enough is enough, and that by God’s grace and power we will meet the challenge head-on; taking action worthy of success.

Let's take a look at the key steps necessary in recognizing one's defining moment. (Read on . . .)

Know Your Strengths

As business owners, we are clearly aware of our abilities and technical skills, but oftentimes come short of knowing our strengths in a personal or intimate way.

A strength is defined as something one does well naturally; it may be a talent or skill, but through training, education, the talent is turned into a real strength, according to Marcus Buckingham.   If I were to survey my audience to see how many can identify five strengths in 10 minutes, (Read on . . .)

Metabolic Testing for Optium Health

We are living in the west in a world of obesity, chronic illness and degenerative diseases.   People are getting more diseases younger and younger.   If you have ever suffered from a chronic illness or allergy and nothing you tried seem to help or if you have been yo yo dieting for years, only to be fatter than you originally were before the dieting cycle began, it’s simply because ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!  Your metabolism is unique, you are unique, that is why the very same foods that keep your best friend. (Read on . . .)