December 28, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes To . . . Great Career Advice From a Dog.

I read a great quote about dogs that said that dogs are the only animal on the planet that love you more than they love themselves. Thought that was very powerful. Here are seven amazing professional lessons that my dog taught me about working with others.

1. Body language: 80% of most communication is actually non-verbal. So when in doubt “read” others to see if they are a threat to you. Observe everything – eye contact, stance, types of questions they ask (or lack thereof).

2. Solid business relationships are based on trust, loyalty, and respect: Associate with those who you can build, grind and hustle together.

3. Maintain clear boundaries and expectations give to others: Enough said!

4. Dog fights are ugly and intense but sometimes required: Some things are worth fighting for such as integrity, your professional worth, respect and what is rightfully yours. When your friends, family or your character is attacked turn fight with your words and actions.

5. Trust your instincts: Know when a person or situation seeks to harm or take advantage of you. You know when something does not look kosher, go the other way. Watch those showboating, lying or those saying things that just don’t add up. Hone your instincts by trusting that when you feel someone or something is not right in your gut – you’re probably right.

6. All dogs are different: Remember that everyone has a story that is deeper than the person who you see. Build relationships slowly and over time unpeel the layers of each person you encounter.

7. Learn new tricks: Despite your age or experience you can always hone and learn new ways to do things. Keep an open mind and you’ll find that there is something to be happy about daily. Share that happiness with others.

I have owned a dog since I was 7 years old and believe dogs will always be a part of my life. This week appreciate and reflect on the roles animals have played in teaching you some “human” life lessons. Or if you are not an animal person, try to appreciate and learn from them in other ways. Happy New Year!

December 21, 2016 Things To Think About When It Comes To . . . Looking for and Finding Inspiration And Opportunities in The Oddest Places

Yesterday I turned on the TV at 5:30 a.m. hoping to find something inspirational to kick start my day that would officially start in about an hour. I stumbled upon an interesting piece on Gloria Steinem on OWN and it brought back a great memory of when I met Gloria Steinem because of a hand-written card.

While working for NBC, I met Carole Black when she was the President and General Manager of the NBC owned station in Los Angeles NBC4. Soon after, I heard that she took a job in NYC as the new President and CEO of Lifetime Television. I sent her a short “congratulations way to go” note and got a call back from her assistant about a week later. The assistant passed along Carole’s thanks and a special invite for me to be Carole’s “plus 1” at an upcoming 65th birthday party for Gloria Steinem at Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas’ house! I guess CEO’s don’t get a lot of “congrats on your new gig and huge executive parachute plan” cards.

I will always remember so many things about that great night, such as the 39 other incredible guests and meeting and talking with a living legend. But what still amazes me is that this all happened because of a simple note.

Here are seven things that this unusual string of events in my life and a personal card and thank you note actually taught me about having a successful career.

1. At any moment, you can do something small to put a big opportunity into motion down the road.

2. Career success comes from cultivating professional and personal relationships. People want to work with people they know and like.

3. There are rich people, there are the wealthy people and there are people who are rich because how they have created, navigated and shared their life experiences. Everyone, including you, can be one, two, or hopefully all three.

4. Never underestimate the value of business and social etiquette (if you don’t know it – learn it quickly.) Always remember please and thank you are words that have tremendous power.

5. Celebrities and accomplished professionals in many ways are not like everyday people. However, every human being needs to hear that others are proud of who they are, as well as what they do.

6. Seize every moment to network and learn from people, especially those who you may never see again. I met many people and business associates that day who have impacted my career.

7. Always bring your host a gift or small token of your appreciation. I brought Gloria Steinem a book of poetry, and even bravely gave her an original work of my own. I also sent Carole Black one darn nice thank you note for inviting me and proving such as great networking opportunity.

Find inspiration to tackle a new venture by first simply reflecting on something you’ve previously done that worked out better than you imagined, then take your first step toward doing this new thing. This week take a moment to reflect on these lessons learned and consider who you could send a “personal note” that might directly or indirectly help you experience something great?

December 14, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Come to . . . "Betting on Yourself"

A few weeks ago I found some great career advice in the form of a poem. It spoke about how to be a “winner,” but also redefined “winning” as - doing things that most people won’t and don’t do. A loser as being someone who never tries. It’s time to start to learn from every experience you have and every person you encounter.

Here are seven things that you can do this week to create a pathway of winning and succeeding in the game called life.

1. A winner makes commitments … a loser makes promises My advice - share what you are “going to do” only after you’ve started doing it.

2. Winners are not afraid to be wrong … losers have a compulsive need to be right … Thrive on this rule in your professional life. It’s GOOD to fail - it teaches you what not to do again. Period.

3. A winner believes that we make our own luck, either through what we do or what we fail to do … Truth is, nobody controls all things or all people. You “win” in this game called LIFE by simply being in the game.

4. Winners do it NOW! … Losers procrastinate Time management is a skill that either you have or quickly need to develop. Delaying gratification sucks but you have to do it. Live in rushed chaos, ultimately, get you nowhere.

5. A winner knows that the secret to winning is to be who you are and become who you were meant to be. . . A loser thinks he can win by “fitting in” Shakespeare may have nailed this one best “to thine own self be true.” Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. Live. Love. Do!

6. Winners know that it may be difficult but it’s always possible … losers say it may be possible, but it’s too difficult. Life is difficult, and in different ways, tough for everyone. Losers never try or follow through with anything. You are and will always be a winner when you simply try. Then reach out in some way and tell yourself “good job” for trying.”

7. A winner is not afraid to lose. A loser is secretly afraid of winning. Fear of success is more real than you think. What and where do you self-sabotage? STOP IT, for at least one week. You can and will rise to the opportunity. Remember you can do more than you imagine when you’re doing what you love.

Grow and evolve professionally by knowing you won’t always win on the first or even tenth try. Eventually you’ll find your niche and be on your way to being the best you that you can be. This week pick one of the above seven goals and refocus your mind on the things that anyone can do – JUST TRY!

December 7, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Inspirational Quotes to Get You Off Your _ _ _ _ and Create Some Real Changes Before the End of The Year!

Think of this as a wise, trusted friend passing you a “note” in 8th grade that you’ll want to read, digest, share and discuss with others. Here are seven non-traditional quotes that can literally change your life.

1. Life is not a dress rehearsal: We don’t control how long we have. But we each have 24 hours each day to make the most of whatever experiences and abilities that we do have.

2. Experiences prepare us to live more fully and make informed choices: Living with different people, places, customs and traditions creates confidence. The more diverse experiences we have the more we experience the “more” that life has to offer.

3. Advice is what you ask when you already know the answer but WISH it were different: Instincts are our mental muscles that we must stretch and continually use to guide us to make our own decisions and not react in fear or out of insecurity.

4. Life is a series of choices. You make a choice, and if things don’t work out, you simply make another choice: Living this way means you can never really fail. Make your own choices and live your own dreams!

5. Everyone struggles with something: Face whatever it is square in the face and turn your misery into meaning. Use your “something” to empower yourself and others.

6. Walk. Breathe. Repeat.: I recently heard Robyn Roberts say these three simple words that she used to say to herself as she battled cancer, not once, but twice. Crappy stuff happens to us all - so when it does find something that will encourage you to pick yourself up and keep moving.

7. Live. Love. Do. Don’t think it needs explanation, but live, loving what you do and doing what you love.

The holidays are around the corner and with them comes stress and issues (our own and others). During this last month of 2016, embrace one new way of thinking and you will certainly change your experiences, your circumstances, and your career.