Meetings & Events
What Will Replace the Handshake?
I have a lot of great childhood memories. One that really sticks in my mind? Learning how to shake hands. Uncle Craig, my mother’s youngest brother, would line up my cousins, sister and me as he taught us a proper handshake. I never understood the importance as he approached us one by shaking our…
Read MoreGrieving the Loss of In Person Interactions
Grief. It’s a word that I’ve seen referenced over and over on social media sites, podcasts and articles. Have you seen it, too? Experts talking about our “collective” grief over the pandemic. Each time I read or listen, I think, Yes! That’s exactly what I’m feeling! Then I think, wait, what am I REALLY grieving? Monday I…
Read MoreStay Connected Virtually: 5 Lessons Learned
I’ve had more Zoom video calls in the last two weeks than I’ve ever had before. Everyone, it seems, wants to stay connected virtually. And I know I’m not the only one. For example, my dad, John, retired to Florida a number of years ago and spends a good amount of his time teaching…
Read MoreMaking Decisions Based on Values Not Fear
Fear & Courage Anger & Love These are the dances I’ve danced most of my life and they are now heightened. Tough to navigate for a brain that craves logic and data and something to truly sink my teeth into so I can make informed decisions. Not emotional ones. Last weekend I let fear…
Read MoreSpeak With Courage (Not Dread!)
Public speaking – you know things like networking, running workshops, presenting at an industry conference or giving talks at local business groups – is a great way to promote your business and cut through the noise that is social media. Yet, lots of smart, accomplished, creative entrepreneurs and service providers dread the task. Some…
Read MoreAre You Making a Good Impression When You Speak?
Making a good impression when you speak is vital if you want to be memorable for the right reasons. The following anecdote is a true story. Names and details have been left out to protect those involved. Last week I heard and saw something professionally upsetting. Here is the short version: A speaker took…
Read MoreStop Settling in Business: Make Yourself Heard
“It’s fine.” “No big deal.” “That’s OK.” How often have you settled for something you didn’t really want in business? That’s what today’s blog post is all about. Let 2020 be the year you stop settling, speak up and make yourself heard. It all started with a couch. My husband and I finally decided…
Read MoreThe Importance of Bringing Ideas to Life
Bringing ideas to life takes courage. And watching people bring their ideas to life brings me so much joy. Especially when those ideas improve the personal or professional well-being of people and communities. That made presenting a workshop on Creating Meaningful Connections in Business and Life last week at the first Elevate Conference in…
Read MorePlease Stop Boring People in Meetings
“Woo!” That’s how I started a five minute pitch last week at a business networking event. See, 20 business owners had been sitting around a large conference style table eating a lunch of clam chowder, over-sized chicken sandwiches and french fries, and listening to person after person talk for five minutes about their business.…
Read MoreDo Your Presentations Lack Energy?
My husband gave up eating french fries 4 years ago after reading an article stating that as men approach a certain age, french fries and potato chips are often the biggest contributor to weight gain. And just like that he hasn’t had a french fry since. Since he didn’t mention anything about women in…
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