my happy blog

One of my favourite things is to get away to our beautiful beach house on Vancouver Island. Living in landlocked Alberta, it sure is great to escape to the ocean. And once I’m there one of the fun things to do is to sit on the deck and watch the boats go up and down the Juan de Fuca Strait.

All the fishermen and pleasure cruisers head back at the end of the day and as they pull up to the marina they pass a sign that says Minimize your Wake. Now there’s some logic to not having a fancy boat zip into the harbour at top speed. But it seems to me that many people have taken that marine wisdom to heart in the rest of their lives.

Don’t rock the boat baby

Lots of people subscribe to the philosophy that it’s good to sit down and not rock the boat. Don’t want to say anything too controversial. Bite their tongues. Keep their mouths zipped.

The trouble with that is sometimes things need to be said. We spend a great deal of time stepping over issues – stuff that quite likely could be resolved if someone would just start the conversation. At least when people are talking, there’s a chance for a creative solution.

Minimizing your wake depends on the situation

I’m not advocating making waves just for the sake of making waves. We all know people like that – ones who like to stir up controversy so they can sit back and watch the action.

But there are times when disturbing the water is exactly what needs to skin Certainly you need to consider the impact you’ll create. You don’t want to capsize someone else’s boat. A gentle nudge might be all that’s called for. On the other hand, some people can handle a lot rougher water than others.

What’s the wake you leave behind?

Water that stays still for too long becomes stagnant. Are you ready to create some momentum for change?

• Get out of dry dock! Begin the conversation that you have been avoiding.
• Be willing to take a stand. Speak up for the things that are important to you. Nothing changes unless there is movement.
• Be responsible for the waves you make. When you rock the boat, some people might get a little sea sick. Be willing to stick with it if the going gets rough.

Consider if somewhere in your life rocking the boat is exactly what needs to happen. Ask yourself, “What’s the conversation that no one wants to have?” And then think about what would become possible if you actually talked about it?

Laurel Vespi, certified life coach and chief executive guru of stone circle coaching, ignites businesses & individuals to new levels of cosmetics Laurel works with clients internationally, providing unconventional yet practical tips that make the seemingly impossible… possible!

Sign up for Laurel’s free ezine, inside the circle, and receive the bonus article “Five Steps to Finding Your Life Path.”

http://www.stonecirclecoaching.com

The Nectar Of A Relationship With You Must Be Sweeter Than The Fragrance Of Its Announcement From You.

As you present yourself to others in the best possible light, you try to show them that you are a particular kind of individual; the closer they get, the sweeter their experience with you must become.

The Power of Relational Nurturing:

All relationships must be nurtured, but lingerie is especially true of new relationships. When you decide that you want to pursue a relationship with a particular person whom you highly respect, you must be ready to invest substantial time, thought, and resources into your pursuit. Anything less than the conspicuous excellence of devoted attention and tireless servanthood, will delegate you to the throngs of other unnoticed people who would love to befriend such a person.

Greenhouse Principle:

The way that a new relationship must be nurtured is very similar to the care and attention that a tiny, new plant must receive, in order to survive, and then thrive. It would be ridiculous to plant a fragile seedling out in the inclement weather among other established plants, and expect it to survive. A new seedling must be brought into the greenhouse and protected, until it is firmly rooted, and strong enough to withstand the storms that it will later need to endure.

Time & Attention:

New relationships need to be handled with the same devotion and attention. The foundation you build in the earliest stages of an association will perfumes the very nature and future of that relationship. The care and consideration given to an individual at the inception of the relationship will open the door to a strong, deeply rooted bond that will later be able to survive the assault of the most violent storms.

Take Action

• What relationships have you neglected to nurture?

• What is one way you can immediately begin to nurture those closest to you?

• In your own words explain what it means to nurture a relationship… Take five minutes to write down your thoughts & share it with someone who is close to you.

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If You desire to go to the next level in life check out my coaching program!

Robb Thompson Legacy Coaching was created with you in mind.

Through this dynamic program, you will experience the results you’ve always wanted. With personal coaching, we look to solve the three most common problems you face as a leader:

1. Imbalance

2. Broken focus

3. Unfulfilled relationships

As a result of going through our personal transformation system, you will walk in freedom and peace in every area of your life, you will become crystal clear about what you want and how to get there, and you’ll experience fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime.

Allow RTI to assist you in achieving your dreams.

If you are interested in finding out more about Robb Thompson coaching please contact us at coach@robbthompson.com or call us at 708.614.9896.

In my research into the difference between the American game and the International game some interesting observations are evident. This article will share with you my thoughts after watching many teams over the past month. The differences will surprise you!

In the past month I have worked diligently on a project for FIBA, the Federation of International Basketball. The task is to watch and develop scouting reports on each team, men’s and women’s, that participated int he 2006 World Championships.
The men’s teams include Spain (Champion), Turkey, USA, Argentina, Germany, France and Greece. Women’s teams include Australia, France, Russia, Spain, USA, Czechoslovakia, Brazil and Lithuania.

One of the most interesting observations I’ve made during the past month is the differences in our game and the game played Internationally. The style of play contains some differences but our way of playing is severely being overshadowed by the creativity of our foreign counterparts.

Imagine a player from the USA flying down the lane with his defender riding his shoulder. As the pivot foot is planted firmly, the anticipation is that of a thunderous slam dunk, right? We’ve become brain washed to expect a vicious attack on the rim. Nothing wrong with a dunk down the lane, but creativity has become a lost art.

Do you remember the artistry demonstrated by Dave Bing, Pistol Pete Maravich, Tiny Archibald, Magic Johnson, and George Gervin? I loved the way those guys “finished” a play. The variety of shots were endless from the finger roll to the scoop shot, these guys had it all. Those shots are a thing of the past because the game has become so physical and aggressive. Is there a place in the game for these shots to make a comeback? The International game would say “YES” and I’ve got the DVD’s to prove it.

My plan is to put together several groups of clips to show the differences in the two games. Here are some areas where the “Spain’s” of the word have an advantage on us.

1. The art of the on ball screen is at an extremely high level in International ball. The usage of this screen is creative and very hard to guard. Why? The fact that they “read the defense” vs. the defense reading the dribbler makes it an art form all by itself. There are no less than six unique ways that are used to attack the defense in these on ball screening situations.

2. Pass-oriented basketball. The passing is impressive on teams like Argentina, Greece, and Spain. The passes are quick, crisp and have a definite purpose. The number of passes per possession by these teams is higher than Team USA. I know you can’t score points for passing, but it sure can move the defense and lead to some very good scoring opportunities. I thought the idea was to “move the defense” with ball and player movement. My beef with team USA in this summer 2006 tournament is the lack of ball and player movement. It seems that a team is easier to guard if it is more stagnant in its movement.

3. Movement away from the ball. I’m amazed at how well the International players play off of each other. Every move is calculated and done efficiently. There are no “ball watchers” on ball penetration. Again, this kind of feel for the game and awareness of your teammates is impressive. You could blindfold the dribbler and he would still hit his teammate as if he has 18 sets of eyes in his head.

4. Finishing with a variety of shots. It seems that in our game you must power or muscle the ball to the basket. At some point, the finesse needed to finish shots went out the window. The International women in particular are very adept as they approach the basket on the dribble. Rolling layups, hook shots, and reverse over-the-shoulder shots are common place in their game. Shots are made with both hands with amazing precision.

5. Team play. There is nothing like it in my book. Basketball is a team game and needs to be played like it. I get ill watching 4 players stand and watch a teammate try to beat his man AND the rest of the defense to the basket. Is that team ball?

I am using an incredible editing system for this project; the Sideline Analyzer and Organizer. If you have this software you could easily watch hundreds of clips that I have stored on my Sideline system. Sideline is easy to use and cost effective. I would recommend this system to the high school and college coach without hesitation or reservation. I will be making more observations as time goes due to this fascinating project.

Randy Brown has passion for the game of basketball. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. Visit him at http://www.coachrb.com for free resources, Q & A, newsletter, and coaching programs. A speaker and writer, he has authored 75 articles on coaching and is nationally published. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Resume includes positions at Arizona, Iowa State, lips Drake, and Miami of Ohio, 5 Conference Championships and 5 NCAA appearances. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, spa Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. To contact Randy, email him at rb@coachrb.com.

One such leading lady is Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), named President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006, and well-known fashion designer. DVF began her legacy in 1970 with a thirty thousand dollar investment, and by 1973 was known for her revolutionary design of the “wrap dress,” which is on display in the Costume Institute section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After several decades of successful businesses, to include a cosmetic line, publishing house, design and marketing studio and home-shopping venture – DVF has created a line of women’s high-end apparel, and was also The International Center in New York’s Award of Excellence recipient. With such a long and distinguished career DVF is truly a leading lady in the fashion industry.

Wielding the command to make or break designers is an awesome responsibility in the fashion industry, and there are those who are of the opinion that the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has just such powers. Despite Vogue’s status as the top publication in prestige and circulation among fashion magazines, Wintour has chosen to use her powers for the positive and has brought the magazine to a broader audience by giving marriage tips and mentoring struggling designers. “I have always believed that it is important to understand Vogue’s mission in broad and socially responsible terms,” says Wintour, who has spearheaded several functions creating jobs and benefiting charities. To wield such power for the benefit of others is why she has been chosen as one of our leading ladies.

Another leading lady of fashion magazines is Linda Wells, Editor-in-Chief of Allure. While most fashion magazines highlight trend setting runway designs and beauty tips, this powerhouse editor, from Greenwich deals with the hard hitting issues that women face in this day and time. “We were the first women’s magazine ever to write about the dangers of breast implants,” Wells states. “We did the first story on models who were addicted to heroin.” This revolutionary approach for a women’s fashion magazine has sky rocketed Allure’s circulation to award winning status from the advertising and publishing community. With an impressive career legacy which include (just to name a few) editorial assistant at Vogue, beauty editor for The New York Times Magazine, guest appearances on Oprah and “Entertainment Tonight” – her leading lady status is not at all surprising.

Our next leading lady of fashion has a reputation for being unique and groundbreaking in her knowledge of fashion, and her approach as editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. The notable Glenda Bailey, who also served as the editor of Marie Claire’s U.S. edition in 1996, after serving as the founding editor for eight years for the British Marie Claire in 1988, brought the magazine to such heights as to be awarded the status of Adweek’s Top 10 Hottest Magazines four years in a row. Along with three Magazine Editor of the Year Awards, five time winner of Magazine of the Year, and Amnesty International Awards winner twice, Bailey earned a fashion design degree from Kingston University in England. Awards of this magnitude are indicative of the formidable influence that this leading lady of fashion exhibits.

The last, legacy perfume certainly in no way least of our leading ladies of fashion is Fern Mallis, Senior VP of New York’s IMG Fashion, one of the leading fashion event planners. She has earned this position due to her reputation by serving as Executive Director in 1993 on the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and as the organizational genius behind the first “Fashion Week” which was known as 7th on Sixth at that time. With her ability to coordinate eighty temperamental top designers with her pleasant and calm personality along with her ability to handle the paparazzi; such multi-million dollar events such as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is in the capable hands of this high-powered fashion trend setter. Fashion Week in New York is a defining event in the fashion world, making this multi-million dollar extravaganza a feather in the cap of our phenomenal leading lady Fern Mallis.

Skyler Nelson
Fashion Questions and Answers
http://www.fashionqanda.com
877-STYL-411

Maybe it’s true that in order to coach business owners, you designers need to know how to run a business yourself.

Maybe it’s true that you don’t have to understand balance sheets, turnover ratios, or acceptable ROI in their industry to coach business owners in you target market.

It’s possible that you don’t have to know how the dozens of management tools they use regularly work, what they represent, and how they identify problems and opportunities.

But to be credible, so they’ll hire you in the first place, and pay you for your services, you sure do.

A little bit of knowledge will give you the confidence it takes to call on successful business owners – so you can speak with them as a peer.

Business terminology is how they frame their conversations. You will need to be able to “talk the talk” or you’ll probably lose out to fashion probably without your skill and sensitivity, who can.

In 2001 we surveyed our newsletter readers, over 20,000 business owners, senior level managers of privately owned companies and the trade association executives who support them.

They told us unequivocally that what they are looking for in a business coach is someone who understands the world in which they do business.

They don’t expect them to understand enough to be able to run the business, but they do want to be able to have an intelligent conversation with them about how things work.

And they don’t want to have to pay them while they learn.

By 2002 I had interviewed dozens of business coaches. I wrote an article interviewing Dave Buck president of Coachville asking business coaches around the world what the believed business were looking for in a coach.

Their answers proved to be quite illuminating. Those successful coaches who said that “you don’t need to know anything about business to coach business owners” were people who already did know about business.

They could not pretend they did not have the skills and knowledge they already have.

So, if a you do not know much about business – how can you learn enough to survive long enough to be accepted by a niche market?

Entrepreneurs know intuitively that business reality means to consistently bring in more than goes out. If you can’t help them do that, what possible value are you to them?

But if you can help them with that, you will be a hero and have as many clients as you can handle. It is that simple.

Not only must you have value proposition that offers understandable specific bankable results.

I had an idea. How about if we create an interactive text with strategies and tools and a process for discussing them among the members of the business?

This would be a tool to help you learn what makes business owners tick. Or one you could use to teach them what they don’t know, before it’s too late.

Earlier this year it occurred to me that if I was going to reach 500,000 business owners and the professionals who serve them we could just give it away. Simple as that.

I would convert it to HTML, put it on our web site and let the search engines and word of mouth do the rest.

And so I did. It is available in the nav bar of our web site.

The fact is, at least as far as coaches are concerned, that it won’t make any difference. You will probably fall very short of realizing your potential anyway.

You may think I am wrong, that you don’t have to know anything about business to coach business owners. Or you may think that there must be a catch, so you won’t even check it out. Or you are too lazy or not really committed to being financially successful in the first place.

I learned a long time ago that all I can do is the best I can. I published it and am giving it away. Whatever you or anyone else does or doesn’t do with it is not my concern.

If you are serious about doing good, helping others AND making money serving business owners you can, between now and your next client meeting, become well acquainted with business tactics and strategies, at least well enough to convince them of your commitment to learn what’s important to them.

The more familiar you become with the range of materials the more prepared you are to manage your own business, discuss business issues with prospects and clients.

And the more likely you will be to spot opportunities where your services will add value to your clients.

Wayne Messick is sharing the secrets of his success, well over two decades helping business owners position themselves for the future. No longer working with individual business owners, he is leaving you his legacy of transferable ideas and strategies at http://www.ibizresources.com/effectiveness_resources.html Doing It Right, cutting edge strategies for coaching business owners is available at no cost. http://www.ibizresources.com/doright.htm