Tag Archives: inspire

The Secret To Time

Posted on by

Here’s a time management secret I’ve never shared with anyone before.  When you use it, you will be amazed how much longer time expands for you.   Sounds hard to believe?  Keep reading and I’ll prove my point to you.

As I mentioned above, I’ve never discussed this concept before because I felt it was too powerful to share.  But when my business partner and colleague, Theresa Corcoran (motivational speaker and author of Rebound and co-author of YES, You Can!) asked me to expand on this material further, I decided to include my fan-base in this secret as well.

 [box] Relax into Time[/box]

 Don’t take time so seriously.  This sounds odd coming from an efficiency and time management coach. I make my living assisting others be more effective with their time and with their work life balance strategies.  Turning around and telling those same folks to ignore time constraints and time limits seems counter-intuitive.  Isn’t that what time and project management is all about?

You are right.  Therefore, I am not suggesting we ignore time altogether.  I’m recommending using time simply as a tool to rendezvous with the important things in our lives: people, events, and opportunities that propel us forward faster.  Indulge in the knowledge that everything that MUST GET DONE will get done.  If it doesn’t get done, it was not a MUST DO.

[box] Play with Time[/box]

‘Play’ and ‘work’ are both four letter words, yet they illicit very different emotions. Incorporate ‘play’ into everything that you do.  Focus your time and attention on your deliberate activities until it is no longer fun.  Once you have depleted your inspired action for this particular sitting, playtime is over.  Take a break.  Move onto something else with the intention of returning later.

[box] Indulge Time[/box]

Colleagues wonder how I create so many articles, eBooks and videos in such quick fashion.  How do I find the time?  It’s not much of a trick.

I wonder.
I wonder.
And wonder some more.

Then one early morning I wake up with an inspired direction that I can’t fight (as if I would want to fight it).

Conclusion:

If you have a clear direction and vision, even though you don’t have a detail understanding of how you are going to get there, normally things fall into place at exactly the right time.  Fussing and worrying about when it will appear is unproductive.  You will figure it out as you go along.

Think of it this way, if the answer is just around the corner; you need to be moving forward to greet it.  If you are stagnant, someone else will collect the prize.

Best News: If someone else collects that prize, another prize is just around the next corner. You don’t need to compete; you just need to keep moving.

If you enjoyed this article, similar articles can be found at Laura Lee Rose’s Professional Career Development Library  (or subscribe to this link http://eepurl.com/dUi81)

If you are interested in more detail professional coaching or a professional coach to help you stay on target with those goals, please consider one-on-one coaching sessions to propel you forward faster.

Copyright © 2012 www.LauraLeeRose.com

Integrity Booster: It’s all in the follow-through….

Posted on by

By Laura Lee Rose, author of TimePeace: Making peace with time

Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose – Corporate Exit Strategist for the Blooming Entrepreneur – and I am a business and life coach that specializes in time management, project management and work-life balance strategies.  As a business coach, I sometimes receive late requests to change an appointment. Because of my busy schedule, it’s not easy to accommodate these types of last-moment requests.  In my professional life, I easily handle this with my cancelation and refund policies.  But how do we handle similar things in our personal and social lives?  Well, I recommend that we respond in similar tones.

Many people define integrity as: Saying what you mean, and doing what you say.
Most of us will say we have integrity.  If so, then why are we still:

  • late for appointments
  • avoiding certain phone calls and meetings
  • not following-through on commitments to ourselves and others
  • telling people what we think they want to hear
  • asking just short of what we really want, because we don’t think others will give us exactly what we want
  • say something we don’t really mean

All the above are examples of ‘a slip of integrity’.

Everyone has been disappointed by a seemingly sincere person.  And everyone has disappointed someone in the very same way.  Therefore, everyone has hiccups in their integrity.  It’s natural.  It’s human.  To me, integrity is a muscle that we can make stronger with practice and time.

A key integrity-muscle toning exercise is how we respond when we do fall off center.  Do we not only apologize, but go out of our way to make amends? Or do we make a string of excuses for the mistake? Do we blame others? Do we allow the shame of making a mistake compound the situation?

Generally, it is not the initial hiccup that causes people to question our sincerity and reliability.   It is actually how we handle our mistakes that define our true integrity.  People don’t normally lose respect for us when we make a mistake.  It’s how we take responsibility for that said mistake.

Toning exercises:
1) Acknowledge and be at ease with the fact that we will falter from time to time.
Think of a tight-rope walker.  They are literally walking the straight and narrow.  But if you look closely, the entertainer is constantly falling off balance.  They are constantly regaining their balance with the continuous adjustment of their body from the tip of their heads to the top of their ankles.  Their adjustments are so quick and subtle that, in the big picture of things, they are perfectly in balance and on course.

2) Define a personal refund or amend policy.

In any business and social endeavor, we are ultimately in the service of others. If we take on the ultimate service position, then we need a personal refund policy. You cannot be all things to all people.  Nor can you be all things to one person.  Because of this, some people will be disappointed at one time or another. Create a personal refund policy and protocol that you can immediately initiate and execute when you miss the mark. If you are prepared to make amends, your respond will be appropriate and immediate.

3) Immediately execute your refund/amend policy.
If you commit to a refund or amend policy ahead of time, you are more likely to take your word more seriously.

If you are interested in some real-world, real-life scenarios and examples, continue to the appendix section at www.lauraleerose.com/Integrity Booster.pdf

If you are interested in similar articles, they can be found at Laura Lee Rose’s Professional Career Development Library  (or subscribe to this link http://eepurl.com/dUi81)

If you are interested in more detail professional coaching or a professional coach to help you stay on target with those goals, please consider one-on-one coaching sessions to propel you forward faster.

Thinking Like the Owner: Using Speaking Engagements

Posted on by

This is part 3 in a 3-part series.

Laura Lee Rose, who is a business coach and corporate exit strategist, shares how testers, developers and project managers can think like an entrepreneur in their current corporate position. She explains how “thinking like the owner” paves the way for advancement within the company and beyond.

 

In my recent interview with SSWUG.ORG’s Stephen Wynkoop regarding ‘thinking like an entrepreneur, in any position’, I had several viewers ask me for additional examples to illustrate points that were made.

Let’s play with these three typical development scenarios.
1) There is an unhappy client that you are working with in regards to a reported defect in your code area.
2) There is a happy client after you have delivered a fix in a quick and professional manner.
3) You have been using speaking engagements to gather sales leads.

Previously we explored scenario #1: Unhappy Client and scenario #2:  Happy Client.   Today we will explore scenario #3: Using Speaking Engagements. Continue reading →

Thinking Like the Owner Sets You Apart: Part 2

Posted on by

This is part 2 in a 3-part series.

Laura Lee Rose, who is a business coach and corporate exit strategist, shares how testers, developers and project managers can think like an entrepreneur in their current corporate position.  She explains how “thinking like the owner” paves the way for advancement within the company and beyond.

In my recent interview with SSWUG.ORG’s Stephen Wynkoop regarding ‘thinking like an entrepreneur, in any position’, I had several viewers ask me for additional examples to illustrate points that were made.

Let’s play with these three typical development scenarios.
1)    There is an unhappy client that you are working with in regards to a reported defect in your code area.
2)    There is a happy client after you have delivered a fix in a quick and professional manner.
3)    You have been using speaking engagements to gather sales leads.

 

Last week we explored scenario #1:  Unhappy Client.  Today we will explore scenario #2:  Happy Client.

Happy client

Every one encounters enthusiastic and happy clients from time to time.  We could meet them at a beta release, trade show, technical expo and speaking engagements.  We could meet them simply on the phone while we are downloading a “just in time” customized enhancement for them.  Whenever we meet them, take that extra step to think like the owner.

Taking that extra step and thinking like an entrepreneur: At this point, share information that your marketing team is looking for client stories on how our product was able to solve their issues.  Ask your happy client if they would be interested in sharing their story, advice or comments.  Most happy clients are open to sharing their success stories with others.  It’s just that it never occurs to them to offer.“What if they say ‘NO’?”  So what?  You are no worse off than if you didn’t ask.  And allowing them to give an anonymous testimonial or success story often resolves any official objections.

Next time we’ll explore scenario #3.

Defragmentation Isn’t Just for Computers

Posted on by

 

The video below is part of the Professional Development Series by Laura Lee Rose.

 

 

If you are interested in more detailed professional coaching or a professional coach to help you stay on target with those goals, please consider one-on-one coaching sessions to propel you forward faster.   Simply send an email indicating your interest to: LauraRose@RoseCoaching.info

—————————————————————————————————————-

Corporate Exiting Strategies for blooming entrepreneurs.
Helping others to easily transition into their next chapter whether it’s the next ladder of success within their corporate environment or into the entrepreneurial playground.

Thinking Like the Owner Sets You Apart

Posted on by

By Laura Rose

Laura Lee Rose, who is a business coach and corporate exit strategist, shares how testers, developers and project managers can think like an entrepreneur in their current corporate position.  She explains how “thinking like the owner” paves the way for advancement within the company and beyond.

 

In my recent interview with SSWUG.ORG’s Stephen Wynkoop regarding ‘thinking like an entrepreneur, in any position’, I had several viewers ask me for additional examples to illustrate points that were made.

Over the course of the next week, we’re going to explore three typical development scenarios:

1)    There is an unhappy client that you are working with in regards to a reported defect in your code area.
2)    There is a happy client after you have delivered a fix in a quick and professional manner.
3)    You have been using speaking engagements to gather sales leads.

 

In today’s post we’ll play with scenario #1:  Unhappy Client

The primary goal of our clients is to “get their job done” accurately, efficiently and effectively.  Toward that goal, the customer isn’t necessarily to use our product the way it was designed to be used; but to use it as they see fit to accomplish their task.  So, sometimes the way our product was designed and the way the client chooses to use it do not match.  When this happens, defects are logged and unhappy customers are created.  This is the nature of our industry.  It’s not a big deal.

Normally when we meet with an unhappy client, we thank them for pointing out the hole in our design.  We acknowledge upfront that we didn’t foresee that the product could be used in this fashion.  And we compliment them on their ability to see beyond the conventional use.

Taking that extra step and thinking like an entrepreneur:  At this point, share with your client the opportunity for them to be a part of an elite group of design partners.  This is a group of hand-picked, insightful individuals that has access to early prototypes and requirement reviews.  This group is considered part of your design group.  As such, they have access to early releases of your alpha and beta releases.  They are part of regular focus groups, usability studies and have regular meetings with your business analysts and marketing teams.

 

Ask this client if they would like more information about this elite group.  Your “unhappy client” will be thrilled to be considered an expert in this field and a candidate for this program.

“But we don’t have a Design Partner Program!”   So what?  When you pitch the idea to your manager and executives, you will have several clients already to participate.

Next time we’ll take a look at scenario #2.

Put the Spark Back Into Your Career

Posted on by

Corporate Exiting Strategies for blooming entrepreneurs.
Helping others to easily transition into their next chapter whether it’s the next ladder of success within their corporate environment or into the entrepreneurial playground.

To sign-up for these tools, subscribe at  http://eepurl.com/gGZtP

———————————————————————————————————–

 

Invitation to Join the 2012 Wish List Club

Posted on by

Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose – Corporate Exit Strategist for the blooming entrepreneur – and I am a business and life coach that specializes in Time Management, Project management training and work-life balance strategies.  Today I am spending time setting up for a magnificent 2012.  I am doing this by creating my 2012 Wish or Bucket list.

How would you like to create your own 2012 Wish or Bucket List?   Step one is to sign up for the 2012 Wish or Bucket List Club at http://eepurl.com/hQN3g   The intention is for those that want to succeed at even a faster pace to join this club to encourage and hold each other accountable.  Once you sign up, you will then receive additional instructions from there on where and how to write your 2012 Wish list.

Try to select 12 (and share only the ones that you feel comfortable with).  Once approved for the club,  we will each encourage and support each other in achieving those goals.   There will be no cost for joining this interchange. Continue reading →

Special Announcement: The 2012 Wish List Club is Here!

Posted on by

 

Please follow this link:  http://eepurl.com/hQN3g   to be approved for the 2012 Wish List Club.

If you are interested in more detail professional coaching or a professional coach to help you stay on target with those goals, please consider one-on-one coaching sessions to propel you forward faster.

—————————————————————————————————————-

Corporate Exiting Strategies for blooming entrepreneurs.
Helping others to easily transition into their next chapter whether it’s the next ladder of success within their corporate environment or into the entrepreneurial playground.

Career in a Slump? It’s Probably Time to Change Your Spark Plugs

Posted on by

Corporate Exiting Strategies for blooming entrepreneurs.
Helping others to easily transition into their next chapter whether it’s the next ladder of success within their corporate environment or into the entrepreneurial playground.

To sign-up for these tools, subscribe at  http://eepurl.com/gGZtP

———————————————————————————-

If your career seems in a slump, it’s probably time to change your spark plugs.

Below is a 2-Part article designed to help IT and database professionals stay on top of their game in an ever-changing trade.  Part 1 describes the steps in general career perspectives.  Part 2 takes those same concepts and implements them in a specific IT scenario.  For more examples that fit your specific work environment, please feel free to contact LauraRose@RoseCoaching.info

———————————————————————————
A car’s spark plug is quite simple in theory: It forces electricity to arc across a gap, just like a bolt of lightning.  The electricity must be at a very high voltage in order to travel across the gap and create a good spark.

Spark plugs use a ceramic insert to isolate the high voltage at the electrode, ensuring that the spark happens at the tip of the electrode and not anywhere else on the plug.#

The spark plug is essential to your car’s ignition. But spark plugs wear out over time. As they get older, they may not spark properly. The energy might be allowed to wonder and escape before it arrives at the appropriate place and level.  This affects your engine’s performance and results in a loss of power.

This engine concept is adaptable to our CAReers.

When your career is stalling and your performance is losing power, it’s time to change your spark plugs.  The ceramic inserts in your career spark plugs have worn out and are no longer allowing that energy to arc across the gap between “who you currently are” and “who you want to be”. Continue reading →