Do We Make Our Own Luck? Your March “One Minute Note”

March 9th, 2010

With St. Patty’s Day around the bend, luck is a timely topic. James Cameron who directed Avatar had this to say about it: You make your own.

I’ve been testing this out. I realized last month that I wanted to come back to my roots as an actress and deliver more training on camera. I announced it to my Master Mind group and began telling everyone I came into contact with. I started calling agents to see if my mix of talents would be useful for them.

Within two weeks, my friend Barbara called me “from out of the blue.” I put “from out of the blue” in quotes because you may already know where this story is going. She connected me to a client of hers seeking a seminar with elements to be delivered on camera. A perfect match.

Did I create my own luck?

I don’t understand the science of it. I do believe that there’s a connection between all the hustle, bustle and positive energy I put out and my finding this client as if from the blue.

Are you feeling lucky this year? Can I help you generate some hustle, bustle and positive energy?

Happy Green Guinness Day Everyone!

Happy Green Guinness Day everyone!

 

 Where in the World is Jean? 

I’m starting March in Carlsbad, CA then heading off to give Administrative Assistant training on a Naval base in Puget Sound. Later in the month, you can find me in Oakland, CA teaching teamwork strategies.

Where in the world is life bringing you in March?

Richmond02

Huge goings on at the shipyard!

Rave Reads 

As a newer business owner, I used to get overwhelmed with marketing and sales. I swear by the amazing advice I got in Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden. I’ve done her 28 day program a bunch of times and give it a huge thumbs up.

 Get-Clients-Now-2ed

Coaching Corner

Dear Jean,

There’s someone at work (no names!) that I’m beginning to despise. He interrupts me during every meeting we attend together. I never get my ideas heard, and I’m sick of it.

Signed,

Furious

Dear Furious,

That sounds tough. Have you had a one-on-one conversation with him about it? If not, I think this is a big opportunity. Maybe you’ve heard that wise saying We Teach People How to Treat Us. This is your chance to explain to your colleague what is and isn’t okay with you at your meetings.

What would resolve the situation for you? Would it be that he let you complete your ideas without interruption? If that’s the case, I recommend that you ask him for just that. You may want to write down what you’d like to say ahead of time. Some people I coach read their “script” out loud or to a supportive friend to practice. Practicing challenging conversations can help assure that you make your request clearly, respectfully and professionally.

If I’m on the right track, and you’d like to try this, will you let me know how it goes?

Improving Office “Energy”

February 24th, 2010

I am committed to sharing with you what works – even if it sounds unusual. That’s why I’m blogging today about Feng Shui. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics. My friend, Katie, has studied it for years and is a consultant. A few months ago, I gave myself a birthday gift of a Katie consultation.

In preparation, I had to send Katie a floor plan and detail for her my life and business goals. She came in and cheerfully suggested tons of ideas how I could bring in more “chi” or positive energy. Some of her ideas I implemented right away.

A week later, I noticed an up-tic in business. I was musing happily to myself that my marketing efforts must really be having an impact. Then I remembered my work with Katie. Was there a connection? My gut tells me Yes.

Have you ever tried Feng Shui? How did it go for you?

pagota

Analysis Paralysis: Your February “One Minute Note”

February 11th, 2010

I’ve been writing these “One Minute Notes” for over a year, yet this month I felt stuck. I started topic after topic and kept losing my way.

I think what was going on was my acute awareness that there are so many people who read this. Many of you have given me compliments that you like what and how I write. This leads me to wonder each month: Will this Note be as good as the others? Will I disappoint someone this time?

I share with you this personal story because this line of thinking is not uncommon. It’s called analysis paralysis, and it can keep a person stuck.

One solution is to name it, claim it and get it done. So that’s what I’m doing here. Is there a project in your life that you’re too much in your head about? Send me an email: name it, claim it and I’ll support you to get it done!

Your projects, ideas and intentions matter.

Your projects, ideas and intentions matter.

A “Tweet Transcript”

February 3rd, 2010

Okay gentle blog readers. If you are like me, you have embraced blogging but not tweeting. Today I gave a presentation for ASTD-LA where tweeting became an intregral and interesting part. I will share it with you now so that together we can embrace this new tool.

Colleague and fellow Board member, Terrance Wing, tweeted as a way to take notes. Basically, he was sharing his notes with all of his Twitter followers. And there were intelligent learning professionals out there who began to comment (tweet) in real time about the content of my presentation.

Cristie Mullins from Evanston, Illinois virtually “joined us” and so did Donna Bailey  from Salt Lake City. The training began at 8:10am this morning. What follows is a portion of the Tweet Transcript.

TWEET TRANSCRIPT

RUNNING A TIGHT SHIP: KEEPING YOUR TRAIINING FRIENDLY AND FOCUSED

Facilitweeter: Terrence Wing (@TerrenceWing and @liquidlearn) www.liquidlearn.com

8:35:08 am TerrenceWing: Semper gumby; Always be flexible – @jeanfranzblau at morning session on training tips #astdla

8:37:07 am TerrenceWing: Tip – set the mood in the beginning of training @jeanfranzblau #astdla

8:38:40 am TerrenceWing: 6 second rule – the trainer has 6 seconds to greet learner b4 opinions set in @jeanfranzblau #astdla

8:42:39 am TerrenceWing: Tip: Adult learning: break every hour. YES!! @jeanfranzblau #astdla

8:46:07 am TerrenceWing: Tip: set the rules and expectations early. Let learner contribute by setting rules too @jeanfranzblau #astdla

8:57:11 am cdmullins: RT @TerrenceWing: Tip “Adult learning: break every hour. “#astdla - how many of you have tried this? My audiences prefer 2 hours

8:58:35 am dmccraine: RT @cdmullins: RT @TerrenceWing: Tip “Adult learning: break every hour. “#astdla - 70-90 mins is my rule-of-thumb, or the glazed eyes!

8:58:43 am cdmullins: RT @TerrenceWing: 6 seconds to greet learner b4 opinions set in #astdla - Tips about greetings? Diff btwn friendly / overbearing?

9:00:01 am cdmullins: RT @TerrenceWing: Tip – set the mood in the begining of training @jeanfranzblau #astdla ”How should we do this?”

Thanks, Terrance. You were a terrific facilitweeter!

Self Esteem Boost: Bringing Back a Childhood Game

January 27th, 2010

I have a passion for sharing tools that build self esteem. This latest one comes direct from my personal life and my lifelong interest in acting:

I hadn’t seen my friend Laura since Thanksgiving so we made plans to hang out. I had a unique idea of what we could do and she was game. I wanted to play Show and Tell.

After Thai for dinner, it was time to begin. I pulled out the DVD tucked away in my purse like a treasure. It was a short film I starred in a few years ago called Insh’Allah. The story posed the toughest acting challenge I’d ever had – to play both a Palestinian woman and an Israeli woman in a series of monologues. I loved my performance and felt a sense of foreboding as the painful story progressed. I respect Laura’s opinion so it was really satisfying to hear her reaction. She was affected by it. And I was reminded of something: I’m a good actress!

Then it was Laura’s turn. She showed me a ton of creative images a photographer friend once took of her. It was a revelation to see different aspects of my responsible, meticulous friend: Laura dancing and looking Bohemian, Laura looking at the camera like a tough broad who’d seen it all.

What a great night and a great way to build upon our friendship. If you had a Show and Tell evening, what would you share? Who would you invite?

That's me as the character, Layla

That's me as the character, Layla

Does the “80/20 Rule” Rule You?

January 22nd, 2010

8020rule

I serve on a volunteer board for my training association. January marked the second year of my commitment, and I had a mighty craving to quit. This didn’t make sense given I finally had systems in place to manage the job. I’d built pleasant working relationships with my colleagues and especially enjoyed the credibility of membership on a Board of Directors.

So what was it? The answer:  two people. There were two people who didn’t respond to my friendly emails or voicemails; I felt disrespected and angry. I allowed this small minority to sour my whole experience.

This is an example of the 80/20 rule in action. In 1906, economist Vilfredo Pareto noticed that for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In customer service, 20% of the customers make 80% of the complaints. 80% of a manager’s time is often spent managing 20% of her staff. In my case, I believe 80% of my experience was being colored by 20% (or less!) of it that I didn’t like.

So here is my opportunity: to get help handling my reaction to the ones I feel ignored by and to focus my attention on the many interactions I’ve had that are hunky dory.

Are you letting the behaviors of a small percentage of people color your perceptions?

I’m interested to know.

If you click on the link and scroll down, you'll see how legit I am!

If you click on the link and scroll down, you'll see how legit I am!

Is the Classroom Replaceable?

January 11th, 2010

In the training business, there are many who are concerned about online learning. Is it as effective as classroom learning? Will it make trainers obsolete?

I just “attended” an online training last night that blew my mind. Certainly the content was powerful. But for our purposes I want to focus on the delivery. I learned the information quickly, was completely engaged and was wearing PJs at home. There may be something to this.

Take a look for youself:

What do you think about learning virtually?

Why Your Brain Loves January: Your New Decade “One Minute Note”

January 8th, 2010

I hear a lot of skepticism about New Year’s resolutions – how they often don’t last. Here’s a new way to look at it. The medical community tells us that new activities create fresh synapses in the brain. To me this means that whether you stick with it or not – in a way, you win just by trying.

Holy synapse!

Holy synapse!

Brain health is very much on my mind since spending time with my Dad over the holidays. He has Parkinson’s Disease. My Dad has an incredible brain and I feel certain that his daily crossword puzzles and scrabble games keep it in better health.

The brain himself - meet Dr. Charles Franzblau!

The brain himself - meet Dr. Charles Franzblau!

Do you have something new and interesting planned for your noggin this month?

Me? I’m going to check out a Zumba class.

Quick New Year’s Links:

Here’s a fun one for creating a fresh start. 

And here’s a soulful way to honor 2009. 

Lastly, here’s an idea to help you achieve your goals.

Holiday Light and Cheer

December 24th, 2009
 

I hope you’re enjoying the month so far. For me, it’s Hanukah time. I love the quiet ritual of lighting the candles each night. In this quick note, you’ll find a gift offer, a song and bits of news. So layer into your cozy clothes, sip something soothing and enjoy a few happy holiday thoughts with love from me to you. 

Jean’s Hanukah Song 

My song was inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas. Imagine we’re at the end of the song counting backwards all in one breath…

 On the eighth day of Hanukah, good fortune brought to me:

8 writing classes
7 therapy sessions
6 vegan dinners
5 d-a-y-s  c-a-m-p-i-n-g !
4 great new clients
3 trips to Florida
2 cats-with-no-sneezing
And a new boyfriend named Zev (!)

 Give the Gift of Momentum

sky-bird 

If someone you love would enjoy support and direction in the New Year, give a gift certificate for a Momentum Coaching Session with me. The sixty minute tele-session is guaranteed to focus attention, ignite passion and inspire action. The fee is $100. Email me back and I’ll make it super easy for you. Your loved one will thank you!

Letting our Lights Shine  

Once upon a time, I quit my corporate job. It’s been a wild, scary, colorful ride so far and I don’t regret it for a minute.

This month I celebrate my third year as a seminar leader. I experience so many magical moments with my groups. Everything falls into place and it feels like time stops. The right words flow out of my mouth (and sometimes I don’t know where they are coming from!) I want to share these moments with more people. That’s why I’m expanding my services in 2010 to include inspirational keynote talks. I begin a six month course to learn the business of the keynote world in January. I know in my bones I’m meant to do this!

Do you have big plans for 2010? I’d love to hear them. It’s time to let our lights shine!

Oh the Places I Went!

2009 was a paradoxical travel year. I worked closer to home more often. Yet I also went on two Australia seminar tours. Here’s a list of where I went. Can you pick out the Aussie cities?

Adelaide, Anaheim, Brisbane, Bakersfield, Cairns, Darwin, El Segundo, Flagstaff, Hobart, Irvine, Lancaster, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Melbourne, Newcastle, Ontario, Orlando, Pasadena, Perth, Phoenix, Rockhampton, Sacramento, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Santa Monica, Surprise, Sydney, Torrance, Townsville, Tucson, Valencia, Van Nuys, West Covina, Wilmington.

Bright and shiny tidings,Jean

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
  

Welcome to My Newest Service: Momentum Coaching

December 9th, 2009

Could you use inspiration, support and direction in the New Year? Imagine you had coach to help you every step of the way.

My job as a coach is to support you in identifying what it is that you want. Then I help you be accountable to reach the goals that you set. I support you with a listening ear and skilled feedback. And I regularly celebrate with you as you experience breakthroughs.

Momentum Coaching begins with a “Discovery Session” where we go over a group of questions that I give you in advance. In that session I will learn about your goals, dreams and fears. From there, we set up a schedule for three 60 minute telephone coaching meetings per month.

I recommend a three month commitment to the process. That period of time helps build momentum for really meaningful results.

Let me know if you are interested to know more about Momentum Coaching. I welcome your questions about this exciting process.

The coach is in!

The coach is in!