Nothing ventured; nothing gained. Take a chance. Push your boundaries. What do you have to lose? Get out of your box. Turn questions around. Put yourself in situations where your only option is to learn and grow. You will not learn or grow in your cozy den watching television. Ethel Barrymore said, “You must learn day by day, year by year to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about – the more you have left when anything happens.” She is right, but I would say that the more you practice these things, the greater your rewards resulting in a life well lived. When people come to the end of their earthly journey, the most frequent laments are about things they did not do not the things they did do. Let today be a day of new adventures both mentally and literally.
Archive for category Publications
Polish Your Image
Aug 10
In economic down times such as these you need every edge you can get to position yourself as the right person for the right job at the right time. When times are tough, it is time to return to the basics, to the tried and true. People want to feel comfortable with you. In times such as these employers are less willing to take a chance. Manage your image. Everything counts. Remember that you are always on stage. Someone is always watching. You are always communicating. Make certain that you communicate the message that you intend to send. If it is possible to misunderstand what you say or do, someone will.
Be well groomed – hair, fingernails, shoes, crisp appearance.
Be polite. Put the other person at ease.
Be attentive. Maintain eye contact with the other person.
Listen actively. Do not fake it. Listening is key.
Scrub your language. Use absolutely no profanity.
Adjust your attitude. Be positive and enthusiastic – not cocky.
Be early. If you are late, you are dead.
Be prepared to answer and ask questions.
Be honest and tactful.
Under no circumstances criticize your previous employer.
Practice your handshake. It should be firm, but no death grip.
Send a thank you note after an interview.
Today on this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my sister. She is a modest but significant influence on so many lives. Her home is a magnet for her children, grandchildren and all their many friends. She and husband, John, have created an environment that exudes love, friendship and respect. She is generous to a fault. The 4th of July celebration at their home is a textbook example of the real America that is still out there. I have been blessed in so many ways and my sister is one of those blessings. I salute you, Jean, on this Thankful Thursday.
Thankful Thursday is my response to Thirsty Thursday promoted by the Charleston, SC Riverdogs baseball team as a way to increase attendance at the games. Go to the games, but use the money you would spend on beer to send a nice card to someone you are thankful for.
Linger -Key 45
Jul 5
Relish the conversation, the cup of coffee, the flower garden, the view. Smell the roses. Let the dirt trickle through your fingers. Enjoy the breeze. Lie on the cool grass. Gaze at the stars. Hold hands a little longer. Taste the moment. Don’t sacrifice this special moment to what will be or what might have been. Sit quietly and just listen. Time rushes by so quickly that in our haste we will miss the part of life that is so important. We need to replenish our souls. What a wonderful, beautiful world we live in! Don’t miss it. When this moment is gone, it is gone forever. Let the laughter bathe your soul. Feel the spirit, the energy, the love, the compassion that is all around you. This moment is what we have.
