It’s Time to Learn
It’s officially summer and lots of college students are out of school for two months, business professionals take time off and business in general tends to slow down.. Magazines and newspapers are recommending “summer reading.”
While some are busy complaining how slow the economy is (and others are relishing the slower pace), it’s an ideal time for college students and business professionals to focus on professional and personal development. Vacations and down-time are essential for success, but two months is quite a stretch. You may as well use your time wisely. And there’s nothing wrong with reading a self-development book on the beach!
Student Activity Directors and Staff Development professionals in colleges can:
• Hire speakers and trainers for student leadership programs, residential life, and customer service retreats for staff (so when students come back in the late summer/fall, they are prepared and excited). I am already booked for programs in colleges around the country—don’t wait! www.getinfrontcommunications.com
Business professionals can:
• Bring in motivational speakers for business programs to get employees focused and excited for the second half of the year. I am speaking to many sales-driven companies that are hiring for customer service, reading body language, communication and public speaking programs. These are all topics that directly impact your bottom line, revenues and employee morale. Hire now for fall programs and hit the ground running!
After you have some successful programs and learning opportunities for your teams this summer, take a break and be proud. You will be well prepared and excited for a Super September!
What Can I Give You?
Until recently I had no idea the importance and scope of the word “GIVE”. Lately, it’s taken on a whole new meaning for me. In fact, I have decided to commit myself to being able to give and be of service in every situation that I am involved with. In the past month alone, this approach to life has shifted my mindset and beliefs. I’d like to think it’s shifted my energy in the world too.
In my keynote addresses and workshops to business professionals and college students, I often mention my grandma, who was born in Brooklyn and lived to be 95 years old. She was beyond just my grandma, “Mama” was my friend. She always greeted people coming into her home with the same five words, “What can I give you?” Mama was a modest lady who didn’t have diamonds or bank accounts. She always gave of herself. That is far more priceless than any piece of jewelry or amount of cash.
I spoke these last few sentences in the eulogy I gave at Mama’s funeral in 1994. Somehow the words and the “what can I give you?” phrase just hit me right between the eyes. When the student is ready the teacher appears…
Too many of us sleepwalk though life, unconsciously acting with the premise of getting and taking. Good things come to people who put others first. People who truly live the life and philosophy of “What can I give you?”
In my world, as in yours, consider what you can give to others every day.
Give someone a little space. A family member or roommate may need some privacy after a rough day at work or a disagreement. Someone driving near you may need space to switch lanes without an impatient tailgater leaning on their horn.
Give people some slack. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes the cashier just goofed or the waitress was new and got your order wrong. It’s not that bad. Back off!
Give people your full attention. When you are absolutely focused on what is happening at any particular moment, your world will shift. With everyone you speak to and encounter, from the dry cleaner to the sales prospect to your family, block out the mental distractions and allow yourself to be fully engaged in the moment. Give them your undivided attention.
Give yourself a break. Every day we learn, grow and evolve. We are often hard on ourselves with unrelenting criticism and self-doubt. You probably don’t criticize your friends with the same negativity that you take out on yourself. Give yourself a chance to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. And above all, give yourself an occasional pat on the back. You are so much better than you think you are.
Give is such an important four-letter word.
Welcome to Susan Young’s Get In Front Blog!
I’ve decided to join the blogging world. Admittedly I am a bit nervous in these uncharted waters. I’m told it’s fun, safe, interesting and will be easy for me, after all I am a writer by trade! (blank moment, sorry.)
So to get started, I am excited to use this outlet as a place for sharing information and thoughts in areas of my expertise—communication, attitude, sales, motivation, business, Emotional Intelligence, leadership and college speaking. I invite you to visit my website at www.getinfrontcommunications.com.
I’ve been asked by several people lately about time management. I thought that would be a good place to start.
There’s another word for time management. It’s called DISCIPLINE. These are just two of several topics that are included in my “Successful Business Habits for Life” public seminar in NJ on June 26 (register online at www.getinfrontcommunications.com). I offer proven strategies to help ease stress and better handle productivity, meetings, and communication issues. These strategies are proven and work for college students, sales professionals, nonprofit staff and entrepreneurs. If you’re like me and are looking for instant gratification (hey, who isn’t these days?) you’ll really do well at the seminar because everything I offer you can be put to use immediately.
Here are 3 quick tips to better manage your time and reduce stress:
1- Prioritize everything.
Make an “Action List” at the end of each work day that has two columns. The left column should be labeled “Intended Outcome” and the right one should be marked “My Next Step.” David Allen, author of Getting Things Done says this is not a To DO list but rather a system that requires you to see the benefit of an outcome or result and the one step or action you need to do to make it happen. For example, if you have to write a proposal to a potential client, your intended outcome may be “Help Joe Smith grow his business” and your next step is to research information for proposal and send it to Joe by 3 PM” Once your list is made, highlight or label the items as A,B or C. All “A” items should be done by noon. “B” items have a little breathing room, and you may be able to delegate some of the “C” items. This “chinking down system” will help you to better plan your day. Of course there are always those fires that seem to crop up that aren’t on the list.
2- Use the 4 D’s.
Label four file folders with the following: Do, Defer, Delegate and Dump. Papers in the Do folder need immediate attention and some kind of action on your part. Items in the Defer folder may be able to wait a while, like a deadline to register for a conference that has a three-week window. The Delegate file gets handed off to support staff or others that can handle tasks not needing your time and attention. The Dump file, gets thrown out. The key: Never touch the same piece of paper twice. Avoid moving papers around on your desk.
3- Make a list of how you spend your days.
For one entire week, keep a notebook handy and write down exactly how you spend your time and what you are doing. Include everything, such as checking personal e-mails, lunch, surfing the web, office chatter with a friend, meetings, calls, and appointments. Include even the trivial items. When you review your list at the end of the week, you will likely be surprised at how much time is spent on items that you can either delegate, or do before or after work hours.
