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Make A Referral Week

March 8, 2009 By 1 Comment

make a referral weekI am an unabashed, unapologetic proponent of small businesses. And I’m afraid that amid the hullabaloo about stimulus packages and corporate bailouts, insufficient attention has been paid to the real engine of our global economy — small businesses.

Until John Jantsch. Yep, John. The dude who started Duct Tape Marketing. John has declared March 9 -13, 2009 as Make A Referral Week. John’s goal: to generate 1000 referrals to small business during the week — thereby creating a bunch of money for a bunch of people. A grassroots wave of generosity. A tsunami of stimulus.

Hell yes, I’m participating. I just love this idea. It’s something I can do at a time when there doesn’t feel like much I can do. And I’ll bet that between you and me and all my other readers, we can generate 1000 referrals all by ourselves. Won’t you join me by making a pledge to refer one person to another person this week? It’s equally as valuable to ask for a referral during the week, too, so if you need something all you have to do is ask. I, for one, am happy to oblige.

How often have you said, “I just don’t have enough time to…”? Or, “there just aren’t enough hours in the day”? You’ve got a lot to do, I’ve got a lot to do, Aunt Tilly has a lot to do. Add in the grim financial realities many of us face, and not only is there not enough time — but there’s not enough money.

Let me expose you to a bit of counter-intuitive thinking. When you lack time or money to get stuff done, what’s the best thing you can possibly do? No, you can’t squeeze three more hours out of the day. Nice try.

No, when you don’t have enough time or money, the thing to do is to delegate. To outsource the thing that takes up your time and attention so you can free up the time to focus on making money.

Sure, this is clear if you’re a business owner — I get someone to take care of my taxes, for instance, so I can use that time to sell more services. But it’s just as true that salaried people need to delegate. When you delegate, you make the space to focus on your priorities. And when you make progress on your priorities (and do what your boss thinks is important), you’ll perform at the top of your game, leading to raises, bonuses and promotions.

And the best part of delegating is getting great help — finding someone experienced and trustworthy and talented — to take some of your load off. That’s the point of asking for a referral, by the way.

Little niggling voice: “But I should do it all myself. I’m going to look weak if I delegate. People like me don’t hire people to do work we can do ourselves.” Go ahead. Hold onto that mindset. And continue to lack enough time or enough money. Your choice.

When it’s humming on all cylinders, the referral game goes both ways. I benefit when someone refers me work, and I benefit when I refer work to others. How? I have to tell you, when I give a recommendation to someone — “here, hire this person. You won’t be sorry” — there’s no feeling like it in the world. It sparks a recognition in me that I live in a great, generous place where good things happen for me, and I help good things happen for others. Goes a long way toward zapping those nasty Recession Blues.

Yep, I thoroughly love making referrals and I’m going to be making gobs of them this week. Got some time? I think I’m going to be referring you.

The best in life coach tips and useful suggestions to help you get the life you want to live.
Filed Under: Career Coaching Tagged With: , , , , 1 Comment

The Power of You

November 23, 2008 By 1 Comment


There’s a quote I particularly love… do you know it?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”(Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love)

When I work with people — whether they’re looking for a job, or trying to do the job they have better, whether they have a big decision to make or a crisis to handle — they focus on where they feel weak. Time after time I see people stuck and wallowing in their deficit, when the only solution is to stand in their strengths.

To allow themselves to be powerful beyond measure.

What do I mean? How do you shift from a position of weakness to strength?

It’s not waiting for someone else to give you permission to do what’s best for you.

It’s saying what you need to say — including the word “no” — rather than what you’re expected to say.

It’s doing more of what you’re good at and that you like, rather than doing things that sap you.

It’s about knowing, deeply, yourself and loving everything about you. Even the extra pounds, the bad hair days, the annoying habits, the fear. ‘Cuz once you love that about yourself, you are open to loving it about others.

When you stand in your power, you become powerful beyond measure. I’m not talking about the kind of power that gives you dominion over others or makes you rich or famous. I’m talking about the kind of power that makes you clear. Happy. Certain. Authentic.

I’m talking about the power that you already have inside you. I’m talking about The Power of You.

It’s right there inside you — all your strengths, gifts and talents. All you have to do is use them. Every day. And you will profoundly change your life.

Filed Under: Authenticity, Career Coaching, Clarity Tagged With: , , , , 1 Comment

Smart Networking

November 8, 2008 By 5 Comments


When the going gets tough, the tough get… in touch with their networks.

“You mean, Michele, that with the economy in free fall, the best thing I can do is network?” Incredulity is to truth as ham is to… what? [easy now, that's just a SAT analogy flashback]

OK, 70% of jobs are filled by personal referral. So it only makes sense that when unemployment is rising, and the economy is falling, your circle of friends and acquaintances becomes your most important insurance policy. ‘Tis true, the people who know and like to work with you can speak most eloquently on your behalf. It also never hurts to have such a gold plated circle of contacts that your boss can’t possibly fire you.

Over at BettyConfidential.com, I hammer on the importance of networking. Kinda thought I was the Queen of Networking. Until I met Liz Lynch. She’s the true Queen of Networking, poppets, and I bow deeply to her.

Liz has a new book you’re going to want to read — Smart Networking: Attract A Following In Person And Online — and despite my pretensions toward her throne, I got to enter the presence of the Queen and ask a few questions.

How do you define networking, Liz? “So many people see networking as going to events and meeting new people, but my definition is much broader. I define a ‘network’ as a support system of people you can turn to for help, advice, ideas, and information. ‘Networking,’ then, is simply the process of building and maintaining that support system, and being able to tap into it when you need help.”

I have quite a few clients who’ve found themselves unexpectedly out of a job. Happening all over the world, in many different sectors. When you have to find a job fast, I asked Liz, do you just scramble to find a job, any job, and forget about the network? “Actually, quite the opposite,” Liz said. “Building a network does take time, but the good news is that everyone has a network already. People we’ve worked with, gone to school with, live near, play tennis with, etc. When you really need to get something done, it’s these people, your most raving fans, that you should turn to first. While they may not be in a position to hire you themselves, you can get valuable advice on your job search and some may even be able to introduce you to others in their network who work at companies you’re interested in. If nothing else, having moral support in these tough times can help you maintain confidence.”

I told Liz that I love to work with professional women who are re-entering the workforce. Many of them whine, I mean, express deep concern, that their network is stale and out-of-date. Liz suggested, “What’s really great about networking now is all of the online options that are available that you can do on your own time and without having to leave the house. An at-home mom can start to build her online network on LinkedIn and Facebook, and connect with folks she already knows. That way she gets on the radar screens of her old colleagues and can reach out to them much more easily once she’s ready to start exploring her options. She can also start a business blog where once a week she can comment on news and trends in her industry. This is important because once she gets into job mode again, hiring managers are going to Google her. When her blog comes up and they read her insights and wisdom, it might just tip the scales in her favor.”

Some small business owners see people in the same line of work as competition. Is there any benefit from growing a network with your competitors, Liz? Quoth the Queen, “My general philosophy with life is that there is more than enough to go around. Do you want to turn business away just so your competitor can prosper? No. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself or give away your trade secrets, but being open to cooperation leads to win-win-win opportunities, where 1+1 can equal 5.

“For example, I have great relationships with other networking experts, and I feature some of them in the book. Why would I do this? Because it helps everybody. Readers get the benefit of hearing other experiences. The experts get the benefit of exposure in an international book, and hopefully because they’re in it, they’ll be willing to recommend it to their friends, colleagues and customers.”

See why Liz Lynch is the Queen of Networking?

From her vantage point upon her throne, I wanted to know what her own network has done for her. Liz told me, “It’s amazing when I think of how much my network has come through for me, and writing the book helped me remember so many of those moments. When I first left corporate America in 2000 to start my own consulting business, my network gave me nearly all of my business those first two years. Some hired me directly, some referred me to people they knew, and some just listened and gave me input on how to position myself. More recently, I got my book deal with McGraw-Hill without an agent as a first-time author with one email to someone in my network.

“For those who might be thinking that I have magical people in my Rolodex, I don’t. They’re all very special to me, but they’re not household names. The reason they’re willing to help me is because I’ve built the relationship to last and I’ve mastered the art of the ask, two very important topics I cover in Smart Networking.”

The trick to successful investing is to buy low and sell high. When others are out of the market, there are often great openings for the taking. The same is true with networking. When so many people hunker down in fear, you can invest in your network. You can organize a volunteer activity for a group, or arrange a happy hour, or a lunch. You can step up your email contacts, or jump on Twitter or Facebook,or LinkedIn, where staying on your network’s radar screen is easy.

Invest in your network now, and someday, just maybe, you’ll sit high upon your own throne as the King or Queen Of Connections.

Filed Under: Career Coaching Tagged With: , , , , , 5 Comments

What Are You Gonna Do?

October 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment



Know that moment when someone indicates the sheer futility of action — when they shrug their shoulders, and say, “What are you gonna do?” Hand gestures optional, of course.

“What are you gonna do?” suggests there’s really nothing you can do. The problem is way above your pay grade.

There’s a lot of “what are you gonna do?” going around these days. And it’s awfully darn easy to feel powerless and at the whim of people and forces greater than you. Sitting back and feeling small takes its toll, though. Adds to stress, depression and encroaching panic.

A wise man once wrote that “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. To get through the uncertainty and powerlessness so many of us feel because we don’t really know what we’re gonna do about the financial bubble, the housing bubble, the employment bubble, and the numerous other bubbles we hear about with alarming frequency — well, we can start by taking that first step.

Know your credit score. If there is a global credit crisis, people with good credit scores will be able to write their own ticket. Take a look at your credit report and make a strategy to raise your number. Each credit bureau will give you specific recommendations on how to do that. You might need to start by making your payments on time and in full. Or, if you have too many accounts, close some.

Start paying with cash. Yeah, I know. We’re used to whipping out the plastic. If you like the convenience of plastic, use your debit card. Oh, I hear you…you don’t have the money in your account to buy your three cups of $4 coffee a day. Do you know that you effectively pay an additional fifty cents for that cup of joe every time you use a credit card? And if you don’t pay off your balance in full, it compounds. Which, if I remember my math, means you pay…lots. Why not pay cash so you can keep on buying coffee down the road?

Beef up your job skills. I have had clients who have postponed the education or training their bosses have suggested. Just haven’t gotten around to it. But, believe me, when layoffs have to happen the most skilled and cooperative people will be the last to go. If training hasn’t been suggested to you, or if you own your own business, ask yourself: what can I learn that can make my work more productive? Then take that class.

Center in your strengths. I work with many coaches who are building their coaching practices. Too often, I see people struggle because they are not centering their business on their own strengths. Too often, they try to build their practices based on what someone told them works. Which often has nothing whatsoever to do with their own, individual strengths. Your strengths always energize you. Work from that place of power, and whatever your work is — it will thrive.

Double down. It’s tempting to face an uncertain economic situation and draw back. But while everyone is retreating in fear, you can move forward by being realistically optimistic. If your budget allows for it, double down on your marketing efforts. If your budget allows for it, take your kids to the fondue restaurant. If your budget allows for it, max out your retirement account.

Vote. One little action. So much power.

Live in gratitude. This morning I woke up and thought about the cheeseburgers I whipped up on the grill last night and was flooded with a wave of gratitude — I’m so grateful to be able to feed my family. Sound weird? Wouldn’t have been to my Dust Bowl-era grandmother.

Panic serves no one. Doesn’t make you happier, or more focused, or wealthier. So, “what are you gonna do?” You’re gonna take some healthy, strong steps away from panicked powerlessness — toward a happier life.

Sounds pretty good to me.

Filed Under: Authenticity, Career Coaching Tagged With: , , , , , Leave a Comment

W-O-R-K (A Four Letter Word)

May 25, 2008 By Leave a Comment


Time for a gut check. Do you like what you do?

You get up each morning and get ready for your day — what’s that like? Are you eager? Procrastinating? Measured? Rushed? Let me ask you this: Are you happy at the prospect of going to work?

I imagine there’s someone reading this right now who scoffs at the very idea. “Michele,” this person wants to say, “work is work. You’re not supposed to like it! Work’s just something you do to pay the bills and get financial security so someday you can retire and do whatever you daggone well please.”

Hmmn. So, let me get this straight. I am supposed to work for forty years at a job I detest just so I can retire and get the freedom I postponed? How in the world does this make sense?

But it’s a widely held view. And it governs us in so many ways.

A friend lamented that her teenage son has no drive. No ambition. No idea of what he wants to do. He isn’t interested in getting a summer job. My friend is contemplating grounding him unless he finds a job, any job. Doesn’t matter what he does, just as long as he works.

“Why do you think he doesn’t want to work?” she asked. Maybe it’s because all he hears is his mom and his dad complaining about their own jobs. He looks at his father and sees a man who misses games, and assemblies, and sports banquets because of the demands of his job. Who’s distracted and on his Blackberry when he is home. Maybe he sees a mom who’s frazzled and frantically juggling all the family elements that make up the boy’s entire universe — school, home, sports, friends.

With this kind of role model around work, who would want to get a job?

The secret to being happy is this: do more of what you like and are good at, and do less of what you dislike — even if you are good at it. I, for example, dislike spreadsheets. Especially spreadsheets regarding historical spending, actual spending and proposed spending. They give me a headache. However, despite the pounding in my head, I am good at deciphering those kinds of spreadsheets and can be an active participant in discussions about them.

However, if I had a job that was solely spreadsheets, I’d be a morose blob of bleah.

I know a woman who is an accountant and has been at the same job for fifteen years. She goes in each day, does her work, goes home. It’s a blob of bleah. She knows she’s not really happy, but she’s competent and that’s all work is about, right? When you probe, you find out that what she’d really like to do is teach. The idea of teaching math to kids makes her whole face light up. But, she’ll tell you, how could she possibly take the pay cut?

And, I ask: What’s the price of being happier?

Maybe not as much as you think. It’s a funny thing. When you start to do more of what you love, so much shifts. Time and time again, I have seen people take a “pay cut” and live richer lives. Either they find they need less than they thought, or they find that their priorities shift and needing that expensive suit, that keeping-up-with-the-Joneses vacation, that nifty sports car — just not important. Those “things” were only used to fill the gap that happiness now fills.

Or they find that they get paid more than they ever expected. They get salary increases, and bonuses. If they own their own business, clients flood in. Why? Because they are on fire about doing what they love. People who are passionate about what they do attract business and opportunities.

Wouldn’t you recruit a teacher that all the students, parents and faculty adored? Wouldn’t you want an accountant who found beauty and joy in numbers? Wouldn’t you hire a coach who loves what she does?

Work doesn’t have to be a four letter word. When you live a life of your own design — doing what you love and are good at — you’ll find that even work feels like fun. And each day is a joy. And your kids can’t wait to get a summer job.

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