It has been a tumultuous year for many of my colleagues and me. This time of reflection allows for a self-applause that we are still standing!

One question I have for you is what do you need to do to get out of your own way?

Sounds philosophical, but sometimes we need to be challenged. Consider these questions to rev your engine:

What will be different next year? Pick one thing and DO it. Consider where you perceive the largest gap to be and fill it.
Will you go back to school, participate in social media, add new equipment, hire a marketing coordinator, or continue to do everything yourself? At least stop long enough to ask the question.
What social or networking group can I attend to improve my marketing skills?
What computer skill needs attention? In my business coaching practice, I find 90% of productivity problems begin with lack of computer skills.

Please help me to inspire others. What are your innovative ideas for the coming year? Please comment and I will post them in my January newsletter. -MC

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by Coachcubas

Behavior, business coaching, change, Creative, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, entrepreneurs, Performance, Visionary

What Better Time To Be Contrarian?

November 30, 2010

Call it what you will. It cycles around every decade. AKA innovative, creative, progressive—it means you are different. Isn’t that the intention of marketing and earning top-of-mind share?

In my business coaching practice, I am ever amazed at what little people understand about the art of running a business. My favorites, the “Widget Makers,” are darned good at what they know. BUT, they are limited by that same trait. They can borrow on a bit of the vision they pour into their wares.

Being contrarian can make people feel uncomfortable because they are heading into new terrain. Isn’t that what innovation really is? Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle people face for a variety of reasons:

1. Don’t want to own the idea. (Consider classical comedic set-up when someone is about to be scolded and it turns into a promotion!)

2. Affects budget allocation next time ’round.

3. Appears not to know what was doing.

4. All of the above and more . . .

If other similar businesses have already blazed a trail, why would someone want to tread the same path? Safety in the “me-too” mindset. Then, the so-called leader can claim they weren’t responsible. It’s a convoluted way of working. Consider the inertia of U.S. Congress.

Own the idea

Put your name all over it. Seth Godin agrees with me on this. Once you own it, your more likely to attract champions to the idea. If it is so appealing, others will want to ‘steal’ it and make it their own. Good; let them. After all, innovation isn’t about our name in lights; it’s about falling forward. They will improve it so it looks like their idea!

Tom Edison Had It Right

When asked how he continued to experiment with the light bulb after so many disappointments, Edison (I paraphrase) replied, “I found 999 ways that didn’t work.”

The Secret Sauce
To put yourself into an innovative place, you only need one ingredient—curiosity. It is so powerful because it keeps you objective. Curiosity engages you and your audience.

Your Assignment
1. Write down how many ways you offer curiosity as a “pull” toward your company offerings.
2. Consider your web and ad copy, presentations and personal interactions.
3. Think crayons, paste and paper. Remember how much fun that was in art class?

4. Ask about my Legos and Leadership™ Program for up tight, Type A people ;-).

5. Paint something with your fingers. What does it “say” to you?

This can be the beginning of an exhilarating experience and can spice up your relationships, too. Let me know how it goes.

Your Coach, MC

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by Coachcubas

Action plan, business coaching, career, Corporate, Decision making, fulfillment, Performance

Secret Pal or Powerful Tool—Your Coach

August 25, 2009

Today The New York Daily News, in an article on business coaching, got me thinking about my profession. I was pondering what I bring to my clients as the article headliner chalked up the advantages of business coaching.

One financial executive commented how much she liked the idea of talking though things she was dealing with. So, I asked myself, “What is that really, especially in a business setting?”

Being heard and acknowledged
Guided to or off the ledge!
Safety without concern of others’ perceptions
Invisible to their colleagues, family and friends
Watching my clients’ backs.

Of course, circumstances are mightily different in a corporate setting where much of the structure—mission, vision, values, for example, are already etched—from business owners, sometimes themselves consultants who use a coach differently.

How would you benefit from using a business coach, life coach? One of the best tools you can bring to your life and career is auditioning different coaches. You’ll learn something from each one. Most offer a complimentary session to measure a fit. I welcome your input.

Life and career are entwined because how do we take the humanity and life out of the person? Evidence litters the landscape with how people have fared poorly in large companies, suffered burnout, and have lost their way, their relationships, and their sense of purpose. Coaching supports how to integrate and enrich each aspect of a client’s life.

Coaching is a personal process through which clients process their humanity and their connections to compose and sustain fulfillment in their lives. It is a transparent process of a client meeting the self, dreams and desires.

Often at networking groups I introduce myself as a tuning fork or a Muse to draw upon a creative energy that may be tired, resistant or just plain lazy. Coaching works to link your intentions to commitment while we advance your career or business and your life.

The ultimate key for me is how I show up for my clients no matter what their condition. With their permission, they count on me for an unfiltered, clear reflection of what they bring to coaching.

I simply listen and guide, celebrate in concert and show up. With coaching, we can move mountains! —mc

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by Coachcubas

Oh, Just One Thing . . .

What Better Time To Be Contrarian?

Secret Pal or Powerful Tool—Your Coach

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