Business Influences!

Why Small Talk Gets Bad Rap

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Anyone who "shows up" as a Thinker, Analytical or Problem Solver, this is for you. Chit chat or small talk is the bane of many people's time. These are people who have not yet discovered the hidden gems embedded in the tiny conversation.

Consider these tiny conversation highlights:

1. They provide a tone of voice so that when you respond, you can echo back in kind. E.g. if someone speaks quickly, quicken your own pace when you speak. They are more likely to pay attention to you.

2. Non-verbal (body language) cues indicate mood of the speaker. If people move in closer to hear what you're saying, they're interested. If they quick glance away, they want to escape!

3. Word choice—Are they expressing or impressing? Verbal judo can be fun, but save it for when you know someone better. This can be perceived as "one-ups-manship" rather than your education. It can also be misconstrued as combative and confrontational . . . Just saying!

Tune in for more next time.

What are your observations about small talk?

What are your observations about small talk? Please post here.

Please Tweet http://twitter.com/coachcubas
Email: mcubas@positivepotentials.com
Post: http://www.linkedin.com/in/coachcubasmarketing (Group S.O.S)

Calling All Veterans Who Want To Start A Business

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:09:00 +0000

Sometimes frustration is the first cousin to necessity in regard to invention! I attempted almost a year to contact the Veteran's Administration in Phoenix to offer this program. After ten months, I finally got an appointment. What I found was the idea had a better chance of survival launched by me as a private citizen than attempting to obtain approvals and recommendations from VA departments.

Personally, after observing my granddaughter’s return, who served in Iraq, struggle with her “re-entry” into civilian life, I wanted to offer a way to support her and her comrades. When she returned I saw how disoriented and seemingly lost she appeared. I wanted to help her but didn't know how. What better way than with what I knew how to do as a certified business coach, (www.positivepotentials.com).

So here I am . . .
This program is designed for our returning military and veterans from 2000 to the present. Although veterans can be highly skilled, they may need time to decompress and to adjust to civilian life. This way we can lend a hand.

As a former USO (United Service Organization) entertainer, I served our troops in the Northeast Command. The experience taught me how much bringing a touch of "home" and understanding means so much to our warriors.

Daily, the news spouts all the difficulties with job issues. With current economic circumstances causing everyone to be more conscious of their employment options, as an optimistic coach, I say there's another way! I can offer another success factor to our military.

No red tape, no bureaucracy to deal with, just genuine interest and concern to support people to fulfill their goals and reach toward their dreams. Sponsors and participant coaches are key success factors for this program.

Criteria:
Every veteran can apply to open enrollment and complete the application (questionnaire.) The more coaches registered, the greater number of veterans we can serve.
It is one-page and easy to manage. Candidates will self-select how serious they are by completing Part 2 of the application describing their vision.

Criteria to participate in this program:
The criteria is simple:
1. Submit a letter of interest to participate in the program.
Applicants will self-select which direction to pursue:
A. Start a business or join an existing business like family-owned.
B. Refresh interviewing and job seeking skills like how to answer the interviewer, posture and presence.
C. Have an idea and needs direction to give it form and function.

2. The applicant will demonstrate in their applications a steadfast desire to start or own a business. Not all applications will be selected. However, all applicants will have access to additional resources.

3. The applicant will provide a two-page essay on the vision they have.

4. They will indicate existing resources and support they will bring to the project. 5. Coaches will conduct a primary interview for selection based on the reality of the situation. No one will be sent away empty-handed. We will provide other resources like SCORE and Chamber services they can access. ___________________________________________________

Letters of Interest Applications
Candidates can apply online http://www.positivepotentials.com/Biz4Vets.htm. All veterans will have access to our resources. Please complete the attached application and submit for review by email or regular mail to:
Positive Potentials
12756 W. Maya Way
Peoria, AZ 85383

Coaches interested in participating in the Biz for Vets™ Registry click here to send email. Please put COACH in the Subject Line. Include details about your certification, experience, and training. I will contact you for a phone interview within seven days of receipt.
Sponsors seeking a fulfilling project, please click here and put SPONSORS in the subject line.

Fairness May Be Genetic—Fill In The Blanks

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Recent research shows that social primates have us beat on fairness to each other—Witness today's horrendous healthcare chaos.

Reported in the journal, Nature, led by Sarah Brosnan and Frans de Waal from Emory University and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, “The study was built around tokens that the moneys could exchange for so-so cucumbers or highly preferred grapes. As long as two capuchins both got cucumbers for the token, fine. But when one got a grape and other a cucumber, unrest began.” “Refusing a food item of any type is very rare behavior in acapuchin,” Brosnan says.

This finding is reminiscent of what I observed, raising my children 22 months apart, of toddler’s at play. Consider goodie bags at kids’ birthday parties; they check each other’s bags to be sure everyone got the same things!

Considering our proud stance on independent human behavior, the researchers note this simian behavior may be linked to survival and safety.

We, humans, may need to take another look at our behavior, to remember we’re all in this together.

Your coach,

Michelle Cubas

Secret Pal or Powerful Tool—Your Coach

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 +0000

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

What Is Your R.I.S.K. Tolerance?

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Anyone running, opening or selling a business take heed. Risk is a business element that is often side stepped.

Initially, a simple check list can reveal areas that need closer scrutiny. Although a simplistic approach, this process makes it tangible and better able to be addressed.

Items to consider:
1. How long can your business operate with little or no income?
2. What resources are in place for business resumption after a disaster?
3. Where do you back up your company data?
4. What is your line of succession if something happens to a company principal?
5. What is your R & D budget and what role does it play in your projections?

These simple questions will get the topic opened and begin a conversation with your advisory board, partner or whomever can offer you information to avoid disaster. Good luck. The attached link is food for thought.

Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

Career Hunting?

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:03:00 +0000

Job hunting without a criteria is madness.

Pocket Coach suggests some thoughts to minimize frustration:

Create a table in Word.
List your criteria that are deal breakers
List questions you may have regardless of industry.
What do you need to know about them?

Several quick questions:
• How do you determine "growth oriented companies"? They're the likely ones to hire.
• Do you pre-select companies then go "fishing" on the social media sites? Caution here. Don't publish anything that can come back to haunt you. Use strategic introductions to get noticed.
• What sources do you use for the base for your research? Business Journal, contacts, family?
• You're doing well to contact people directly to introduce yourself.
• Do they invite you to call? What's your sense of engagement—arms length?
• What curiosity factors have you set up about yourself? Any intrigue or just like the "others?" Consider how you self-describe. Use active and vibrant language.

Next time we'll discuss what to look for on websites.
Happy hunting!

We’ve Sold the Soul of Marketing

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:47:00 +0000

Although this posting was during the campaign, I re-read it and found I could insert the word "competitor" instead of candidate. Cory Treffiletti was asking to look into the future.

Timely posting during the political campaigns. I'd like to add a third slant to your either/or. As a marketer I'm aware of the sectors, objectives and the "speak" that swirls around my profession. Here's my rudimentary slant: Remove GREED from the picture. How novel is that!

I'm guessing greed motivates all the junk mail in my mail box, real and virtual. How about informing and providing information so people can know they need you.

What that does is remove the barriers and second guessing of getting into people's heads and actually provides a pure channel to serve the consumers rather than outsmart them. Greed makes the actions self-perpetuating. Look at the spin-off business from this approach. It keeps expanding exponentially, like social media. What’s the reality of managing all these elements?
My head is spinning from it all.

I see current marketing practices as oversell and numbing, an avalanche of information and intrusive to boot. Currently, our biology hasn't caught up with our technology™ so we're overwhelmed and don't know what to look at first. How do you break through that?

The marketing I supply is to find out what people need from me (my homework, research), deliver the message (variety of methods) of how they will benefit working with www.positivepotentials.com, and "show up" for them, not me.

As simplistic as it sounds, this approach eliminates the competing "noise" because people are delighted that someone wants to serve them rather than take their money.

My approach is to slow down, take note and deliver.
It works well for me, and I've been in business since 1982. I use this approach to build my coaching practice because of the multitude of coaches around. I guess marketers have to justify their own existence when only driven by revenues rather than value. I say to that, try running a business without marketing; no justification needed.

As a coach, it occurs to me that if the candidates adhered to such a simpler approach, not only would we know more about them, because they would discuss the opportunity of what they bring to the scene, they wouldn't have to denigrate the opponent. If one is spending millions of dollars, why not promote your own views? I never quite understood why they miss the chance to promote their own ideas. The same applies to our current scream fest on healthcare reform. It needs a name makeover to start. Topic for another time.

In Response to: http://www.mediapost.com/blogs/spin/?p=1383
What Does The Future Look Like? Or, What I Read On My Summer Vacation
By Cory Treffiletti

Mega Community Service

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:16:00 +0000

As we witness the parade of incompetence that has become our Congress, I cannot remain cynical when I find stories like this.

This one is close to home. I know Joyce personally.

Valley woman helps abuse survivors through art.

I hope this energy inspires you to reach out in your own way.
Community service is not only good for business, it is fulfilling for us to share.

Please let me know about community projects in your area.

Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

Do you "Google?"

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Official Google Blog: Do you "Google?"

In my seminars, one objective I ask participants to think about, it what is necessary to make their products and services and memorable household word? Think FedEx, Kleenex, Coke and you've got it.

From the likes of this article, Google doesn't like the eponym impact on their name.
Ubiquity has carried the downside of diluting the brand, but wouldn't you want everyone to know your name?

The question becomes if one can Google on another site away from G. It feels miserly when I think about it.
Why not Google anywhere, like making a Xerox or blowing your nose into a Kleenex?

Go for the eponym—when the name becomes synonymous with the product. Memorable for sure. The consumer won't have trouble asking for it the next time either. This is a magnetic way to assure repeat business. Try it.

Tools:
1. Gather five images (no words) about your work.
2. Describe the images with three words each.
3. Relate the images, words and your intention from your work.

If they work together, it can be powerful. Good luck.

The Obama Dog Saga—Welcome Bo

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:14:00 +0000

At first glance, the puppy story seems superficial. I ask, "What’s important beneath the surface?" Why so much attention that made the rounds of the Sunday political shows.

On the surface, I suggest the following ideas:

Human interest story
Comic relief
Distraction from daily negativity.

Also, my perspective leads me to this:

The story is more about integrity and keeping promises.
This speaks to the type of parents the Obama’s are by postponing gratification by example.
Cesar Millan’s "calm-energy" principle and how it applies to how Obama is likely to succeed with his temperament as successful owner. Milan stated Obama will be a role model. I suggest that we can all benefit from the tamping down of the drama accelerated by fear this past decade.

Proverb’s Wisdom—Still true, “All good things come to those who wait.”

Lastly, I marvel at the lingering significance of the Old Testament's Book of Proverbs' wisdom. (Treat yourself to a quote on the website.) As technology leads us from the “cave,” we can draw sober wisdom from this ancient source. I’m sure all religious traditions have similar wisdom from which to draw. I welcome input on them and will post them on my blog as they are received.

Welcome, Bo. You didn't know you were so important to the American Public.
—MC

Are You Lost In Voice Mail Land?

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:07:00 +0000

Who's Really In There Anvwav? Are You Lost In Voice Mail Land!

First impressions still count. What does your voice mail say about you? Are you offering prospects and customers a tool to communicate with you or a multiple-choice test? The points to ponder may offer you a fresh perspective on voice mail as a powerful business tool.

Voice Mail is a time-saving, easy-to-use communication tool when used with respect and consideration. Unfortunately, that is not how it is used.

Consider . . .
When you call a friend, a business or require service, what is on vour mind? Perhaps satisfying a need that motivated you to call in the first place, right! You have something urgent to share or request. There are several aspects of filling that need - reassurance, promise, delivery, and ongoing service!

Points to Ponder—
Consider what is the subtext of your message:

Now, how do you feel when the recording plays on?
How important do you feel when the robotic message about “helping other customers” comes on? Instantly, internally a voice says, “Well, who am I, chopped liver?” I was calling to maybe become a customer. I don’t like how you treated me with that recording that is hardly a response. I came away frustrated and did not receive information that advanced my connection to you. For instance, useful information includes hours of operation, where you are and when to expect a return call and from whom. Are you on vacation, at a seminar or grooming your dog? How about an attempt at a connection?

A powerful reassurance tool is tone of voice.
In analyzing your own voice mail message, how does your voice sound?
Are you out of breath, do you sound sincere, is your voice tired and meek, do you mumble and stumble?
Sound attracts! Perk up your tone of voice by taking three deep breaths before recording your message.

What about your voice excites the prospect to hear from you again? Vocal delivery counts.
• Your voice sets a tone for a future relationship. Will prospects enjoy
the sound of your voice and hearing from you? (Practice with a
video recorder or tape player.)
• Enthusiasm evokes attention! Your message is a promotional opportunity.
• Confidence is contagious and people want to work with you. Teach hem how.
• Urgency—Be in a hurry without brushing people off. Give them a time to expect a return call or another number when appropriate.
• Greet your callers with a smile in your voice. You're welcoming and inviting them to do business with you.
• Write what you're going to say before you record so there is no question as how to do business with you.
• Write what you're going to say before you record so there is no hesitation.

Ongoing service
Will they think of you when their need dictates again?
Successful communication flows two ways. It requires accessibility to keep a fluid flow. Communication and accessibility are the foundations for exceptional customer service. They will set your business apart from most. Be available, or prospects and clients will go somewhere else.

What are you promising? Predictable, more of the same?
Content and language define your promise. Consider the hidden message when a caller hears, "We're either on the phone or out of the office". TRANSLATION -- "You can't catch me, and I will get to you when I darn well please!” Slip into the caller's moccasins, and you will remember what frustration is. It's subtly confrontational to the caller and destroys confidence that you'll be there when they need you!

How does the above phone message serve a need for further information?
Instead, consider using your “air” time as an infomercial to promote an award just received or a conference you’re attending to bring back information to clients.

Overcome Disappointment and Frustration
People are contacting you for a reason, and they become disappointed when faced with a multiple-choice menu, "We're either on the phone or in the refrigerator.” What difference does it make to them? You haven't answered their desire for information! Remember how you want them to feel when they hang up the phone!

In our short-attention span world, people want an instant response or at least information to keep them interested. What is the value of telling the caller you're with someone else or away. How does that serve them?

Are you memorable? Can prospects hardly wait to meet you? Refreshingly different and unexpected entertainment value is compelling. Personally, I change my phone message frequently so the message is not stale. Consistent positive feedback tells me callers are listening.

Ongoing service
Will they think of you when their need dictates again?
Successful communication flows two ways. It requires accessibility to
keep a fluid flow. Communication and accessibility are the foundations
for exceptional customer service. They will set your business apart from
most. Be available, or prospects and clients will go somewhere else.

This is a voice mail formula that has worked well for me:
1. Identify your business name. Welcome to (business name)!
Use a quick, memorable statement about your business.
(a tagline is useful.) Consider tying your offering into a current event or community item.

2. Offer alternative ways to communicate with you depending on the circumstances (pager, fax, alternate phone number, and email.) My personal favorites are recommendations are the best time to reach you, general business hours, appointments available and other contact information.

3. They can use this data. Define when a reasonable response can be expected (E.g. within 48 hours, by 6 p.m. today).

4. Refer to someone else if you are away for more than two days. "We're on vacation until (date). Please contact (name) if you need immediate assistance. We will follow-up with you when we return. Thank you for your interest in (business name).

If you would like to create a customized, personal message or a variety set of different scenarios including voice over, please call Michelle Cubas, Positive Potentials, 922-9699 for details. Other languages are also available.
—MC

Michelle Cubas, CPCC, Enterprise Business Coach
www.PositivePotentials.com
http://twitter.com/coachcubas

Our Services Return Purpose to Business and People to Work"! We Shorten Your Learning Curve™.

Optimism Cures Many Ills

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:33:00 +0000

Nature is brilliant. She waxes and wanes to renew herself around the globe. We can learn much by observing and welcoming business cycles that mimic Mother Nature.

Optimism is a gift of temperament from our chromosomal pool. It governs our outlook and approach and the driver for actions we will take or not.

Take this mini-guesstimate to see how your optimism can serve you: Scale 1-5 (5=most likely)
1. I give up easily when things don’t go my way.
2. I see opportunities when others see work.
3. I know there is another way to produce results.
4. I know when to pick up my marbles and leave.
5. I am able to look around and declare a course of action from my circumstances.
6. Life is a series of events that I have no control over.
7. My vision of where I want to head into is very clear to me.
8. I’m not put off by others' negative input.
9. I can take in feedback then make a solid decision easily.
10. This, too, shall pass and I am prepared for what’s ahead.

If you like, you can email your responses for discussion to me at mcubas@positivepotentials.com.

Happy holidays!

Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

Excerpt from Organic Marketing™, Positive Potentials LLC

Put Response Back into Responsibility

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:24:00 +0000

One of the easiest ways to build your credibility is to be responsive. The impact is resounding because your response is an indication of how you relate to the recipient.

It is simple—if you are communicating outside yourself, there is a message you're sending that you want someone to receive. Stating the obvious you might say? Think again and how many times people respond based on their own needs like when they'll call you back—at their earliest convenience.

Consider easy ways to do this:

Actions can be fun, healthy and full of personal reward.
Action changes your perspective.
Action moves circumstances forward.
Action is the antidote for procrastination—helps to avoid "getting ready to get ready."
Action underscores your commitment to change the status quo.

What outcomes can you recall when you took positive action? Please email examples to begin a dialogue.

Remember, reacting is impulsive while responding takes a step back and assess the situation. Running from a burning building is a life-saving reaction. Jumping between relationships, jobs, is not.

Keep your eye on the ball to focus your energy and use action to head into your future.

How Do You Listen?

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:34:00 +0000

Coach Cubas' Debate Post-Mortem—What Can We Learn?

The vice-presidential program ended with a huge sign of relief for the Republicans and Democrats. My comments will reflect tactics and technique rather than my personal comments about the candidates.

This program didn't resemble typical debate format:
"Debate topics are worded so that one team must succeed and one team must fail or in a draw. They must meet the requirements of the proposition."

Violation of Rule 10—Any gains made outside of the established procedure are disallowed.
What does it say about a participant who denies the rules. Just to declare that one will answer in her own way was defiant, a tone that later led to Palin's inability to "hear" what was going on around her as she was fed to the "lions" of blame for a failed campaign.

Observations:

Good use of direct into the camera focus by Palin
Biden changed his vocal tone throughout
Histrionics—Overstatement, overacting, exaggerated responses like inflections
Clichés—sound bites ad nauseum, finger pointing
"Over speak"—reminds me of students who learn "big" words to sound smart.
Inappropriate word choices like, "You betcha . . .", to sound folksy instead of connecting on a genuine level
Insulting references—defining population segments like Joe 6 Pack and Hockey Moms. These sounded like caricatures out of South Park.
Opportunistic moves
Spelling bee stature (Chris Matthews' reference)
Staged interview rather than a lively discussion of issues. Waiting to speak rather than an authentic response.

To assist you in planning your next speech or presentation, consider these sample references:

Remember, if you're listener-centric, you'll always hit your target.
Give the listener time to process what is being said.
Visual references and metaphors are useful tools to paint mental pictures (memory anchors)
Write the end of your presentation first and work it back. That's what you want the audience to take away.
Speak in a conversational tone—your listener will appreciate your reaching out to make a connection.

Any questions? Please send me an email if you're building an idea for a speech or presentation.

Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

Slow Time Strategy

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:40:00 +0000

Had enough of the "sky is falling" strategy?
With a clear perspective this may a time ripe with opportunity for you and your business.

Consider where you can serve others the most:

What do they need more of now that times are tough?
What is a small "nugget" you can offer at a low fee, perhaps chunking down a program or a guidebook?
Where do you need the most help? Chances are someone else does too. An alliance may serve you both.
Conduct a cursory gap analysis for moving from point A to point B. Once you figure it out, survey to see if others can use your solution.
What are you doing to ensure your customers will remain with you? This is a time for steady and sure-footedness, not spikes.
What can you read about the current political and economic cycle that will provide perspective? Consider Paul Krugman, economist and professor of economics at Princeton. He is a sane voice in the wilderness of all the Chicken Little's squawking around.
Observe who continues to be doing well—what are they doing and what has changed if anything from their usual approach?

Take a deep breath. Retain your personal power and contemplate your moves with responses rather than reactions. Be cautious about the messenger you hear.
Prayer and meditation can provide a respite from the "noise" in the frenetic marketplace—Just breathe, pause to reflect and recognize you only need to know how to click your "ruby slippers."

Bon chance.
Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

September 11—America's Newest National Holiday from the Heart

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Take a moment to reflect on how fragile life is. It is a gift.
Salute all the souls who suffered on the day and after—civilians and military, individuals and families.

At some place, we will have the courage to stand up, be heard and shout, ENOUGH!

The world doesn't have to be like this.

This is not about eradicating opposing views. I'm tired of being choked by people ramming their ideaologies down my throat. Live your version of what Life means and let the rest of us live ours.

What is the difference between protecting people's views and having others' views rule the day? There is a fine line, and when we find it, the lies will stop.

What's that sound, you say? It's freedom ringing untethered from the hostage takers who need to right rather than fair, who want to rule rather than share, who want to be at the front of the line to take more than their fair share rather than serve.

There are many roads to awareness. They begin in the heart.

MC

We’ve Sold the Soul of Marketing

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:35:00 +0000

In Response to: Cory Treffiletti What Does The Future Look Like? Or, What I Read On My Summer Vacation

Hi, Cory,

Timely posting during the political campaigns. I'd like to add a third slant to your either/or. As a marketer I'm aware of the sectors, objectives and the "speak" that swirls around my profession. Here's my rudimentary slant: Remove GREED from the picture. How novel is that!

What that does is remove the barriers and second guessing of getting into people's heads and actually provides a pure channel to serve the consumers rather than outsmart them. Greed makes the actions self-perpetuating. Look at the spin-off business from this approach. It keeps expanding exponentially like social media. What’s the reality of managing all these elements?

I see current marketing practices as oversell and numbing, an avalanche of information and intrusive to boot. Currently, our biology hasn't caught up with our technology™ so we're overwhelmed and don't know what to look at first. How do you break through that?

The marketing I use is to find out what people need from me (my homework), deliver the message (variety of methods) of how they will benefit working with www.positivepotentials.com, and "show up" for them, not me. As simplistic as it sounds, this approach eliminates the competing "noise" because people are delighted that someone wants to serve them rather than take their money.

My approach is to slow down, take note and deliver. It works well for me, and I've been in business since 1982. I use this approach to build my coaching practice because of the multitude of coaches around. I guess marketers have to justify their own existence when only driven by revenues rather than value. I say to that, try running a business without marketing; no justification needed.

One last thought, imagine if the candidates adhered to such a simpler approach, not only would we know more about them, because they would discuss the opportunity of what they bring to the scene, they wouldn't have to denigrate the opponent. If one is spending millions of dollars, why not promote your own view? I never quite understood why they miss the chance to promote their own ideas.

Build Your Business with 5 A’s

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The most effective branding creates an emotional link between your message and the listener.
Consider these 5 A's when you want to rev your business engines:

Arousal

What are your assumptions about your prospects? Have you boxed yourself in based on faulty data?
How do you know what they want? What methods do you use?
Create desire and urgency with your offerings. How are you dropping breadcrumbs so you can be found?
It's time for serious fun! You can be professional and still have fun. Make it appropriate to the occasion.

Authenticity

What you do is driven by who you are! There is no distinction between personal and business behavior.
Remember why you are in business.

What grade do you give your Friendship Factor, trust, love and money that surrounds you.
What attitudes do you hold in your universe?
Practice non-competitive thoughts and attitudes. Set your own pace.
What's your personal focus—service or servitude?
Adaptability and flexibility are your friends.

Acknowledgment

Develop TQ-itis.
Share and give credit to others.
Demonstrate appreciation for those around you.
Be generous and responsive with industry data.
Congratulate someone everyday for a contribution.

Accessibility

Create a clear message
Teach others how to find you and how to do business with you.
Use the tools you have more effectively to touch your prospects and customers:

Voice Mail
Collateral
Electronics

Achievement

Share the possibilities.
Mentor, role modeling—believe in knowledge transfer.
Share your aspirations
Become a master storyteller and intrigue people.

Assignments to practice this:
• Schedule a weekly meeting with yourself to discuss why you are in business.
• Encourage feedback from clients, prospects, public, family, friends. Call two existing clients a week just because.
• Explore what makes you an expert—share it with someone.
• Make a list of what you dislike most about your business and hire someone else to do it!
• Give yourself a raise!

Reach out and lighten a load! It feels great, too.

Your coach,
Michelle Cubas

CREATE YOUR OWN SUCCESS - How You Make Choices

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Likely, there are questions that you have thought about momentarily and quickly dropped because of your busy schedule. Right? Some of them are uncomfortable because thinking about them too long forces us to realize how much control and responsibility we do have over our responses, if not the actual circumstances.
Here's a tool I developed for people suffering from decision reluctance. Use the O-Principle™— Create Balance in Unstable Circumstances.
I offer you this "tool" that has worked wonders for me.
OPTIONS lead to OPPORTUNITIES = which create OPTIMISM when you have an emotional OUT!

Here are suggested ways to use the O-Principle:

Develop Option Mindedness--Plan B Thinking
Use decision making vs. absolutism.
ELIMINATE the use of phrases like “From now on, never again”.
Monitor your self-talk (that little voice that wants to always be in charge!) It will try to paint you into a corner to promote fear motivation! Just be aware.

Plan for Panic and you will always be prepared!
Like companies, prepare a crisis plan. It helps to eliminate worry.
("What will the children do if there's an earthquake?"
What do I do if I get a flat tire? What if I lose my job?”)
For example, a positive solution may be a cellular phone to be used as a security tool when used for emergencies only.
Think 15 seconds ahead and observe what is going on around you in the office, on the street, in a parking lot, or even standing in line at the movies. Becoming attuned to your surroundings can save your life!

Plot your place in the universe.

Choose who you are. Have you let circumstance and others’ opinions draw the outline of who you are?
Being an ACTIVE life player requires that you make mistakes.
Being PASSIVE requires that you are a spectator, gaining limited experience and depriving yourself of vital information to improve your decision-making process, which leaves less options.
Suggestions: Review the comments you’ve heard others say about you over the past few years. Pay particular attention to repetitions or patterns you can identify?

It is so simple, really. The less fear to hold us back broadens our information base which allows more information at your disposal thereby creating more options and opportunities. Your outlook is optimistic and brighter because you feel more control over your decisions. Once you don't feel stuck in a place you naturally move forward just by making a choice. Choice creates freedom. But freedom without responsibility is chaos. SO-O-O . . . it’s all up to you.

Words to Live By—Words Have Power

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:46:00 +0000

Let us gain strength in seeking out future. Stop taking "things" off the table. Everything rides.

When I heard Speaker Pelosi declare taking impeachment off the table, I was struck by the death knell of futility for the Constitution. Rather, I say, "The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us
from the support of a cause we believe to be just; it shall not deter
me." -Abraham Lincoln

This quote sums up my feelings no matter what the topic.

While in high school, I remember the stark example of Reginald Rose's play, 12 Angry Men. It has inspired me throughout my life. If you ever doubt the power one person has, this morality play tells the tale.

Keep on keeping on . . .

business, entrepreneurs, coaching, literacy

Short Memories

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:54:00 +0000

This is my response to a Salon.com article by Joe Conason [2008-08-25]"If we must discuss plagiarism, let's talk exorcism too."

Thank you for the candor in discussing the hypocrisy of politics. Joe, one blip was noticeable by its absence—Dan Quayle's potato scandal (or was that famine?)

Can Americans be so asleep or hypnotized to believe that people wouldn't have differing opinions? Heavens, look into personal experience with family members and friends. It is healthy to have different views on issues. Ultimately, the leader must take it all in and make decisions based on fact, perceptions and what's available.

Why do we have different rules for a jury than we have for decisions? My view—we allow for intuition in our decisions where juries must produce a verdict based on the evidence. What we seem to forget is that "facts" change so opinions, therefore, can change. Didn't we just throw Pluto out of our solar system last year? I learned that it was a planet while I was in school. Now, I have a new view. Truth depends on who is in power at the moment—think Galileo.

Politics is about power and how people lust for power and will do anything to obtain it. Shakespeare summed up human nature in his works (also, Will's works debated about how much of Sir Frances Bacon's influence appeared!) Oh, is nothing sacred? That book, too, the Bible, was scrutinized differently with the Dead Sea Scroll finds. What we know for sure is there are no absolutes and that change is certain.

Come on, People. Can you say CHANGE (Use Mr. Rogers voice, not the Buddy-can-you-spare-a-dime stuff)? Since when does change have an age limit? Change is a process, actually a transformation from one point to another. It is constant and makes people nervous because they don't know what comes next.

So, Obama doesn't own the concept. Things will change with or without him. I think he could've selected a more precise description for his campaign—CATALYST. A catalyst inspires change without having the change impact it.

Enjoy the next two weeks of frenzy. Things will change.

Michelle Cubas, Enterprise Business Coach
In response to Salon.com By Joe Conason [2008-08-25]
If we must discuss plagiarism, let's talk exorcism too

Five Ways to Elevate Your Business to the Next Level

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:09:00 +0000

Michelle Cubas

Small and mid-size business owners often have the luxury of flexible time and scheduling. The flexibility means the time is made up somewhere else! This very asset can be a pitfall without a crystallized structure upon which to assess and process what happens with that time.

Try these five approaches to start putting form and function in your business day:

1. First ask yourself this primary question: Are you running a business or giving yourself a job?
A job can be filled with the contents of your to-do list. A business must have structure and processes to run smoothly.

Study the operations side of your dream.
Operations can be overwhelming and cause the silent demise of a non-focused business.
• Assign a monthly meeting with yourself!
• Allow at least two hours of uninterrupted time to assess the prior month's business activity, quality of prospects, procedures in terms of effectiveness.
• Use these metrics to build consistency in your accountability to yourself, employees and customers.
• Were you on target? State why.
• Do you spend too much time on “busy work” that maybe can be accomplished by someone else?

Analyze your marketing
• Does your printed material reflect your current image? Your business may have shifted since its inception. A simple redesign of these materials may be a refreshing way to elevate your services. It is an opportunity to contact existing customers, prospects, family members to what you are doing NOW!
• Are you open to new ideas like multimedia to “broadcast” your message?
• Can you benefit from a monthly “brainstorming” meeting with a business coach to keep the marketing plan on track? Do you even have a real written, not imaginary, marketing plan! If not, make this a priority.

Put Fun in Your Business
• Explore ways to keep yourself and employees motivated about your products and services.
• Encourage group participation to build team work. Celebrate the company’s birthday, set a yearly theme calendar of events relative to your industry and target market, open your staff meetings with a three-minute standup routine or book review. This encourages communication skill building and overcomes stage fright.

Consistently Evaluate Your Target Market—It's Moving!
• Read industry publications.
• Familiarize yourself with venues, publications, websites your target audiences dwell. Study the images, language and pace.
• Keep a notebook of your favorite advertising campaigns and figure how they work. Can you adapt an idea to your business?

Think Creatively, Not Competitively.
• This process will remove the stress of outdoing your competitors. More resources are wasted on the "Me-Too" syndrome.
• Know your competition. Analyze what they are doing. Keep a file for each one and at your monthly “personal meeting” sift through and use as a motivational tool.

Now, think about what business you are really in--do you sell houses or match people with dreams? Do you write résumés or are you a career strategist? Your self-perception has everything to do with the clients you attract. Being different is sometimes risky, so it requires courage to stand apart from the crowd. However, that’s the best way to be noticed! If you see a crowd, go the other way.
For more ideas, contact Michelle Cubas, Enterprise Business Coach/Career Definition at Positive Potentials, 480/922-9699 mcubas@positivepotentials.com or www. positivepotentials.com.

The Current Hoax from Pharoh’s Throne Room (Bush’s White House)

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:15:00 +0000

This tirade is a lesson in perspective, a key principle in coaching . . .

How dare I comment when Keith Olbermann, takes center stage as the king of understatement and pun? Yet, weeks ago with Rachel Maddow, the two began to unravel Rumplestiltskin’s golden cord with the faint suggestion of how Michael Mukasey could arbitrarily mention a 9/11 call that came from a safe house in Afghanistan before 9/11—Huh? You mean they weren’t wiretapping to follow the call because it was illegal. Por favor, please explain the logic in this. How can that be since we were caught unaware? How does such inemptitude go unpunished?

Hm, starting to sound like someone dropped the perennial ball, and as my buddy Keith
Olbermann so astutely cobbled together the seemingly disjoined information with Rachel, it sounds like the one that got away and the big scares have been justifications to cover up the foul.

My read—Michael Mukasey spilled the beans from guilt, knowing the behind the scenes of this entire Shakespearean tragedy.

It sounds like “At Dawn We Slept” about Pearl Harbor and the mixed messages and non-delivered messages to FDR, the few who knew about the attack but didn’t bother to notify anyone, but I digress.

Naomi Klein has cornered the market on the only reasonable explanation. Bill Maher’s panels have played around these topics but not quite hit the sweet spot.

If there was notice of impending tragedy, and it was left “unwatered” to blaze the way for Naomi’s idea of shock, (deer in the headlights,) to initiate and to enable the plan Cheney had in his briefcase since the early 1990’s, we must unravel the cord. Where is the outrage? Why is it that Congress doesn’t follow the money? Congress must read Daniel Brook’s, The Trap, to understand what was set into motion after Goldwater and under Reagan. This is greater than a coincidence.

I know that I’m beginning to sound like a conspiracy nut; yet, hark, consider Viktor Frankl’s prophetic statement, “Evil is allowed to happen when good people do nothing,” applies here. As I see it, the “spilled beans” mentioned above translate into inaction, which is like a lie of omission. Either secret wiretapping was going on, pre-9/11, what the Bush Administration couldn’t expose until they got caught, became the electronic J. Edgar Hoover’s pre-emptive file building just in case someone wanted to speak about his tutu, OR . . .
The Bush et al couldn’t have planned anything so sinister, but saw this as an opening to release their Pandora’s plan with a little help from their friends (sorry Beatles).

When do the investigations by a special prosecutor, not the in-house sorts, begin? What is tying Pelosi's and Reid's hands?

No wonder I must do Sukuko puzzles to get some sleep. One’s mind reels at this scenario.

Signing off . . .Your Crazed Coach,
MC

Business Failure Is A Symptom

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:16:00 +0000

Let's highlight an essential element of Business Literacy—Agility. This is such an integral success factor that The Malcolm Baldrige Quality Principles score points for this quality.

The following relate to rigid mindsets that defy Business Literacy

Use these as a checklist for your situation—

Three reasons small businesses fail hard:
1. Lack of planning, not funding. If they have a formal business plan, they don’t bring it out.
Usually there is a lack of a written marketing plan, which represents up to 70% of the business plan.

2. Owners/Leaders don’t listen to advisory input. They make unilateral decisions and they are stubborn. This symptom often relates to the experience and fear of having to learn a new way and the leader may lose control. Can you feel the catastrophizing build! That's not leadership, that's being bossy. Ever wondered how those two words relate?
When they want to do everything alone, one must question what the underlying insecurity it. These types don’t know when to hire expertise because they won’t ask—the circumstance is like the joke about men asking for directions! (So, they invented the GPS!)

3. These leaders focus on widgets rather seeing over the horizon then working back. They confuse production with productivity. Counting units is fine however, when we don't factor in the cost of driving our personnel into the ground, we're not seeing the reality of the outcome.

What do you think? What's your experience with agility?

Want An Instant Intellect?

mcubas@positivepotentials.com (Michelle Cubas, CPCC Enterprise Business Coach, ) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:15:00 +0000

An instant benefit of an instant intellect is it is the cure for shallow conversations.

So, what will you do with it? How can it serve you?

Until one sees the value in developing such an asset, then the resources required to obtain it won't be justified. It's that simple. For those of you interested in acquiring it, please read on.
7 Steps to Acquiring an Instant Intellect:

Pick a topic you want to learn more about.

Take five days and gather as much information you can from a variety of sources (internet, publications, trade associations, archives).

Commit to scanning the materials you've collected and select three points that interest you from the “compost pile.”

Use or refer to the three points daily in some aspect of conversation. For example, “How many times have you wondered about the colors in a rainbow? I did. Would you be to know what I found (Click for the answer.)?”

Attend a seminar, lecture, class on one of the three items you selected. (Consider non-traditional places like churches, mosques, synagogues, organizations conducting courses.)

Write a journal entry (one page single spaced) on where this exercise took you—For example, boosted curiosity, added conversation starters. Did you meet interesting people? Did you impress someone with your curiosity? How can you use this information in your personal and professional endeavors?

Submit your thoughts to a local media outlet, publication, newsletter, blog, etc. You will now be on the record with your intellectual pursuit.

Who knows? You may discover an avocation, a passion, a pathway you didn't acknowledge before.

Bon voyage!

Regards,
Pocket Coach