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If You Need Something, Just Ask
I am often surprised when I hear people grumbling how they didn’t get something they wanted, only to find out from them later that they never really asked for it. “I built this new Web site and all I really wanted was for people to contact me for a free consult.” (Well, did you actually…
Revving Up That Resume
Spring has sprung in most parts of the country, unless you live in the seemingly perpetual deep freeze of the upper mid-west or northeast (but even there a robin or two has been sighted and the days are growing longer). This time of year brings back fond memories of the waning days of my college…
Tough Conversations Can Be Difficult—Even Fierce—But They’re Worth It
It’s easy to tell people what they want to hear. After all, politicians do it all the time (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). But what about what people need to hear, whether it’s good news or bad, or something in-between? What about those “tough” conversations, which some might even call “fierce”? I don’t know anybody who…
You Don’t Have to Do it All . . . and Sometimes You Shouldn’t!
We’d all like to think we’re “Superman” or “Superwoman”—that we can do it all because, up until now, we’ve been able to “do it all” for our businesses and in our personal lives. I’ve had the good fortune over the years to work with teams of individuals who complimented my own skill set well, making…
3 Reasons to Pick Yourself (guest column)
As an entrepreneur and someone who has had the privilege of being picked “last,” I have learned how to fend for myself, how to pick myself up, and how to be my own cheerleader. These “survival” skills were invaluable to me as I grew Vizion Products, Crimson Design and Development, and Barrel O’Monkeyz from start-ups…
Hard Not to Look
While I’ve been trying hard to focus on my own little corner of the world these days and my place in it, I’m finding it hard not to cast a glance eastward to Washington DC. With the sequester front and center, depending on whom you listen to or what news you watch, and the time of day,…
It Takes a Network
Regular readers of my blog know that I believe networking is one of the most vital activities necessary for success, whether you are looking to jump into a new career, jumpstart and old one, grow your business, increase your exposure, learn more about a new locale, or meet new faces. The people you know and…
It’s All About Connections
The mid-winter blahs have no doubt hit our friends to the north, while we southern Californians bask in February sunshine that’s not too hot and not too cold. For me, this always seems like the perfect time of year to get sociable and share a slice of my “life in the sun” (at least virtually)…
We Should Admire Success, Whether It’s Ours or Somebody Else’s
Did someone change the dictionary and not bother to tell me? Methinks so, because “success” seems to have become a four-letter word overnight. When I was growing up (you know, back in the day when we had to walk 20 miles to school, uphill both ways), success was something to be admired, something to strive…
“War of the Roses” 2-Person King of the Beach Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament
Come watch or come play! 18 guys and 18 gals randomly divided on 3 courts, rain or shine. Approximately 50% of registration will go to Huntington’s Disease Society of America-San Diego Chapter. Where: Dog Beach, Del Mar CA When: Feb 9 – 8:30 am Check-in, 9:00 am Start What: Cost $40 (mini breakfast, lunch, one rose, sweatshirts, and…
Managing in the Round
The workplace is ever evolving. From the integration of computers, smart phones, and tablets in the office, to high-speed connectivity, virtual meetings, telecommuting, and more, it’s a brave new world of work out there. As technology advances and worker education and training levels climb, though, I wonder if management and people “soft” skills are keeping…
Here We Go Again: If It Ain’t Broke, Why Fix It?
News this week that Apple has up to five new/updated product releases in the works for 2013 got me to thinking about product life cycles again. I mean, I hardly got to know my iPhone 4 before the 4s and 5 made their respective appearances . . . and now the 5s is on its…
It’s Your Serve
This week’s inauguration ceremonies got me thinking back to previous inauguration addresses, most notably newly-elected President John F. Kennedy’s address delivered some fifty-one years ago this week on the mall in Washington DC. While I wasn’t around at the time (and wouldn’t be for quite some time), I have read about and heard bits and pieces of the speech…
Add Proactive Planning to Your Tool Kit
There’s an old adage, “You can’t plan for everything.” True. But if you plan for most things, you can put yourself in the best position possible to ACT versus REACT when opportunities and challenges present themselves. Why is this important? I much prefer to act with intention than to react to what life throws my…
A Good Cause: Not Just for Philanthropists Anymore
These days, as consumers, we expect the businesses we frequent to be concerned with more than just their bottom lines. Sure, we still demand top quality products and services, but merely satisfying our demand for materials, things, and know-how just doesn’t cut it anymore. Businesses need to stand for something, preferably something bigger than just their bottom…
Jazzed for 2013
Each New Year brings mystery, uncertainty, anticipation, excitement, and even nostalgia for what has come and gone. You name it. The switching of the calendar from December to January is a literal grab bag of emotions. How did 2012 treat you? Was it a good year for you personally, professionally, or just sort of ho-hum?…
