Being Mindful Amid the Chaos

For most of us, these are challenging times. Period. We're being asked to dig deep and really consider what's important, where we stand on many local, national and global issues.

It feels like a whirlwind! I haven't been fully present until now to begin sharing my thoughts.

For me, recent events have deepened my understanding of my calling. I am called to be of service. I am called to work with heart-centered purposeful founders and leaders who want to create change and have a tangible impact both with their work and with their lives.

If you feel inspired to take action, make change -- it's going to be critical that you explore all of the ways to nourish your whole self: body, mind, and spirit. That you seek out activities and communities in which you can experience the freedom that comes from mindfulness and reconnecting with your core mission.

I'll be sharing tips, ideas and resources to address the stress, anxiety and overwhelm that many of us are feeling. I'll also be facilitating discussions and Sister Circles with that distinct purpose. For today, you can listen to my interview on the My Seven Chakras show to learn more about my personal journey to mindfulness.

Let's get prepared to take conscious action, rooted in shared priorities, so we can feel more grounded and achieve enduring results.

Is All Stress Bad Stress? [Podcast]

Is all stress bad for you? Not necessarily! If you're looking for healthy ways to cope with stress, I'm excited to recommend this podcast from my second appearance on the Gfem Talk Show, a show that discusses important personal and business issues to help people transform their lives.

In my lively chat with show host Femi, I shared tips and insights on when to be concerned that you have crossed-over from a healthy state of stress to an unhealthy one. I also share best practices to help identify your stress "triggers" and determine whether your "go-to" stress coping behaviors are helping (or perhaps hurting) you in the long-term.

Since we know that up to 60% of health conditions have stress as an underlying cause, you can recognize how this knowledge can be helpful to you and your loved ones. Tune into the podcast and let me know what you learned -- comment here on the blog or tweet me on Twitter.

Flip Your Script: Reset Your Mindset w/Gratitude [Radio Interview]

It's been said that your mindset is like the steering wheel of your life. In which direction is your mindset taking you? Is it where you want to go? You can learn how to be more mindful and take on an Attitude of Gratitude to be more resilient in response to life’s ups and downs.

During today's interview by Bernadette Boas with Shedding the B**ch Radio, I presented my top strategies to help you:

• Bounce back after a breakdown and get your mindset back on track so you are open to pursue new opportunities
• Apply gratitude principles to lessen your negative “self-talk”
• Use mindfulness techniques to counteract your limiting beliefs

I also shared my thoughts on how giving back / paying it forward can help you create an abundance mindset. 

Listen to the podcast and let me know how YOU will adopt an Attitude of Gratitude in November -- this month of Thanksgiving.

Flip Your Script: Reset Your Mindset w/ Gratitude w/ Colette Ellis 11/03 by Bernadette Boas | Self Help Podcasts

How Did I Begin My Eco-Transformation Journey?

Since we launched the Foraging for Wellness guided nature walks in Prospect Park, I've been feeling an urge to share my motivation for launching this new aspect of my work. The story is part personal and part professional -- as has been most of my journey in the wellness arena.

I began telling the story of my eco-transformation by recording some thoughts about my experiences this past year -- the audio of which I just released on my iTunes podcast channel: The Eco-Transformation of a Coach. This is Part 1 of my story -- composting made easy.
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My transformation from a focus on personal wellness to a greater awareness around Sustainability of the planet and Green Living began (now) about nine months ago when I met Tim. We started to have conversations (OK, sometimes heated discussions) about why wasn't it OK for me to just throw certain plastic wrappers in the garbage. Or, he would come behind me and take them out of my garbage. This created tension and conflict on a personal level. There were a few things going on, two of which I believe are relevant to my transformation.

1. The first was a level of tension within my personal relationship, that led me to often think: “Why isn't he respecting my space, my point of view?” 
2. The second aspect was me not seeing the larger potential problem of discarding certain plastics into the garbage. 

I like to say now that these Green issues were in my “Eco Blind Spot.” After all, I was already recycling paper, metal, glass, and hard plastics; “Why did I need to do more than that?”

Tim started helping me too, though; collecting food scraps from our meals together and putting them into old plastic containers from Chinese delivery meals, or in other hard plastic containers that I had in the apartment, and storing them in the refrigerator. I thought this was interesting, not really having thought about saving my food scraps before, not really being aware of what composting was nor what the benefits of composting could be. But, in essence, it became pretty easy for me over time to just put food scraps into the containers. I just got used to doing it; I would put in my banana peel, my tea bags, his coffee grinds, our leftover food – all of it would go into the containers. Around that time, I was co-working out of Impact Hub NYC, and I noticed that they too had a large plastic bucket there labeled for composting, so I began to do the same thing there. It just became a habit to compost my tea bags and my banana peels and my leftover food scraps.

An interesting project idea developed from my home composting. I live in Brooklyn; Tim lives in Jersey City. Initially unbeknownst to me, he was taking the composting containers when they were full with our scraps and bringing them back to Jersey City to compost them in the garden at the back of his house. It was several weeks before I started to notice what he was doing. For a long time, composting was just really easy; I’d put the scraps in the plastic containers and the composting containers “magically” disappeared and then reappeared empty. It was composting made easy for me, which actually led to our business idea of CompostIFY. The “IFY” stands for “it for you;” meaning “We compost it for you.” We started to do some research around other cities that were creating either nonprofits or social enterprises to pick up compost scraps from local residents and businesses. We've explored the CompostIFY idea to some degree; I have pitched the concept at a few Green startup events.

When I became consciously aware that Tim was taking away the composting containers, it became of interest to me to figure out: “Is there another way that I can compost?” I decided to research my alternatives and found out I could bring my compost scraps to the Greenmarket. That comes back to the personal aspect of my transformation: the personal relationship was what started me on this journey of eco-transformation and foraging for wellness, or foraging for greater sustainability, actually. I began to look at Tim's actions in a different way that was less about him "making me wrong," and more about his passion for reducing waste, reducing consumption, and improving sustainability of the planet.

That was the first pivotal shift in my eco-transformation: recognizing that I could let go of my story around his not respecting my personal space or not respecting my personal boundaries, and open up to think about it from a wider perspective – from a collective wellness perspective, in some ways, and definitely from an environmental perspective of protecting and saving the planet. When I made that shift it created a whole new level of interest for me around composting, and I was motivated to research alternatives to compost my own food scraps. That's when I discovered the Greenmarket and learned that NYC Organics has composting bins at many local Greenmarkets. That's when I realized that I could continue the process of collecting my own food scraps, storing them in the refrigerator, and then once or twice a week bring those containers to the Greenmarket myself and dump our food scraps into their larger bins. I also learned that the food scraps are delivered to local composting organizations and community gardens dedicated to greening New York City.

I've been (consciously) composting at the Greenmarket ever since.

NEW PODCAST: Transform Your Life With One Call--to a Life Coach

Feeling a little frustrated, overwhelmed or stuck? Did you have the BEST intentions at the start of 2015  ... for your career? For your relationship? For your health? For your finances? And, then, LIFE happened! Maybe things have turned out differently than you had hoped, so far. Guess what? That's OK!

Did you know that working with a coach can be the difference between a catastrophe and your comeback! That's what happened to Lee Nazal, best-selling author and founder of SociaVerse Publishing.

Tune in for my interview on iTunes to learn how Lee transformed from being unemployed with only a part-time newspaper delivery job to pay the bills, to becoming an online marketing expert who has generated millions of dollars in revenue for his consulting clients. Also, learn more about our NEW book: Transform Your Life with One Call: America's Top Life Coaches Reveal What You Need to Know.

Tune into the podcast and let me know what you learned. Comment below or tweet me on Twitter -- so we can continue the conversation!

NEW PODCAST: Goal Setting Tips for Leaders in 2015

Happy New Year! Hope that 2015 is off to a great start for you. To help you hit the ground running, I'm excited to share this podcast from my recent appearance on the Gfem Talk Show.

In my lively chat with show host Femi, I shared some tips and insights on how to connect your 2015 goals with your larger WHY and true intentions. We also discussed how best to communicate your vision and true intentions with the important people in your world -- personal and professional -- in an effort to avoid mis-communication and conflict throughout the year.

Tune into the podcast and let me know what you learned. Also, feel free to share what are your 2015 intentions -- comment below or tweet me on Twitter -- so we can keep each other on track!

Check Out Lifestyle Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with GFEM RADIO on BlogTalkRadio

NEW Podcast: Stop Searching for the Perfect Diet

Still searching for the “perfect” diet? Truth is, it doesn't really exist. Whether you’re an all-veggie eater, meat-and-potatoes lover, going gluten-free or even eating raw, it can be hard to find the right foods to boost your health AND keep your taste buds happy.

Enter ... The Clean Plates Cookbook (available on Amazon)

In this NEW podcast, I interview Jared Koch, Founder of Clean Plates.com, the restaurant review guide that takes the grunt work out of eating healthier. Jared is a nutritional consultant and certified health coach. He recently released The Clean Plates Cookbook, a collection of easy-to-follow, nutritious recipes from celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver, Iron Chef winner Marc Forgione, Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern, and Ann Gentry of Real Food Daily.

Tune in to the podcast for practical tips to re-boot your eating habits and take back control of your health. You will be a health and nutrition warrior after listening!

NEW Podcast: Is Your Stress Making You Ugly?

You know that stress isn't good for your health, but does it play a part in how you look? You bet it does! Want the good news? It IS possible to "de-stress your skin."

Learn how in my latest podcast with guest, Gorgeous Lifestyle Expert & Celebrity Makeup Artist Nicole Lundy, founder of Ne`lani Beauty.

Your body responds to pressures by releasing stress hormones (such as cortisol, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine that increase your blood pressure, speed your heart rate, and raise your blood sugar levels. This "flight or fight" response is usually self-regulating and likely will subside when you return to a calmer state of mind. Yet, when your stress becomes chronic or constant, it can aggravate and worsen skin conditions, such as acne or eczema.

Tune in to the podcast to hear the telltale signs that stress is having a negative impact on your skin and learn some healthy beauty habits. Not only will you feel a lot better, but you will look a whole lot younger too!

Nicole’s signature 6-step Gorgeous Living Success System™ is at the core of all of the beauty programs, classes, and products that she creates. She specifically helps professional women to transform their entire beauty regimen, master their makeup techniques, and adopt a skincare regimen that caters to their exact skin type.

If after listening to the podcast, you're interested in learning more about Nicole's NEW 3-Month Gorgeous Living Program, email me or follow/DM me on Twitter and I'll let you know the inside scoop!

NEW Podcast: How to Love Yourself More in 2012

As we get closer to Valentine's Day, it seems as if LOVE is in the air. This day can be a source of great joy for some, while for others it can be a source of stress and anxiety. So, I decided to kick off 2012 with a podcast to help you manifest more (self) love this year.

The idea of loving yourself often seems cliché. We throw the phrase around, but do we really understand what it means? As you know, LOVE was one of my 3 Words of 2011. And, even I'll admit that my focus more often than not was externally focused -- to attract more love into my life. It does leads one to wonder: Do we actually know how to love ourselves? On the other hand, do we even know what the process of self-love looks like?

Tune into this informative podcast with Jasmin Terrany, founder of JasminBalance.com. By combining traditional psychotherapy, life coaching and eastern practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, she helps her clients feel supported and inspired as they overcome barriers and blocks to fully loving themselves.

In the podcast, Jasmin explains her “love tank” theory, and provides tips to help you fully love and accept yourself just as unique and special as you are! She also shares more info on an upcoming Winter Rejuvenation Workshop she's offering to kickoff V-Day weekend on Saturday, February 11 here in NYC.

After you listen to the podcast, I'd love hear what's your biggest insight on your journey to greater self-love and acceptance? Comment here on the blog or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter.

Tune in and Take the 2012 Mind Cleanse Challenge

It's the start of the year, yet are you already feeling overwhelmed?

Take the Mind Cleanse Challenge and take some ME-time! Tune in to hear my tips on how to regain your focus and identify your stress triggers -- and learn how those triggers show up in your body. I was recently featured as a guest expert on Own Your Power Radio Show hosted by founder, Simone Kelly Brown. You'll also hear some great ideas from yoga expert, Kelly Ann Clark.

Let me know what you learn and what new mind cleanse habits you'll take on in 2012!

NEW Podcast: Clear Your Clutter – Why It’s OK to Let Go Now

In our New Normal of rapid change and 24/7 technology, it's important that you find ways to be more centered and focus on what's most important. That can be challenging if your living or working space is cluttered or disorganized.

The good news is I've just released a new podcast with my friend and professional organizer, Juli Oliver: Clear Your Clutter: Why It's OK to Let Go Now!

As founder of OrganizeNY, Juli specializes in helping clients with home and office projects such as: how to balance household and home office areas; how to create inviting living and working spaces that take full advantage of every last inch of space -- really crucial in cities like New York!

Clearing clutter can go a long way to creating space for you to receive new ideas and new opportunities -- just by changing your line of sight (i.e., the things you see - or don't see) when you walk into a room can refresh your energy, open your mindset, and change your outlook on your situation. Letting go of old items also can help you release emotional ties to negative or non-productive aspects of your past. I started off the year by clearing out old TV's and phones, a printer and other bulk items. It truly lightened my load and made me feel better about my living space. [Now, to get rid of that old air conditioner ...]

In addition to sharing her TOP 3 Tips on How to Be More Organized to Find Greater Balance, Juli also describes her entrepreneurial background -- which seems to run in her family!

And, that's really appropriate since this podcast is the second in a series of shows featuring women entrepreneurs you really need to know -- featured along with me in the CRAVE New York City Guide, an urban girl's manifesto of the most chic, savvy, and vibrant business owners this city has to offer.

NEW Podcast: Master the Art of Strategic Networking

In today's New Normal, you've probably realized that just keeping your head down, doing good work, and hoping that your efforts are noticed will not help you land your next opportunity (whether that's a new job or business lead). Networking -- or perhaps better described, relationship building -- is the "new black" in the New Normal.

So, you know that we're all connected to other people in some way -- through family, friends, neighborhoods, schools or employers. And, you know that if you talk to enough people, you'll eventually meet someone who knows the person you want to meet (and is willing to introduce you). But, in today's New Normal, who has that kind of time??

It's time that you master the art of Strategic Networking -- the process of strategically looking at your connections and creating compelling messages that empower your connections to say: "YES, I know who it is you need to meet, and YES, I want to help you meet them!"

When thinking of who in my network I could ask to shed some additional light on the subject, I could think of no better person than the Queen of Networking -- Executive Recruiter, Paula Marks. Paula, also President of Hire Resources, Inc. has been professionally connecting people to one another for over three decades. Her business network is rooted in a lifetime of successful Human Resource management, executive recruiting, and a vast rolodex of professional contacts.

In our podcast, Paula and I share tips on strategic networking, including how to craft clear, concise communications that make other people listen and want to take action -- which is to help you connect with their connections. We also share some networking pitfalls to avoid so you'll be able to maintain and deepen your most important network relationships.

After you listen to the podcast, let me know what your think -- share your networking success stories and/or lessons learned. How quickly do YOU follow-up after meeting someone new? How do YOU let a connection know that you respect his/her time when reaching out? Comment here on the blog, or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter -- @Coach_Colette.

NEW Podcast: Make Your Brand POP in the New Normal

If you're an entrepreneur or "side hustler" in today's New Normal, you know it can be challenging to reach new clients and customers -- to make your message stand out from the constant information overload! Since you're reading this post, you're in luck because I've found a savvy, fashion-forward expert to share tips in a new podcast about how to make your brand POP in today's New Normal!

Meet Melissa Gonzalez, CEO of Lion'esque Media, an entrepreneur who truly grasps the concepts of networking and business. A former Wall Street executive, Melissa has become a force in the fashion world by helping up-and-coming designers to make their brands POP in today's New Normal.

Melissa uncovers emerging artists and designers and helps to grow their brands through media blitz coverage, video interviews, and hosted shopping events. Recognizing the challenge faced by her clients to gain exposure and visibility, she made a bold move -- she approached the Roger Smith Hotel to collaborate and showcase their wares at a storefront on Lexington Avenue between 47th and 48th Street in New York City. Can you say prime real estate??

In our podcast, Melissa shares her "lessons learned," including specific techniques on how you can find the right partners and champions to help make your brand POP -- based on your goals and target audience, and how you can creatively use social media in your business (or self-) marketing campaigns.

Her joint venture, the RS POP Shop, is a unique opportunity for artists and designers to connect online with customers [through the social media infrastructure of Twitter, online PR and blogs] and in-person with curious passersby along Lexington Avenue. Since inception, clients have included Animated Closet, Jensen Martin, LaQuan Smith, Lolli Poppit, Simon Carter London; many of whose designs have dressed a wide array of celebrities and have since collaborated with major brands like American Apparel and Club Monaco.

Designers also benefit from a sponsored, live broadcast opening night event and customized branding videos, like this one created for this month's RS POP Shop designer Patricia Brown for her jewelry collection. All proof that emerging doesn't have to mean invisible!

Listen to the podcast for more ideas to create a buzz about your brand and let us know what you think. What creative strategies have you used to make you or your brand POP in the New Normal? Comment here or tweet me your responses and ideas to @Coach_Colette.

Be Strategic in Your Job Search: Tips from Coach Colette

You've probably already heard that the January jobless rate fell to 9%, the lowest level since April 2009. Yet, if you're someone who is looking for work, this positive trend may not feel connected to your personal experience. And, it's true, we must look behind the numbers to get a sense of our individual experiences.

As someone who was impacted by corporate restructuring twice in my career, I'm committed to guiding and supporting the unemployed, leaders in transition and all working professionals who are seeking to advance their careers. Recently, I was interviewed by Monica Ross-Williams on Reach Out Job Search Radio to share my tips on how job seekers can gain a true competent advantage TM in today's New Normal -- namely, the tight employment marketplace.

Reach Out Job Search Radio provides the latest information on issues that affect unemployed, underemployed and American workers from all industries. I've uploaded my interview to my podcast channel on iTunes; but, thought I'd share my answer to one of Monica's questions here for you.

MRW: Where would you suggest job seekers begin their research of the current marketplace for trends, true opportunities or current issues to address during the interviewing process?

Coach Colette: Every industry and organization has its unique characteristics. Job seekers need to become investigative reporters who explore all of the issues, trends and opportunities for their target industry. Start with the major news and business news outlets (e.g., CNN, CNBC) to find out about general economic trends and growth areas. Media has also gotten very local; for example, Patch from AOL has over 700 sites with local news about specific locations around the country. If your next career move might involve relocation, sites such as these can help provide an inside scoop on job and/or housing opportunities.

Then, research to find the major websites and publications that are specific to your target industry. Become visible and establish yourself as an expert by commenting on industry blogs and websites. Finally, before your interview, visit the website of the company with whom you're meeting, so you can ask a targeted question about what's happening in their world.

Want to hear my full interview? Visit my podcast channel on iTunes to hear more tips on how you can be more strategic in your job search. Let me know which tips resonate most with you, and share your job search questions and success stories! Comment here on the blog or tweet me on Twitter -- @Coach_Colette.

NEW Podcast: Rise of the Sugar Mammas & the SHE-conomy

While you’ve likely heard that women often only earn $0.77 of every male $1.00, did you know that today’s SHE-conomy has also created a rise of 'Sugar Mammas'! Want to learn a NEW definition for this female phenomenon? Tune into my latest podcast with fellow 85 Broads member, Manisha Thakor founder of Women’s Financial Literacy Initiative.

In addition to teaching an online personal finance course about the Money Rules for Women, Manisha is co-author of two critically acclaimed personal finance books for women: On My Own Two Feet and Financially Naked. You've seen her sharing tips for working women on CNN, CNBC Power Lunch or on The Rachael Ray Show.

In our podcast, you'll learn four positive financial characteristics of modern-day 'Sugar Mammas' that will help you take full advantage of the SHE-conomy and get into the driver seat of your financial life! Are you intrigued yet? OK, here's a sneak peek at one of those characteristics:

• 'Sugar Mammas' Always ASK for It. And, by "it," I mean the resources to meet your financial needs and obligations. As an employee, this could be asking for a raise, promotion; or even non-monetary perks such as scheduling or time off. As a business owner, this could be charging (asking for) fees that truly represent what your products and/or services are worth.

Do YOU ask for what you're worth? If so, you're most likely a 'Sugar Mamma'! Tune into the podcast to learn the other three characteristics. Then, comment here or tweet me your thoughts and feedback to @Coach_Colette. Use the hashtag #SugarMamma so we can keep the discussion going!

NEW Podcast: Get Paid What You're Worth Even in the New Normal

Has the New Normal impacted your ability to negotiate for money?

The message we're receiving about money in today's economy is that it's TIGHT! Consumers are scrutinizing every purchase; and, managers are still nervous about spending. To get ahead, you must be able to demonstrate the ROI and value-add of any additional resources.

The GOOD news, I've just recorded a new podcast to help you! It's my conversation with Kathleen Kingsbury, founder of KBK Wealth Connection. In this podcast, Kathleen and I discuss how you can master your money psychology, and increase your ability to negotiate for what you're worth.

Whether you're an employee preparing for your year-end performance review, a job seeker getting ready to land your next job, or an entrepreneur planning to close your next deal, this podcast has great tips for you!

Kathleen, a certified professional coach and author of Creating Wealth from the Inside Out Workbook, helps clients to bravely look at their relationship with money and to make lasting financial, behaviorial changes.

One money psychology strategy we discussed on the podcast is to figure out which aspect of your brain you typically use when you're negotiating or discussing money: your emotional mind or your rational mind. This will help you understand how you're responding to the other person. Listen to the podcast for the series of questions Kathleen recommends you ask yourself before these conversation.

As always, I want to hear your feedback about the podcast. Feel free to tweet me your money success stories (or challenges) on Twitter. And, if you'd like to share part of your Dear Money Letter here, please do so in the Comments section!

Here's to all of us gettin' paid in 2011! :-)

NEW Podcast: Meditation-Your Secret to Success in the New Normal

Can meditation change your brain? That's a question that neuroscientists have been seeking to answer for decades - and there appears to be some evidence that it can, in a positive way. In today's New Normal, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. The good news is that you CAN find tools to relax and release your tension and anxiety. Meditation is one of those stress-releasing tools. And one, I'd suggest, that could become your [peaceful] "secret weapon" to overcome personal or professional hurdles and challenges you may be facing.

This summer, I completed a 21-day meditation "challenge" led by the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. I've been meditating nearly every day since then (even while I was out of the country). I've found that it helps me because I'm more easily able to access a mantra or positive phrase to flip my script when things get stressful.

With my newly-regained interest in meditation, I thought it would be great to create a podcast that would help others learn more about the benefits of regular meditation. And, so my latest podcast is my conversation with Stacey Shipman, creator of the audio CD Let it Flow: Short Guided Meditations and author of Experience Less Stress, More Success: Networking for Business. It was great to chat with Stacey again because she really makes it easy for people to learn how to relieve their stress and boost their personal confidence.

In the podcast, Stacey and I talk about the different types of meditation, and how easy it can be to begin meditating using the type you most enjoy. We share tips to remove distractions (internal thoughts and external things) that can get in your way, and discuss how you can build meditation into your daily schedule to help you focus on your true priorities.

So, you know I'm a curious coach! After you've listened to the podcast, let me know what you think; and share your successes (or challenges) with meditation. Where is the best place, and when is best time for you to meditate? Feel free to share your comments here, or tweet me on Twitter. Until we next connect, Namaste!

NEW Podcast: Find a Business Partner Who Won't BLEEP You

So, you've probably figured out that in today's New Normal you can't do it all alone. Whether you're seeking to advance your professional career, expand your business, or launch your new "side hustle," building relationships is crucial to your future success and sustainability. Your ability to develop strategic alliances and identify new partners will determine how well you're able to enter new markets and industries, find new opportunities, and really stay afloat.

In business (as in life), relationship building can be a tricky process. We know when it works, you can't wait for the next project or opportunity to work together! And, when it doesn't work, you can't wait for the project to end - hoping never to work with that person again! We've all been there - it all sounded great in the beginning ... but somehow, things changed and what you THOUGHT was going to happen, didn't. And, now you're left wondering how you got there in the first [*!#] place.

The trick with business relationships: How can you find a partner who won't [BLEEP] you?! 

In this podcast, you'll hear my discussion with Nina Kaufman, owner of Ask the Business Lawyer, and author of The Entrepreneur's Prenup: How to Choose a Business Partner Who Won't [BLEEP] You. Nina is an award-winning business attorney, sought-after professional speaker and online columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine.

From our conversation, you'll learn how to select the right alliance partners, and when you should have written agreements. You'll also gain some tips on how to avoid the emotional and financial pitfalls of doing business with a friend or family member. In the end, ideally, you each want to be able to benefit from the other's skills, talents, resources and connections. In life, there are no guarantees; but we hope this podcast may help you save some time and aggravation.

Take a listen, and let me know what you think. Have YOU ever been [BLEEPED] by a business/alliance partner? Share your comments and BLEEP experiences here -- or tweet me on Twitter.

NEW Podcast: Need to Save Time? There's an App for That

In today’s New Normal, time is tight – we’re all always “on,” trying to perform at 100%, on a 24/7 basis. And, technology has changed everything we do – the  constant stream of texts, tweets, and emails we receive actually affects the way we think and work. The good news is that we CAN take advantage of technology to save time and be more productive.

Tune into my latest podcast: Need to Save Time? There's an App for That!  It's my conversation with Tai Goodwin, founder of The Brilliant Network, a mastermind group for women entrepreneurs. A passionate coach and writer, Tai is committed to helping ambitious women grow from bright to brilliant by walking in their purpose and passion. Her articles have been published online at Forbes.com, Careerrealism, and EmpowerMe Magazine.

In this podcast, Tai and I discuss five of the top technology tools that can help you manage your time and achieve your goals more efficiently. Many of these tools will be helpful whether you're working within an organization, aiming to launch your "side hustle," or are a full-fledged entrepreneur. As always, if you have feedback on my podcasts -- or if you use other technology tools to help you get things done -- share them here or tweet me on Twitter! [PS - I'm still using TweetDeck ... when you listen to the podcast you'll know why I'm sharing this! :-) ]

NEW Podcast: Have More Intimacy in 2010 ... Financially Speaking

We're kicking off 2010 with an exciting feature -- a Competent Advantage TM podcast that is available for listening and download right here on the blog!

This podcast is a recent interview conducted by Coach Colette of Jacquette Timmons, founder of Sterling Investment Management and author of a great new book, Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate.

In the podcast, Colette and Jacquette discuss the importance of coming clean about your financial habits and preferences -- first, with yourself, and then with your partner. Jacquette also shares tips on how to begin those honest conversations with your mate, and how to avoid the emotional and financial pitfalls often caused when love and money interact. Click below to listen or download the podcast.

Once you've listened to the podcast, let me know your thoughts and reactions -- here on the blog or tweet me.
 
Also, consider: What conversations about money do you need to have with yourself (and/or your mate) to achieve greater financial security (and intimacy) in 2010?