Are You a Truthsayer?

The dialogue around Oprah's Golden Globes acceptance speech has inspired AND challenged me. I've noticed that the more personal growth work that I do -- particularly around my sacral chakra -- the more present I've become to my anger and dissatisfaction as a black woman witnessing our current state of affairs.What's been challenging about this personal growth has been that I haven't always been clear about how (or when) to express my feelings or observations of unconscious bias, inequity, etc. -- in my professional (and personal) conversations.

Sometimes, I have felt constrained by my role as a coach who holds space for others to heal. What will they think of me if I express ...? And, when I have spoken my truth, and it's not been fully heard or received, I also have felt bereft of my full expression. Today, like Oprah said, "Time's Up!" No longer will I hush my voice.

My A-HA! moment came early this morning -- that's when I have a lot of these epiphany moments -- I'm probably not the only Truthsayer who has struggled with this! To my fellow Truthsayers I say, I have your back! AND, it would be my honor to share with you my Start Within coaching techniques and other tools to help support you in speaking your truth, as well as to manage your internal energy / chakras -- so you can stay whole and healthy on your soul journey.

This year, more than ever before, I feel called to support fellow Truthsayers in amplifying their mindful communication and leadership, as we all are on a mission to be fully heard, witnessed and recognized. And, it's not purely for personal gain (at least not for me). I believe that our stories hold power -- power for change, power for healing, power for truth.

Are YOU Ready to Speak Your Truth?

Help Women Leaders WIN in Berlin this October

Have you ever applied for something ... almost on a whim ... and thought "This is such a long-shot, but I'll throw my hat into the ring just for fun!"? Well, that's what happened to me with my WINConference Speakers Proposal. WIN stands for "Women's International Networking," BTW.

I've been receiving emails about WIN's women's leadership activities (including Corporate Network, Development Fund) and conferences for a few years now. I've been inspired by their mission to help women "run companies and initiatives with noble values, and to fully live their lives with beauty and enthusiasm." WIN seeks to accelerate change by developing, empowering and connecting women leaders to a global, authentic and feminine vision.

In the back of my mind, I always had the desire to participate in a WINConference; yet I never acted upon that desire -- until recently. For some reason, THIS June, I was prompted to submit a proposal to offer my Mindset Reset for Business training as one of their workshops. And, I guess I forgot that when I ASK the universe for BIG things that will benefit others, I can RECEIVE exactly what I request.

Which brings me to the purpose of this post. I'm seeking backers, supporters, and sponsors to make this goal a reality -- so I can accept my invitation to present Mindset Reset for Business at the 17th Annual WINConference in Berlin, Germany this October 1-4!

I've created a sponsorship campaign on Indiegogo (my first!) to help fund the journey "across the pond" to Berlin. It includes several specially-priced PERKS of my coaching products and VIP coaching sessions. Click below to learn more.



YOU can become part of this authentic, global vision for women! Give if you feel inspired! Spread the word to your network! And, DANKE -- THANK YOU for your support!!

Coach Colette Schools 'Preneurs on How to Communicate for Impact

In this video interview with Melissa Wildstein, I share more tips to Communicate for Impact in advance of my upcoming class for women entrepreneurs on March 27 at Wix Lounge. Get "schooled" here!



By the way, 'PRENEUR is a rockstar membership community created for business owners by business owners who do what we do everyday: hustle! Katie, Melissa and Sabina have designed a fun, interactive community to skyrocket your business growth in four key ways: Get Press, Get Exposure, Get Support & Get Schooled!

Since joining 'PRENEUR, I've been so glad to have these 3 PR and SEO dynamos as part of my team! Because another key component to communicate for impact is having connected, raving supporters who proactively create a buzz about you and what you have to offer.

Nonprofit Leaders: Are Your Clients & Volunteers Telling Your Story?

Once upon a time ... So, we know that storytelling is important to building relationships with potential supporters and volunteers. People want to know more about what your nonprofit organization does, and what impact it's having in the community. The more they learn, the more they will begin to trust you -- and that trust can lead to support in the form of their money, resources, or time.

So, what can make it difficult? One challenge for nonprofit leaders is finding those compelling anecdotes that make great stories. How can you capture the success stories that demonstrate the value you're adding to your constituents?

One of my clients helped me to discover one resource that may help you: GreatNonprofits.org.

This site enables nonprofits to share their profile with clients and volunteers who then post reviews about their experiences with the organization. GreatNonprofits.org intends to "help other people discover trustworthy nonprofits that are making a difference."

This could be a great way for nonprofit leaders to collect first-hand accounts from clients and volunteers and extend their nonprofit organization's online presence (there's even a connection to Facebook). If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit organization, take a peek at GreatNonprofits.org and see if your organization is listed -- there are over 1 million listed nonprofits, and 2,800+ organizations that already have been reviewed.

Has Your Team Defined its 2010 Vision?

Join Coach Colette for FREE Team Visioning Teleseminar: January 28, 2010

Coach Colette & 85 Broads Will Run Breast Cancer Out of Town

DID YOU KNOW? One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer knows no boundaries -- not age, socioeconomic status, geographic location or ethnic background.

As chair of the 85 Broads NYC/Tri-State Chapter Health & Wellness Committee, I'm so excited that we have launched our FIRST annual team for the Komen NYC Race for the Cure!

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM, the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its 19th Annual 5K Run/Walk in Central Park. On that day, over 25,000 New Yorkers (including over 1,600 breast cancer survivors) will come together to run breast cancer out of town!

How Can YOU Help?

1. If you live in the New York area, become a part of our team. REGISTER online by August 31, 2009 at http://www.komennyc.org/race. Be sure to click on the "Join a Race Team" tab and select the 85 Broads NY as the team you wish to join. Click HERE for the direct link.


2. Consider making a contribution to support my $250 Challenge. DONATE online by October 31, 2009 by clicking HERE for the direct link.


3. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to support the Komen Race for the Cure. Share this post with your social networks.

While there is no minimum fundraising amount, if every participant were to raise $250, Komen Greater NYC would be able to award as much as $500,000 more in grants to local community breast health programs and provide more funding for research.

I'll keep you posted on the progress with my $250 Challenge and the 85 Broads NY team as a whole. And, I'll be thinking about how to prepare myself for the race day. I haven't decided if I will walk or run .... any suggestions? Tweet me your ideas!

Thanks in advance for your encouragement, support and participation. Together we will:

InStep Consulting is Passionately Pink for the Cure!

Once again, this October, InStep Consulting will be going Passionately Pink for the Cure® to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer.It's passionate, because the need to end breast cancer is so urgent. It's pink, because that's the color we'll wear to accomplish our goal.

Participating is simple. Just pick a day(s) to wear a pink item of clothing during October and make a donation of $5 or more to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for each day you choose to be pretty in pink. If you'd like to contribute online, please use THIS LINK. In return for your contribution, you'll get the satisfaction of helping to move us closer to a world free of breast cancer. And, you'll be a fabulous passionista!

Please post your success and survivor stories to the blog, and let me know if you'd like to be involved in planning FUN PINK events in the New York area.

Thanks, in advance, for your help and for showing your true colors by going Passionately Pink for the Cure® in October!

NEW Podcast on Storytelling

Hello, hope you're getting ready for a fabulous weekend! I wanted to let you all know I've just uploaded a new podcast to the Competent Advantage channel on storytelling. Why storytelling?

Well, I've been inspired by one of the sessions I've been facilitating for the Turning the Page conference for library leaders called "Creating Your Library Story." It's designed to help librarians develop compelling stories about the benefits their patrons receive from public access computers and related technology. [We encourage them to find their "Kevin Carroll" stories to highlight.]

So, when I was asked to contribute by Sue Green at Nonprofit Central to create a tutorial for nonprofit leaders that would be featured by Craigslist Foundation, I thought storytelling would be a relevant theme on which to focus. And, really, this theme ties in very well with the Create a Buzz concept of Discover Your Competent Advantage TM -- keeping track of accomplishments and demonstrating how they add value.

The podcast provides tips for nonprofit leaders to create engaging stories that will motivate potential supporters and volunteers (including a model for writing the story). While it is geared towards public sector organizations, others of you may also benefit from the ideas and suggestions. Remember, the more you can tell good stories about your accomplishments [your WOW Factor], the easier it will be for others to see your value. Once upon a time ...

For What are You MOST Thankful?

As we approach the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I'd engage us in reflection on the things for which we are most thankful.

I am most thankful for:

• My family ... and my close friends who have become family
• My health -- which enables me to do things I enjoy (including running my business)
• My circle of colleagues/trusted advisors who keep me inspired (even when things don't go as planned)
• My opportunities and challenges -- which help me to learn, grow and inspire others

... just to name a few things. How about you?

For what are YOU most thankful?

Spending time to reflect on and acknowledge the positive, helpful aspects and people of our lives can be a great way to reduce stress. It can remind us of our sources of support (both internal and external) for when we're dealing with difficult or challenging situations.

One of my colleagues shared a link to a great site to help you examine your attitude for gratitude: Women of Spirit Online. Please enjoy the site when you have a few moments to truly reflect on the questions that will appear in the introduction.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Need Your Help: Wear PINK for a Cure!

Hi there, hope you had a FABULOUS weekend!

I'm writing to ask for your support of a worthy cause that has the potential to impact women around the globe. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I've created a Passionately PINK for the Cure team on behalf of my company, InStep Consulting. This can be a fun way to support research and education by the Komen Foundation -- especially if you are a fashionista! :)

All you have to do is pick one or more days during the month of October to wear PINK. For each day that you wear PINK, I'd ask that you donate at least $5.00 to our Passionately PINK for the Cure team.

Our site for donations is (paste the entire URL): http://www.komendonations.org/site/TR/Events/KomenTR?team_id=58260&pg=team&fr_id=1040 (or click on the icon on the right sidebar)

There are 31 days in October -- 31 chances to help find a cure! Thanks so much in advance!! :)
All my best, Colette