What's Your 140-Character Pitch?

What ARE you doing to promote your personal or professional brand - in 140 characters or less? I'm sure you've gotten quite prolific at texting or tweeting your latest commuting adventure, weekend escapade, famous person sighting, etc. in 140 characters or less.

But, can you use Twitter and/or other microblogging sites to create a buzz about what you're REALLY doing -- or perhaps seeking -- in your life?

The idea for this post hit me this morning around 7:15 AM [long story]; so I decided to Google careers in 140 characters. And, I discovered some interesting things. I came across a tweeter called The Media is Hiring, who "helps media employees who have been laid off find new work 140 characters at a time."

I also found a story about a woman named Chelsea Winkel who apparently found her job via connections she made on Twitter. Of course, when you read the story, you'll see that it took a bit more than just creating a Twitter account. Her Problem Solved blog and website both explain how she can add value in her industry. But, the connection with her new employer was sparked via Twitter.

Seems like Chelsea took Stephen Baker's advice from his Business Week Blogspotting blog, when he challenged us last May to write 140 character resumes for ourselves and famous people.

In essence, we're all now challenged to come up with 140-character pitches (instead of 30-second elevator speeches). As you know, I aim to practice what I preach, walk the talk, etc. So, I've come up with my (initial) 140-character pitch: "Coach Colette helps business leaders leverage their power, passion and relationships to achieve meaningful results in 140-characters or less."

What do you think? Tweet me your 140-character pitch at Coach_Colette.

What will be YOUR Call to Action over the Next 100 Days?

Yesterday, we all watched history in the making with the swearing in of the first African-American President of the United States. The energy at Times Square was electric - even in the cold. When I stopped to take this not-very-clear picture of the jumbo-tron in Times Square, one woman asked me if we could take pictures of each other as the "moment" happened.

I hope she found another person to exchange with as I honored my RSVP to watch the event at Tonic with DL21C members and friends. Thanks to Mark, Adam and Penny for sharing their table on the second floor!

Now that Change has come to America, I feel proud and inspired. For the first time, I added the NEW Whitehouse.gov to my Favorites! I also feel an almost overwhelming sense of responsibility to be an active participant in the Rebuilding of America. As we know, President Obama and the new Administration will be facing some steep challenges to Rebuild America. The world will be watching his actions over the Next 100 Days.

What will be YOUR Call to Action over the Next 100 Days?

• How will you leverage your power and my passion to create your world as you desire?


• How will you share your valuable gifts that others can receive only from you?

I've also started this discussion on my Facebook page. Please become a "Fan" and share your goals, ideas and dreams! And, as you accomplish your goals, keep us posted on how you're doing.

Healthy Habits for Your Mind, Body & Spirit

It's a new year -- you want to be productive and focus on your goals and priorities. To improve your personal and professional success, you must look at yourself as a whole person: MIND, BODY & SPIRIT. Let's take a peek at some tips and tools to help you develop Healthy Habits for a Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit!

Your health is one of your most important assets. Being healthy increases your likelihood of achieving all the other goals you've set for yourself. Have you thought about your health coverage? Most of us have coverage through our employers; but employment is not a guarantee for health insurance these days. And, if you have recently experienced a change in your employment status, you want to ensure that you will be covered for basic checkups, and/or for unexpected events. Check out a few strategies from the Dolans on how to Get Healthy and Wealthy in 2009.

Let's face it: you're more creative when you're not stressed out. Reducing your stress can improve your health. Why? Stress can cause changes in your body and make you more likely to get sick. Learn about the connection between some common ailments and stress.

The goal is not to do away with stress, but to learn to lower your arousal levels and develop active ways to manage with it. A lot centers around how you perceive your situation when you encounter one of your triggers. Your mind will go through a series of internal questioning and processing:

• "Have I experienced this challenge before?"


• "What are the 'stakes' in the outcome?"


• "How confident do I feel about my ability to resolve this?"

All of these factors will determine what your reaction will be to the situation. These can include physical responses (such as tension, aches, pains or breathing problems) and emotional responses (such as poor concentration, anxiety, or sleep disturbances).

Health Resources & Tools

Assessments can help you track progress towards your goals and make healthier decisions.

The Wellness Inventory is a "whole person" assessment that can give you a holistic view of your emotional, physical and spiritual state of being. Learn more about how one investment can give you access to the inventory, personal action plan, Wellness Journal and other tools to support your personal growth for the whole year!

The Stress Management Health Assessment can help you recognize situations that cause you stress in your different roles, and identify how people around you do or do not provide support. Learn more about a comprehensive tool to help you recognize your stress triggers and identify how they may be impacting your health.

Want to incorporate some of these healthy-living strategies into your plan? Through health assessments, interactive workshops, and coaching sessions we can help you take action steps to acheve your health and wellness goals. Contact us today to discuss our individual and group coaching programs!

What 3 Words Will Define 2009?

I've been working to refine my 2009 Goals, as mentioned in my post from last week. Recently, I gained inspiration from a post I read on the Women'sDISH - DWC blog that led me to a challenge posed by social media guru, Chris Brogan. He suggests identifying 3 Words that encompass your 2009 goals.

The concept is brilliant because it forces you to think deeper [hint, you'll be seeing that word again soon] and broader than your specific tasks. It also helps you to create an affirmation or mantra that you can repeat to keep yourself motivated when you hit bumps along the road. Well, it wasn't easy, but I came up with my 3 Words -- started by reviewing business goals and brainstorming on what words could reflect those and give me some inspiration. So, here they are:

1. Deepen – my connections with my family and friends; and with my clients and the people I attract into my network and circle of influence to create a true InStep team
2. Platform – build a visible platform from which to share my knowledge, skills, gifts and abilities; and to promote the knowledge, skills, gifts and abilities of my team
3. Leverage – my power, passions, skills, abilities, gifts, network to build the business and world I desire

I've created a daily task in Outlook that will remind me to check my passions and reaffirm my 3 Words.

In addition, I've revisited my Strategic Attraction Plan to adjust for 2009 -- realized that a missing piece was concrete marketing goals. So, I'm raising the bar for number of blog posts and podcasts I'll create. And, I've added at least one target for direct marketing.

What are your 3 Words for 2009? What are your 2009 goals? Post or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

BTW, there's still time to share your 2009 goals on our survey to receive your FREE assessment (until January 15).

January 1 - A Day of Meditation

I was inspired by doing some research on the The Official Kwanzaa Web Site about the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1. It's intended to be a day of meditation and self-reflection to explore some of our deepest issues, concerns and values.

On this New Years Day, I thought I'd share the three primary Kawaida meditation questions to inspire your internal journey. They are:

1. Who am I?


2. Am I really who I SAY I am?


3. Am I all I ought to be?

2008 was a year of self-reflection and introspection for me. I hope to continue my internal journey in 2009 so that I can be of continued help and service to the world.

I do wish all of you great blessings in 2009. I'll close this post with a link to The Odu Ifa Meditation to inspire us all to "give continuous attention to the future; and let us give deep consideration to the consequences of things."

Coach Colette Reflects on 2008, Plans for 2009

Earlier in the month, I asked you: "How will you make 2009 better than 2008?", and to reflect on your Highlights and Low(er) lights of 2008. It occurred to me that I hadn't ponied up and shared my own insights.

So, I've decided to rectify that today by sharing some of my highlights for 2008, and the areas I want to channel some energy into to make 2009 a fantastic year! Here you go:

Highlights:

• Being selected as a national facilitator for Turning the Page on behalf of the Public Library Association, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - traveling the country, meeting lots of FUN librarians, working with a great group of dynamic facilitators and cool PLA staff
• Leading two Stress Management sessions at the JI Group Good Life Festival & Retreat in St. Maarten - enough said!
• Co-sponsoring Get Canned! 2008 with Suzanne and the team from Milk & Honey Events - volunteering my coaching skills at a fun event to help job seekers and networkers who attended in the snow!
• Having an InStep facilitator teach two more successful Public Speaking courses for OBT - watching the trainees speak from the heart at the Debate Days is always a great reminder of why our public sector clients need our support

Areas to focus on for 2009 (FYI, these are based on my results from taking the Competent Advantage TM Business Assessment [yes, Coach Colette does "walk the talk"]):

• Creating an action-oriented plan to attract more revenues in 2009
• Creating an action-oriented plan to market our services more effectively in 2009
• Regularly requesting feedback from my peers, clients in 2009

On a personal note, I'm still working on the Passion Test. I must admit that what they say about the "cognitive dissonance" that's created by introducing new ideas to the brain is true [quoted from PT, introduced by neuroscientists Waldman & Newberg]. Of course, this all makes sense -- just re-wiring my brain to believe this is OK, LOL! :)

I'd still love to hear your insights and reflections on 2008, plans for 2009. Please post here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Youth Seize Opportunity for Better Tomorrow

Still photos can't even begin to capture the passion and compassion the OBT Youth Trainees exhibited today at their Debate Day held at the Brooklyn Marriott. The only way I truly could have captured their brilliance would have been to video-blog live from the event!

I know I say the same thing everytime -- they can't possibly surprise me more THIS time. And, yet, they always manage to throw in a curve ball of an unexpectedly compelling persuasive speech or a nifty argument in the mock trial.

A common theme in today's speeches was taking a stand on issues regardless of whether or not they personally affect you. If you had heard the conviction and passion being conveyed by the mock trial attorneys, you would have sworn that you were watching actors in an episode of Law & Order.

In congratulating the youth, OBT's executive director Randy Peers made a striking statement about the resilience of the trainees -- he said they don't focus on the obstacles they have to overcome, more so on the goals and dreams they seek to achieve.

I could talk about these "kids" for days -- and they're not even my kids! Just knowing that the InStep team has played a even small part in shaping their futures makes me very proud that we do what we do.

All my best to the OBT Trainees in 2009 and beyond! Regards, Coach Colette

How Will You Make 2009 Better than 2008?

I've begun my period of year-end self reflection, and thought I'd share some thoughts and ask about your insights. Know Yourself is the first key component of the Competent Advantage model, as we know it's important to learn about the motivators, drives and values that inspire us and keep us going when the going gets tough.

Two external sources have been helpful for me on my self-reflection journey:

1. I came across a great article on the E-Myth Blog that offers some questions to help Identify Your Primary Aim. The "A-HA!" moment for me was the suggestion to forget about my business and focus on what I really want in LIFE (Yes, even the Coach can have a "DUH! Moment"). Otherwise, my business will become more like one of those "jobs" that many struggle to avoid.
2. While at the Library, I checked out a book to really help me drill down on these concepts called: The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose.

SO, as you reflect on 2008, how would you evaluate your accomplishments?

• What were the highlights? As strange as it may seem, it’s important to take note of things that you did well. Don’t be shy – write them down! Why? Because descriptions of your professional successes can come in handy at your year-end performance review with your manager, or on your next interview with a recruiter. And, keeping a journal of your personal wins can be very inspiring when you need a quick pick-me-up! Besides if you don’t write them down, you may forget subtle details that could make your story that much more compelling.


• What were the low(er) lights? It’s just as important to keep track of the things that didn’t go quite as well as you would’ve hoped. Why? Having a clear sense of what areas you’d to like improve can help you focus and channel your energies. It also will help you identify the resources you’ll need to make the changes become a reality.

Based on your reflection, what personal and professional goals will you set for yourself in 2009? Remember, that I'm offering you a FREE incentive to SHARE your goals with me in our 2009 Personal & Professional Development Survey.

What resources and experiences will you seek out to help you accomplish those goals? How about ...

• Classes, training or books


• Mentors or trusted advisors


• "Stretch" assignments or new opportunities


• Professional associations or social networks

As a life-long learner, I'm excited about continuing my year-end, self-reflection journey (it's really been an active and ongoing process this year). I know it will help me be a better advisor, business owner, coach, consultant, friend and person in 2009 -- and beyond!

I'd love to hear about your insights and reflections. Please post here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

In Interviews, How Do You Back that Asset Up?

To keep on track with our getting back to basics strategy on career and personal development, I thought I'd provide some tips to answer an "oldie but goodie" interview question: What are your strengths (and weaknesses)?

Check out this quick video featuring my hints on how to respond to both sides of the question. And, let me know what you think -- post your thoughts and comments here, or tweet Coach Colette on Twitter.

Has the question about your weaknesses ever tripped you up? When, sharing your strengths, how do you back that asset up? [just checking to see if you're really paying attention here, LOL!]

Given we're at the end of the year, how would preparing to answer this question help you in a performance review conversation with your manager/supervisor?

Watch the video and let me know if you get some clues or ideas!

Hear Coach Colette's Tips for Social Entrepreneurs & Nonprofit Leaders

Words of Thanks from Coach Colette

In honor of the season and Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I'd share my thoughts on people and things for which I'm thankful.

• I am thankful for my family - especially my parents who have given me love, encouragement and support throughout my life. The dinner I'm cooking only scratches the surface at my love at gratitude to you both.
• I am thankful for my friends - many of whom are not "local" to my area. But know that I'm glad for our connection.
• I am thankful for my health - I've felt a few more "creaks" in the joints; but overall, thanks to the body that enabled me to travel the country this year -- often on less sleep and nourishment than it deserved!
• I am thankful for my talents and abilities - touches on the core mission of my company to help others recognize their greatness -- I'm glad for my skills (including those I've not yet surfaced).
• I am thankful for my business - a vehicle to help fulfill my life purpose.
• I am thankful for my home - even when I'm stir crazy on those "in-office" days, I'm aware of how lucky I am to have a warm safe place to live.
• I am thankful for all the "right" people with the "right" energy I've met - along the way, on the journey ...

AND ...

I am grateful for the opportunity to express these thoughts and share positive energy with YOU!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours!

Coach Colette LIVE on Strictly Business Radio, 3 PM EST

Today at 3:00 PM EST, I'll be having an on-air conversation with Anna Banks, host of Strictly Business Radio, a program designed to create awareness about entrepreneurs of small to mid-sized businesses and to promote employment and business opportunities nationally.

In the month of November, the program has focused on Social Enterprise -- the New Heroes. Today, I'll be chatting with Anna about the challenges, opportunities, successes, missteps and motivations of this passionate group of leaders and the organizations that they create and grow.

Listen ONLINE today at 3:00 PM EST, and call in with your questions to: (718) 766-4021.

Talk to you later today!

Coach Colette Gets Canned on December 16th!

OK, now that I have your attention, let me tell you about an exciting career and social networking event on Tuesday, December 16, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM called Get Canned.

Get Canned is a charitable, social networking event to help you expand your contacts and discover your next professional opportunity in 2009. It will be held at e l e m e n t, a funky venue in lower Manhattan.

Being laid off, or 'getting canned,' rarely has a positive side to it; but, Get Canned takes a positive spin and embraces the theme - collecting canned goods for the Food Bank for New York City in place of a cover charge to attend the event.

Coach Colette is IN!

I'll be on hand in the Elevation Lounge to answer your questions and offer complimentary laser-coaching sessions. Get the guidance and support you need to face (and embrace) your career transition! One lucky raffle winner will win a FREE CAREER COACHING PACKAGE!

You CAN do it – I did!

Nearly six years ago, I found out that my position would be eliminated because of a company merger. Ironically, that was my second "downsizing" experience within 13 months! The way I saw it, I had two choices [now I know there were many others too!]:

1. Attempt to find another job

2. Attempt to sell my skills on the “open market” as a consultant

What did I do? I leveraged my contacts and skills, and chose the latter option. I’ve spent the past six years building my consulting and coaching practice to the level it is today. Come to Get Canned on December 16 to learn how you too can transition into success in 2009!

Healthy mind -- healthy body -- healthy career!

Equinox Fitness will have personal trainers onsite to answer your questions and help plan your 2009 fitness routine. They're donating a FREE MEMBERSHIP pass to the raffle!

Join me on Tuesday, December 16 at element for Get Canned!

Register TODAY and stop by to say hello. Don't forget to bring two non-perishable canned food items for FREE admission!

Can You Flip the Script to be More Positive?

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I was invited by Diane Danielson founder of the Downtown Women's Club to be a guest blogger on the womensDISH blog. My latest post is called Flip the Script: How To Stay Positive in Challenging Times.

I was prompted to write the post because of the national economic and employment situation. I'm concerned that the heightened media coverage may be making some of us get over-anxious and miss out on new, positive opportunities. It can be challenging enough to flip the script on our own negative "self-talk" [tips for which I share in the post]; let alone to override the media. As I admitted on the DISH, I have minimized the amount of news coverage that I watch as one strategy (the former die-hard-CNBC junkie did get a small "fix" today!).

As you may know, I've been working on incorporating the Strategic Attraction TM approach into my business and personal spheres. To help me, I've created a daily task in Outlook that includes positive affirmations that encourage me to accept the positive energy and blessings that are available to me.

Incorporating new behaviors like flipping the script often takes time to "stick" because it takes practice. And, because we're human, sometimes we'll slip up [the Coach admits to feeling cranky about an hour ago]. The trick is to not beat yourself up and cause more anxiety because you think you "should" be getting better at it.

I like that I have multiple tools and mantras that I can use to re-center myself when I do feel a bit off balance or blue. What do you do? Post your ideas or tweet me! :)

Share Your 2009 Goals, Get FREE Assessment

The holiday spirit has inspired me a bit early this year. Since I know there may be some who'll be looking for low (or NO) cost gift items, I've decided to participate in the Esculon GIFT FEST, a blog holiday carnival in which bloggers offer FREE gifts and FUN contests. What does that mean for you?

Well, if you complete our Online 2009 Professional Growth Survey and share your professional goals for next year, you'll receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Assessment. AND, I've decided to offer you EITHER a Career Self-Assessment OR a Business Assessment -- depending on what your goals are.

So, if you're focusing on improving your Career, then you can get a FREE Career Self-Assessment to help plan your 2009 strategy. If you're thinking about launching or expanding your "side hustle" into a business, then you can get a FREE Business Assessment to help identify your 2009 priorities. Instructions on how to receive your FREE assessment are at the end of the Professional Growth Survey.

Does it seem a bit early to be thinking about next year's goals? It really isn't (especially for those of you who will be having year-end performance review conversations). By the time the holidays really get here, you'll likely be focusing on other things. Take some time to plan for yourself NOW.

I also thought it would be cool to create a community of support -- your own group of online cheerleaders -- and keep track of what we'll all be working on next year. So, you can also share a quick response about your 2009 professional goals in the poll below.








Click HERE to take the full, online 2009 Professional Goals survey. Post your goals or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Date Smarter in 2009 - Online GIFT BAG EVENT Starts Today!

So, you may be intrigued – how can an online GIFT BAG EVENT help you date smarter in 2009? As a work-life coach, I know how important it is to have both aspects of our lives in balance. You may recall my post and podcast during the sumer on the challenges of urban dating -- it's an adventure!


Well, I’m excited to let you know that I’m participating in a fabulous event with Donna Sozio, author of the hilarious (but practical) dating advice book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers: What his Shoes Really Say About his True Love Potential. As seen on the Tyra Banks show, she’ll teach you how to sum-up a man in 30-seconds just by looking at his shoes!


In our fantastic online GIFT BAG EVENT there’s over $5,827 worth of fun & fabulous prizes for savvy women like you to win including a Complimentary 30-minute Competent Advantage™ Phone Coaching Session!


It’s so easy to enter!

1. Buy a copy of Donna’s hilarious dating advice book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers from Amazon.com from Nov. 3rd – 10th 2008.


2. Go to www.DonnaSozio.com/GIFTBAG


3. Enter your name, email address, and your Amazon.com receipt number

That’s it! You’re entered to win over $5,827 in premium GIFT BAG SWAG!

***PLUS*** If you purchase a copy of Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers and register, you'll receive over $800 in fun, stylish coupons and discounts on gorgeous jewelry, fashion, and more! So, you’ll look great on that first date!

For a complete list of prizes visit: www.DonnaSozio.com/PRIZES.

DON’T WAIT – take the first step to dating smarter in 2009! Register for the GIFT BAG EVENT TODAY!

Poll on Poverty for Blog Action Day

I must admit that I did some self-coaching today before posting this poll. I'd already registered the blog as part of Blog Action Day last week and created my reminder to make a post before October 15. Now, all left was to write the post. And, I was stuck! Why?

I was feeling guilty -- how could I ask people to consider ways to alleviate poverty when many are dealing with potential career and/or financial stressors? Well, after reading ideas on the "What Can One Person Do?" page, I realized that I fell into the same trap of powerlessness that I coach and train my clients/workshop participants to fight against. Imagine that!

It then occurred to me that sometimes putting the focus off ourselves and onto others can be a good way to gain perspective on our own lives. How many times have you been inspired by stories of others who have overcome great obstacles in their lives? It also occurred to me that focusing on a greater cause such as alleviating poverty may bring oneself closer to identifying personal goals and values -- a key component of the Competent Advantage component "Know Yourself."

Then, I recalled something that was said at the memorial service I attended on Sunday (loosely paraphrased): "Pick something -- stand for it -- and be the change you'd like see happen."

So, today, Coach Colette picks "finding ways to level the global playing field." I'm sharing this post and poll to facilitate a global dialogue, brainstorming, idea sharing, best practice exchange on the subject. What do you think? What will you do?

Podcast with Career Management Tips

I've spent time today catching up with all of my social networking sites and can't help but notice the multiple conversations surrounding the economy -- and the personal impact it's having on many people.

Since this is the time to revisit our career management plans and think about what needs to be "tweaked," I thought I'd help us focus and get back to basics on career and personal development. On the Competent Advantage TM podcast channel, I've posted a recording of one of my Career Management teleclasses. In it, we review the components of the Competent Advantage TM model and share tips for each area.

Take a listen to the podcast and share your thoughts and "A-HA!" moments. Also, post/share your email address if you'd like to receive a copy of the teleclass worksheet to follow along.

Given our current situation, I think it's also relevant to consider some NEW questions related to the Competent Advantage TM model:

1. Know Yourself -- Which of your priorities have SHIFTED in this new economic climate? [That's OK -- it's just important to recognize and own it.]
2. Know Your Market -- What NEW or alternative industries/markets can benefit from your skills and talents?
3. Leverage Your Strengths -- What network connections can you STRENGTHEN to help you in your current role/situation?
4. Create a Buzz -- How can you MAXIMIZE your Web 2.0 presence to let people know what you're doing and/or how you have succeeded?

What NEW ideas or strategies have you implemented?

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!

Help 100K Children Thrive in the Classroom

Many of our favorite charitable organizations
may experience a backlash from the recent economic events. We do have the power to help -- just with the click of a mouse! Please support the American Express Members Project. There are five remaining projects that have a chance at receiving $1.5 million in funding. Since this is the final round, you know they must be worthy to have made it this far. I've selected the one sponsored by DonorsChoose.org. Pick that one or another -- it doesn't matter. Just pick! Thanks! Coach Colette