Friday, January 22, 2010
Have You Defined Your 2010 Social Media Strategy?
Tune in on Sunday evening (1/24/2010 at 5 PM EST) to hear my pals from "down under" - Career Success Radio hosts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross as they discuss how to select YOUR best social media platform (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.) and how to leverage your social media platform in YOUR job search, career management or business development.
Guest experts include: Daulton West Jr., Melissa Martin and Coach Colette Ellis.
In addition to sharing how these platforms differ, I'll also be offering tips on how to create YOUR best 140-character pitch to share with the Twitterverse! You may recall this discussion from last February - well, you'll be able to build on those ideas to include the new developments and Twitter companion sites that have been created since then (e.g., TweetMyJobs.com).
If you are able to listen in live, the Career Success Radio phone lines and chat room will be open. Ring in via (914) 338 0714 and get expert career advice. You can also listen to the show recording HERE on the blog via the widget below.
If you have a job-search or career related question, tweet us in advance: @Coach_Colette or @careerradio. One question will be selected to be answered live on air the show. And, the Career Success Expert Panel will answer questions in the online forum.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Nonprofit Leaders: Are Your Clients & Volunteers Telling Your Story?
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.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Does Your Team Have 20/10 Vision? FREE Teleseminar: January 28
In the teleseminar, you and your core team members will get help to:
- Clear the Deck and focus (like a laser) on your team’s TOP priorities
- Identify ONE thing you can do that day to help propel your team towards its most important goals
- Create a visioning tool that will keep your team motivated throughout the year to stay on track
Now that you’ve had some time to catch up on things from the holiday and get a sense of what’s on your plate this year, there’s still time to Bring Your Future into Laser-Focus! Think of all the POSITIVE energy that will be created by having everyone on the line all being laser-focused on our top priorities and goals!
As suggested by motivational author, Napoleon Hill: "A group of brains coordinated in a spirit of harmony will provide more thought energy than a single brain."
I can't wait to speak with you and your team on January 28th at 1:00 PM EST!
Monday, January 04, 2010
NEW Podcast: Have More Intimacy in 2010 ... Financially Speaking
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?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Be Fearless About Your Goals: TV Interview of Coach Colette
The other guest expert on the show is Jake Matthews from 10e20 - who offers strategies to leverage Social Media to market your business or side hustle.
The last segment is the ULTRA LIGHT LAUNCH with Graham Lawlor from Ultra Light Startups - who provides practical tips on how to pitch to business investors. This segment also features Jennifer Takaki from The Pickle Club - who dellivers a 1-minute pitch for her online community.
Hope you enjoy the show! Let us know what is your favorite part.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Coach Colette is Fearless About Goal Setting - December 17
In 2009, many people were impacted by the downturn in the economy. Yet, hope springs eternal! There are many glimmers of hope to create new opportunities in 2010. Are you READY?
To be successful in growing your career, business (or side hustle), you must be able to reach the right people to let them know how your skills and talents add value and meet their needs.
Can you identify your next best GROWTH OPPORTUNITY?
TOMORROW, tune in at 11:00 AM EST for my appearance on Fearless Business TV, an interactive web-TV show hosted by Valerie Gurka. I'll be sharing tips to help you set SMART goals for 2010 and narrow down your long-term priorities into small, achievable steps.
Here are the details:
Monday, December 14, 2009
What Matters Now: Take Time to Reflect
The ebook includes many simple truths, plus several ideas to make you go "hmmmmm ..." as you reflect on 2009 and prepare for the New Year. I'm taking on Seth's challenge to help spread these ideas to 5 million people.
I'm only half-way through the ebook, but thought I'd share my TOP 3 Ideas so far:
- EASE: Even as a stress management coach, I can chuckle at Elizabeth Gilbert's suggestion to make time to "meditate but secretly nap" to ease off the gas and build in some "me-time." I can't be mad at her because sleep is SO important, and is also rejuvenating for your soul.
- 1%: Jackie Huba and Ben McConnell talk about the "One Percenters" -- the small group of folks who spread the word about new ideas, trends and concepts. Even as a vegetarian, I had to love the "Bacon Salt" story that spread like ... porkbellies? My question to YOU is: Who will be YOUR One Percenters in 2010? In my career and business coaching sessions, I've called these people your champions -- those people who will go the extra mile to create a buzz about your talents and accomplishments.
- UN-Sustainability: Given that my mission involves helping people achieve sustainable results, I was particularly intrigued by Alan Webber's flipping of the script. He suggests we identify and un-mask the UN-sustainable systems that "represent the dead weight of the past." From this essay, my question to YOU is: What will be UN-sustainable for you in 2010? What dead weight do you plan to lose?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
AGENDA for Land Your Dream Job Teleclass - TONIGHT
- Introductions – Coach Colette Ellis and Simone Kelly-Brown of Own Your Power
- Coach Colette's Career Transition Story
- Intro of Competent Advantage™ Model – Exercises/activities:
- Creative Visualization: Life With Your Dream Job
- Q & A and Info about FREE products/tools
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Professional Holiday Parties - Tips to Help You to Shine
You'll notice that the post was written in December 2005 (yes, I've been blogging for over four years now!). I think the tips are still appropriate; what do you think?
In today's economy, I'd probably add a few more suggestions:
- Determine which of the events will give you your "biggest bang for the buck." You'll want to budget for holiday events just as you would any other networking events. Survey all of the events in your area that interest you, and prioritize them in order of relevance to your 2010 personal/professional goals. Perhaps one well-selected "high-ticket" event will expand your network more than several lower cost ones.
- Be a connector – help others to meet relevant contacts in your network. Networking is also about what you can give -- and, 'tis the season to give! If people see you as someone who is helpful, they’ll be more likely to help you. This relates to my next tip ...
- Be conscientious about your follow-up. LISTEN more than you're speaking when you meet new people. Take note of their interests and goals. For those people with whom you'd like to stay in contact, make time to share information that would be helpful or interesting to them.
- When someone asks, “What’s new?” be prepared with an answer that might make someone say "WOW!" We all have experienced some challenges this year; and yet, inspiring stories are always good to hear. This might require some additional thought -- think of the good things that have happened this year; think of the positive people in your support circle; think of the small wins you've already achieved. I'm confident you can come up with a couple of ideas.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Coach Colette Helps You Land Your Dream Job on December 10
Join us for a FREE, practical teleclass to learn how to leverage your top skills and talents, and communicate your WOW! Factor to prospective employers. This teleclass is co-sponsored by the Own Your Power Community.
Post your career and job search questions here on the Competent AdvantageTM blog, or tweet them to @Coach_Colette using the hastag: #LYDJ.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Coach Colette Helps to Form Nonprofit Action Network
Each of the 16 Nonprofit Action Network members brings a unique skillset and years of experience to our clients, having worked with over 370 different nonprofit organizations. Specific areas of expertise include:
- Brand Development
- Executive Coaching
- Financial Management & Fundraising Strategies
- Governance Training & Consulting
- Marketing Communications
- Organizational Development
- Planned Giving & Endowment
- Social Networking
- Website Design & Development
- Providing individualized, direct services to create healthy, thriving nonprofits.
- Assembling diverse teams to provide a multi-pronged approach to meet client needs.
- Serving as thought leaders in our areas of expertise, advancing issues that are important and relevant to nonprofits through public speaking, articles and other media.
So, check us out online and meet the members of this fantastic new team! And, spread the word, if you know of nonprofit leaders who can benefit from our multifaceted expertise. Thanks!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Words of Thanks from Coach Colette
As I reflect upon this past year, here are a few of the things I'm most thankful/grateful for:
- I'm grateful for the opportunity to have spent much of this past year traveling the country and getting to meet so many wonderful people who are dedicated to improving their communities.
- I'm grateful for the chance to collaborate with some fantastic, talented people in the design and delivery of training programs for our mutual clients.
- I'm grateful for the clients who have included me into their worlds and allowed me to be a part of their future vision of a better world/work environment.
- I'm grateful for all of the people who participated in my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration - both in person and virtually. These include my friends who helped me, their friends who shared favorite memories and thoughts, our extended family, and the people who worked to make the event a success.
- I'm grateful for my parents, and for each celebration (large and small) we're able to share together.
- I'm grateful for my friends who continue to stick by me and cheer me on in my efforts (despite my mood or actions).
- I'm grateful for my own persistence and perseverance (ok, stubborness!) that enables me to continue even when I'm not sure of the outcome.
I give thanks for the immediate, complete, divine fulfillment of my desires. This or something better comes forth with perfect timing according to God's rich good for me.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Making a Change? What is 1-Degree of Transformation?
- Clients/Colleagues/Supporters:
- What small change in behavior/perception would be most relevant right now?
- What would making that small change do for your working relationship?
- How can you help facilitate that small change?
- Goal Setting/Personal Development:
- What small change in your behavior/perception would be most relevant for you right now?
- What would taking that small step do for your outlook on your situation?
- How can you make that small change?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Competent Advantage Blog Gets a Makeover!
Here in the Big Apple, the leaves are beginning to change and fall from the trees. There's a distinct chill in the air that I can feel as the wind blows through the bulky sweater I've now started to wear over my clothes. ANYHOO, I thought I'd leverage the theme of change and give the blog a fashion-forward makeover, LOL!
You'll notice in the header that I've included the logo for the Competent Advantage TM Career Workbook. I thought it might be helpful for you to see the model on a regular basis, to give more context to my article posts. I've also re-ordered some of the links on the right toolbar - to give you a better sense of why I've included them. They are primarily links to other resources, like my podcast channel, aStore (book recommendations) and partner websites. Take a look at the changes on the blog, and let me know what you think!
I'll be traveling the country through November, mostly facilitating leadership and communication sessions for the rowdy librarians! :-) So, please don't feel like I'm ignoring you. Feel free to follow and tweet me on Twitter so we can stay in touch more often. OK? Cheers, Coach Colette
Monday, September 14, 2009
85 Broads Goes the Extra Mile to Fight Breast Cancer
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Coach Colette is Back in the Classroom
- Resolve interpersonal challenges diplomatically
- Communicate goals and expectations clearly
- Motivate others to share in your vision
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
85 Broads-Komen NYC Team is Half-Way There
That's right our 28 team members have secured 42 gifts to bring us even closer to our $3,500 target. I'm so proud of the efforts of these fantastic women in our FIRST year of building a team (in only 2 months, I might add). I can't wait to walk with everyone on Sunday!
I'm also grateful to the supporters who have brought me 37% of the way towards my $250 Challenge. And, my FREE Assessment offers still stand for donors who contribute to my Challenge before Race Day on September 13th. Read my earlier blog post for more details on how to claim your Thank YOU!
Together, we WILL Run Breast Cancer Out of Town!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Stress in the City: Is Cuddling the Answer?
Life factors considered in the study of 40 of America's largest metro areas were:
- Unemployment figures (Bureau of Labor Statistics - June 2009)
- Cost of living figures (Council for Community and Economic Research)
- Median home price declines (National Association of Realtors - 2008-2009)
- Population density (US Census)
- Number of sunny and/or partly sunny days (NES-DIS - 2007)
- Air quality figures (US EPA - 2007)
As a native New Yorker, I can appreciate our ranking in the Top 5 of metro areas. However, you know that I'm a big proponent of finding creative, proactive ways to manage your stress. A lot of this has to do with your self-perception and self-talk.
Most of the life factors on the list are not things we can actively control -- EXCEPT that we do have a choice about where we live. In today's tight job market, you may challenge me on that a bit. "I HAVE to live here because of my job." But, remember, once you start to view your situation in terms of what you "HAVE" to do, you've already given yourself an extra burden of stress. The choice still exists; hopefully you're able to choose your best option at the particular moment in time.
From the career/job search perspective, I've written before about the value of focusing on the things you can control - your physical and online career presence, and your marketing collateral.
From the personal wellness perspective, I've written about the importance of flipping the script to create a more positive viewpoint. That may mean changing how you think about your situation, letting go of the "SHOULDs", or allowing space for things to be less than perfect. [I know, the horror!]
Social supports are important, too. One interesting link in the article was to a video about a new trend of hosting Cuddle Parties. Apparently taking heed of the value of physical touch in reducing stress, these parties have been held in the New York and San Francisco areas.
Would you attend (have you attended) a Cuddle Party? Comment here or tweet me your response and to share other ways you deal with stress.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Support our Komen NYC Team, Get FREE Career Tools
- Up to $15.00 you will receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Career Assessment
- From $16.00 to $25.00 you will receive a FREE Stress Management Health Assessment
- From $26.00 to $30.00 you will receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Career e-Workbook
For more information about these tools, please visit our InStep Consulting Online Shop.
All you have to do is visit my Komen page before September 13th, make a pledge to contribute and send a copy of the email that confirms your contribution. Send the confirmation to [info-at-instepconsulting.com]. (Limit one FREE tool per donation.)
Thanks in advance for your encouragement, support and participation. Together we will Run Breast Cancer Out of Town! Regards, Coach_Colette
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Coach Colette & 85 Broads Will Run Breast Cancer Out of Town
- 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.
- Consider making a contribution to support my $250 Challenge. DONATE online by October 31, 2009 by clicking HERE for the direct link.
- 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:


