Let it be on the record that the Taylor Swift hit is playing in my mind while writing this, but my concept of blank spaces has nothing to do with a long list of ex-lovers and anyone going down in flames. It’s about the gift of time. Ever had a meeting canceled 5 minutes before […]
In Excess: Words Not Needed
Brevity in writing requires practice, discipline and ruthless editing of one’s own prose. Excess words come in all categories – run-on sentences, superfluous adjectives, circular explanations and just plain sloppy editing. There’s one category of commonly used excess words that you can easily avoid, whether you’re a professional writer or someone who simply wants to […]
5 Lessons in 5 Years
I would have been perfectly content eating cupcakes all day to celebrate the fifth year of my communications and coaching consultancy. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last five years, it’s that self-employment breeds self-awareness. Reaching the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy isn’t something you anticipate when venturing into soloprenuership. Yes, you […]
Words Matter
In October 2013 I started my own communications consulting and coaching business. While I enjoy the flexibility of managing my own schedule and setting my own hours, I still work quite a bit. I’m just not in an office all day. But I would often catch myself saying, “When I worked full-time.” Wait, what? Ugh. That makes […]
A Resolution About Resolutions
It’s that time of year when all the possibilities of a new year point to success, satisfaction and self improvement. I’m a fan of making resolutions, be that for the New Year, on a birthday or even to mark the change of season. But I’m also the first to give myself and others a free […]
Fasten Your Seat Belt and Let Go
Ever thought about our relationship to roller coasters? Aside from obsessively making sure the safety bar is fully secure, there’s not much more one can do to control a roller coaster ride. Perhaps this is why we let go, raise our arms and exercise our lungs. Could adopting rollercoaster behavior lead to more happiness in […]
3 Tips for Your Elevator Pitch
There’s no shortage of resources offering guidance on putting together a winning, personal elevator pitch. Here are my top three recommendations. 24/7. Anytime. Anywhere. It’s a misconception that one only needs an elevator pitch when looking for work and attending a networking mixer. You need to be able to quickly and clearly articulate what you have […]
3 Secrets for Spiritual Surrender
Everything happens for a reason. Things will turn out just fine. It will all work out in the end. You’ve probably heard one, all or some form of the above statements. The sentiment being that you are supposed to blindly trust in the form of higher power you believe in (even if that’s a manifestation […]
3 Reasons #whyIloveIABC
In my final week as President of the San Francisco chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) I’m reflecting on why this professional association is so near and dear to my heart. #whyIloveIABC There are many reasons to love IABC. Where else can you find a global community that connects, develops and advances […]
5 Steps for Communicators to Align Your Authentic Voice with Your Social Media Strategy
Sharing your opinions via social media and maintaining a neutral, professional image are seemingly at odds in our current political climate. This was the overwhelming sentiment at four rapid round discussions I facilitated recently at SF IABC’s Idea Exchange event. The small group discussions I led focused on whether communications professionals – particularly job seekers […]
