Tag Archives: UXL
September 2, 2015 Back to Business
Summer is winding to a close. Kids are heading back to school; vacation time is over. For many businesses, this is the time to buckle down and start ramping up for a strong fourth quarter. But sometimes it’s just plain difficult to switch back into work mode. What can you do when your head says, “You should work now,” but your heart is still enjoying lazy afternoons in the sun? Not toe mention, if you have children you have to completely revamp your evenings (from relaxed family dinners to homework/sports/after-schools activities time). How can you effectively deal with the dramatic shift? Here is a list of four suggestions to get Back to Business:
Set goals and make a plan to achieve them.
I’m all about goal-setting. Goals give you a concrete objective to work toward, rather than just “showing up” and expecting you’ll do something in the office today. When you set a goal, make sure you also set a deadline. Then, outline the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve the goal on time. When you step into the office every day, ask yourself, “What do I need to do today to reach my goals?”
Visualize yourself working.
Seriously! This is a technique athletes use all the time: They close their eyes and picture themselves running down the field, breaking open, taking that game-winning shot. Visualization is a proven tool that helps bolster concentration and motivation. You can use the same technique! Just find a quiet space and spend five to ten minutes thinking about your day and what you’re going to do to make it successful.
Make a list.
Similar to goal-setting, a daily list will give you a set of tangible objectives that you can accomplish. Write down even the small stuff—it feels good to cross them off!
Use your summertime joy as fuel.
Even though you might be disappointed that summer is winding down, you can still hang onto the summer sunshine! Your summer BBQs, vacations, and walks in the sun hopefully helped you feel rejuvenated and relaxed. Use that extra bit of rejuvenation as fuel in the coming months. One thing you can do: Post a picture on your desk of a favorite summer memory and glance at it whenever you need to “find your calm.”
Don’t be sad that summer is over; celebrate the fact that it happened! And, if working is ramping up, don’t forget to appreciate the fact that you have a job and that you are a much-needed piece of the company puzzle.
Good luck this fall and please, reach out to me if you’re struggling to find your feet at work.
-Margaret
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, LICENSED INSIGHTS DISCOVERY PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM
Tags: Back to Business, get back in gear, goal setting, Margaret Smith, Minneapolis career coach, transition from summer, use summer as fuel, UXL
August 26, 2015 The Road Trip (Stretching Outside Your Box)
The moral of the story: It’s healthy and beneficial to stretch outside your comfort zone, whether that means talking to a stranger on the sidewalk, applying for your dream job, or writing a book. Look for opportunities to learn, grow, and reach for those stars. You’ll be happy you did.
Tags: advice from a life coach, change your routine, Margaret Smith, Minneapolis career coach, mix it up, outside your comfort zone, take a risk, the road trip and stretching outside your box, UXL
August 19, 2015 The Elevator Pitch is Out!
For years, we’ve been taught to hone our elevator pitches—those thirty-second sound bites about ourselves that are theoretically meant to engage a complete stranger. The problem? The typical elevator pitch usually comes across as canned and overly-salesy. The eyes glaze over, the listener makes any excuse they can to get away. You might manage to shove a business card into your listener’s hand before they dash away…
It’s not surprising that this kind of approach doesn’t work. But, what does?
According to international sales speaker Kim Duke, you should ditch the traditional elevator pitch in favor of storytelling. Tell a little something about yourself in story form. Make it interesting and unique.
What should your story involve? According to Kim Duke:
- PEOPLE. You’re not talking about gadgets and services – you’re talking about people. It is conversational, interesting to listen to.
- CURIOSITY. You lead with something that captures their attention – something that they are struggling with.
- DON’T SOUND CANNED. There’s a difference between being passionate or being an actress. If you’re too dramatic, or too flat – people TUNE YOU OUT both ways! Practice your introduction but don’t sound like a robot.
- GET TO THE POINT. What is your claim to fame? This is where you can include a little Zip (e.g. My clients on average increase their sales by 50% or more.)
- CALL TO ACTION. People should feel inspired to want more, learn more, go to your website, ask for your card…make them think!
And don’t forget to LISTEN to what others have to say. A good listening ear can go a long way.
Remember to always be your authentic self when telling your story. Don’t stretch the truth or just “tell ’em what they want to hear.” Lay out your story and practice it in the mirror or with a friend. That way, you’ll feel more natural when the time comes to actually talk to a potential client. Above all, be yourself!
Tags: awkward elevator pitch, ditch the elevator pitch, kim duke, Margaret Smith, storytelling in sales, the power of storytelling, UXL
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