Valerie & Company Blog

More than 500,000 people were injured and nearly 6,000 people were killed last year in motor-vehicle accidents involving a driver who was distracted while using a cell phone or texting device, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported recently.

To cut down on the growing number of injuries and deaths caused by distracted drivers, federal officials and safety advocacy groups have joined forces to get states to ban such activities while driving.

“We are on a rampage about this,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said during a recent press conference. “Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening epidemic that steals loved ones from us and puts responsible drivers in danger.” Accidents involving cell phone use and texting are “entirely preventable,” he added.

An estimated 100 people die every day in traffic accidents in the United States. Twenty-eight percent of all crashes are caused by the use of cell phone and texting devices each year – an estimated 1.4 million crashes each year caused by drivers using their cell phones and an additional 3% caused by drivers using texting devices.

The federal government has already taken steps to crack down on cell phone calling and texting while driving. LaHood said that President Barack Obama on Dec. 30 issued an executive order banning federal employees from using cell phones and texting devices while behind the wheel. And Congress is considering a bill that would offer states incentives to pass laws against cell phone use while driving, and to punish states without such bans, La Hood said.

LaHood and the Department of Transportation have formed a group called FocusDriven, made up of people who have lost a relative to an accident caused by a driver talking on a cell phone or texting.

“We are molded as a MADD-styled (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) campaign to protect the drivers of our nation’s roadways,” said Jennifer Smith, a FocusDriven board member in Grapevine, TX who lost her mother in a car accident involving a distracted driver.

“Our mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by eliminating cell phone use while driving,” she added.

To read more articles like this sign up for our ezine here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

What a “LOVE”ly month of the year - when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Remember, back in grade school, when we covered shoeboxes with hearts and then opened them, expectantly, at the annual class Valentine’s Day party? Days before we carefully printed the names of classmates on envelopes and then stuffed a Valentine’s wish into each decorated box.  Of course, we all knew who would be sending Valentines cards to us (mainly because the teacher specified we would give a valentine to every classmate), but wasn’t it fun to send that “special” card to a special friend?

As adults, we may still celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special card or an evening out with friends or someone we love. We may send cards to our older relatives, letting them know we keep them near to our hearts. 

But, what if we made it a point to give someone a “valentine” every day? Maybe that valentine would be a gesture of letting someone into our lane of traffic on the way to work…or a special thank-you to a store clerk or to the individual who seats us at the restaurant during lunch.

As a child, I loved celebrating Valentine’s Day…and I remember that many of us would continue making cards out of red and white construction paper, long after Feb. 14th had passed.  As an adult, I still love letting people know how much I care about them…and this year, I’m planning to continue the celebration with my daily “valentines” simply because my heart tells me it’s a nice thing to do.

The Mysteries of Valentine’s Day  

Nobody really knows the true story of St. Valentine’s. In fact, it’s been a mystery for ages…but we do know February has long been a month to celebrate romance.

But, who was Saint Valentine?

• We can begin with the fact that the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
• One legend tells us Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. At about this same time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, the priest, realized the injustice of this decree, continued to perform marriages in secret for the young lovers of the day in defiance of Claudius and when Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered him put to death.
• Another legend tells us Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, Valentine apparently fell in love with a young girl — said to be his jailor’s daughter — who visited him. Before his death, it is alleged Valentine wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression we still use today.

Although the truth as to why we celebrate Valentine’s Day remains somewhat murky and mysterious, the legends emphasize Valentine as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, a romantic figure…and, not surprisingly, by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

So, why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day in mid-February?

In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for cleansing and purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors, i.e., the practice of “spring cleaning.”

The Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan ritual also began at the ides of February — February 15th — and was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

But whatever the true story, St. Valentine’s Day remains the reason for a class party in almost every school in the nation and is noted on every commercial calendar in the country. It has become, indeed, as commercialized as every other special calendar date – so why not get into the spirit and celebrate in some small way with one or many people you care about?

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter and read more articles like this.

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

I took time at the office over the holidays to clean out dead files, straighten things up and get organized. Along with all that stuff, I’ve reflected on what’s in store in this new year for me and my business.

Okay, it’s 2010…a new year, a clean slate. You’ve probably resolved to get rid of some of your old habits just like me…and are ready to break in new ones.  So, it’s the perfect time to tap into one of your most powerful gifts – your ability to create.

I truly believe each one of us is blessed with a combination of gifts and talents that is our unique imprint…our brand.  I say “unique” because no other person in the entire universe can make your individual impact on the world. 

As I see it, we are all created – perfectly designed – to make a unique difference. But, do we all TRY to make a difference? Some of us make a difference by writing or speaking, leading or following.  The biggest job each of us has is to recognize what we are created to do…to contribute to our world.

It may take some of us longer than others to realize the greatness we were put here to achieve…the amazing lives we can experience. But trust me, it’s there and waiting for you to discover.

Here’s the cool part.  As we enter 2010, we can set our sights on finding and expressing our unique and creative gift we have to offer to the world.  That discovery may come by attending a seminar or volunteering at your favorite charity.  It may come from getting involved in your child’s activities or singing in a choir…or taking photographs or serving on a board or committee.  Or, we may discover our unique gift by simply giving our best to the work at hand each day.

I love the quote by Martin Luther King, Jr.:  “Take the first step in faith.” That means get out there with a purpose. Then watch your creativity unfold into limitless possibilities of purpose, prosperity and power.

If you decide to take this exciting journey, I can assure you…it will change your life and it will also change our world. Why? Because without you, the world would not experience the creative contribution you, alone, are equipped to make.

Remember, we are all here to experience our own unique creative power and through this unique power, we can help others discover and make their own creative contributions.

Sounds exciting, right?  Ready, set and watch the miracles unfold!

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter and read more articles like this.

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

A writer once charged an executive $300 for writing a letter to stockholders about a rather complex situation. “But it took you less than an hour to write the letter. Why are you charging me so much?” asked the executive.

“It did, indeed, take only about 45 minutes to write your letter,” the writer replied, “but it’s taken me 20 years to learn how to write an effective business letter that quickly.”

Legendary Automaker Henry Ford once asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build some generators for his factory. One day the generators ground to a halt, and the repairmen couldn’t find the problem, so Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch. The generators whirred to life—and soon Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz. Flabbergasted, the tightfisted car maker inquired why the bill was so high. 

Steinmetz’s reply: “For tinkering with the generators, $10. For knowing where to tinker, $9,990.” Ford paid the bill.

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter and read more articles like this.

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

Did you know that if you put numbers to each of the letters in the word “attitude” - it would add up to 100? The message is attitude is everything in how we deal with life. I truly believe (because I’ve tried it) that when we ACT cheerfully, we have more fun. When we SMILE, it’s hard to be depressed. When we LOOK for little miracles that happen every day, we’ll see them everywhere.

Let me give you an example. My secretary Susie used to tell me that every day little miracles were out there if we just noticed them. So when we went to an event and a parking place was right out front, she’d say “See, that’s a little miracle just for you.” Or if we got a referral from a client, she’d say, “See there’s another little miracle for you.”

Here’s something that has helped me see my day positively. When I awaken, the first thing I do is find 5 things to be grateful for. Not only does this give me energy before my first cup of coffee, but as I say them to myself I’m reminded that life is good and there IS much to be grateful for.

An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?”~ Michel De Saint-Pierre

Here are three questions to consider:

How can you make what you’re doing right now more fun?

What’s something that you always thought would be fun but have never tried?

When is the next opportunity for you to actually schedule some fun into your life?

Valerie

To read more articles like this sign-up for our newsletter here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

Like many people, I love the holiday season…even during those last-minute, hurry-up errands I meant to do two weeks ago. I love to cook my traditional pumpkin bread to give to those service people who are there for me every day…the guard at our condo building, the doorman at our office, and the mail delivery person who always brings our mail wearing a smile.

In addition to the many religious traditions celebrated during this time of the year and into early January, this also is a time to refill and renew our energy and begin shaping our personal and professional strategies for a new year of opportunities.

If you’re like me, it helps to put in my calendar a few actual days to take time to reflect, re-evaluate and, perhaps, make some changes…managing “our stuff.” I often find myself using part of the time to clean out, re-arrange, throw out and bring in all the tools I need to be successful in the coming year.

Yes, it’s hard to discard some of those old habits – personally as well as professionally - but your goal is to clarify your brand and your personal direction…it’s about doing more with less, to hone your goals into laser-sharp focus…to plan what you need and how to get what you need to succeed.

The holidays are, in fact, a time to renew and revitalize old friendships, to spend time with family and friends and to take a deep breath from the daily routine…but it’s never too early to make improvements in your personal brand, to re-align your passion and to re-examine old strategies. Just like that perfect suit you bought three years ago, the style may no longer be flattering…and so your personal brand strategy may need to be re-evaluated, tweaked and improved. Let me know if I can be a resource to help you unearth your unique personal brand!

Wishing you happy, healthy and productive holidays,

Valerie

Networking is essential to advertising your personal brand – and, as you may realize, networking is sort of like power walking. If you wear light workout clothing and athletic shoes made for the terrain you walk, you almost glide down the track or path. If you strap on leg weights, step into steel-toed boots and pile on heavy coats, you’ll cover less ground and add time to your walk.

Here’s how to avoid moving in slow motion and how you can cover more ground in less time when you’re networking.

1. What’s your outcome?  When calling on a member of your network or a targeted company, your goal is to achieve a certain outcome – like developing referrals, informational interviews or formal interviews. So, first pinpoint the outcome you need and then create a strategy, including the reasons your request should be granted, to help you achieve your desired outcome.

2. Develop a script: if networking is difficult for you, it’s because you haven’t had much practice.  So, it’s time you did – practice, I mean.  Take a look at your strategy and goals for a quick review.  Then develop a script – if you have an elevator speech, start with that and tailor it to achieving the goal you’ve set.  Your script will need an introduction, a purpose for the call, email or face-to-face visit, a “What’s In It For Me” from the standpoint of the person you want to speak to, as well as anticipated questions, rebuttals and objections – and your planned responses.  At the end, ask for what you want…ask that person to help you make your goal happen.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: After putting your script together, practice it. Use your family, your roommate…anybody who will listen and others who will be honest with their feedback.  If you practice your script, you’ll be prepared to think on your feet…especially when you network with someone less than eager to work with you.  You’ll also be able – whether you’re networking, interviewing or selling a product or idea – to get to the benefits faster and then asking for your desired outcome…and this is way better than rambling on and on…and on.

4. Ready for Your Debut: With script well in mind, your networking “butterflies” have lessened considerably.  Now, start targeting your most sought-after target – the company you’d most like to work with or the client you’d most like to sign…or the job you’ve wanted forever.  Find a way to get to the decision-makers and then ask for what you want.

5. Ongoing evolution: As you go through your script, collect the responses you get and make necessary adjustments to it.  If you use certain words and get favorable responses, add those words to your script.  If certain phrases or ideas get automatic rebuttals or objections, smooth these out. 

6.  Keep on learning: Never think about networking or going for job interviews or anything that has to do with selling yourself without bringing yourself up-to-date. These may be the latest trends, the most recent activities of a company or the latest and greatest in whatever field you may be in.  Never stop learning…this is key to your success!

In the late Kurt Vonnegut’s futuristic short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” the country in 2081 had worked so diligently to make everyone equal, deep thinkers wore government-programmed hearing aids that broadcast loud sounds periodically to prevent creative thinking…and those blessed with athletic ability were “equalized” with everyone else by being made to carry 47-lb. bags of birdshot around their necks.

Luckily, in today’s world, people with special skills and abilities are not “handicapped” by the government, but for many of us, there’s always that consistent limitation – that bag of birdshot we carry around with us — that keeps us from moving to the next level.

Of course, many people don’t have any idea about their personal stumbling blocks – which means if they can’t identify it, they can’t do anything about it. But, once they’ve identified what’s keeping them from moving ahead, they need to know what I call “the barrier fact sheet.”

1. Everybody has at least one barrier…one deal-breaking hurdle.  Some are simply not important – and some you can negate by hiring someone who will keep your barriers – like your penchant for disorganization under control.  Others barriers – to self-confidence, self-control and the ability to foster meaningful relationships – may not be so easy to knock down.
2. You can’t remove barriers you don’t or won’t recognize.  Your barriers set your boundaries.  They mark the bottom and the ceiling. We’re sometimes not willing to recognize these barriers – these handicaps – but we also tend to hang on to those that we really should let go of – like stubbornness or the inability to let go…of anything.
3. Our barriers exist 24/7, not just in our business world. Notice when you don’t delegate certain chores because you think you can do them better than anyone else…or what about how you demand – rather than ask – that jobs get done…now!
4. Our barriers can be helpful or harmful.  Our behaviors – positive and negative – impact every part of our lives, but these constant behaviors cause problems only when they get between us and our goals.  For example, a competitive spirit is beneficial in sports or team challenges…not so much in relationships or social settings.
5. Those who live with the least barriers cross the finish line first!  Look around you. It may not be the most talented or the hardest workers who win awards, recognition or promotions.  It’s always those who live with the fewest barriers to success.

 Read more articles like this here, and be sure to sign up for our blog.

Valarie

Want to become more productive?  Want to be more productive not just today but every day?  Then first, you gotta eat the frog. 

Mark Twain said it – if you eat a frog first thing in the morning that will probably be the worst thing you’ll do all day.  Okay – we don’t mean literally eating one of those little green toads from the garden.  Actually they’re too valuable to eat….But what we do mean is starting your day by tacking that task you’ve been putting off – the one you’ve been dreading.

Twain’s sage advice will not only help you overcome procrastinating that not-so-appetizing task. It will also help you become much more productive.

So, when you walk into work each morning, tackle the nastiest, most disagreeable jobs first. If that means picking up the phone and calling the family who left an unpleasant voice mail yesterday, then “eat the frog.”

Here’s how you handle this menu:

• When you arrive at work, determine which is the biggest, ugliest, most awful frog on your plate for the day.  All those other little tadpoles can wait.
• Start chunking your frog into several bites…and share if you can.
• Once you’ve begun, don’t stop eating until you’ve cleaned your plate.
• Then, reward yourself by doing a task that’s tastier – and one you’ll really enjoy.
• Keep the momentum going and be a role model for your colleagues. Once they see you downing those ugly frogs, they’ll soon find the nerve to follow your lead.
• And when the next frog lands on your plate, say loud enough for everyone to hear, “Would you supersize that, please?”

Be sure to sign-up for our ezine to read more articles like this.

Valerie

The Women’s Business Conference is a one-day event filled with networking and professional development opportunities for women at all levels in their career. The Conference, entering its 14th year, will feature nationally renowned keynote speakers, business workshops and seminars, a bookstore and networking.

REGISTER NOW!

2009 Speakers Include:
(Breakfast and Luncheon Keynotes to be announced next week!)
 
 

Erin Botsford, CFP, CRPC - President and Chief Executive Officer, The Botsford Group

Allison Cerra - VP, Marketing, Alcatel-Lucent

The Honorable Kathy Taylor - Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Valerie Sokolosky - Founder, Valerie and Company

Merrie Spaeth - President, Spaeth Communications, Inc.
                                                 President, The Institute for Strategic Communication

Agenda:

7:30 a.m.
Registration

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.   

BreakfastBreakfast Keynote  

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m
LunchLuncheon KeynotePresentation of the 2009 ATHENA Award 

1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
Book SigningsNetworking  

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.   
Closing Keynote