Author Archive

After a Conference

Having just returned from a business conference where networking, coaching, learning, and building relationships all occurred over a period of 6 days, my brain is on overflow. So many people echoed my feeling of overwhelm. Now that we're back home in our "real worlds", how will we keep the motivation and excitement and momentum we gained from the conference? How will we incorporate the actions to which we committed – and in some cases, the offers for which we paid – when we were there?

I will be doing a webinar that takes you through my IMPACT^(c) process I use (and teach and coach) for implementing ideas. I'll apply the process to this very question – making an IMPACT^(c) with ideas from the conference. In the meantime, here's an abbreviated process that I take myself through to make the most of what I gain from conferences.

1. Work on this process immediately upon returning home. The longer (in days!) you delay working on this, the less chance there is you will actually do it.
2. Spread everything out on the floor (or couch) so you can see your conference program, order forms, notes, etc.
3. Have a copy of your calendar (for the "real world" commitments you've made before the conference.
4. Arm yourself with Post-It^(TM) type notepads and large sheets of paper.
5. Make notes of all the ideas you've gotten from the conference.
6. Make notes of all the ideas – and commitments – you have in your real world.
7. Place your notes randomly around the large blank sheets of paper.
8. Step back and analyze how everything can flow and what can be worked on now versus later.
9. Re-arrange the note sheets to reflect a strategy you can implement over the next few months.
10. Re-evaluate your strategy at routine intervals to determine where it's working and where it needs tweaking.
11. Repeat as necessary.

Mind you…this is the abridged version of the process. Stay tuned for the full process via webinar.
Make sure you've signed up to receive my bi-monthly tips on implementing ideas – at www.IdeaSuccessNetwork.com – so you'll know when the webinar and its recording and handouts are available!

Success with Sylvia™: First Impressions Make Lasting Impressions

Watch these tips on how to make the best first impression!

Strong Relationships Help Ideas Flourish

When you have an idea that you’re passionate about, you are likely inspired to figure out ways to make it happen…and fast. Whether that requires a brainstorming session, a sales pitch, or a capital investment, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with other people can help you clarify and solidify your idea. You’ll need other people to support and help you move your idea along to implementation.

Much like traditional wedding vows, the concept of being there “in good times and in bad” can also apply to close personal and business relationships. When you develop connections with people during your good times, it is more likely that these same people will be there for you when tough times arise. Or, in this case, when you need a trusted supporter to help your idea succeed.

To build and sustain these positive connections in your own life, try these strategies:

• Make the time to cultivate relationships. Time is a precious commodity you must use wisely. While we all have different priorities – careers, hobbies, children, and parents – time for building and sustaining relationships is well invested. For variety’s sake, try different activities or settings with each individual or group:

1. Volunteer together. When you give your personal time to others in need, and you do it together with someone you like and respect, you form a unique bond built around selflessness and compassion. If you have never volunteered before, a partnered approach can make it a more comfortable experience.

2. Schedule reunion vacations or short trips to reconnect at long distances. When you live far away, it is easy to think you will “get around to it.” The truth is, the longer you wait the more distance you feel between each of you. Meeting up in person gives your relationships new energy, and helps sustain them during the days when you can’t be together.

3. Meet for lunch or after work. Even if you don’t have several hours to dedicate to activities, plan a lunch or after work get together. You may not get to cover everything you want or need, but you will show others that you care about the relationships you have with them.

4. Maintain regular telephone, e-mail or mail correspondence. Sometimes getting together in person just isn’t possible when schedules or lifestyles don’t easily align. Pick up the phone and call them every once in a while. Select a date and time to meet each other, in advance, if it’s the only way to make the connection work. Or, send an e-mail or real letter via snail mail.

5. Spend time alone, together. Whether it’s “date night” with your partner or spouse, or just those of you who are actual friends, schedule time on your calendar for these special people and focus just on them.

• Network professionally. While networking events are typical venues for meeting new potential client, they can also help you establish valuable professional relationships. When you have people in your database whom you trust and respect, you can bounce ideas off of and seek advice from them when you have an idea that needs outside influence and others’ perspectives.

• Organize impromptu group forums with friends, family and business colleagues. People who are comfortable with and build trust in each other are more open and honest when they communicate…exactly what you need when trying to develop, grow and launch an idea. Consider group breaks, lunches, contests, team building events, sports teams or other activities that build camaraderie.

Now that you know how to establish and maintain strong relationships, start dedicating time to each individual or group whom you value in life. Even if you don’t have an idea to pursue right now, your relationship-building efforts will prove a worthwhile investment when you need that winning piece of advice, guidance, or support.

Idea Discovery: Article – It Takes Kinetic Energy To Turn An Idea Into A Business

Make your IMPACT(c) … one idea at a time!
Here's my Idea Discovery for today to help you do just that.

Idea Discovery – Article: It Takes Kinetic Energy To Turn An Idea Into A Business

I came across this article today by Heidi Neck of Forbes Magazine. There are some obstacles that many of us need to overcome to implement our ideas. Taking small steps to overcome these obstacles can make the difference in being successful. Part of my IMPACT(c) process requires taking action; ask for advice, talk to others and you can come closer to conquering those obstacles and succeeding!

You can read the article here: It Takes Kinetic Energy To Turn An Idea into a Business

My goal is to serve you with resources and strategies that help you clarify, organize, and implement your ideas.
Stay connected with me for more Idea Discoveries.
IdeaSuccessNetwork.com

Sylvia Henderson, Your Idea Coach
Author: "Hey, That's MY Idea! How to Communicate and Get Recognized for What You Know and Think"

Success with Sylvia™: Networking—Even Your Friends Won’t Tell You This

Attending a networking event or a social function? Avoid bad breath by following Sylvia Henderson's six simple tips.

Idea Discovery: Article – Pete Bell, “Have a new idea?” Bellco Walks Through Steps for New Inventors: From Mind to Market

Make your IMPACT(c) … one idea at a time!
Here's my Idea Discovery for today to help you do just that.

Idea Discovery: Article – Pete Bell, “Have a new idea?” Bellco Walks Through Steps for New Inventors: From Mind to Market

Do you have an idea for a new product? Would you like to be a new "inventor"? I found this article by Pete Bell, founder of Bellco, which identifies the steps necessary to take your idea to a marketable product. As I coach through my IMPACT(c) process, taking a step-by-step approach brings the best end results.

You can find the article here: “Have a new idea?” Bellco Walks Through Steps for New Inventors: From Mind to Market

My goal is to serve you with resources and strategies that help you clarify, organize, and implement your ideas.

Stay connected with me for more Idea Discoveries.

IdeaSuccessNetwork.com
Sylvia Henderson, Your Idea Coach
Author: "Hey, That's MY Idea! How to Communicate and Get Recognized for What You Know and Think"

What’s In “IDEA”?

It's almost midnight and I'm still at my computer. I'm working on an article and have an idea. Fancy that! Yet, I'm stuck on the next paragraph. So I start poking around the Internet and then I get bored. Next thing I do is pull up a simple notepad window and start playing. Lo-and-behold! The next paragraph comes to me after the diversion.

What was the diversion?

I just started looking for how many words I could create from letters in the word "IDEAS".

Here's my starter list.

IDEAS
AIDES
ID
IDES
SEA
DIE

How many more can you add?

Success with Sylvia™: Communicate by Steering the Conversation with Your Body

Sylvia Henderson shares three ways to steer the mood, intensity, and pace of a conversation by using body language.

Hold an Ideas Txtversation

Have an idea for the open house at your downtown property.
Great. But I’ll be out of town on business. Can you handle?
OK. Will call your assistant to help me. Need keys and voucher.
Perfect. Call me later with details. I trust you!

(Txtversation between two professionals familiar with each other.)

What you’ve just read is a snapshot of modern business communication conducted via short, concise text messages. This exchange represents a texting conversation, or txtversation. Notice how quickly an idea can be introduced and actions finalized in a matter of a few lines.

Using text messages in personal and professional relationships isn’t a new concept, but those who lack the knowledge of “text etiquette” have been hesitant to participate. It is difficult to ignore texting as a legitimate mode of communication in this day and age. However you feel about texting, people who were born and raised on mobile devise are texting natives. They are in positions of responsibility in the workplace and run their own organizations as entrepreneurs. While the telephone and good old face-to-face communication is still ideal for many idea exchanges, texting enables worldwide communication. Practice texting etiquette for appropriate idea exchanges in a professional environment.

To help you begin and sustain a successful ideas txtversation, here are some generally accepted texting etiquette practices and expectations:

• Stay in the comfort zone, including yours and theirs. It’s common for texters to be overly zealous in their texting habits because they can’t see the reaction of the recipient; they end up sending too many texts, too often. If you are getting little feedback from the person on the other end of your txtversation, reduce your texts to them to a similar level to their texts to you. Consider reducing your texting frequency and quantity. Your recipient may be otherwise occupied and unable to respond, or uncomfortable with engaging in texting about the subject. Pick up the phone. Resort to email. Wait awhile and try again. Or meet the person in person if you can.

• Keep it short (and sweet). The sweet spot for text message length is one sentence of 8-10 words (see sample txtversation above). This is as much as most experienced texters expect to get. While 160 characters is the technical maximum (at this time), at about 25 words, 160 characters is a really long text message. Even if you’re texting from a computer, try to keep your texts short by sticking to the key words.

• Know your audience. Some people prefer that you text them instead of sending an e-mail or leaving a voicemail. Why? Because it’s how they prefer to do business. If someone texts you regularly, consider using text messaging when you have a brief message for them. At the start of a new relationship, before you have a chance to understand their habits, your best bet is to communicate via traditional channels like e-mail and telephone.

• Keep your distance. As with the number of texts you exchange, match the tone of the texts you send to the tone of the texts you receive from each of your correspondents. Unless your recipient has clearly demonstrated that they are comfortable using abbreviations and virtual winks, refrain from sending them. In professional settings, complete sentences (short and concise) are most appropriate.

• Eschew obscenities. When your image is at stake and you want it to be a positive one, crude language is never the right approach. Remember, texts can easily be forwarded to other parties.

• Use informality, not sloppiness. In professional text messages, proper spelling and full punctuation are expected. For example, the txtversation at the beginning of this article could be between a boss and subordinate or two peers in a professional setting. For personal txtversations, it’s perfectly acceptable to use informal wording, fragments, and abbreviations (such as “u” for “you”).

• Support face-to-face interaction. If a topic requires interaction or nuance, such as negotiating contract terms, then suggest an in-person meeting or telephone conversation. A more appropriate time to text in negotiations could be at the end when you send, “All OK. Sign the contract!”

• Send the right message. Considering breaking up with someone or firing an employee? These are not the appropriate situations for communicating via text message. In fact, it would be a major faux pas to do so and could result in bad press or bad feelings about you and/or your company. Remember that your messages live on in your recipient’s phone or service provider’s server.

Now that you have some of the general principles of text messaging, you can hold your own ideas txtversations with business associates, friends and family. Text messaging not only adds to your options for communication; it also saves you valuable time as well as cellular minutes. You can also exchange text messages when other communication services are busy or unavailable. So what are you waiting for? Let your fingers do the talking and engage in idea txtversations!

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“Txtversations”. Author: Sylvia Henderson. V-Twin Press.
ISBN #1932197311. Available from SpringboardTraining.com/Products/Invest-Success and Amazon.com.

Idea Discovery: Video – Steven Johnson: Where Good Ideas Come From

  Make your IMPACT(c) … one idea at a time!
  Here's my Idea Discovery for today to help you do just that.

  Idea Discovery: Video – Steven Johnson: Where Good Ideas Come   From

Here is a video I came across by Steven Johnson, best-selling author of six books, who has just completed his latest book "Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation". His video (from the TED website), is based on his book, and briefly explains the history of idea brainstorming, beginning in the coffee houses of England in the 1600's. He explains how collaboration can be so essential to implementing your idea, which aligns with my IMPACT(c) process; getting others involved can grow your idea by leaps and bounds!

You can view Steven Johnson's TED video and his biography, including a link to his book by clicking the link below:

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/steven_johnson_where_good_ideas_come_from.html

My goal is to serve, with resources and strategies that help you clarify, organize, and implement your ideas.
Stay connected with me for more Idea Discoveries.
IdeaSuccessNetwork.com

Sylvia Henderson, Your Idea Coach
Author: "Hey, That's MY Idea! How to Communicate and Get Recognized for What You Know and Think"