Be a DUCK!

Be a DUCK!

Recently someone asked me to explain the vision of the So Now Professional Network for Women.  In actual words their vision statement is....To Create an Influential Network that Welcomes Women to Connect and Support each other While Pursuing their Dreams.  Visually though, I was stumped, until one morning I was eating breakfast and looked out the window and saw an eagle circling the lake.

The determined eagle kept swooping down toward the water. Curious, I rolled over to the window and it was then I noticed why.  There was a group of 15-20 ducks huddled together and the eagle was diving toward them hoping to grab one of them for his breakfast.  Every time the eagle circled around the lake and prepared for another dive, the ducks would pull together, flutter their wings and escape under the surface of the water.

Time after time the same thing. Finally the eagle gave up after about 15 minutes and flew away. What struck me was how committed the ducks were to staying connected and supported by one another. Never once did they even think about leaving the group and going it alone. They knew instinctively they were stronger and more powerful together.

Then it hit me - The ducks were reacting just like the women of the So Now Professional Network for Women! When they face a tough spot they hook onto one another, combine their talents and gifts and together they become unstoppable, wiser and more confident.  So much more than when they go it alone. Just like the group of ducks.

I LOVE IT...I now have the perfect story to help others remember the Vision Statement behind the So Now Professional Network for Women. To put it simply...BE A DUCK!

1 Peter 4:10
"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

Many Blessings, Jenn

This is YOUR YEAR!
Are you celebrating your successes? 

Earlier in the year I choose one word to represent my focus for 2016.  I chose the word: Miracle.

How has miracle shown up for me so far this year?
1.  A very close friend said "YES" to becoming our brand new COO for the So Now Professional Network for Women.
2.  My entire family took a trip of my lifetime to the Outer Banks.
3.  My husband and I were able to purchase the lakefront home of our dreams.
4.  My daughter accepted a job in Chicago and will now live closer to her mama.
5.  Friends from all parts of my life showed up to pack up and move us into our new home.
6.  My husband cheerfully cares day in and day out for all of my needs as my disease progresses.
7.  I was able to get on an airplane and fly to San Juan for a vacation with my best friend.
8.  A very good friend was cured of cancer.
9.  Another friend's sister is now in remission after she was told she only had months to live.
10. I learned how to play bridge.
11. I participated in a mastermind CONSISTENTLY for 3 months.
12. I celebrated my 62nd birthday with wonderful family and friends.
13. I have almost completed reading "Bible in a Year".
14. I am putting the finishing touches on my mystery novel.
15. My mother DAILY provides for me and my family from heaven.
16.  And the list goes on and on.

Why is this list of abundance and miracles significant?  The bigger question is....Were these the miracles I was looking for? Selfishly, I have to admit, no.  I wanted a cure for ALS!

What am I discovering?
The narrow definition of MIRACLE that I had pictured in my mind  was keeping me from fully recognizing and appreciating the miracles happening every day -- right before my eyes.  Silly me.  I am looking forward to the last 4 months of 2016.  I can't wait to FULLY be a part of the miracles that are waiting for me!

Take time out to reflect on your miracles from the past 8 months - I'm sure you will be amazed!

Many Blessings, Jenn

The Power of Your Image

Monday, August 1, 2016

The Power of Your Image

How do you project yourself?  Is your authentic self visible to others? Do you care about the impression you make?

How you look, conduct yourself, and how comfortable you make others feel are the ingredients in the impression you give the world. We all stereotype instantly. Our brains organize information based on familiar patterns and pictures. The first question we ask when meeting someone is "What do you do?" We need to categorize the person. Doctor? Rich. Artist? Nonconformist. So ask yourself: How might others stereotype me?

Let's start with how you look. Are you dressed appropriately for the situation, event, or venue? Are you well groomed including nails, hair, and teeth? The answer should be 'yes' to both these questions. You see, as you approach, before you ever open your mouth, others have decided wether they will engage with you or not. Yes, they are judging you by your appearance! It's not a conscience decision to judge, it's simply human nature. We decide very quickly if we are comfortable enough to engage in conversation with another person or not based on the limited information available to us, appearance.

The way you conduct yourself sends a message too. Are you slumped over, looking down at the floor? Or, are you standing tall, head and chest up, making eye contact, and smiling? The first scenario will scare people off and they will avoid you. But the later scenario says: 'I welcome you in. I'm friendly. I'm engaging. I'm happy to be here.' Again, we are more comfortable when others make eye contact and smile.

By now you may have noticed that all roads lead back to how comfortable you make others feel. It is their level of comfort with you, your appearance, and your behavior that directly relate to the impact and impression you leave.

Plan for your first impression. Be mindful and sensitive of the comfort level of others. Be polite, mind your manners, dress the part, stand tall, make eye contact, smile, and allow your authentic self to shine through!

 ©Professional Etiquette Consulting llc

COUNTDOWN to a Cutting-Edge Business Success Team