01.12.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:38 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
There have been a lot of blog posts recently on Stephen M. R. Covey’s book The Speed of Trust. And, after reading the book, I can understand why. In it, Mr. Covey provides a very straight forward message about why trust is so important in our lives. The reasoning behind The Speed of Trust is that with trust relationships are more efficient and cost less. Mr. Covey discusses how Warren Buffet can close a mega-million dollar deal in a few minutes and a handshake when there is a high level of trust involved with both parties.
Before I picked up the book, I knew that trust was important to relationships with other people, but the book caused me to learn something new – that one’s trust in themselves is just as important.
Mr. Covey gives the example of when he tried to change a very normal and usual part of his daily life – he wanted to wake up earlier each morning. Simple enough, he just set the alarm an hour earlier and went to bed. Well, the next morning (and subsequent mornings) Covey found himself hitting the snooze alarm, and then finally waking an hour later. What he began to notice was that by not being able to accomplish this task, he found himself frustrated and couldn’t trust himself to wake up at the earlier time. When he realized this was a source of frustration, he dealt with it.
For me, and I’m sure many others, this example hit home. If I could wake earlier, then I would be more productive, right? Well, knowing myself the way that I do, I would rather stay up all night working on a task, then get started earlier in the morning (I already arrive at work at 7am). But, the example helped me better understand how I can get frustrated when I don’t get everything done on my “To-do” list.
See, each time we promise something to ourselves (e.g. wake up earlier) and then break that promise to ourselves, we’re degrading the amount of trust we have in ourselves to complete a task. This causes us to become unsure, less self-confident and less willing to set goals; however small they may seem to be. We are undermining ourselves.
The motto to be learned here is that don’t promise something to yourself that you can’t deliver. Don’t try to get 100 things done in one day when realistically, you can only accomplish 50. By keeping promises to ourselves, we are building trust in ourselves and that allows us to lead richer and more quality lives.
Joanna Vahlsing
www.joannavahlsing.com
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01.05.08
Posted in General Tips at 8:42 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
What if you could inexpensively pay someone to take care of the tasks that eat up a lot of your time? For example, have someone book travel, research car prices or even keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other important events and send the appropriate gift? Sound too good to be true? Well, in today’s global marketplace, it’s not.
I first heard about this unique service by reading The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. In his book, he had a guest writer, AJ Jacobs, write about his experience with a “Virtual Assistant” from Brickwork India. A Google search turned up many other companies offering similar “Virtual Assistant” services; including, Tasks Everyday, Your Man In India, and for those who are hesitant to go offshore, there is a U.S.-based company called Ask Sunday (who has posted some of their actual requests online – including one for a rhinoplasty appointment!).
Outsourcing tasks are usually billed by the hour; anywhere from $4 to $20, depending on the task and company. Those that have used these services have said that it is extremely important to be clear about the task to be completed, and if you’re dealing with someone whose first language is not English, to use plain, simple words. Also, it is important to establish a timeframe for the task, i.e. “If this task will take longer than 10 hours, please email me to confirm the additional hours.”
Also, another benefit of working with Virtual Assistants living in India is the time difference – you can send them a task before you leave the office for the day, and then have it completed by the time you return the next morning.
If anyone has tried these services, I would enjoy hearing about the experience and what you thought of it. Also, how often do you find yourself sending tasks to your Virtual Assistant?
All the best,
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
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01.02.08
Posted in Networking, Personal Branding at 10:32 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
I just finished listening to a series of podcasts from the A Brand You World – 2007 Global Telesummit where panelists from all industries shared their advice for creating an authentic and viable personal brand. As the CEO of ME, Inc. (a term coined by the ETP Network), it is important that we establish a brand that conveys the message we want to project to the world. Think of the masters of branding – Volvo, known for safety, Richard Branson, known for his adventurous nature, or the Covey empire, known for increasing personal and organizational effectiveness.
There are over 24 hours of podcasts from the Telesummit, and not all of them focused on online branding, but the majority of them offered tips on how to establish your personal brand online – or at least to make sure you are communicating the message that you want to communicate online. I encourage you to view the website and listen to some (or all) of the podcasts, but I thought I would share with you some of the expert advice that was provided:
Google Yourself – This may sound egomaniacal, but if you’re in the job market or looking for new clients, in today’s marketplace, most likely the recruiter or the potential client is going to Google you to see what turns up. Tip: Google has a feature called “Google Alerts” that you can set to run a search on a periodic basis and then have the service send you an email of any new results. This is helpful for not only your name, but also to have Google automatically run a search on any key words that are in your industry or a company/client you want to keep tabs on.
Once you Google your name, what do you see? William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson, who wrote Career Distinction: Stand Out By Building Your Brand, created a tool that allows you to find out your “Google Quotient” with their Online Identity Calculator. You’ll receive a rating on a scale of 1-10 (10 is the level of distinction) – I’m currently at an 8.3. They will also give you tips on how to increase your rating.
The goal of maximizing your presence online is to be referenced in the first three links that the Google search returns. Because I have a unique name, I’m fortunate that the entire first and second pages refer to me, but if your name needs a little help moving up to the top three, there are websites that Google “loves” and will usually return first. Those websites include:
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Naymz.com – Naymz is a “reputation community,” and its tag line is “Empowering Reputable Professionals.” Users can post a free online profile and then link from that profile to other sites, e.g. LinkedIn or a personal website. I like that it allows for HTML editing so you can add color and other design elements to your profile.
But, the biggest benefit is that for $4.95/mth, your profile becomes a “Sponsored Link” when someone does a Google search – think of your name as a product, and Google is trying to sell it for you! Five bucks a month seems like a bargain for that amount of exposure – you are automatically the first link on the Google search results for your name. If you’re interested, you can see what happens when you
search my name.
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Your Own Blog – Google likes blogs, especially if they have your name in the web address. Yahoo! Small Business has a nice partnership with
WordPress (a blogging website) that allows you to connect the blog to your personal website, so the web address is
www.firstnamelastname.com/blog. If you don’t feel comfortable, or that you would have the time to keep up a blog, Google will also pick up on any comments that you make on other blogs – just make sure you sign them with your full name.
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LinkedIn – Don’t need to say too much about this powerhouse, but Google does like LinkedIn. I’ve also heard that the more recommendations you have increases your place in the results.
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Emurse – Emurse is an online resume service. I have not used it, but apparently once a resume is created on the site, Google will return it in its search results. This could be helpful for job seekers who would like a professional resume on the web.
Digital Dirt – Another topic that came up during the Telesummit was how to deal with “Digital Dirt,” which describes those electronic reminders we would like to forget. For Gen Y, it could be some “not-so-professional” MySpace photos, or for other generations, it could be the New York Times article detailing how a deal went bad. The overwhelming advice from the Telesummit Panel was that it is usually extremely hard to clean up the Digital Dirt once it is published online, and they recommended that you try to replace as much as possible or “push” it farther down on the search results pages. A survey found that most people who are looking someone up don’t go passed the second page of Google search results.
Common Names – Lastly, the panelists had advice on how to handle branding oneself when the person has a common name. Suggestions included: (1) Use a middle initial; (2) Use a prefix or suffix or (3) My personal favorite, include a reference to your industry. The example they used was someone named John Smith who works in Human Resources, so he created a website using the address: http://www.johnsmithhr.com/.
Hopefully this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need more information about the websites I mention, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I wish you well in 2008.
All the best,
Joanna
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12.31.07
Posted in Networking, Project Management at 8:57 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
Happy New Year!
Just wanted to share some information with you about a group that I belong to called “Project Management Lessons Learned.” They hold regular conference calls on various PM topics; including a special call just for those studying for the PMP exam. Their website is – http://www.pmlessonslearned.com/
Below is information I received regarding their conference call schedule for 2008.
Hope this information is helpful!
All the best,
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
404-840-6620
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Happy New Year from PMlessonLearned.com
All the best to you in 2008!
We plan to offer even more information and help for Project Managers in 2008! Join in and help us to help you and other Project Managers! We’ll be starting up our conference calls soon!
Here’s the current plan for the next few months:
* Jan. 10, 2008 at 9PM Eastern – PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Jan. 17, 2008 at 9pm Eastern – PMLL Lessons Learned confcall with Host Henry Will, PMP – Topic: “Teaching old dogs to do new tricks? A primer on Change” Presented by Peter de Jager (Podcast Episode 0027) Peter is a Keynote Speaker, writer and consultant focusing on issues relating to Change Management and the Future. His primary focus is on how we manage change, technology and the future. His presentations use humor to challenge the myths surrounding our understanding of the Change process and the benefits of technology. In addition to speaking at conferences worldwide, he has also written monthly columns for Globe & Mail online, CIO Magazine, and Computing Canada. His goal is always to question what we think is so, and in so doing perhaps open up new opportunities. You can more information at his website: http://www.technobility.com/
* Jan. 24, 2008 at 9PM Eastern – PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Feb. 7, 2008 at 9pm Eastern – PMLL PMP Study Group confcall with Host David Radkovich, PMP – Topic: T.B.D. (Podcast Episode 0028)
* Feb. 14, 2008 at 9PM Eastern – PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
* Feb. 21, 2008 at 9pm Eastern – PMLL Lessons Learned confcall with Host Henry Will, PMP – Topic: MS Project tips by IBM Instructor Jim Stuehler, PMP (Podcast Episode 0029)
* Feb. 28, 2008 at 9PM Eastern – PM JOBSHOP with Host Linda Wortman
Join our Yahoo group for details, reminders of the calls, and information to help you in your PM Career. Visit the website for details.
PMLessonsLearned.com – Project Managers helping Project Managers. Open to all.
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12.30.07
Posted in Networking at 10:08 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
Recently, I had the fortunate opportunity to attend a luncheon where Gloria Steinem was the keynote speaker. I was familiar with her legacy and importance, but I did not realize just how blown away I would be hearing her speak. Her common sense approach to life and gender equality reinforced my own personal beliefs. I’m sure everyone has heard of Gloria Steinem, but if you haven’t, she is an American feminist icon, journalist and women’s rights advocate whose dedication to equality has spanned my lifetime.
During her speech, she spoke to the necessity of balance in a woman’s life, and how most women aim for perfection. We try to be the best, both at home and in our careers. As a single woman with no children, I am finding that my admiration grows more and more everyday for women who have successful careers and successful family lives. I just don’t know how they do it.
But, the quote that resonated with me after hearing her speak was when she said, “Behave as if everything matters.” It was a line said in passing that maybe only a few picked up on, but then I realized that it is one of the keys to success. By placing value in something, we are increasing its importance. I’ve found that in my career, it’s never the big things that lead to our success or demise; it’s a lot of little things that add up over time.
The statement strengthened the importance of living in the moment. We all have dreams and goals and have played the “if only” game; “if only I had more money,” “if only I had a new job,” or “if only I lived here.” We need to have a level of satisfaction with what we have and where we are and give it the importance it deserves. Our current state matters just as much as our future state because if we don’t work with what we have, we’re never going to get where we want to go.
All of us want to better ourselves and we look for opportunities to grow personally and professionally. One of the ways is through networking events that allow us to expand our social and professional networks. When it comes to meeting someone new, we must “behave as if everything matters.” We need to be present at that moment when we are talking to someone for the first time, and we should not be thinking about the next thing we need to do, or the next person to meet or what’s on the menu for dinner.
Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, was the master of engaging someone he just met and placing importance on the interaction. He stressed listening as the most important skill, which I know is something that we can all work on. Carnegie’s other fundamental pieces of advice include:
1. Become genuinely interested in other people. – If you’re not interested in or don’t like other people, then social networking probably isn’t for you.
2. Be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves. – Whether or not they openly admit it, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. Ask questions or say “That’s fascinating, tell me more,” it never fails.
3. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking. – We all must realize that we have a lot to learn from each other. Take advantage of the learning opportunity by allowing someone else to share as much information as they can.
4. Smile – A welcoming smile is a great ice-breaker.
5. Talk in terms of the other person’s interests. – This is probably the hardest to accomplish because it requires tailoring the discussion to the person with whom you are speaking. No one likes to hear a slew of “canned” responses or discussion topics, which can make the conversation feel forced.
6. Give honest and sincere appreciation. – This helps show that you value the person and their company.
After realizing that I need to “behave as if everything matters,” I started listening more and stopped thinking about what was next on my “to-do” list. I realized that by living in the moment and giving those moments the value they deserved, I can accomplish my goals, both personally and professionally. I also realized how many times I caught myself saying, “it doesn’t matter that…,” well, yes, it does matter.
So, be engaged, live in the moment, and behave as if everything matters.
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
(404) 840-6620
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
Sources/Additional Information:
Gloria Steinem – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Steinem
Dale Carnegie – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie
Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi – http://www.keithferrazzi.com/
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12.29.07
Posted in Networking at 6:59 pm by Joanna Vahlsing
One of the books I read over the holidays was The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking written by Diane K. Danielson and Lindsey Pollak. It was extremely informative about how someone could use online networking to its fullest potential. As I read it, I realized a lot of their advice appeared to be common sense, but as I have been increasing my amount of personal networking, I have found that quite a few people could benefit from the common sense given by Diane and Lindsey.
Below are some of the tips that they provide:
Give first, ask later – Nothing is more irksome than meeting or receiving messages from people who talk nonstop about what they need and how we can help them. In any networking interaction, it’s always best to develop a genuine personal connection first, and then broach the subject of how you and your new contact might help each other. A good rule of thumb: listen more than you talk (or read more than you write).
Keep it upbeat and interesting – Like attracts like, so in the world of networking positive energy attracts positive energy. This is why we encourage people to create unique networking strategies (both online and offline) around activities and people they genuinely enjoy.
Deliver what you promise – Be realistic about what you can offer anyone with whom you network. Do not try to make friends by promising follow-up you may not be ale to deliver (such as guaranteeing a meeting with your boss or client). Overpromising and underdelivering is a quick way to lose friends and alienate new contacts.
Manage your expectations – It’s unlikely that any one single networking encounter will result in obtaining a new job or new customer. It’s best to approach each connection with a specific more tangible goal in mind, such as securing a second meeting or gaining some valuable insight or information. Consider the networking meeting/email/chat/event a success if you are able to achieve one specific goal.
Mind your manners – You can recover from any faux pas as long as you do it elegantly and with proper etiquette (and a good sense of humor helps too). But, better yet, learn the appropriate etiquette before you act and you’ll avoid pulling and faux pas in the first place.
In general, all networking rules boil down to one thing: making the other person comfortable. When in doubt put yourself in the other person’s shoes. What would you think of you were them?
Source: Danielson, D. and Pollak, L. (2007). The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking (Or What Would Jane Austen Do?). Booklocker.com, Inc.
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
(404) 840-6620
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
Sources/Additional Information:
Downtown Women’s Club – http://www.downtownwomensclub.com
Downtown Women’s Club – Atlanta – http://www.dwcatlanta.com
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