The Engaging Brand

Show # 086 - Appreciative Coaching

Show 86 of The Engaging Brand is up and running. Remember, you don't need an iPOD to listen! You can listen on your computer or download to an MP3 player and subscribe so that you NEVER miss a future episode...all for FREE! Sign up at the bottom of the post.

Today's show is the first part of an interview with Sara Orem who is a coaching expert and has written a book on Appreciative Coaching. Sara is an adjunct professor of management in the graduate program at Capella University and principal of Lotus Coaching.

She talks us through the positive coaching techniques and how it can change people's outlook and ability to create success in their life. The second part of the interview will be published this weekend.

If you have feedback on the show - record an audio message by clicking on the recorder on the right hand side of this blog or e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com

You may have noticed I have added a iPod link to all my shows (Left side of blog so that you can look back over the last shows)
You can also listen on-line or subscribe to the show through Blubrry or iTunes and if you like the show why not leave a review on your favorite directory site!
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Ready, Steady Go on objectives

More advice that I got from good old Dad...the ready, steady, go approach to motivation.

Ready - Prepare for success by ensuring that your goal is clear, that they fully understand what is expected of them and what value it brings to the organisation

Steady - Ask them about their thoughts, what they will need from you in terms of training, support, resources. Address any fears, any concerns up front.

Go! - You have ensured that you are both clear about the objective, you have addressed any concerns...now GO, get out of their way. Give them their freedom and independence. Ensure they know that you trust them, that you are there from them to talk through any issues but then get out of their way! Allow them space to work out the how, achieve their own success. Fill your time working out how you are going to congratulate them and show that you value their contribution!!

Do you have an ideas recycle bin?

On a computer you get a second chance to retrieve ideas or work that you initially discarded but now you need via the recycle bin. Do you have the same mechanism within your team?

I always keep an ideas book, in which I write ideas that we discard or that are just not right at the moment. It is like an "ideas bank" and I cannot tell you how many times an idea that seemed strange when I wrote it in there, then became a huge success a few months later. Often ideas are ahead of their time or just not the right solution for the present issues, opportunities. But don't make the mistake of thinking that the idea is wrong. Place it in the "idea recycle bin" and keep going back and reading those ideas. You never know when the idea will become a possible solution. I also share the ideas with people within the teams...why?

• Illustrates that I respect the idea, respect the person's thought process and value their idea creation even if at this point in time it does not get implemented.
• It saves time in the future....a ready made solution!
• Acts as a catalyst for future ideas
• Illustrates our teams love of ideas, that creativity is part of The Engaging Brand

Top Ways to Use the Web for Your Career

I was not someone who grew up on the Web, I came to it late. But I believe the web is a fantastic tool to build a career. Here are some tips that I would share on how to use the Web to improve your career prospects

1. I believe blogging is a fantastic tool to market your talent. Blogging allows you to share your ideas, share your talent, share your thinking in a honest and authentic way. Remember many large companies are using blogging to search for new talent, using it as a recruitment tool to spot the talent that will grow their business. So why not put your talent, your personal brand on the web?
2. A "feed" reader is a must. I use Google Reader to keep up to date with the conversations on the web, to stay up to date with latest thinking and ideas that I can use in my day to day work.
3. Networking sites. Great ways to make new friends, new contacts that both expand your mind and also your network. I really enjoy LinkedIn, especially the ability to post a question that you are seeking help with and also Google Groups on areas that I have an interest in. Again it is like having a free online support group that can inspire and develop you.
4. Google Alerts. Another free tool that allows you to watch key phrases. I have them set up for my clients, my company and my industry topics - easy to keep up to date without having to read several papers and magazines.
5. Podcasting is my key tool for my personal development. I have a list of areas that I want to build upon and learn about.....I can then find podcasts that deliver my own tailored development.

There are many sites that you can use, don't worry about which site - concentrate more on what you are trying to achieve and then using the site regularly to achieve that goal. The key point is that you need an online presence - both so that you can be found, that you can find the companies that you want to work for and also so that you understand the new technology and how it is changing the workplace.

Time to be a Leader

I had a boss who was renowned for being late, he never even apologised or entered the room in a rush - just sauntering in as if there was no problem. It left us feeling that he didn't care, that our time was not precious, that it was OK to be late.

I have always been the opposite - on time and starting sessions whether everyone is there or not. The reason is, is that time is precious - it is a limited resource. By valuing time both yours and others, it brings that sense of purpose, a sense of professionalism to the team. As a leader you set the tone, you show the values that are important and gain respect for that.

My motto has always been - Don't be late because you can, be on time because you want to!

Web 2.0 and what it means for your business

For anyone based in or around London, I will be presenting at a Institute of Direct Marketing session on what Web 2.0 means for your business on the evening of June 14, 2007. We will discuss
"What Web 2.0 really is and why you should be interested, which tools you should be looking at and what the real costs are, plus how to convince others of the business case for Web 2.0"

I will be presenting with Heather Gorringe who will present a real life case study of how she has switched her company from traditional advertising to new media.

If you are coming let me know would be great to meet you face to face!

Human connection

This week I interviewed the wonderful Christine Kane for The Engaging Brand podcast. As she writes great inspirational posts, I decided to sign up for her newsletter. On sign up I got back an e-mail that was unusual - unusual because it made me feel "special". In the e-mail confirming my registration she writes

"Thanks for being a part of my work in the world. It's an honor to know you're willing to trust me with your email address"

What a great way of connecting with people - look at the words - honor, trust, being a part of

Wow, after receiving many other dry emails, this one stood out.

Show # 085 - Reinventing the Customer Experience

Show 85 of The Engaging Brand is up and running. Remember, you don't need an iPOD to listen! You can listen on your computer or download to an MP3 player and subscribe so that you NEVER miss a future episode...all for FREE! Sign up at the bottom of the post.

Today's show is an interview with Jonathan Tisch who is the Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotel and a global leader in the travel and tourism industry. Famed for building strong and lasting connections with countless customers every day, Jonathan shares his thoughts on how to reinvent the customer experience, thoughts which you can read more about in his book Chocolates on the Pillow aren't Enough

If you have feedback on the show - record an audio message by clicking on the recorder on the right hand side of this blog or e-mail me at anna@theengagingbrand.com

You may have noticed I have added a iPod link to all my shows (Left side of blog so that you can look back over the last shows)
You can also listen on-line or subscribe to the show through Blubrry or iTunes and if you like the show why not leave a review on your favorite directory site!
Message from Sponsor
“Online Meetings Made Easy with GoToMeeting Try it Free for 45 days use Promo Code Podcast”

The Power in You

While the world surveys global warming and energy shortages, we can sometimes forget the energy inside of us.

Electricity:- We have the power to light up any room with a smile, with our positive attitude. People are energised by people who believe, who have a "can do" attitude.

Gas:- We have the power in our voice, in our words. Words that are upbeat, words that are emotive, words that are uplifting.

Solar:- We have the power to create an environment that people can shine, people love the ability to show their value and gain respect from their peers for their work.

Wind of Change:- You have the ability to listen to concerns and create the picture of change, creating momentum that people can feel and understand.

No matter your budget, the power for the success lies inside of you. You are your own generator, and a generator of energy for others. Forget the need for governments to deal with energy, create your own fuel, your own energy to boost momentum.

Reinventing the Customer Experience

I was speaking to Jonathan Tisch today, Co-Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels about his new book Chocolates on the Pillow aren't Enough. The interview will be up later this week for you to hear his thoughts on how to reinvent the customer experience. However, I thought I would share my notes that I made during the interview.

1. Employees are key to reinventing the customer experience. They need to feel the values to be able to deliver them.
2. Consumers are more knowledgeable than ever. In order to create a wonderful experience, you need to ensure that the employees understand your products and services as well as the consumers.
3. Think of customers as guests...no matter how you are interacting, on a website, in store, via the telephone.
4. Customer service has evolved from a transactional base to an emotional basis. How are you developing that skill within your team.
5. Each company  needs to think about how to achieve the right balance between - global and local connections, real world vs virtual relationships, top down vs bottom up communications and centralized vs individual autonomy. The internet is changing business, changing the skills and talents we need - are you ready for this evolution.

Watch out for the podcast interview for a fascinating interview with the hugely successful Jonathan Tisch. You can subscribe via iTunes or listen on your computer.