Crystallizations
Embracing CHANGE
April 2009
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Greetings!
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Interested in healthy living? Pick up the April issue of Natural Awakenings or visit the magazine's website.Be sure to read my article Conquering EWaste. I'm thrilled to be a part of this wonderful publication. Let me know what you think. The print version is available all over the greater SA area. |
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Embracing CHANGE
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 "Every
change brings a new motivation. That is a fact."
- Rubens
Barrichello
One of the more positive
aspects of change is that often it can result in motivation.Think of the times
that you have been motivated to accomplish something or to complete a project
that has been on your to-do list for awhile. What motivated you to accomplish that
goal? Usually there is a change that
pushes you.
Nine years ago this month, I
was experiencing some shortness of breath and minor pain in my chest. I went in
for a check-up (I still had health insurance at the time) and the doctor
ordered an X-ray. While waiting for the
results, I realized that there was one thing I could do to relieve my anxiety
the next time I had a similar problem. I
quit smoking. It was one of the hardest
things I have ever done, but it certainly improved my health. Luckily, the chest X-ray showed no permanent
damage and I haven't experienced the same problem since.
Change as motivation
What motivated me to make the
decision to quit was a change in the way I saw my responsibility for my own
health. That change of viewpoint
resulted in another change, taking positive steps to improve my health.
Often a change at your job
will push you to apply for another position or to go into business for
yourself. In the classes I teach for the
University of Phoenix, I'm finding more students who are entering college,
because they have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn. They have decided that an associates or
bachelor's degree might provide them with more choices in employment.
It dawned on me that this
might be one of the brightest spots in all of this economic uncertainty. If we end up with a more educated population
as a result of the economy, what good news that will be for this country! (I am not ignoring the massive student loans
that these folks will have to repay, but I truly believe education is the best
investment you can make.)
In my business, the changing
financial situation has motivated me to adjust what training workshops I offer,
which in turn has made it easier for me to weather these downturns. I'm finding
that Business Writing is one of the most popular topics because good skill in
this area makes you more worthwhile to a company and more likely to be hired
and promoted. The good news for me is that It's one of my favorite subjects to teach.
Change in your life
Adjusting to change can be a
strong motivator to improve your life. What are the current changes in your life pushing
you to do? Are you reacting to the
change by becoming more motivated?
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My Favorite Fiesta Event
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Please join me at the Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest Craft Center, and see 125 artists from 23 states, including my friend Debbie Little-Wilson. This is an amazing, fun-filled event that is a bit less frantic than your typical Fiesta event. It's a great venue for kids. Dates and times are Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, April 19, 2009 - 11:00am-5:00pm Let me know if you're planning to go and we'll try to meet for food and drinks from La Margarita, the chief food sponsor of the event and listen to some incredible music. You will have a marvelous time.
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Puzzle
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 Annette Duvall knew that Brain Awareness Week began on March 16th. Annette won a $25 gift certificate to Nicavid's.
For April, it has to be about Fiesta. This is the 100th anniversary of an important piece of Fiesta history. What happened 100 years ago that affected Fiesta? For a tie-breaker, we're watching the 50th anniversary of another Fiesta historical event. What happened?
The first person with the correct answer(s) will win a $25 gift certificate at Nicavid's.
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Crystallizations Training
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Business Writing - Basics and More
One Day Session - April 10, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Brush
up on the basics of business writing - good grammar, punctuation, and
sentence structure. Learn how to create effective letters, memos and
email. Discover tips for editing and proofreading and why you can't
count on spell-check to save you. Details are available here.
Session
fee is $120 (breakfast, lunch and refreshments included). You will leave with a
wealth of information to improve your writing, and handouts that you
can refer to when you encounter problems after the class. Bonuses and
discounts are available for multiple participants
from the same company. CHERISH Your Customers - April 14, May 12, June 9, 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Discover
the habits that create problems in customer service, and develop
strategies to overcome these habits while replacing them with
procedures to create successful interactions with customers and
clients. Learn how to create lasting customer relationships and repeat
sales. Come to one for $30 or all three for $80 (if paid in advance). Discounts available for multiple participants from the same company. Presenting Without Panicking - April 30, 10 a.m. - 12 noonDoes
the very idea of getting in front of a group of people strike terror in
your heart? Or do you just need to fine tune your presentation skills?
Crystal's seminar will help you overcome anxiety about presenting by
helping you understand effective presentation design. She will teach
you a foolproof process for creating presentations that will improve
the attention and retention of your audience. You'll leave with a new
level of confidence in getting your ideas across to a group. Per person workshop cost is $30. Ask about discounts. All sessions are held
at The Greater San Antonio Chamber's Small Business Resource Center,
1100 NW Loop 410 Ste 109, San Antonio, TX 78213 in the H.E.B. Federal
Credit Union building, near the corner of Blanco Road and N.W. Loop
410. Call 210-863-2250 or email me at crystal@crystallizations.com to
reserve your space.
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Embrace change in 2009!
Sincerely, CrystalCrystal Darby
Crystal Communications
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