|
Issue No. 12 January 2009
|
|
Welcome to issue twelve of my ezine. If you enjoyed last month you'll be craaaaazy about this month! The purpose of this ezine continues to be inspiration, humor, business, personal and just plain fun: aka the don't-take-yourself-so-seriously ezine.
| |
|
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE...
Announcing a New Event:
MIKKI & FRIENDS
See details below.
|
|
|
 Me and my lovable Llasa, Brat, in his favorite holiday gift: Bark for Barack T-shirt
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I DID IT! HOLY COW! OMG! WOW! YIKES! YIPPEE!
I am now a "snowbird"! I am the proud, nervous, excited owner of a new home outside of Naples, FL in Bonita Springs. New chapter, new risk...yet again. Another foray into my "discomfort zone" but ah, the rewards. So...c'mon down for some golf, tennis, sun, relaxation, quality of life...hmmmm, what a good topic for a speech☺.
Here's the entrance to the condo community, Lighthouse Bay at The Brooks:
THE son, as he is often referred to, came in for the holidays as always and we had a very special time. Most of you know that Jason is the light of my life and I am so proud of the man he has become and the success he has made of himself as an entrepreneur this year. I guess it's true, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, lol. December was a whirlwind with getting ready for the holidays plus my usual crazy travel schedule. Spent a fabulous week speaking in Calgary, Canada. If you've never been you are missing one of the most glorious spots on earth at Lake Louise and Banff in the Canadian Rockies. Cooked up my usual eight course gourmet Christmas Eve meal for seven (I forgot to put my homemade potato latkes on the menu but they were delicious!).
Spent time on New Year's Eve with very special friends, making our vision boards for the new year and welcoming in 2009 with optimism, lofty goals and anticipation. |
| |
|
| I LOVE THIS BOOK! |
 The Outliers:
The Story of Success
by Malcolm Gladwell
If you didn't read his first two books, I highly recommend you go back and do that. In The Tipping Point, he changed the way we understand the world. In Blink he changed the way we think about thinking. Now he challenges our viewpoint on success. He claims that we usually think of successful people by intelligence and ambition. His provocative approach focuses on looking at outside factors such as family, birthplace, birth date. As someone (that would be me) who speaks on human potential I was fascinated by his complex approach to maximizing that potential through an unexpected logic.
Go get this book!
|
|
|
HEAR YE, HEAR YE...ANNOUNCING A NEW EVENT!
|
| MIKKI & FRIENDS |
SAVE THE DATE!
A new seminar series kicking off on Mar. 26th
Mikki will be teaming up with some of her fabulous friends and peers to create unique training days. The first one will debut on the morning of March 26, 2009 on branding, with Mikki and Mark Partridge, to be held at the Union League Club of Chicago. Mikki will speak for 90 minutes on how to become a brand and how to find your USP (unique selling proposition), and Mark will follow on the legal aspects of branding. Both will be available for individual coaching in the afternoon.
Mark V.B. Partridge, JD, is an author, speaker and practicing attorney with a unique perspective from over 25 years as a trademark attorney, including experience as IP counsel to R.J.R. Nabisco, expert adviser to the United  Nation's World Intellectual Property Organization, and witness in "The Trial of the Century." A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mark is author of the book Guiding Rights: Trademarks, Copyright and the Internet, an adjunct law school professor at John Marshall Law School in Chicago and a partner in the law firm Pattishall, McAuliffe, recognized as one of top ten firms in the country for trademark and copyright law. He has been a Vistage member and resource speaker since 2006 and is a past president of the National Speakers Association-Chicago.
Future seminars will include:
Mikki and Tamilee Webb (aka Buns of Steel) on mental and physical fitness
Mikki and Steve Rizzo on life balance and humor
Mikki and Chuck Reaves on personality profiling and sales
Stay tuned for dates, places and more "friends" and further details.
|
The Whole Life Trilogy - Part 1
A BALANCING ACT: WALKING THE TRIGHTROPE OF LIFE™
|
 In professional speaking terms this is my signature speech. It started as one speech 21 years ago called Pyromania: How to Set a Fire Under Yourself™ Over the years it evolved into what it is today as a result of client needs and expectations. Why a trilogy? I'm proud and happy to share that the initial speech was so popular that more of the same was requested and thus designed. They are speeches that have been given to every age, every demographic and on every continent (except Antarctica...even I can't inspire penguins☺). I will be sharing excerpts from them along the way as I have with the previous ezines on networking, customer service and speaking.
See archives: Click here for archives
It seems timely with the new year to focus on goals so let me share an updated, Mikki-ized version of an old formula for a SMART goal that meant specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Here's the 2009 model to serve you better, some the same, some different, some modified.
SCHMART
S Specific (details, metrics, please)
C Committed (passionate about achieving it)
H Harmonious (what are your values, do they match up?)
M Measurable (days, weeks, currency, time)
A Actionable (dynamic, not just a statement)
R Relevant(to your business gaols, to your personal goals, to each)
T Timely (is it a week goal, a month, a year?)
Now go set those 2009 goals!
|
| CREATIVE CAPTIONS |
I love creativity and as a wordsmith I love double entendres, alliteration, onomato... whatever the heck that one was. One of my quirky habits is collecting names of businesses that display any of the above. Here are two of my favorites:
Sgt Pepperoni (Pizza Parlor)
Groomer Has It (dog grooming business)
***********************************************************
I hope you'll continue to send me ones you know of.
Please send to mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
|
| SHOE-BE-DOO STORIES |
Yes, I own about a billion pairs of shoes. And each pair has a story to inspire, a lesson to be learned, a laugh or an "aha!"
 These boots were NOT made for walkin'...but they are are "me"☺. Yes, they are five inches but oh those rhinestones. You know I never met a rhinestone I didn't like. But where to wear? I was invited to a holiday party at Rex Grossman's (yes, da' Bears quarterback) apartment at Trump Tower. Now c'mon, would you pass up that invite and wouldn't you wear THE boots? OK, OK, they weren't great for standing either but they did attract lots of attention, compliments and a few OMG's. The party was fab' (as they say in party circles) - abundance of food and drink, live music and livelier people. Ah, where to wear the boots next? Got any parties to invite me to☺? |
|
WONDERFUL WEBSITES
|
I come across so many and so many are shared with me that I thought I'd share with you.
www.kiva.com I usually give my CEO group a special book for their holiday present but this year in keeping with a personal mantra of giving back I created TEAM 429 (the number of my Vistage group) and joined Kiva. Kiva lets you lend money to a specific entrepreneur in the developing world thus empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty. They have to pay it back, then the money gets distributed to others in a pay-it-forward gesture. My members can contribute to it at anytime and also track the progress of the ones we are sponsoring. I hope you'll check it out and put it into your 2009 goals.
|
MIKKI MOUTH:
QUOTATIONS I WISH I'D SAID AND SOME I DID SAY! |
 Enjoy a quote each month from my new book - some funny, some poignant, some professional, some just darn cute!
"There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't any more and who always will. So don't worry about people from your past. There's a reason why they didn't make it to your future."
From my friend, Leslie McClure
|
|
READER REVIEWS
|
"I love your ezine. It's one of the few I still open, so keep being different. Keep enjoying life.
P.S. Louise likes me reading your commentary as you are one of the few people who has more pairs of shoes than she has."
Steve Epner, CSP, Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group
Innovator in Residence, Saint Louis University
|
| VISTAGE VIGNETTE |
As a speaker resource for Vistage International for 15 years and Chair of two groups for seven years I have the opportunity to interact with some of the most dynamic business leaders. Vistage is the world's largest executive organization with 15,000 members worldwide. It is to my delight to profile one of them each month.
Kevin Hinton
Kevin is the newest member of my Vistage CEO group. I had heard of his company, Hinton + Grusich, in the meeting planning industry and since we are in complimentary fields I was delighted to have the opportunity to extend an invitation to him. Kevin oversees the company's day-to-day operations, partner relationships, and strategic growth, and he is the primary liaison to four regional sales offices. Kevin is also the second son of Dave Hinton, one of the firm's founders who retired in 2003.
Kevin's career in the hotel business began with Hilton hotels as assistant manager at the Chicago Hilton. After six months he moved into the front office as assistant director. Kevin was then named Towers Manager, responsible for operations of the 142 concierge-level rooms and a staff of twelve. Before leaving the Hilton in 1999 Kevin laid the groundwork for renovations to the guestrooms and lounge.
Kevin is currently serving on MPI's (Meeting Professionals International) board of directors. He was MPI Chicago area president while serving on the chapter's board of directors as well. In June 2003 Kevin received MPI-CAC's "rising star" award.
Prior to entering the hotel business Kevin was a peace corps volunteer, having served two years in the west African nation of Mali. He studied finance and German at Marquette university in Milwaukee, WI before that. In 2005 Kevin graduated from the University of Chicago's Executive MBA program. He lives in Chicago's old town neighborhood with his wife Claudia and their daughters Amber and Sophia.
For more information call Clark at 312.346.5768 or email him at KHinton@hintonandgrusich.com
For more information on Vistage International click here:
Vistage International
If you are interested in becoming a member of a Vistage group anywhere in the world, or a speaker or a Chair, drop us a line:
mikki@mikkiwilliams.com |
| HE WHO LAUGHS, LASTS!
|
On New Year's Eve Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living.
Well, it was kind of embarrassing. As the clock struck twelve the bartender was almost crushed to death.
|
| THE HAPPY COOKER |
 Yes, that was the name of one of my businesses and oh, come on, I know guys cook too.
No Fail FudgeMakes sixteen 2" squares.
 3 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
Place chocolate, milk and butter in large bowl. Microwave on medium until chocolate is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking time. When smooth, fold in nuts and raisins. Pour into greased 8" square baking dish.
Refrigerate until firm and cut into 2" squares.
|
|
FABULOUS FRIENDS
|
If any of you remember the movie or Broadway show "Auntie Mame" or if you're old enough to admit you remember it, then you might recall that Mame was famous for her eclectic circle of friends. I pride myself on that same principle of knowing so many diverse people and calling many of them my friends. I would like to profile them and their expertise by offering this monthly addition of tips, tactics and techniques shared by experts in their field. Although someone once told me not to refer to myself as an expert as an ex is a has-been and a spurt is little more than a drip.
 John Godoy
What better way to start the New Year than by profiling my personal trainer? After spending 20 years in the fitness industry I've seen it all and John is THE best there is. John Godoy is a holistic lifestyle coach and personal trainer to Chicago's business and entertainment elite. He serves his clients as he lives his life, with an unrelenting ambition of attaining success. His philosophy is to educate and empower clients in the pursuit of optimal health focusing not only on exercise and nutrition but also on behavior and stress management. I can personally attest to all that as John reads voraciously and each session is not only filled with great exercises and nutritional tidbits but always amazing statistical ah-ha's in all areas of life. Can you tell I'm a fan of this man?:-)
His expertise is corrective self-supported-movement-based exercise.
John is also a published health and fitness writer, entrepreneur, speaker, and multiple Ironman Finisher. He speaks on health and wellness issues to companies nationwide.
John began his health and fitness career as head coach for the University of Toronto's women's varsity water polo team. His many certifications include NASM Nat'l Assn Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Amer, Council on Exercise-Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, EC.H.E.K Institute - Holistic Lifestyle Coach and CAC, Coaching Association of Canada - 3M NCCP Level 1 Coach. Upon moving to the United States from Canada he made the transition to personal training where he has excelled ever since. Beyond being owner of John Godoy Fitness John also works with guests and residents of the Trump International Hotel and Spa in Chicago.
He can be contacted at john@johngodoyfitness.com or. 312 804 8498
|
| MIKKI'S MANTRA |
|
Be outrageous...it's the only place that isn't crowded. |
| INSPIRATIONS |
As the wordsmith that I have always been, from my high school honors in English (and French) to my calling as a professional speaker, each of the "inspirations" that I share every month are from years and years of collecting words that have inspired me.
'Twas The Week After Christmas
'Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibble, the eggnog I'd taste,
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my boyfriend's old shirt
And prepared once again to battle the dirt
I said to myself, as only I can,
"You can't spend a winter dressed like a man!"
So, away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
'Til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie, not even a lick,
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits or cornbread or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome and life is a bore.
But isn't that what January's for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Years to All and to All a Good Diet!
|
|
| MIKKI ON THE MOVE |
|
 Check out where Mikki will be speaking and piggyback your company or association event. Or just invite her to dinner or shopping!
Click here for her calendar:
Mikki On The Move
|
| |
SPEAKERS SCHOOL with Mikki Williams, CSP
|
The next Speakers School is February 19-20, 2009.
It's for people at all levels: novices, wannabes, CEOs, professionals.
Click here to register:
Speakers School
Read a testimonial from one of the fabulous attendees of the September School:
Mikki's Speaker's School goes way beyond the basics. She teaches you how to connect with an audience on multiple levels and provide a speech with superior value whether you are a professional speaker or a CEO such as myself, or anyone just looking to improve their presentation and communication skills.
Chris Long, CFP
President
Long & Associates LLC
| |
|
To
book Mikki for your next event as a keynoter, emcee, panelist, seminar
or workshop leader (she doesn't do floors or windows) or for more info
on Vistage, Speakers Schools, Coaching or Consulting or anything else
that's on your mind, contact Mikki or Samantha |
Thanks for spending
time with us!
| |
|
Hair She Is...!
*If you enjoyed this ezine and know others who would like to receive it, please forward this along to friends, family and colleagues! Use the "Forward e-mail" link at the bottom of this newsletter.