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or...
Stop being so darned "professional" and take a break today!
Issue No. 18 July 2009
Welcome to issue eighteen 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. 

 
In This Issue
Musings from Mikki
I Love This Book!
Biz Bytes
Creative Captions
Shoo-Be-Doo Stories
Wonderful Websites
Mikki Mouth
Vistage Vignette
He Who Laughs...
Just Jeannie
The Happy Cooker
Mikki's Mantra
Inspirations
Mikki on the Move
Speakers School
Mikki Williams, CSP
MUSINGS FROM MIKKI

July 4th is my birthday...whaddya' expect?                        Mikki in lavender                    
Every five years I throw myself a huge celebration. The first one was a black tie affair at the W Hotel with 100 friends from all over the country.  Last year it was on the French Riviera celebrating with 12 gal pals. In between those years it's a dinner celebration at a great Chicago restaurant. This year 20 friends gathered to help me celebrate on the rooftop of The Peninsula Hotel so we could watch the fireworks (those ARE for me, aren't they?)  Little did we know we wouldn't be able to actually SEE them, but we did hear them! It was still wonderful! And THE son flew in Jason & Mikki 7.09from NY to spend the weekend with his mama. Smiley Face   
                       
I am on a plane now returning to Chicago from my new snowbird home in Florida where I just ended my two month break. It's off-season so it was quiet and I loved every minute of it.  It was a spiritual, emotional and mentally healing week of soulfulness to be by myself, catch up on work, meditate, take long walks, ponder the new birthday year and just chill (that's an oxymoron for FL).  I only took on one job in June even though I was committed to my two month break because I can't resist working Marquette Groupfor one of my favorite clients Eric Webb (left) and Chris Cummings and the Marquette Group. Hope my July joy spreads to all of you.




 


Check out my new DEMO VIDEO and write a comment: See it here!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Book - Jul 09
The Paradox of Choice
Why More Is Less
How the culture of abundance robs us of satisfaction
by Barry Schwartz

My son Jason told me to read this book and usually Jason and I have very different "choices" for our reading enjoyment. However, as someone who passionately believes in choice management not time management, I was enticed. The author states, "There is no denying that choice enhances the quality of our lives."  As that is my signature speech topic I was further intrigued. This is not an easy read but rather insightful research as to how we decide and choose, how it affects our happiness, our missed opportunities and our "if only" syndrome which often causes regret. Any book of self-help (not self-hype) is one that I will always embrace since I'm a "work in progress." Aren't you?
 
Wet Babies
 "Change is inevitable, growth is optional." When there is change, when new information comes along and circumstances transform as they now do at lightning speed, it is no longer possible to apply yesterday's solutions to today's problems. It is critical to find new answers, solutions and ideas. Since the start of the millennium we have seen rapid shifts and transitions, and those who thrive - not just survive - are those who are fully equipped to manage these changes. This program is not designed to analyze where the sophisticated technology of the future will take us nor how we are governed, nor what is happening globally, nor the changes that are taking place in the American social structure. It is designed to study the dynamics of how we adapt to change and how we can leverage the challenges, means and methods to better our lives.
How do you deal with change? Are you frisky risky (I couldn't resistIndy500) or a risk runaway?? Do you embrace it, inspire it, run from it, freeze with inertia?  In this program I use real life stories to explore the dynamics of change and how to make it a catalyst for life improvement.
Just for the sake of change make an effort to introduce yourself to three strangers this week. They could be in the supermarket line or at the airport, or change the route you take to work or try a new food. Just do it!!!
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:

   �    Floral and Hearty    (flower shop)                
�    The Pooper Scooper (Dog walking service)


***********************************************************
I hope you'll continue to send me ones you know of.
Please send to [email protected]
 
SHOE-BE-DOO STORIES
Shoes Jul09 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!"

I love birthdays...especially mine! Indy500  I celebrate all week.  I love holidays of any kind, really, especially Valentine's Day and Xmas.  I just enjoy the energy and creativity and camaraderie. This year was no different. The party on the roof of The Peninsula Hotel with close friends and family (as in Jason) was just so much fun. I've had these shoes for as long as I can remember along with the July 4th sweater, earrings and sparkling ring.  Who needs fireworks? I am my own!

 
WONDERFUL WEBSITES
I come across so many and so many are shared with me that I thought I'd share with you.

www.whereitsat.com
The ultimate pop culture treasure map


 
MIKKI MOUTH:
QUOTATIONS I WISH I'D SAID AND SOME I DID SAY!
Mikki Mouth Enjoy a quote each month from my new book - some funny, some poignant, some professional, some just darn cute! 


"Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice."
                                           -Anonymous

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.

Kelly Wisecarver


Kelly Wisecarver
Partner, wkpr, LLC, a boutique public relations company focusing on consumer products and services promotion


Kelly is a new member of my KEY 760 Vistage group and we are so excited that she has joined us. Kelly thrives on the creativity she employs every day to present her clients to consumers through news placements, special events, PR stunts, and more.  She and her team provide strong public relations strategy and tactics to help clients drive sales and improve visibility, and her firm helps promote everything from luxury hotels and exceptional restaurants to destinations, pet products, tourist attractions, boxed chocolate and more.

Kelly's an Iowa girl who lived in a town of 250 residents until after high school but always sought the excitement and diversity of a city. After working in Davenport and New Haven, Connecticut she moved to Chicago in 1993.

Kelly's an avid scuba diver. She also snow skis whenever possible and loves to travel.  When she's not working you'll find her with Lucy, her faithful  Springer Spaniel, or off on a weekend junket with boyfriend, Tom.

For more information call Kelly at 847.424.1200 or email her at  [email protected]

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:
[email protected]
HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
Laughing baby
 
The Fourth of July weekend was approaching, and Miss Pelham, the nursery school teacher, took the opportunity to tell her class about patriotism. "We live in a great country," she announced. "One of the things we should be happy is that, in this country, we are all free." 
Trevor, who was a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, "I'm not free. I'm four."
OK, stop moaning, I heard that!  Speaking of moaning, here's a groaner for you.
What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a curly-haired birthday gal like me?
Yankee Poodle!  (I know, I know, now I can HEAR the groans.)

JUST JEANNIE, THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN
Jeannie Walters helps companies enter into the social media mayhem - byJeannie Walters connecting with customers, prospects and colleagues in new and powerful ways. Tips from Jeannie:

1.  Connect, connect, then connect some more. When joining any social media site, be sure you go out of your way to connect with others. Find people you know, then invite them to connect. Search for topics that interest you, then connect with like-minded members. There are many ways to do this, but most sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter have decent search functions on their sites for these purposes.
2.  It's very important to spend time responding, promoting and interacting with others. If all you do is promote, you will lose credibility. Take time whenever you use social media to really engage with others. Promote what your friends are doing. Forward links that are interesting. Engage in meaningful conversations. Make it a point to do this! That's what social media is really all about - being social!

Questions about social media? Contact me here: [email protected]

 
 THE HAPPY COOKER
Little girl chef
Yes, that was the name of one of my businesses and oh, come on, I know guys cook too.
 
Lean Mean Mac Salad (Serves 4)

3 hard boiled eggs           
� cup plain non fat Greek yogurt
� cup reduced fat mayo          
1 tsp. mustard
1 Tbsp. white vinegar            
2 dashes hot sauce
� tsp. salt                   
2 chopped celery stalks
� small red onion, finely chopped
One 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
� cup plus 2 tbsp. sliced fresh tarragon leaves
1 cup cooked whole wheat elbow macaroni

Macaroni SaladCut 3 eggs in half; discard two yolks. Chop whites and yolk; place in a bowl. Add yogurt, mayo, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce and salt; mix well.
Stir in celery, onion, water chestnuts, tarragon and macaroni.  Chill, covered, one hour before serving.
 
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.

No Moving Parts

No moving parts, no batteries.
    No monthly payments and no fees.
Inflation proof, non taxable.
    In fact, it's quite reliable.
It can't be stolen, won't pollute,
    One size fits all, does not dilute.
It uses little energy,
    But yields results enormously
Relieves your tension and your stress,
    Invigorates your happiness
Combats depression, makes you beam
    And elevates your self esteem.
Your circulation it corrects
    Without complicated side effects.
It is, I think, the perfect drug.
    May I prescribe to you my hug?
            
Anonymous
MIKKI ON THE MOVE
Airplane 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 logo
The next Speakers School is September 24-25, 2009.
It's for people at all levels: novices, wannabes, CEOs, professionals or anyone who needs to improve their communication skills.
Click here to register:
Speakers School

Read a testimonial from one of the fabulous attendees of the September School:
"Everyone needs this program. There's so much practical advice, just for everyday interaction, whether it's business-related or personal. What I learned will not only help me be a better speaker but a better communicator."

Sherry LeBed Davis
Executive Director, Healthy Steps


 
Don't forget to check out my blog every Sunday for a  new post:
Blog
MIKKI WILLIAMS' BLAH, BLAH...BLOG

In case you've missed past issues of the ezine
Click here to visit the archives.

And now that I've succumbed to all the social networking sites you can find me everywhere!

Link to My Facebook Fan Page

Follow Me On Twitter

Connect With Me On LinkedIn

Find Me On YouTube



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
MIKKI WILLIAMS, CSP
Mikki Williams, CSP is a professional speaker/trainer, specializing in business dynamics and human potential as well as a Resource Speaker for Vistage International, the worlds largest CEO organization.  She is a small business consultant, runs bi-annual Speaker Schools, Chairs two Executive Think Tanks, affilated with Vistage International and is a Life Architect, helping people design their lives and businesses through a coaching model. To learn more about Mikki Williams Unltd. and all the services provided
CALL ME: 312.664.8447                     
FAX ME: 312.664.8460
E ME: [email protected]        
SEE ME: www.mikkiwilliams.com
Thanks for spending
time with us!
Mikki & Me July09
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All contents � 2008, except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. Duplication or reprint only with expressed permission from Mikki Williams. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. All contents provided as is. In our extensive research we've made every attempt to be accurate in attributing quotes, poems, jokes and the like and want to apologize in advance if we have not given proper credit or given it erroneously.