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Stop being so darned "professional" and take a break today! |
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Welcome! If you enjoyed last month you'll be craaaaaazy 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.
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I'm in my Florida home recapping the month, and what a month it was. I spoke in Rochester (NY not Minnesota), California's Santa Monica, Milpitas, Watsonville and Huntington Beach, then wrapped the month with Baltimore. My friend Rande Gedahliah always said I lead a "technicolor life" and this month I'd have to agree with her.
 Client, Bill Clark of Clark Leadership Group in Baltimore.
I don't think my Huntington Beach client knew when he booked his gig that it was the same time as the US Open World Championship of Surfing. And I had no idea when I checked into the Shorebreak Hotel that it was surfer central. The shower seemed very long until I realized it was for their surfboards. It was indeed a weekend of boards, babes and booze. In the world of surfing, the US Open in Huntington Beach aka Surf City USA is what Wimbledon is to tennis, the Masters is to golf, the Super Bowl is to football. This is the biggest championship; the one all surfers want to win. Over 100,000 people were there...and me.  Thank goodness for Sprinkles Cupcakes. Thank you Tamilee Webb, Ms Buns of Steel.
I came home to a bigger surprise: my former Vistage member and dear friend Carolyn Grisko and her daughter Renee took me to a Diva Brunch at The Spot. Gay cabaret!!!.
The food was as outrageous as the entertainment.  What an experience, and you all know I love "experiences" and "outrageous-ness."
Check it out!
Me, Carolyn and the "girls."
Madame X and me. Darn, I hate when the drag queen is better lookin', and I really did covet "her" jewelry.
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| I LOVE THIS BOOK! |
Who's Got Your Back
by Keith Ferrazzi
The author contends that the real path to success in work and life is in creating "lifeline relationships." He believes that becoming a winner in any area of your life requires a trusted team of advisors who can offer guidance and help to hold us accountable to achieving our goals. This book was in alignment with my values and consequently, I embraced his philosophies as they affirmed many of the relationships I have nurtured in my personal and professional life. What struck me is that this seemed to be somewhat contrary to his first mega-successful book, "Never Eat Alone," which is more about networking with as many as you can. BUT...I do love this book! |
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Mikki will be teaming up with some of her fabulous friends and peers to create unique training days.
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE NEXT TELESEMINAR:
NETWORKING AND BLOGGING
October 23, 2009 at 12:00 Noon (CST)
with Mikki and Samantha (aka "my Sam" ) Mikki Williams, CSP
Networking is the ultimate contact sport. It's the success skill for sales people, managers, top executives, and for anyone who wishes to get ahead personally and professionally. In this era of networking through social media it is important to be cognizant of human networking as well. To be successful you must understand the value proposition of both. Relearn some simple and creative techniques to make an impact and develop mutually beneficial relationships, then apply these critical skills for fun and profit!
 Blogging Made Simple
Samantha Hoffman More and more large companies are using blogs to stir up interest in their products or services, and it's working to their advantage. But for the small business it's essential; especially those without a website. Blogs are the fastest growing medium on the Internet. Use this powerful tool to create an Internet presence for your small business, to promote a product or service and to reach new customers. For a small investment of your time you can reap big benefits in promoting your business.
TELESEMINAR BEGINS AT 12:00 NOON (CST) ON
FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009.
A great value at only $29.00
REGISTER HERE
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I recently gave this program to a large retailer. We all know how hard the retail industry has been hit in this economic downturn, but the executive team had the vision to realize a program like this was timely and would help boost morale. The value of humor in the workplace is never more evident than when you suddenly realize you're not having fun, not laughing very often and not feeling energized enough to manage your business and personal life (if you still have one). What you need is a little stress management, a little humor perspective. What you need is some inspiration and self-development that can enhance productivity. I showed my audience that it's PWP (possible without pills)! Positive thinking is... Click here to read the entire article |
| 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:
The Wheel Deal (tire shop) Clothes-Minded (for fashion-forward women) *********************************************************** I hope you'll continue to send me ones you know of. Please send to mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
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SHOE-BE-DOO STORIES
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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 have been so blessed in this career, in this lifetime with the unique
memory-building experiences I have been afforded. None more so than my trip to Israel. I was hired to speak for the life insurance agents at their annual convention and it was an amazing week of different cultural experiences but the pi�ce de r�sistance occurred on the last day. A caravan of jeeps took us out into the Negev Desert, so vast we lost sight of any horizon and did not know where we were headed. I  was accompanied by my BFF Kathy of Ferrari Factor fame and my future BFF Chris Leach from Wales. After a long ride the caravan stopped at a large rock formation in the middle of the desert with nothing else around it. We were asked to "de-jeep" and walk around to the other side of the rock. Awaiting us was a long dinner table set with china and crystal for a final night banquet in the desert. My going away gift was a framed photo (pictured left) of the experience. The shoes will always remind me of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and we all know how I love experiences!
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TESTIMONIALS FROM MIKKI'S SPEECHES
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"Today was kind of like watching extreme makeover live. Mikki, you compel each of us to dig deep into the positive sides of humanity."
Kevin Caldwell, President, Caldwell Tree Care, Roswell, GA
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WONDERFUL WEBSITES
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I come across so many and so many are shared with me that I thought I'd share with you.
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MIKKI MOUTH:
QUOTATIONS I WISH I'D SAID AND SOME I DID SAY!
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Enjoy a quote each month from my new book - some funny, some poignant, some professional, some just darn cute!
In honor of the gay performers at the cabaret.
"I was always looking for a guy who was sensitive and caring. Those guys
already have boyfriends."
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READER REVIEWS
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You out-did yourself with this issue. Congrats and keep them coming.
Peter G. Christman, CEPA
CEO
The Christman Group - Value Enhancement, Inc.
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| 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.
Jill Kirshenbaum
Jill's one of the newest members of my KEY group and a very welcome addition. Corporations, associations and professional organizations across the country have benefited from Jill's personal blend of humor, storytelling, coaching, interactive participatory talks and training workshops.
She's been in professional sales, sales management and ownership for 18 years, helping people achieve their vision and reach their potential in sales. As the Senior Associate of Sandler Training she's called 'Mighty Might' by clients and colleagues for the way she helps people remove 'Head Trash' - that stuff that clutters our brains and reduces our effectiveness. And who doesn't have that?!
Jill and her tri-athlete husband Gary have two beautiful children, Alli, 6 and Ty, 3, and a Muppet-like dog, Stella (remember Ralph the Dog?). In the summer the K-Boms (their nickname for themselves!) spend time swimming, biking, sailing, flying kites, blowing bubbles or trying to "out-Wii" each other with Guitar Hero. In the winter they enjoy skiing, trying to make the perfect snowman, and hanging out with extended family in the northern suburbs.
For more information call Jill at 847.513.6260 or email her at jkirshenbaum@sandler.com.
For more information on Vistage International click here:
If you are interested in becoming a member of a Vistage group anywhere in the world, or a speaker or a Chair, drop me a line:
mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
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HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
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I love the story of Karl who enjoyed a good laugh at his office after he attached a small sign to his door which read: "I'm the Boss."
The laughter was even louder when he returned from lunch and saw that someone had made an addition to his sign. Next to it was a yellow Post-it note on which someone had scribbled: "Your wife called and said she wants her sign back."
Excerpted from the book The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell.
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| JUST JEANNIE, THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN |
 Jeannie Walters helps companies enter into the social media mayhem - by connecting with customers, prospects and colleagues in new and powerful ways. Tips from Jeannie:
If your goal in social media is to showcase your expertise, here's a way to do it:
Look for groups with a focus on your expertise, or start one of your own. Join and engage. Spend some time asking and answering questions, helping other group members, and essentially showing you know your stuff. (Be selective - be careful about joining too many or the wrong ones.)
Questions about social media? Contact Jeannie here:
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THE HAPPY COOKER
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Yes, that was the name of one of my businesses and oh, come on, I know guys cook too. Whiskey Cake1 pkg. vanilla cake mix 1 pkg. vanilla instant pudding 4 eggs 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup milk 1 cup chopped nuts Glaze:1/2 cup sugar 1/4 lb. melted butter 1/2 cup whiskey  Mix first seven ingredients together. Pour into a 10" tube pan and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Mix glaze ingredients in a bowl. Remove cake from pan, prick holes in the cake with a big skewer and pour the glaze mixture on top.
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MIKKI'S MANTRA
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Be outrageous...it's the only place that isn't crowded.
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| INSPIRATIONS |
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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.
Dare To Dream
Some people only look at life through eyes that seldom gleam,
While others look beyond today as they're guided by a dream.
And the dreamers can't be sidetracked by dissenters who may laugh
for only they alone can know how special is their path.
But dreams aren't captured easily;
there's much work before you're through.
But the time and efforts are all worthwhile
when the impossible comes true.
And dreams have strength in numbers
for when a common goal is shared
the once impossible comes true because of all who cared.
And once it's seen reality a dream has just begun
For magically from dreams come dreams
and a walk becomes a run.
But with growth, of course, comes obstacles
and with obstacles comes fear.
But the dream that is worth dreaming
finds its way to the clear.
And the dream continues growing
reaching heights before unseen
and it's all because of the courage of the dreamers
and their dream.
John Turnipseed
Southwest Airlines
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MIKKI ON THE MOVE
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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
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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.
Read a testimonial from one of the past attendees: 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 | |
Become a fan on Facebook:  Follow me on Twitter:
 Join me on Linked In:
View me on YouTube...and don't forget the weekly quote.
 Meet me on Plaxo
Don't forget to check out my personal blog every Sunday
for a new post:
And my Work Life Balance blog:
 And in case you've missed past issues of the ezine
Click here to visit the archives. |
| 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 tri-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: mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
SEE ME: www.mikkiwilliams.com |
Thanks for spending time with us!  |
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*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.
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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. |
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