or...
Stop being so darned "professional" and take a break today! |
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Issue No. 21
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November 2009
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Welcome! 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.
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 **ANNOUNCING**
IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING Contest
Thanksgiving is a special time to give thanks for all our
blessings. I feel particularly
blessed by my opportunities to travel, by the people I meet, the work I love
and the potential to touch lives. That's my inspiration for offering a 50% scholarship to my Speakers
School in 2010. This is a $997.50 value and will be awarded to the person who writes the best essay on "In the
Spirit of Giving." We will also publish your story.
Contest entries must be received by 12/7/09 and winner will be announced in the December ezine.
See details on Speakers School below.
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No, I
didn't dress for Halloween, I do that everyday!
Had a
wonderful retreat at Eagle Ridge Resort in  Galena, IL with my Vistage KEY group
where we rented a house and all lived together for the weekend. Here are some
of us at The Winery, obviously having a good time!
 Then off to Pittsburgh for one of my favorite Vistage Chairs, Dick
Singer to do Part 2 of my Trilogy, We Interrupt This Life... He's already booked
me for Part 3 next year at his retreat.
Vistage started as TEC (The Executive Committee) over 50 years ago
in Wisconsin. The man who owns TEC WI is Harry
Dennis, pictured above me to the right.
He leads one of the first groups now comprised of mostly retired execs
in their 70-80s. I had the honor of speaking for them right after 9/11 and I adored
them all, even had them all back to my condo after they went to Second
City. They came back to Chicago recently just
so I could present for and go to dinner with them again...amazing folk.
 Off to Vegas. I stayed at the magnificent Encore Hotel, Steve Wynn's
newest and greatest. It defies description. Of course when you let this gal
loose in the city that invented bling, watch out. Pictured here with Shaheem
at Harrah's Entertainment Corporate Offices where I spoke that day. Off to Florida, Atlanta, Raleigh...is it the holidays yet?
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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 Thinkertoys
A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques
by Michael Michalko
Your business attitude determines your potential for innovation, creativity, even genius, and success in your field. This book is not for those who "honk" when they are faced with a challenge. It is designed for those of us who are willing to work on ourselves, work to develop business creativity and work on coming up with innovative ideas; in essence are ready to enjoy the very real benefits of those efforts. I love this book because it has a wealth of original ideas to improve my business and my personal life. I invite you to take these Thinkertoys and use them to create the ideas you need to change your life. It gives you solid creative techniques that show you how to get ideas. The rest is up to you. Now go read 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:
The Mental Workout and The Physical Workout
aka How to Get Through the Holidays with Less Stress and Less Pounds
December 18, 2009 at 12:00 Noon (CST)
with Mikki and her personal trainer, John Godoy As we look forward to a new year, Mikki will kick it off with favorites
from  her Whole Life Trilogy which deals with life skills; all the
tools you'll need to get a "mental workout" by learning, affirming and
being inspired to crystallize your goals with her "unique technique." She is a goal-getter not just a goal-setter and has developed original
concepts over the years in achieving them. Listen and learn how!  In the second part of the teleseminar health and fitness professional John Godoy will explain how to optimize your wellbeing by reframing how you look at your health, fitness and the food you eat.
"Loved the teleseminar! It was
informative, inspirational and motivating. Thanks again and keep up the great
work!"
Steve Sirico
Dance Teacher Web
Fairfield, CT
CLICK HEREto purchase an MP3 file of previous teleseminars and listen to them at your convenience. Only $29.00.
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In my leadership programs I am teaching skills to enforce the notion that leadership is the strategy of taking charge. Every organization requires positive leadership in order to function effectively. When you learn to lead others, to be the one person who makes things happen, you'll gain power and respect. Leaders are made not born and everyone needs leadership skills - from professionals and business leaders to community leaders, parents and family members. I was presenting for a Vistage group (CEO forum)  in Atlanta this week and had the extreme pleasure of watching great leadership in action. Larry Hart (right), one of the more illustrious Chairs in a community of talented, brilliant people, was facilitating the opening part of the day before I spoke. Actually, he was and wasn't facilitating. I watched him hand off the reigns of leadership to the host of the meeting who then did an amazing job by following the agenda, challenging a member about their lack of contribution to a required action that all had completed, and calling others to task on their accountability promises. I watched him ask poignant questions and I asked Larry why he wasn't doing that as I see in most groups. He said they have to lead meetings all the time, this gives them a different opportunity and with great feedback to improve how they do it in their own companies. So whether you're leading a family or leading a business, in any leadership role empowerment is key and feedback given in the spirit of continuous improvement is crucial. Don't tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.George S. Patton |
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CREATIVE CAPTIONS
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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:
A Salt and Battery (Restaurant) Eye Want (Optical Shop) *********************************************************** 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 spent one
Thanksgiving in Hawaii by myself when I wore these shoes. It was  one of those
impulsive gotta-get-away-and-reflect type of trips. I didn't come home with all
the answers (we never do) but the shoes did get noticed enough to garner a date
with Superboy.
Superboy was in Hawaii filming his television series at the time. While I was dining solo (as part of my "where am I in my life" reflective trip) he was dining with friends at a table opposite me. I got up to go to the ladies room and when I came out, he was nearby surrounded by young girls and signing autographs. He broke through the crowd towards me and commented on my great shoes and then asked me on a date. Shoes rule!!!
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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!
"Thanksgiving is an emotional
holiday. People travel thousands
of
miles to be with people they only see
once a year. And then discover once a year is way too
often."
˜Johnny Carson
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READER REVIEWS
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"GREAT ezine! Love it to bits ... AND the shoes!!"
Kia Ora from Down Under
James Doyle
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VISTAGE VIGNETTE
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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.
John Godoy is a new member of my Key group. He's a lifestyle coach and  personal trainer to
Chicago's business and entertainment elite. 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. He serves his clients as he lives his life, with an
unrelenting ambition of attaining success.
John began his health and fitness
career as head coach for the University of Toronto's women's varsity water polo
team. When he moved to the U.S. he made the transition to personal training where he has excelled ever
since.
He's a published health and fitness writer, web
entrepreneur, multiple Ironman Finisher, and public speaker. His life's mission is
to help move the world forward through education, example and empowerment.
Beyond being owner of John Godoy Fitness, John also runs his
website www.aspiretosoar.com- a site
that provides information and motivation on holistic wellness.
For more information call John at 312.804.8498 or email him at john@johngodoyfitness.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 us a line:
mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
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HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
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 If Women Ruled the World 
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JUST JEANNIE, THE SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN
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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:
Be
supportive! Say Thanks.
The
best way to get attention in social media is to give attention. If you like
someone's blog or post, be sure to share with others and promote to your
network. Take a few minutes every day to participate with the goal of helping
and sharing with others. Think of someone from your past who you can write a
recommendation for on Linked In - make their day with an unexpected public
compliment! Help your friends and fan promote their events via Twitter,
Facebook and other communities. And in this season of thanks, be sure to show
gratitude for those you help you. It's never inappropriate to say thanks for
forwarding, sharing, promoting. Thank you still goes a long way. Happy
Thanksgiving!
Questions about social media? Email me at Jeannie@360Connext.com
For more info see me at www.360Connext.com
 Follow Jeannie on Twitter |
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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.
PUMPKIN MARTINI
 Vanilla Vodka
Heavy cream
Pumpkin liqueur
Nutmeg
Cinnamon stick
Pour 4 oz. of vanilla vodka into the shaker. Follow with an ounce of heavy cream and an ounce of pumpkin liqueur.
Add a healthy amount of ice to the shaker. Cap the shaker, and shake vigorously until the drink is well mixed. Makes two drinks, then grate fresh nutmeg over the top of each drink. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and serve.
Optional: Add fresh whipped cream which is easy to make. In a chilled metal bowl, simply combine heavy cream, a dash of vanilla and a heaping spoon of sugar. Mix with electric beaters until whipped cream is formed. Then add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of each Pumpkin Martini.
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FABULOUS FRIENDS
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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. Ken Shook
I met Ken Shook when I was in the fitness industry at the IDEA convention (the world's largest fitness organization) and I was their keynote speaker for 7000 global attendees in Las Vegas. Ken was Aerobic Director for the 23 chain Australian Body Works Fitness Centers in Atlanta before they were sold to LA Fitness. He also served as the Fitness Director for the Olympic Village Health Club during the 1996 Olympics.
We became close friends and have remained so to this day. What's really fascinating about Kenny is that he was a featured performer  with the Ice Capades and at that time in the 70s was one of the very few performing the backflip on ice (Scott Hamilton became famous doing it). Currently Kenny is the Patron Services Director for the famous Fox Theater in Atlanta. I remember visiting Chez Kenny (as I used to call his home) and would find Runner, his 40 year old Desert Tortoise, hibernating in my closet.
You can reach Kenny at 770.645.3793 or e-mail him at KShook5555@aol.com
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MIKKI'S MANTRA
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Be outrageous...it's the only place that isn't crowded.
My favorite quote is featured in The
Woman's Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar, one of only 365 chosen from
over 3,500 submissions.
The Woman's Advantage is a line of
information products designed exclusively for successful women business
owners. For more information call 919-841-0401
or visit The Woman's Advantage
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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.
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
˜Anonymous
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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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NOW, DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND,Speakers School is three days! Day One: Presentation SkillsDay Two: Learning Lab (Your opportunity to practice what you learned in Day One. You must have completed Day One to participate.) Day Three: Marketing Your SpeechesThe next Speakers School is February 18-20, 2010. It's for people at all levels: novices, wannabes, CEOs, professionals or anyone who needs to improve their communication skills.
Upcoming Speakers Schools:
February 18-19, 2010
April 22-23, 2010
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Become a fan on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, connect with me on LinkedIn, catch my videos on YouTube, look for me on Plaxo.
    
Don't forget to check out my personal blog every Sunday
for a new post:
And my Work Life Balance blog:
In case you've missed past issues of the ezine
Click here to visit the archives.
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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 Mikkior 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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