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or...
stop being so darned professional and take a break today!
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| Issue No. 45 December 2011 |
| 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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  This was the first holiday season in decades that I did not put up my purple ornament tree, have a party and entertain my family, or even shop (can you believe that?!). As they say, things happen for a reason. My reasons? I am decorating (or re-constructing) my Chicago condo and spent a big part of the holidays getting ready for my two month newly-dubbed "radical sabbatical" at my Florida home.
December is always a very busy work month for me as I do a lot of company holiday events. I spent a week in Orange County, California doing four Vistage groups. Then off to Detroit for another speech at the Ritz which is always so beautifully decorated for the holidays. Then back to Chicago to speak for Delta Dental, and Stefany Currier, Director of Happiness, who hired me and whose energy level makes me look comatose. Amidst all that were my two Vistage groups' annual parties. KEY 760 partied at Smith and Wollensky. After cocktails and dinner, we did our annual Secret Santa, which is very unique - each member picks a name secretly the month before and they have to buy a gift,  up to $25 that is a toy that represents something about the recipient. The gift-giver presents it with an explanation as to why. Lots of laughs and oohs and ahs. The next day the party host takes all the toys to Children's Hospital. (Karen Drinkard and Bill Cusick, left) Right after that we award the Member of the Year, voted on by their peers. Michael Butz (below) of the Illinois Eye Institute won the honor this year. No rest for the weary... The next night was my CEO group at Gioco's. Cocktail hour lasted longer than usual (not unusual with that group!).  Below, from L to R: long-standing member and host of the event, Dr. Len Messner, guest speaker Steve Rizzo, and Melissa Reiff wife of Craig Reiff, member and CFO of our group 429.  (Ask me about that sometime.) Interestingly, our Member of the Year for this group was Laura Rounce (left, with husband Tim), also Illinois Eye Institute.
Then off to NY to spend the holidays chez Jason, THE son (Heather was with her family in Florida). It was a lot of relaxing, dining in and out, some shopping (I did most of mine in Argentina), lots of talking and loving.
DONE!!!!
Off to Naples, Florida to my nirvana, my sanctuary, my sabbatical.
Stay tuned to next month to hear the how and why of it.
Make it an outrageous New Year!
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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 Switch How To Change Things When Change Is Hardby Chip Heath and Dan Heath
I loved their first book, "Made to Stick," so I thought this would be a perfect kick-start to the new year when everyone is trying to make changes, especially me. This book answers the question, "Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives?" The primary obstacle is a conflict that's built into our brains. Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems - the rational mind and the emotional mind - that compete for control. The rational mind wants a great beach body; the emotional mind wants that Oreo cookie. The rational mind wants to change something at work; the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine. This tension can doom a change effort - but if it is overcome, change can come quickly. And to quote myself (which I love to do), "Change is inevitable, growth is optional." For me, that is the theme for the new year so look for many changes from "moi" (which absolutely terrorizes Sam, LOL).
I love this book!!
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Join me and some of my fabulous friends for fun and informative tele-conversations!
The next tele-conversation is on
Tuesday, January 31st at 12:00 noon CST.
No cost, no obligation.
Just CLICK HERE to register.
TELE-CONVERSATION WITH
Dr. Bhavesh Patel THERE IS SUCH A THING AS HEALTHY AGINGBeing healthy as you age is truly an option, as long as you give your body what it needs, and take away what it doesn't. By combining effective exercise, nutrition and nutrient supplementation, you can feel a whole lot better and be a whole lot younger. Listen to Dr. Patel explain how to kick start your new year in the healthiest way.
FEBRUARY'S GUEST:
Todd Millar
Topic: From Boardroom to Basecamp
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25 FOR 25
| In recognition of my 25th year as a professional speaker I am going to attempt to list my 25 favorites of various categories over this year. One of my favorite quotes is from Yoda... "There is no try, only do."
So here goes...
25 FAVORITE HOTELS
1. Hotel 3.14 in Cannes, France*
2. Hotel Costes, Paris, France*
3. Grand Hotel Kempinski, Geneva, Switzerland
4. Londolozi Game Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
5. The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, South Africa
6. The K Club, County Kildare, Ireland
7. Katikies The Hotel, Santorini, Cyclades Islands, Greece*
8. The King David, Jerusalem, Israel
9. Intercontinental Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
10. Raffles, Singapore
11. Marbella Club, Costa del Sol, Spain
12. Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico*
13. Refugio da Vila Hotel and Cooking School, Portel,Alentejo, Portugal
 14. Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina* 16. Ravesi's, Bondi Beach, Australia
17. Sheraton Fiji, Nadi, Fiji Islands
18. Four Seasons Laguna Beach, CA
19. Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, DC
20. W Hotel, Seattle, WA
21. Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada
22. Post Hotel, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada*
23. Pan Pacific, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
24. Ventana Inn, Big Sur, CA
25. Inn of the Anasazi, Santa Fe, NM
Doing this exercise made me so very grateful for all the opportunities this career has afforded me in staying at some of the finest and most famous resorts in the world.
The ones with an asterisk are my five all-time favorites.
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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:
 We're Number One in a Number Two Business
(pooper scooper business)
The Best Place In Town To Take A Leak (car radiator repair)
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Keep sending these, they're outrageous!
Please send to mikki@mikkiwilliams.com
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SHOE-BE-DOO STORIES
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As change is one of my themes for the new year, here is a different version of this column for 2012. People knowing my love of shoes send me countless versions and articles they come across.
This seemed most fitting, as my friend Michele and I made a pact last year to buy a pair of Louboutins together to celebrate the new year (NOT this price range!).
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WONDERFUL WEBSITEings
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I come across so many and so many are shared with me that I thought I'd share with you.
goalsontrack.com
The goal of this web site is to offer a systematic approach towards personal productivity and goal achievement. Very fitting for the new year.
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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!
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average...which means you have met your New Year's resolution.
--Jay Leno
Order the book today!
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SOCIAL MEDIA GURU GUY
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Dave Nelsen
Dave's formal title is President, Dialog Consulting Group.
From 2005 to 2009 he was CEO of TalkShoe, a social media company now serving more than one million monthly listeners...and the fabulous company I use to produce my monthly teleseminars.
No Smartphone? Dumb Move!
I usually focus on business social networking issues and I will continue to do so, however, today I'm addressing a related topic of equal importance.
In speaking to hundreds of business executives around the United States each month, I find a surprising percentage are not embracing technology, specifically tablets (think iPad or Galaxy Tab), smartphones (think iPhone or Droid), and hundreds of thousands of apps.
This is an incredibly dangerous head-in-sand strategy. Remember what Darwin observed: "It's not the strongest or most intelligent that survive...but those who adapt to a changing environment most quickly." While it's true for species, it's true for businesses on a hyper-accelerated time scale. Think about it: how long can you stand still and not respond to your competition, not enhance your products and services, not upgrade your technology and team?
It is impossible to keep up in business without thoroughly embracing technology. If you are uncomfortable with technology, it's time to reexamine your mindset. Yes, it is just a mindset.
Start by buying an Apple iPhone 4S and get to know Siri, the integrated voice assistant. It's the most insanely great product that humans have yet produced. Or as an alternative, get your hands on one of the newest Google Android phones by HTC, Motorola Mobility, etc. They are almost as good and, no doubt, these two players will continue to leapfrog each other in the coming years.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
You can find more formal details here:
wesocialize.biz
To contact Dave directly:
dave@WeSocialize.biz
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TITILLATING TRIVIA
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In Italy, what do people do on New Year's Day to bring good luck in the coming year?
(Scroll to bottom for answer.)
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ECON RECON
| Introducing my newest columnist, the "economist with a personality" (my title not his) ...
Brian Beaulieu. I'm delighted, honored, thrilled, jazzed (can you tell I'm happy?) to have  Brian as a contributing columnist this year. He is Vistage's chief economist, one of the country's leading economists, MY Vistage member, a phenomenal speaker, brilliant businessman and a special friend. CEOs worldwide rely on his forecasting as they plan their business year. And for anyone trying to understand the economy, Brian speaks and writes in English not in that foreign language called economicspeak. Enjoy!
PLAN FOR INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES
We are projecting that the U.S. economy will continue to expand in 2012 and most segments of the U.S. economy will participate in the positive trend. Our clients know this and are making sure that they have the capital, people, materials and equipment necessary to meet the need. Determine where bottlenecks in procurement, production and delivery might occur in the coming year with the assumption that you will be busier next year than you are today and spend some cash to fix those problems now.
The bullishness is not based on hope. It is based on a sound business cycle theory that has delivered a 94.7% accuracy rating on key forecasts looking out over one year out. The positive outlook is also based on positive trends found in key extant leading indicators, including the U.S. Leading Indicator and the Purchasing Managers Index to name just two. The latest Purchasing Managers Index release (December) was very encouraging at 53.9. December marked the 29th consecutive month of growth in the manufacturing sector. The encouraging results confirmed our long-standing outlook of economic expansion in 2012.
Global opportunities will be found in 2012 with business cycle rise occurring in the U.S. and in China (and likely Japan as well). The good news in these economic zones should keep the EU zone from falling apart despite current financial strains.
China will find itself increasingly in the news during 2012 because of its housing issues, civil unrest, new leadership, and colonization efforts. We expect that China's economy will continue to grow in 2012 and at a pace sufficient to avoid a political crisis or virtual economic downturn.
Learn more about the future at www.itreconomics.com
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HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
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On New Year's Eve, Ann 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.
As the clock struck - the bartender was almost crushed to death.
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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.
Super Bowl Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches in the Crock Pot
Servings: 4-6
2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (18 ounce) jar of your favorite barbecue sauce
1 medium sweet onion, sliced
4-6 hamburger buns
Remove all visible fat from the chicken and toss it in the crock pot.
Place the onion slices on top of the chicken.
Pour the barbecue sauce over top.
You may not need the entire jar, just enough to cover the chicken.
Cook it on LOW for 8 hours or until the chicken is nice and tender.
Shred the chicken with a fork and knife; scoop the mixture onto the bottom buns and top it with the top buns.
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MIKKI'S MANTRA
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Be outrageous...it's the only place that isn't crowded.
My quote was chosen again from over 5,000 submissions to be featured in The Woman's Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar for 2011. I'm on July 3rd (a coincidence since my birthday is July 4th) and the chosen quote was "Life gives you choices, not chances and it's those choices that determine the quality of your life."
For more information call 919.841.0401 or visit The Woman's Advantage
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VISIONARY VOLUNTEERISM
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Visionary - adjective (esp. of a person), thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom
 I speak of volunteerism is my speeches. I tell stories to inspire and challenge audiences to volunteer as individuals, as responsible business and community leaders. as parents/grandparents, and to get their children involved early. By the way, volunteerism is the number one way to raise self-esteem. What are you doing in this visionary effort? Each month I will give you a link to a site where you can volunteer. Please send me a link to your favorite volunteer opportunity to post.
www.kiva.org
Kiva is a non-profit organization that I personally have supported for years as it is in alignment with my values around helping entrepreneurs. Its mission is to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. You can pick the country, the type of business, male, female...it's very cool and very rewarding. Once they pay it back, as they are required to do, it goes back into your account to lend to someone else.
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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 |
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The next Speakers School is in session on
February 23-25, 2012 in Chicago
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Why Should You Come to Speakers School? |
Day One: Presentation Skills
Day Two: Learning Lab
(Your opportunity to practice what you learned in Day One. You must have completed Day One to participate.)
Day Three: Getting Booked
Speakers School is for people at all levels; novices, wannabes, CEOs, professionals or anyone who needs to improve their communication skills.
And who doesn't?
REGISTER NOW!
OR...BRING SPEAKERS SCHOOL TO YOUR COMPANY.
IT'S A GREAT VALUE.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE CORNERSTONE TO SUCCESS.
Help your employees improve their presentation skills, whether they're
speaking in front of a group or in a one-on-one situation.
Successful business people know it's important to have an edge these days, and Speakers School provides that with Mikki's how-to techniques you can use, not theories you'll forget. Excellent communication skills set you and your staff apart and help take your business to the next level.
CALL NOW FOR MORE DETAILS: 312.664.8447
OR SEND AN EMAIL TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION.
Upcoming Speakers Schools:
February 23-25, 2012
April 26-28, 2012
September 13-15, 2012
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Become a fan on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, connect with me on LinkedIn, catch me on YouTube, look for me on Plaxo:
    
Don't forget to check out my blog:
Would love for you to join my Facebook Fan page. Just click the icon below:
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 Mikki or Samantha |
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MIKKI WILLIAMS, CSP
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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
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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MIKKI WILLIAMS UNLTD.
Thanks for spending time with us!
Answer to Titillating Trivia:
In Italy, what do people do on New Year's Day to bring good luck in the coming year? They wear red underwear.
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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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