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or...
stop being so darned professional and take a break today!
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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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Yowsa! What a month of happenings! There were three places left in the world that I hadn't spoken (except Antarctica where penguins may not make the best audience) - Iowa, Idaho and
Montana. I checked off Iowa and Idaho this month - WOO HOO! and now can say I have spoken on every continent, every Canadian province and every state in the U.S. except Montana. It will be on my "experience list" for sure.
It was another great month at Speakers School (pictured here with some of the gals from Philly: Dina, Joyce and local gal, Dr. Bonnie Mason.) I had a doctor and a lawyer but no Indian chief. But always a very eclectic mix of professionals, wannabes and executives.  I was the closing keynote speaker for National Speakers Assn-IL chapter Speaker University pictured below with Steve Beck, incoming president and outgoing president Brigid Duffield. 
Lest you think I'm all work and no play ...tsk, tsk!...NOT! I had my monthly gathering with my 6-5-4-3 gals at Arami, my favorite sushi place in Chicago
 | | Michele, Mary and Sandy |
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Sometimes when attendees of my programs visit Chicago they invite me to dinner.
Such was my pleasure with Sharon Sumlin and hubby Charles from California, here for the restaurant show. 
And...my monthly hot dog outing with my buddy the dynamic Deb DaRosa! We took a "Two to Tango" cooking class at The Chopping Block, perfect for me since I completed my two weeks of tango a few months ago in Argentina. Pictured below with Chef Michele Glancey and our teammates Chris and Kelly. 
And...last but definitely not least I spent Mother's Day at Roka Akur, voted one of the top ten sushi spots in the U.S., a fantastic new restaurant, with THE son, Jason.
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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 Be Great
The Five Foundations of an Extraordinary Life
by Peter H. Thomas I am a self proclaimed self-help junkie. I can't get enough of inspiring stories, different perspectives on life and what success looks like to others. I spoke at Entrepreneurs Organization-AZ last month and one of my attendees, Alfredo Molina, sent me this book as a gift. The author is the founder of Century 21 Canada. This book resonated with me because of the values challenge that I give my audiences. Peter believes in the five foundations as the keys to his success. Values, Visualization, Focus, Inspiration and Reflection. He believes as I do that we all have untapped potential and the challenges of yesterday are the opportunities of tomorrow (hmmm...I just made that up and kinda like it!). Now go get this book! 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
April 25th at 12:00 noon CST.
No cost, no obligation.
Just CLICK HERE to register.
TELE-CONVERSATION WITH 
TOM SEARCY
How to Close Deals Like Warren Buffett - Lessons from the World's Master Deal Maker
Tom Searcy may have grown up in the same town as Warren Buffett, gone to high school in a monastery and now lives in Indianapolis - but that doesn't make him a billionaire, a monk or a race car driver. Tom is instead the #1 whale hunter - helping companies learn to land big sales to grow their companies. You might think that would take some concentration, but with 3 kids ranging from 4 to 20 years of age, a 6-espresso-shot per day habit from Starbucks, and 150,000 words published per year, he can be a little distracted. His big focus, and he promises he has one, is teaching people how to close big deals. His next book is Closing Deals Like Warren Buffett: Lessons from the World's Greatest Deal-Maker. What you will learn: * Stay out of big problems with big deals * Success strategies of a self-made billionaire that you can use * The secret sauce of Warren Buffett - (would you believe it's love?)
Guest for June: Ron Kaufman
June 15, 2012 at noon CST
Uplifting Service, The Proven Path to Delighting Your Customers, Your Colleagues, and Everyone Else You Meet
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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...Foods
 1. Chocolate anything2. Soft-shell crab 3. Mocha chip ice cream
4. Carne asada
5. Grilled Cheese, tomato, avocado sandwich
6. Crispy Brussels sprouts
7. Cheese blintzes with sour cream
8. Lamb with mint jelly
9. Sushi: California, Spider, Rainbow rolls
10. Escargot
11. Kobe beef burger on the grill with red onion (clearly not a vegetarian)
12. Well-done hash browns
13. Gyros
14. Auntie Anne's pretzels
 15. Orange Julius16. Nathan's hot dogs
17. My mom's cabbage soup
18. My granny's apple pie 19. My boccone dolce (ask me, it won an award from the Culinary Institute of America)
20. Nutella
21. Steamers
22. BLT
23. Challah french toast
24. Coconut gelato
25. Spare ribs |
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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:
It Hat To Be You (Hat Shop)
United Hairlines (Beauty Salon)
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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.
Summertime's approaching, election's approaching...no I do not own these, silly - they have no bling!
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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.
Pinterest is the new hot thing, and is strangely addictive. Well, that's what my Sam tells me, anyway. I have a love/hate relationship with all things social media and this is no exception. The concept is intriguing - a picture sharing platform where you create a photo-bio (I probably have a few pictures lying around on my hard drive - ya think?). Are you using it? What do you think?
I'll get into it. Right after I write a blog post (haven't done that in months), post to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn...what else?
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AWESOME APPS
| A new addition! We know you're all app-crazy so we thought we'd add to your madness...and please send us your favorites.
Converter Plus
This all-in-one calculation app, Converter Plus, delivers numbers on nearly everything, from currency conversions to loan interest figures. It converts metric to imperial measurements for temperature, cooking volumes, length, and more.
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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!
When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.
--Erma Bombeck
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.
Everybody's a Critic
Have you noticed the proliferation of consumer review sites? It's not just Yelp (restaurants, etc.), TripAdvisor (hotels, etc.), and Angie's List (contractors, etc.). It's Amazon (everything they sell), iTunes (albums, Apps, etc.), RottenTomatoes (movies, etc.) and countless more.
The problem is that when we're unhappy about something, we purportedly tell three times more people than when we're happy. And now we've got megaphones to do it.
Combine this fact with another stat - that we find what our peers say about your business to be six times more convincing than anything you say - and your odds seem to be worse than at Rick's casino in Casablanca.
I have two suggestions:
1) Accept that information in flowing freely. As such, our businesses have to be better than in the past: more tuned in, more customer-focused, more responsive to complaints and, even, gentler on employees being terminated. Social media helps great business succeed faster, and helps poor businesses...fail.
2) Now, assuming that your business is doing everything right, why not promote the positive?
Here's an example: recently, I dined in a delightful crab place in Charleston, South Carolina. After complimenting my server and leaving a nice tip she handed me a card. This card was not in general circulation in the restaurant. Rather, she was trained to present this card to anyone who appeared to be thrilled with their meal. Do you want to know what the card said?
"Please allow others to know about your wonderful dining experience by posting on Yelp, Fodors, 10Best, TripAdvisor, or Yahoo's TravelGuide. Thank you."
There was no incentive and no reward. However, when someone does something nice for us (including providing a tasty meal, expertly served), we want to reciprocate.
Think about how you can use this simple idea to drive more positive conversation about your business. And then execute your plan!
You can find more formal details here:
wesocialize.biz
To contact Dave directly:
dave@WeSocialize.biz
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TITILLATING TRIVIA FOR MAY
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History of Mother's Day
Mother's Day in the United States was first proclaimed in 1870 in Boston by Julia Ward Howe, and Howe called for it to be observed each year nationally in 1872. As originally envisioned, Howe's "Mother's Day" was a call for pacifism and disarmament by women. Early Mother's Day was mostly marked by women's peace groups. A common early activity was the meeting of groups of mothers whose sons had fought or died on opposite sides of the American Civil War. As the custom of Mother's Day spread the emphasis shifted from the pacificisim and reform movements to ta general appreciation of mothers.
A proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day was signed by U.S. president Woodrow Wilson on May 14, 1914. The first official recognition of the holiday was by West Virginia in 1910. A tradition calls for the wearing of carnations on Mother's Day - a red one if one's mother is alive, and white if she has died.What is Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the 5th of May. It is celebration for all Mexicans because that is the anniversary of the day they won their independence from France.
The first "Run for the Roses" reference aka Kentucky Derby
Although roses were likely a part of the first Kentucky Derby crowd in 1875, they were not around the neck of the winning horse until much later. Pink and white roses were first used as a garland in 1896, the red rose was official in 1904, and 1925 was the first year the Derby was referred to as the "Run for the Roses."
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ECON RECON
| Introducing my newest columnist, the "economist with a personality" (my title not his) ...
Brian Beaulieu  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!
Saving for Retirement
Saving for retirement could get more expensive for most Americans because of the budget deficit. Lawmakers are looking into reducing specific tax breaks as they begin to grapple with the U.S. tax code while wrestling with an ever-larger pile of U.S. debt. The push by some Republican lawmakers to reduce the top tax rate from 35% to 25% has brought the subject of "loopholes" to the forefront. Some Democrats are asking how the reduction in federal revenue will be paid for if most of the 200 credits currently allowed are not eliminated. The rhetoric continues to state that the tax preference for retirement savings costs Washington more than $200 billion a year. I initially had a strong visceral reaction against the reduction or elimination of the preferential treatment for retirement savings.
A change in the tax incentives related to saving for retirement would affect millions of Americans, including the middle class. Judy Miller, director of retirement policy at the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, said in testimony Tuesday that about 70% of workers earning $30,000 to $50,000 a year also benefit from the current tax code relative to retirement savings.
These folks would not benefit from a reduction in the top rate from 35% to 25%. Other bracket reductions would become necessary to protect these millions of folks who are trying to put together a retirement package.
According to the Washington Post, "Democrats nonetheless pounced, arguing that [David] Camp's goal of lowering the top tax rate to 25 percent from the current 35 percent without increasing budget deficits would require lawmakers to eliminate virtually every break in the tax code."
The debate rages. Do we lower the code and shut down tax incentives that impact millions, or do we leave the higher rate in place along with all the special treatment? What is the reasonable, as opposed to the visceral, reaction?
In my opinion, we should slowly shut down the tax provisions that favor specific activity, investments, and industries and immediately lower the tax rates for all classes of income earners over a period of no less than five years. A slow phase out of mortgage interest rate deductions and retirement savings (to name two) would be no more detrimental to those industries than was the loss of the deduction for interest payments on credit cards decades ago. That industry did not need indirect government subsidy and neither does the mortgage industry. We are similarly self-incented to prepare for our retirement and do not need the government to further incent our actions.
The lower tax rates would provide for more money in the private sector, which can be counted on to boost economic activity and therefore increase government revenues over time. The nation ends up with a simplified system that provides adequate resources for the functioning of government.
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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.
Open-Face Grilled Chicken, Maytag Blue Cheese, and Toasted Pecan Sandwich
1 6-oz. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
 2 tablespoons chopped pecans 2 slices raisin pumpernickel bread
2 tablespoons mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoons Maytag Blue cheese
8 watercress sprigs
1. Combine the chicken, olive oil, salt, pepper and Worcestershire in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes so the chicken can marinate.
2. Toast the pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.
3. Grill the chicken under the broiler or on an outdoor grill for 10 to 12 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked, turning once. Whether broiling or grilling, for the best flavor make sure the heat is high so you will get a nice caramelized brown color on the chicken. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle in the meat. Using a very sharp knife, slice the chicken as thinly as possible on a bias.
4. Spread each slice of bread evenly with the mayonnaise. Divide the chicken slices between the 2 slices of bread. Sprinkle with bits of the blue cheese and then sprinkle on the toasted pecans.
5. With a sharp knife, quarter each sandwich. Garnish each quarter with a sprig of watercress and serve.
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HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
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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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INSPIRATION FOR MOTHER'S DAY
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My Mother Kept A Garden
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life it's start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem...
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I'd need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother's garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me
**Author Unknown
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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.
Looking to make a difference? Volunteer Match is a fantastic site where you enter in your location and then put in keywords for the type of work you want to do. There are even virtual opportunities.
Check it out. Give back.
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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
September 13-15, 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:
September 13-15, 2012
February dates to come
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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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Thanks for spending time with us!
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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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