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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. |
MIKKI WILLIAMS
APPOINTED SPOKESWOMAN FOR
the company that brings you
TAKING THE LUNGE, a reality-based program that follows five individuals as they fit fitness into their busy lives.Mikki is part of every show and is featured on the fourth episode on Thursday, July 12th.
If you missed it, or any of the episodes no problem...
just click here to catch up.
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 Happy Birthday to ME! As many of you know, I celebrate my July 4th birthday all week. My BFF Sherry (left) comes in from Seattle early and we parTAY! Started with Latin Dancing at Nacional 27 then dinner with Goddesses Mary and Michele (below) at Piccolo Sogno .
Capped the birthday off with my annual 30th at The Sofitel with 12 of my best gal pals. It was the first year ever that we had to be indoors due to Chicago 100+ heat.
Other fun events were Ravinia with 6-5-4-3 group to see Jimmy Cliff (left) , awesome reggae singer.
Enjoyed time with THE son before he went back home to Brooklyn,  and then flew off to the Keepers of the Flame event in Boulder, CO. I was invited to this weekend retreat as a first-timer because I hit my 10 year mark as a Vistage Chair. I spent the weekend in this funky li'l town with 85 of the coolest people on the planet. Here I am with some of the women Chairs. 
Lest you think the month was all play and no work, I have proof that wasn't the case. I spent a lovely afternoon lunching at The Caregiver List with CEO, friend and founding Goddess, Ju lie Northcutt, who invited me to speak to all her young interns at new company headquarters in Chicago. (right)
Off to Minneapolis to speak at Risdall Marketing Group and as soon as I walked in I fell in love with the vibe, the surroundings, the people. It was so "me." Color, neon, play toys and even my logo colors are theirs in red and purple.  Loved the neon Marilyn poster that I am standing in front of with Sara Dziedzic, Business Development Exec. I bought it for my home!
Had the opportunity to train the sales force at Peddinghaus Steel Fabricators. (below)
And finished off my birthday month at the Art Institute enjoying the work of Roy Lichtenstein.
Oh yes, my FitAge results for those of you watching me on the reality show Taking the Lunge was age 30... just like my annual 30th birthday. 
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I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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 What To Do When There's Too Much To DoReduce tasks, increase results and save 90 minutes a day
by Laura Stack
I am always searching for new ideas that will help me be more productive, and who better to serve them up then my friend, my peer, the "Productivity Pro," Laura Stack. Laura's tips to reduce commitments, distractions, interruptions and inefficiencies has helped me maintain my sanity (some of you may disagree with that).
She has a great formula for success which she explains in detail called the
PWF Productivity Workflow FormulaTM
Determine + Schedule + Focus + Process + Close + Manage = PRODUCE.
Productivity is all about achieving high value goals in the shortest time possible. I have worked hard over the years to keep my perspective on the difference between activity and productivity. Laura has reinforced me and taught me some new techniques to continue to "sharpen my saw."
Now go get this book!! |
 You all know My Sam (as I call her) as my amazing Director of Everything, but you might not know that she's also a soon-to-be-famous, soon-to-be-best-se lling author of the book, What More Could You Wish For.
St. Martin's Press is her publisher and on August 7th the book will be available everywhere books are sold!
You can pre-order a copy on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, or IndieBound.
AND...if you REGISTER here you could win a SIGNED ADVANCED READING COPY. Send an email and your name will go into a hat for a drawing on July 20th and the winner will receive what's sure to be a collector's item. An ARC, btw, is what's known as a bound galley and isn't quite finished - there are still has some typos and the cover doesn't have her photo (oh no!). But it does call the book a "charming debut." Which it is! This book is the revised version of Mr. Right-Enough that Sam self-published two years ago. And then St. Martin's Press picked it up. Yay! New cover, new title and 15,000 more words. So even if you read it before you'll want to check out the new, revised edition! NOW GO GET 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, July 24th at 12:00 noon CST.
No cost, no obligation.
Just CLICK HERE to register.
TELE-CONVERSATION WITH
Patrick Ungashick 
Three Common Exit-Planning Sins
Entrepreneur, part-time clown, Cardinals baseball fan, speaker, soccer dad, husband, baker-Patrick is a man of many hats. Called PU by his friends (only sometimes affectionately), one of his passions is helping business owners prepare for and achieve a happy exit. For most business owners and CEOs of privately held companies, the business exit will be either the crowning achievement or one of the great disappointments of their career. Patrick ("PU") brings more than 20 years of experience helping hundreds of CEOs/owners, and has somehow managed to write a book and be cited by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other publications despite his egregious initials and incomprehensible last name. Guilty of confusing growth with value, not knowing your Exit Magic Number or waiting too long to begin planning your exit? Move over Seven Deadly Sins, the Three Exit Planning Sins will reconcile owners to a path for success. What you'll learn... * The three biggest sins CEOs and owners make in their exit plans * 7 areas of Transferable Value * What the heck an Exit Magic Number is
August's guest: Laura Stack
Friday, August 17th at noon CST
Topic: What To Do When There's
Too Much To Do
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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...Leading men in movies, TV and life...aka my heartthrobs 1. Viggo Mortenson in GI Jane 2. Steven Bauer, actor 3. Jack Scalia, actor 4. Hugh Jackman in anything 5. Channing Tatum in Magic Mike 6. Charles Bronson in Death Wish 7. Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentleman 8. Omar Sharif in Dr. Zhivago 9. Howard Keel in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers  10. Shemar Moore in Criminal Minds 11. Blair Underwood in Sex and the City 12. Jason Lewis in Sex and the City 13. Rick Fox, basketball player on Dancing with the Stars  14. Gilles Marini in Sex and the City 15. Eric Roberts, actor  16. Armand Assante, actor 17. Ryan Gosling in The Notebook 18. Kevin Costner in Bull Durham 19. John Gavin in Backstreet 20. Joe Namath, football player 21. Matthew McConaughey in The Wedding Planner 22. Tom Berenger in Someone to Watch Over Me  23. Warren Beatty in Splendor in the Grass 24. Sean Connery in James Bond 25. Daniel Craig in James Bond |
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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:
Wiener Take All ( Hot Dog Stand)
The Howl-A-Day Inn (Kennel)
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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.
NO, I don't own these but I could. With a July 4th birthday you'd be amazed all the clothing, jewelry and shoe themed attire I have. Well, maybe you wouldn't be so amazed.
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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.
Join the more than 10 million people who are using RunKeeper to turn their phone into a personal trainer in their pocket! Track your runs, walks, bike rides, hikes, ski runs, and more using the GPS in your iPhone.
Track your fitness activities and have fun doing it
- See detailed stats around your pace, distance, and time.
- Get stats, progress, and coaching through your headphones with built-in audio cues.
- Listen and control your music while you work out.
- Measure your heart rate with many available sensors.
- Take pictures along the way to share and save while you go.
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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.
http://www.eventbrite.com
Browse thousands of events or create your own.
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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!
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
--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.
The Power of 1
Social media has amplified the power of 1... that is the power of one idea and the power of one person. It means that in business, we have to be more tuned in and more responsive than ever, to minimize the likelihood of one very dissatisfied customer, one very unhappy former employee.
Two years ago, Betty White appeared in a Superbowl commercial for Snickers that rated among the best as measured by USAToday's Peoplemeter. A whole generation of young people was introduced to a comedienne extraordinaire. But one person had an idea: Let's "have Betty White host SNL (Saturday Night Live), please." Through the power of social networking, millions of others were exposed to the idea (on a Facebook Page), they clicked "Like" and the rest is history. At 88 � years old, Betty White had never heard of Facebook, and yet she hosted what was one of SNL's most watched (and funniest) shows ever.
So I have an idea. Remember that great song "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel. Well, that was 23 years ago. After nearly a quarter century, I think it's time for an update. If you agree, go to a Facebook Page I built on July 2 (2012) and simply click "Like": www.facebook.com/BillyJoelUpdateFire
You can even indicate which topics/event you'd like him to include. Anything is possible given the power of one person and one idea.
You can find more formal details here:
wesocialize.biz
To contact Dave directly:
dave@WeSocialize.biz
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TITILLATING TRIVIA
| The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S.
Someone joked that the initials stood for "Uncle Sam." This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.
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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!
BRIAN IS ON VACATION. WATCH FOR HIS COLUMN IN THE AUGUST ISSUE.
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THE HAPPY COOKER
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That was the name of one of my businesses and oh, come on, I know guys cook, too.
Ginger Yogurt with Berries and Crunchy Caramel
6 servings
Berries and Yogurt
6 (7-ounce) containers plain Greek yogurt
1 (4-ounce) package crystallized ginger, minced (about 3/4 cup)
1 small container raspberries
1 small container blackberries
1 small container blueberries
1 (8-ounce) container strawberries, hulled, halved (quartered if large)
Caramel
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1. Mix yogurt and ginger in medium bowl; spread in large shallow serving bowl. Cover yogurt with berries. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead; cover and chill.
2. Stir sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; boil without stirring until mixture is dark caramel color, swirling pan occasionally, about 7 minutes. Immediately pour hot caramel over berries, avoiding pouring down inner sides of bowl. Let stand until caramel hardens, about 5 minutes, and serve.
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HE WHO LAUGHS...LASTS!
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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 for is that, in this country, we are all free."
Trevor, a little boy in 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."
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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
| (Author Unknown)
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank You for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all. Amen!"
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream. Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."
"Really?" my son asked.
"Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper he added, indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing, "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."
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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.
Are you thinking about your next vacation? Are you looking for a volunteer  opportunity? How about combining those two goals? Make your next trip something special and give back while you're getting away. Here's a list of 5 Volunteers Abroad organizations. Check them out and make your next vacation one to really remember.
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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 (certified speaking professional, an honor bestowed on less than 600 speakers worldwide) specializes in business dynamics and human potential. She has been named one of the top speakers in the country by Meetings and Convention Magazine along with Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz and Mike Ditka. Mikki is also one of the top tier speaker resources for Vistage International, the world's leading executive organization, and Group Chair of two of their peer advisory boards in Chicago.
Her company Mikki Williams Unltd. produces Speakers Schools in Chicago three times a year, a monthly ezine: Hair She Is...!, a blog: Mikki Williams' Blah Blah...Blog and a monthly tele-Conversations series: Mikki & Friends. She is sought-after for business, life and presentation skills coaching through her firm Coaching, etc... She also facilitates The Mikki Mouth Club, an annual subscription-based presentation skills coaching membership.
If you need other speakers she can book you the best through her uncommon speakers bureau Outrageous Orators...speakers who rock.
To hire Mikki or learn more about any of these services:
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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*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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