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 or...
stop being so darned professional and tak 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 is inspiration, humor, business, personal and just plain fun: aka the don't-take-yourself-so-seriously ezine.
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SPEAKERS SCHOOL WILL SOON BE IN SESSION!
Speakers School is for business people, executives, coaches, sales people,
administrators, teachers, etc. It's for anyone who wants to conquer public speaking fears or fine-tune their skills, and who wants to learn how to craft THE most impactful speech, whether it'a a one-on-one situation or in front of a crowd.
Learn tips from one of the country's leading speakers.
If your goal is to be a professional speaker then Speakers School will get you started, and if you're already a pro it will help you go to the next level...fast!
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 Catalyst Ranch is an outrageous place (so you know I love it)! It's a creative meeting and events space that delights your senses and sparks your imagination. You have to see it.
And here's the perfect opportunity: I started the series on June 3rd and it was fantastic! Two more to come: new topics, all stand-alone presentations - you don't have to come to all three to "get" it, but I hope you will!  Mark your calendar now: September 9th and February 10th.
Remember, these are open to the public so bring your friends, co-workers, relatives, hairdresser...
I hope to see you there.
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CONNECT WITH US!
In case you've missed past issues of the ezine Click here to visit the archives. |
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 Happy July 4th birthday to me!
What? You missed it? C'mon, it's not a hard day to remember!
I celebrated in grand style at my annual July 3rd gal pal bash at The Sofitel. Aleen Bayard and Bonnie Mason (below) two of my  esteemed Vistage members were among the guests.
And yes, these are shoe cupcakes. 
Another annual ceremonial activity is attending Keepers of the Flame in Boulder, CO. A weekend with Vistage chairs from all over the world who have been doing the work for over ten years.
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Keepers of the Flame
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I reconnected with one of my dance students, Lesley Nagle (I taught dance after I gave up performing), who I hadn't seen in over 20 years (thank you, Facebook)!
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Lesley Nagle
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Had my good pal and outrageous sales speaker Jack Daly back to speak to my groups and we stole some sushi time together. If you think I have energy, YOU DON'T
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Jack Daly
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KNOW JACK.
I spoke in Portland for a week at various locations - one favorite was SeaPort Airlines with Rob McKinney, President (below). 
I launched another Vistage CEO group last month, and here we are after our meeting at the Chicago Yacht Club. 
Had dinner at Tavern on Rush with fellow speaker and friend, Barbara Glanz (above), former Chicagoan, nowSarasotan. It's always fun to catch up with pals who come back to visit.
 I finished the month in NY with THE son, Jason, and had time for a birthday dinner and lotsa huggin'.
Some of you may wonder why I call Sam my Director of Everything. Well...this is only one of the reasons. - here she is as
handyman - assembling a dumbbell rack for me (yes, I know that's an opening many of you will be unable to resist!). She's also performed plumbing and electrical duties for me. Tim Allen has nothing on my Sam. Isn't she a gem?
Not only that, but as you may already know she's a talented writer (read her novel What More Could You Wish For, if you haven't already...NOW!). And now (drum roll, please...), she's an award-winning writer!
LOOK!!! My Sam won not one  but TWO awards for her new novel, The Ones You Left Behind!
Yay! The contest was for unpublished work and, while the book's not quite finished, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before you'll find it on the NY Times best seller list!
I'm ferklempt! So proud of MY SAM!!!
I HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A GREAT SUMMER!
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NOW...not one, not two, but THREE divisions of
The Mikki Mouth Club!
CLICK HERE for more information
If you want Mikki's expertise at an affordable price on an ongoing basis The Mikki Mouth Club is for you.
Questions? We've got answers!!
Just call 312.664.8447 or send us an email
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 Traction
Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman Most entrepreneurs and business leaders face similar frustrations - personnel conflict, profit woes and inadequate growth. Decisions never seem to get made, or, once made, fail to be properly implemented. This book has the solution and it's not complicated or theoretical. The author has developed The Entrepreneurial Operating System. In that system, you learn the six key components of your business and tools to run your company in a more powerful way and give your leadership team more focus, growth and enjoyment. I love this book because it's not another silver bullet management book or flavor-of-the-month strategy. It contains no theory. It's based on real-world experience which I personally find
the most inspiring. Now go get this book! |
Sign on a plumber's truck:
We repair what your husband fixed
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www.chacha.com
An alternative to and broader based type of ask.com
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MIKKI MOUTH Things I Wish I'd Said and Some I Did Say!
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Enjoy a quote each month from my book - some funny, some poignant, some professional, some just darn cute!
"If you surveyed a hundred typical middle-aged Americans, I bet you'd find that only two of them could tell you their blood types, but every last one of them would know the theme song from 'The Beverly Hillbillies."
~Dave Barry
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
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 Independence Day is marked by fireworks,barbecues and parades.
Previously called "rockets," the term "fireworks" was not established until 1777.
Later fireworks that made a noise were invented and called "fire crackers" and by 1880 sparklers had been created. |
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.
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Named
Impact Speaker of
the Year
by Vistage International!
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Unlike the Rolling Stones, You CAN GetSatisfaction Every few years a company emerges by establishing its name, and undying customer loyalty, by providing unbelievable customer service. If you've ever dealt with Nordstrom (department stores) you know the experience. Others in this lofty category include L.L. Bean, Four Seasons Hotels, Apple, Starbucks, and Lexus. And, of course, Zappos. Zappos is an Internet retailer that sells shoes, among a million other things. If you think about it, the one thing that should be all but impossible to sell on the Internet is shoes. Have you ever purchased shoes without testing the fit? Typically I try on many pairs before making a selection. (Having wide feet sucks, although I can float upside-down in a swimming pool.) To solve this problem, Zappos adopted an insane customer service approach. No matter what you buy, shipping is always free (no minimum). And so is return shipping. No questions asked; no hassles...ever. You can, for example, order three different sizes of a given shoe and keep just the one pair that fits best. You have up to 365 days to return the other two pair. You can even return all three pair. If by chance, you purchase something on February 29 (leap day), you have until the next leap day to return it. That's an unbelievable four years, and sometimes eight. Like I said, insane. Zappos' CEO Tony Hseih recently revealed a key component of their formula. It's something that 70,000 other businesses are now doing to improve their own customer service. Your business can too. READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
To contact Dave directly: dave@WeSocialize.biz
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B rian Beaulieu is the "economist with a personality" (my title not his) . He is 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!
No Thanks Here is what the U.S. should NOT do. French President Hollande wants companies to pay a 75 percent payroll taxes on employees that make more than one million euros ($1.3 million) a year. The new payroll tax would be in place for two years, which means it is largely a symbolic political gesture. This idea is to replace his earlier plan to institute a 75 percent income tax on high-income individuals. That plan was thrown out by France's highest court. The goal is for the federal government to raise €100-300 million in additional revenue, a sum that will hardly dent the €85 billion budget deficit. That really highlights the political posturing, as opposed to sound financial planning, behind the proposal. The proposal comes at a time when his popularity is sliding. Besides raising taxes, President Hollande has said that he hopes the new proposal will lead companies to lower executive pay. This is where he goes even more drastically wrong. It is not the function of government to determine what executive pay should be, that is a function of the marketplace. Prices are best determined by the market, not by central planners. The government has no special insight into what is a globally competitive wage and what it costs French companies to attract and keep the talent needed to run multi-national businesses. This action could just force the best talent to shun France and look for a friendlier environment. Learn more about the future at www.itreconomics.com or by sending an email today to Kim Clark: kim@itreconomics.com
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LIFE LESSONS...FUNNY, FIT  OR FABULOUS
Submitted by John Godoy
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On this significant birthday, this is truly how I feel.
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That was the name of one of my businesses and oh, come on,  I know guys cook, too.
Every time I have company at my Florida home I take them to Ted Turner's Montana Grill where they serve THE best bison burger with onions and cheese. It is so yummy that I had to find a  recipe...voila!
Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups sliced onions (about 2)
3/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry red wine
1 pound ground bison (buffalo)
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
4 organic hamburger buns
6 ounces sliced Wisconsin white cheddar cheese
Dijon mustard
1 small head of escarole, leaves separated
preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium skillet over medium- high heat. Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and saut� until tender and golden brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue to saut� until very tender and well browned, about 15 minutes longer. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cool, cover and chill.
Preheat broiler. Gently mix meat and next 3 ingredients in large bowl. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper; add to skillet. Cook until well browned, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Open buns and arrange, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Place cheese slices on bun tops. Broil until cheese melts and bottom halves are lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Spread bottom halves with mustard. Top each with a few escarole leaves, then burger. Spoon onions atop burgers, dividing equally. Cover with bun tops; press lightly.
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 A Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest met at Albuquerque's annual 4th of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter. "This baked ham is really delicious," the priest teased the rabbi. You really ought to try it. I know it's against your religion, but I can't understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden. You don't know what you're missing. You just haven't lived until you've tried Mrs Warren's prized Virginia Baked Ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?" The rabbi looked at the priest with a big grin, and said, "At your wedding."
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Be Outrageous...it's The Only Place That Isn't Crowded.
~Mikki Williams
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Born on the 4th of July, they don't come more patriotic than me. I celebrate this day, not because it's my birthday but because I treasure every aspect of living in a free country and the freedom to be me.
Freedom
Freedom to give
Freedom to live
Freedom to question why
Freedom to walk
Freedom to talk 
Freedom to live or to die
Freedom to sing
Freedom to swing
Freedom to pass people by
Freedom to speak
Freedom to seek
Freedom to laugh or to cry
Freedom to work
Freedom to shirk
Freedom to spend or to buy
Freedom to please
Freedom to tease
Freedom to smile or to sigh
Freedom to be
Freedom to see
Freedom to aspire so high
Freedom to touch
Freedom to clutch
Freedom to grant or deny
Freedom that's mine
Freedom divine
Freedom no money can buy
~Royston Allen
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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.
booksforsoldiers.com
An appropriate volunteer opportunity given the July 4th holiday month.
Get started by getting you, your company, civic group or place of worship involved with supporting our troops by answering the requests for books, DVDs, games and relief supplies.
Or join the Pen Pal or Postcard section.
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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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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, a monthly ezine: Hair She Is...! and a blog: Mikki Williams' Blah Blah...Blog. 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 with three distinct divisions...Speaker Source, Accountability Academy and Keynote Kamp. If you need other speakers, she can book you the best through her Outrageous Orators...speakers who rock, an uncommon speakers bureau.
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.
To unsubscribe please use the link at the bottom of this newsletter (but we'd rather you didn't!). All contents � 2012 Mikki Williams, 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. If you are the owner of the rights of any of this content, please contact us so we may arrange for appropriate permission and give credit. |
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