be you

days 8-13 – the quiet before the storm.

by aileen on July 26, 2011

I know I have been quiet. Sometimes you get too busy doing to write about doing. I committed to writing about this experience and so I’m back.

I have a new project that I’m set on doing. It’s an idea that might fail (those are the best kind) and I’m going to need others to make it happen (those are the scary kind).

I’m at the stage where I’m getting everything together behind the scenes which is why you haven’t heard from me, but I’m still here and I’m still being deliberately creative. Someone asked me yesterday, over coffee, “Where do you get all these ideas?” and I replied in my standard manner “Oh, that’s the easy part” – I was wrong, I defaulted to a standard answer (as we often do). They come from training your brain to think that way, they come from noticing the world, they come from being deliberately creative.

My first semester at college changed my life. They taught us to think of ideas, in fact that was all we did – and we were judged on it. I wish I could do that time over again – I wish I could analyze what we did. How I worked and how others worked. When it comes down to it the only way to think of ideas is to think of ideas.

I’m sorry I’m not revealing all on here, in my head I was intending to share it all, but sometimes ideas need some time to incubate before they are launched on the world. Today I will be making a timeline for that – working out what I need to get in place, and when. It’s getting close to time to share this idea, to let it out into the world and see if it flies or sinks – either way I’m going to learn a lot about me, about you, and about the world.

{ 0 comments }

day 6 – sharing

by aileen on July 19, 2011

Being deliberately creative takes a combination of thinking alone and sharing. Day 6 was a sharing day. I talked ideas with friends in person, over skype and via text – there are so many ways to share these days. I didn’t have “an idea” but I had an idea what I wanted to have an idea about. Then last night it struck me, – this may be ‘the idea’, it may just be the ‘next idea’ – or it may be the idea that leads to ‘the idea’ – who knows.. but it is firmly planted in my head and growing rapidly.

So the idea is…..

No, not ready to share it yet, but believe me, you will hear about it. There are lots of clues in this post – but clues are no good unless you know what you are looking for. So today, go and share your thoughts, your ideas, you thoughts, yourself – you’ll be surprised at what happens!

{ 0 comments }

Forty Days of Creativity – Day One.

by aileen on July 12, 2011

Day One

This is an experiment in creativity. Deliberate Creativity.

I have been researching, writing, reading, ok yes – obsessing about creativity in business for a while. Not just for those business who have to be creative on a daily basis but those that don’t (but could really benefit from it). I have lots of ideas so what better than to try them myself daily and work out what works. I have no idea where this will lead but I intend to have a lot of fun finding out.

I wanted to share some of this journey with you. Some of the things I try I’d love you to try too, I will (if this all works) be creating some products (maybe a book, ecourse & of course a speech / training) but that’s not the point right now. The point is to experiment with being deliberately creative.

I started my career as a Graphic Designer, apparently from the time I was 3 or 4 years old I used to tell my parent I wanted to “draw Cornflake Boxes” when I got older. Through my teenage years it was my complete focus. I was the first in my family to get a degree (yes, in Graphic Design) and I loved every minute of working in the industry…… but then I began to notice something else. This was a business. This was about clients and productivity and end product. At college no one had mentioned that – they were all about clever ideas and great looking design.

I became obsessed with the client presentation (yes I’ve always been the obsessive type) and why they liked some design and not others. I loved packaging design more than logo design because the success or failure didn’t depend on people thinking it was ‘pretty’ or ‘cool’ – it depended on sales figures. Yes, I got to draw cornflake packets. Yes it was everything I’d dreamed it would be.

Then my career took a turn. I was freelancing as a designer and working at a couple of London Colleges teaches Graphics. One day someone entered my classroom and asked if I could cover a class that afternoon… in Communication. I agreed and my life changed. (Skip long story here) Gradually I became a speaker, winning the Best Humorous Speaker in the UK and Ireland title in 2000.

I have always stayed creative, my speeches have always been very visual and my home is full of design. Lately it’s been bugging me, leaping out of every crevice, it’s time to let it have a more important role, an upfront position in my business.

So this is the blog of the experiment. 40 days to test what I think I have learned in the last 40 years.

If you have read this far, congratulations. Today I am starting my day by re-reading one of my favorite very small books by Seth Godin. GRACEFUL – It’s a simple little book with powerful messages- It’s only $2.99 from Amazon (kindle edition) – It should put me on the right track.

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments as I go through this process, I’d love to hear how creativity plays a role in your business and whether you leave it to chance or have a system to make it happen and make it brilliant.

{ 0 comments }

The Next Big Thing?

by aileen on April 20, 2011

I am working on a fun new project. It was inspired by all the questions I am asked about communication wherever I go. I wanted to be able to answer more questions, and to share those answers so we could all learn from them, I wanted to be able to provide a place where people can go to find the answers… and so a new website is being hatched. It will be a membership site, not sure of the cost yet, but I’m all about giving people the best value possible so you can rest easy on that.

It will be a place where you can go and find what you need, if it’s a last minute bullet point list as you head into a meeting, a video how to write a speech, or an article about dealing with difficult co-workers. There will also be (insert drumroll here……… ) a question and answer section where you will be able to ask questions and get them answered directly by me. It will be like having your very own communication coach. Someone to answer your questions about your specific situation. The answers may also be open to others to discuss so you can get lots of opinions and learn from a multitude of people – I’m not completely sure yet.

It’s still in the planning stages, but we are working hard and fast (it’s been brewing for a while)…

I am planning on including information/ advice about Presenting, Networking, Selling, Customer Service, Understanding People, Dealing with Difficult People, Asking Difficult Questions, Behavior, Negotiations, Creativity, Faciliating- and other subjects.

I’m not sure what all of this looks like yet… so I would love your input.. What would you like to see? What would you use? Tell me your thoughts – after all it’s all about you. My aim is to make it the best resource of it’s kind, and to do that I need to make you happy.

Please leave your thoughts below. They will be read, and thought about, and will help create something magical…

{ 8 comments }

UPX – The Lookback (part one)

by aileen on April 19, 2011

My review of UPX

I’m back to blogging. It kind of got lost in all the planning for UPX (USING PEOPLE – THE EXPERIENCE) and the other things that demand my time and attention. Then the other day, reading a post from a friend, I realized I missed it. I missed saying what was on my mind, sharing the stuff I found interesting and interacting with those of you that read this.

Sometimes writing is the best way to communicate, especially when you are writing for yourself. UPX was over a week ago, and we have had great feedback from it. It was really something different for me, integrating actors into the show, having to hit cues, marketing the show myself – and working with a team of people (without whom it wouldn’t have happened). I have been giving Using People as a speech for at least 5 years, so to have a director (the wonderful Cody Daigle) come in and add/rearrange/direct it was daunting (at first) it quickly turned into an incredibly easy and fun process. Along with Cody, I worked with Jesse Guidry who blew me away with his relaxed professionalism and his attention to details. If I lost a piece of paper, Jesse had the information backed-up somewhere. I’m really fussy about some things, especially how people are treated (I want the best customer service ever) and Jesse took that and ran with it. Over-delivering and making me laugh at the same time. Ask me about him sliding down the stair rail at a very security conscious company in town.

If you know anything about me, you know I believe you attract things into your life. If the people I worked with are a reflection of that then I’m very happy. We also partnered with Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro, their executive chef, Manny Augello is a good friend and (I think) a kindred spirit – a chef isn’t what he does for work, it’s who he is. He produces amazing food and I think his passion is the main ingredient. I treasure him more than he will ever know – and know his future is going to be bigger and better than his wildest dreams. He is married to a great friend, and hysterically funny person, Abi – she was the nun in the preview videos and appeared in the lunchtime show – and boy can she shake it! I love them both. Also from Jolies we had Luke Tullos, the mixologist of your dreams. I collect people who are passionate about what they do… and Luke is part of that collection. His drink (the Using Pisco) was quite amazing – every one loved it and they drank him dry. None of that taking a small sip to be polite and then switching to beer that night!

There are so many more wonderful people to tell you about…. the actors, the partners, the non-profit and the sponsors, and of course the audience. Part two coming soon.. maybe even later today.

{ 0 comments }

Updates – USING PEOPLE – THE EXPERIENCE

by aileen on March 3, 2011

Sorry for the blog silence. I have been so busy that I’ve forgotten to keep you all updated so here goes.

USING PEOPLE – THE EXPERIENCE is quite an experience. We have had a great reaction to what we are doing – combining a speech with actors, special effects, networking, and a whole lot more. It’s been such fun working with everyone so far.

I am very happy to announce that DEXCOMM have agreed to be our event sponsor. They are a company that care about communication, and so are a perfect match for us. We love working with them. Read about it here.

I am also thrilled to announce that we will be donating 10% of our profits to Camp Bon Coeur – a camp for kids with heart defects. I have also worked with them before, they do great things and are wonderful people – more about Camp Bon Coeur coming up soon!

We are planning an amazing event, working with playwright, Cody Daigle is fascinating, he is adding elements to the speech that I would never have considered. It’s going to be such fun! I wish I could tell you more, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy!

Lunch will be provided by Jolies Bistro – if you have already eaten there you will know what to expect, if you haven’t – get ready to taste scrumptiousness.

The evening cocktail will be created by Luke Tullos, a talented mixologist, and we will have cheese from the wonderful cabot cheese people (yes we have a cheese partner – we are big time now!)

If you want to get involved there is still time. We still have space for a couple more sponsors and are collecting items to put in the best goodie bags ever! – just contact me and let’s talk.

DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKETS ASAP – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Online event registration for USING PEOPLE – THE EXPERIENCE powered by Eventbrite

{ 1 comment }

The outtakes

by aileen on February 23, 2011

We had a lot of fun on our recent shoot for USING PEOPLE – THE EXPERIENCE. Here are some of the outtakes. Enjoy, and don’t forget to buy your ticket.

{ 0 comments }

USING PEOPLE IS NOW AN EXPERIENCE!

by aileen on February 9, 2011

Using People started as a speech, then a book, and now… an entire experience!
Taking place in downtown Lafayette on Friday April 8th, Using People – the experience is part motivational speech, part theatrical event, part networking, all complete fun and lots of learning. Find out more HERE

{ 0 comments }

BE YOU – THE WHOLE TRUTH – Santa

by aileen on December 24, 2010

Every week my BE YOU interview is published in The Times of Acadiana – This is the unedited version, the bits that didn’t fit in the paper – The Whole Truth!

Santa Claus

This week’s BE YOU interviewee needs no introduction. I grew up calling him Father Christmas but he’s known better in these parts as Santa. Even though he is very busy at this time of year, Santa was happy to sit with me and answer my questions and pose for a photo. He laughed a big belly laugh at many of the questions before he answered and I could hear Rudolf outside impatiently waiting to take him back to The North Pole so he could join in some more reindeer games.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I wake up to the sound of reindeer playing reindeer games, make a list, check it twice then read that days letters and send the orders to the Elves. Sometimes I take the sleigh out for a test drive and then I have dinner with Mrs Claus.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Eat less cookies on Christmas Eve.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Eating too many cookies gave me this shape.

What do you most appreciate?
Large chimneys and good children.

What is your favorite journey?
Around the world on Christmas Eve, it’s quite magical.

What living figure most inspires you?
The Easter bunny is pretty cool. The way he manages to hide all of those Easter Eggs without being seen, I have no idea how he does that!

What was the best advice you were ever given?
Be good, someone is always watching.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
I would tell them to read every book they get for Christmas.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
I love a good sleigh ride, eggnog, and watching the reindeer games.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
I believe in myself.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
My beard, my lap, my reindeer.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ho, Ho, Ho.

What is your favorite word?
Ho.

What do you collect?
Letters from Children all over the world and elf jokes.
My favorite at the moment is: If athletes get athlete’s foot, what do elves get?
Mistle-toes!

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Where do I like to be by mys-elf? In my workshop of course!

What food could you live on for a month?
Milk and cookies. Mrs Claus wouldn’t like that though, she wants me to eat elfier food.

Describe yourself in five words.
Jolly, Devastatingly Handsome, Kind, Punctual.

What is your idea of happiness?
Hot Cocoa and a long nap on Christmas Day after all the presents have been delivered and all the children of the world are happy.

What is your favorite movie?
Miracle on 34th Street. It was my acting debut.

What music defines who you are?
We play a lot of “wrap” music in the workshop.

What is the best thing about where you live?
It feels like Christmas all year round, it’s good for my elf.

{ 0 comments }

BE YOU – THE WHOLE TRUTH – THOMAS PETERS

by aileen on December 20, 2010

Thomas Peters

Thomas (in his own words) serves coffee, fun and smiles at CC’s on Johnston. I know him as someone who always has a smile on his face and some of the most interesting Facebook updates I have ever read. He is a thinker, a dreamer and a doer, a rare combination these days. Interviewing him was a blast, a glimpse into a life well lived, and he left me still intrigued.

What was your first job?
I worked for my dad digging postholes and cutting grass. It taught me a lot about manual labor.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Up at 4 am dressed. Come to the cafe. Play with coffee all day. Go home about 5 or 6 and play with family. It’s all play.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Always be who you are. Don’t compromise. We are all individual for a reason.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
I took a week long trio Shasta Abbey in Northern California. It’s a buddhist retreat. It taught me so much about who I am.

What values do you live by?
Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.

What do you most appreciate?
The ability to be who I am and think freely – to be who I want to be. Not having to fit into a stereotype.

What is your favorite journey?
The journey of life. It’s fascinating. Everyday is a new destination.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
In the center of the hustle and bustle.

What living figure most inspires you?
My three children. Every day is so different. When they laugh it’s heaven on earth. They inspire me every moment.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
Some stories are true even if they are really false.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
The Tao of pooh by Benjamin Hoff.

What is the best thing about where you live?
The people. I absolutely love the people. They are so open and genuine.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
Enjoying time with the family. Enjoying who we are, in our own little bubble.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Disney animator.

What is your motto?
Life is good.

How would you like to be remembered?
Legendary.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
Just breathe.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Coffee. Imagination. Family.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Really.

What is your favorite word?
Balance.

What do you collect?
Stories.

What food could you live on for a month?
Coffee and cheese.

What would you change about yourself?
My ability to give more time to my family.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Charlie Brown. Tristan Ludlow (played by Brad Pitt) from legends of the fall. He’s trying to find himself.

Describe yourself in five words.
Creative. Balanced. Random. Friendly. Open.

What is your idea of happiness?
To be in my daughters mind.

What is your favorite movie?
Tropic Thunder. Legends of the Fall. Big Fish.

What music defines who you are?
Opera.

What do you most regret?
Not following the dream of becoming a Disney animator. I had it so close that I could reach it and I got scared.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
What do I most want to be when I grow up.

What would the answer be?
Someone who can inspire somebody to be the best they can be.

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries