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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!

 

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Days 4 & 5

by aileen on July 18, 2011

This weekend I decided I would spend the time preparing my space, my equipment for what is brewing in my mind… yes that’s the gurgling sound you can hear when everything is quiet. It’s a kind of ‘build it’ and you can’t afford for it not to happen.

I got my current computers hard drive and memory upgraded – and ordered a new second screen (bigger) and a new (well, refurbished) macbook pro.. yep I went all out. I have decided to subscribe to the new Adobe stuff – all of it. It’s been a back and forth decision but I have decided that, although, yes it’s cheaper to buy it in the long run, this gives me a chance to have it all, play with it, learn (some of) it, and really see what I use and what I don’t. It’s time for me to play catch up in the software stakes.

I don’t want to be a graphic designer again, but I do want to use all the new technology to communicate – in a whole new way. I plan on using a whole lot more video, graphics and creativity. I want to combine that with my obsession with business, communication, connection and company culture.

Weekends are a great time to let things stew in your head, you can relax with friends and family and just let your ideas brew for a while.

This could be dangerous!

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Publix – I think I love you

by aileen on April 30, 2011

This weekend I’m at the beach with some girl friends. I always love to get away to the sea and the beautiful white sand, but when I hear Florida I get extra excited. It means I get to go to my favorite packaging museum supermarket, Publix. I used to be a packaging designer and the love for it never left. Publix has simple own label packaging throughout the store that would make my food cupboards look as minimalist as the rest of my house but their cookies and snacks also have humor – perfect for tempting you to buy. I spent the whole time running around taking photos…here are a few for you to enjoy.

Next time I go I may need a truck so I can bring everything home. Even the packaging that didn’t make me laugh makes me smile. I could shop there until the cows come home.

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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…

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New Skills, beliefs, inspiration and then there’s this….

by aileen on March 14, 2011

Register for USING PEOPLE - THE EXPERIENCE in Lafayette, LA on Eventbrite

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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.

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Are you afraid?

by aileen on February 22, 2011

Here is this week’s column in The Advertiser – I wrote it for myself as much as for my readers.

“Are you scared? I hope so. Not afraid-scared, but out-of-your-comfort-zone, taking-some-risks, knowing-you-are-really-alive, kind of scared. It is a good fear that comes with living your life to the fullest.

We all play it safe sometimes, but there’s nothing like taking a step toward something you want, or even away from something you don’t.

For the past few weeks, a lot of people have been glued to “American Idol,” and especially to local boy, Jacee Badeaux. We are watching him take his chances to achieve his dream, and whatever happens, his life will never be the same again.

This week I spoke at a meeting of The 705, Acadiana’s Emerging Leaders, a group for young professionals and was amazed by their drive and energy. There are some people in that group living on the edge of their comfort zones; they are on the fast track to success.

It’s scary to put yourself out there, to say ‘this is what I want’ or ‘I think I’m good at this.’

There will be people who laugh behind your back, people who resent you for changing, and people who support and love you. You may drift away from some friends, and toward new ones.

People think that because I am a motivational speaker I don’t get scared. Of course I do. How could I speak about this stuff unless I lived it too? How could I know about overcoming doubt unless I had to do it myself?

We see ourselves from the inside, and others from the outside and then we compare the two. We think everyone is more confident, braver and less worried than we are. We all have those emotions; the secret is to acknowledge them and carry on anyway.

Doubt only hurts you if you let it prevent you from doing what you want. Other people can only hurt you if you value their opinions above your own.

If you are one of the lucky people who know what your passion is, or if you have a dream, then do something, anything. Yes, it’s going to be scary at times. Do it anyway. Imagine how scary it will be in 10 years, when you look back and realize the only person holding you back was you.

You have to stand in your own truth. That’s a very Oprah way of saying it, but it means that you have to know who you are and be that person. Jacee became a national talking point when he stood by who he was on “Idol,” when he didn’t let the behavior of others bring him down.

Yes, he shed a few tears, and then he got on with it. He didn’t even feel the need to put others down. It showed great character and won our hearts.

Collect people who are taking steps toward their dreams. Learn from (or go and join) The 705, watch Jacee on “Idol,” and then take your own steps.

I wish you much fear in the months ahead. The good kind.”

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A busy week… lets work it out.

by aileen on December 6, 2010

This week is one of ‘those’ weeks. One where I have what seems like a million things to do. I’m still playing catch up from last week and it would be easy to sit here and feel overwhelmed. I confess by the end of last week I did feel that way, but today I have a schedule. I have it all planned out. I know what I am meant to be doing and when.

I know today won’t go as I have planned, they never do – and life would be very dull if they did – but having a plan enables you to think about one thing at once, and get it done (or at least further towards done).

Sometimes we look at our ‘to do’ lists and there are just too many things on them, we spend precious time just worrying about how we will fit everything in. Grab a calendar instead and block out times to work on the different things we have to do. Guess how long they will take, once we sit down, focused, most things take less time than we thought.

Today I have a plan, I know what I must get done, what I should work on, and what I want to do. There has to be a balance. Some of the things you want to do should always be included. Life has to be fun, you have to get to BE YOU. Consider moving some of the things that you think are ‘extras’ into the ‘must’ category. This week working out is in the ‘must’ column. I know  that will make me more productive, more focused and have more energy in the long run. It’s an essential. It’s just as important as any project. Too often we skip the things that are best for us because we think there are more urgent things. Nothing is more important than your health – it is the key to everything.

So have a great week, I have an appointment in the gym now.

Aileen.

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BE YOU- THE WHOLE TRUTH – John Herrera

by aileen on December 3, 2010

John Herrera

John is the owner of JuuJ Coiffure on Kaliste Saloom. He is one of the coolest people you will ever meet, and I’m not just saying that because he often has scissors just inches from my throat. He is one of those people who is doing exactly what they are meant to be doing, and I love people like that. John manages to combine a mischievous grin with a total air of calm.  He is professional but never predictable and that makes me smile.

What was your first job?
My first job was at Baskin Robbins as a senior in high school.  I can make a mean banana split.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I usually start with a 5:30 WOD at CrossFit Lafayette.  Then I take my daughter to school for 7:30.  I get to my salon by 10 AM and take anywhere from 8-12 clients till about 7 or 7:30 PM.  I’m home just in time to hang out with my wife and 3 kids for about an hour, then we say prayers and tuck the kids in around 8:30 or 9.  I try to get to bed before 10:30 so I can wake up and do it all again.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Live like you were dying.

What values do you live by?
Family, balance, passion,

What living figure most inspires you?
My wife.  She challenges me to live “eternity-minded.”

What was the best advice you were ever given?
“Know when to hold ‘em, Know when to fold ‘em, Know when to walk away, Know when to run” Kenny Rogers.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Power of a Praying Husband, Wife, etc. by Stormie Omartian

What is the best thing about where you live?
Hospitality.

How do you “let the good times roll”?
Cow tipping.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a surf shop owner.

What is your motto?
Right is right, even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who made a difference in at least one person’s life.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
Just keep swimming!  Picture Dory on Finding Nemo.

What three things are vital to being you?
Music, Laughter, and Ambition.

Which words or phrases do most overuse?
Seriously…I use it as a question, a statement, and an exclamation.  Seriously?  Seriously.  Seriously!
and Ridonkulous.

What is your favorite word?
JuuJ.  The proper spelling is tzsuj; it’s a Yiddish verb that means to tweak, finesse, or make better.  It’s also the name of my salon, JuuJ Coiffure.

What do you collect?
I would like to have a watch collection someday, but I have too many mouths to feed at home.

What food could you live on for a month?
Mexican, but the kind you get from any place in California with ‘bertos in the name-Alberto’s, Filberto’s, Roberto’s, etc.

What would you change about yourself?
I probably would get rid of my tattoos.  I’d be bringing wholesome back.

Describe yourself in five words.
Blessed, amicable, independent, optimistic, fun-loving.

What is your idea of happiness?
Spending time with my children.

What is your favorite movie?
Pulp Fiction, one of the best quotable movies EVER.

What music defines who you are?
I’m a huge fan of DMB, but I grew up on punk rock and reggae.

What do you most regret?
I regret some of the things I did in my life, but what I regret most are the things I did NOT do.

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A CHALLENGE (or two)

by aileen on December 1, 2010

I know it’s only December 1st – but it’s a great time to get a head start on those New Years Resolutions…

Challenge 1

By reading on you are agreeing to accept at least one of these challenges (us writers are tricky like that). I am going to be doing it right along with you

I challenge you to pick one of your new year resolutions and start it today. Think how good it will feel to celebrate Christmas and already be fitter, or slimmer, play the piano better, start using Facebook more, give up cupcakes, stop smoking, start taking singing lessons or whatever it is you are planning to start next year.

Whatever you are going to do use December as a ‘practice month.’ Practice is great — there is no pressure to be perfect, you can’t fail, and whatever you do, you are ahead. You will also have proved to yourself that you can do it, and that’s going to feel great on New Year’s Eve. Whatever you do is lagniappe. Extra. A bonus. A slip or two doesn’t matter because it’s only a practice month.

I am going to get back into my exercise routine. I have let it slip a bit lately and need to get refocused. There now you all know, you can all hold me accountable. It’s here in black and white. It helps if people know, share what you are doing with your family, with your co-workers or you can email me and tell me. You are not in this alone. We are all practicing together.

The only rule is you are not allowed to give up, this is a rehearsal. You can have slip-ups and bad days but you are just practicing, you just get back on track and practice some more.

Challenge 2

Find at least one thing you want for Christmas that isn’t materialistic and encourage your children to do the same. It’s only one thing on your list but it may turn out to be the most important thing. Something you want to do, or learn, or experience. If each member of your family came up with one thing imagine the fun you would have together helping them get what they wanted. Would you like game night at your house, a walk in the park on Christmas day, a family photo album, homemade decorations, to start a new tradition, a once a month dinner club with friends. Pick something and put it on your Christmas list.

Challenge 3

Yes I know I mentioned only two challenges, but while I’m on a roll I may as well push my luck. Think of something you want to do next year, just for fun and make some plans. I want to go paddleboarding. You know, where you stand up on a surfboardy looking thing and paddle. I am already excited. I’m thinking spring in Florida. Find something that makes you smile and plan to do it.

Yes I know it’s only the beginning of December but there is only one time to start living your life, and that’s now.

This article appeared in my column “That’s what she said”  in The Advertiser on 30th November 2010

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