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Three Ways to Be Healthier at Work

3/30/2018

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By Zonya Foco

While what we do at home is certainly important, let’s face it: most of us are spending a high percentage of our waking hours at work. So it just makes sense that it’s a lot easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle when our work culture is “healthy.”

When morning meetings provide fruit and bagels instead of donuts and coworkers choose healthy fare for lunch instead of grazing from the vending machines, our personal health goals can be much easier to achieve. That success climbs even higher when office mates use break time for walking or dedicate 30 minutes after work for fun fitness time together. 

So how can you make your worksite a “healthier culture?” Read on to discover three major ways to get you started...

1) Take matters into your own hands.
  • Keep a fruit bowl on your desk at work, refill every Monday. 
  • Bring a “veggie tray” every Monday to help fill out meals and snacks healthfully throughout the week.
  • Recruit a walking group that will commit to walking with you at lunch, just before or just after work. Keep the “walk banter” positive and encouraging. 
  • Bring water to work daily and keep it with you always. 
  • Ignite your metabolism and brain before starting work by doing a few minutes of jumping jacks, leg lifts, squats, lunges, stretches or brisk walking. 
  • Initiate a “tasting is believing” healthy potluck lunch once a month or once a season, including sharing recipes to help inspire one another.

2) If your workplace offers wellness screenings and classes—Join In!
I am often surprised by how many people struggle with chronic health challenges, yet they don’t take advantage of the wonderful wellness solutions their workplace offers. Why is that? STOP THE EXCUSES and JOIN IN! From smoking cessation programs to Zumba classes, be grateful and participate in the benefits offered. They truly are a health blessing to all! 

3) If your worksite doesn’t currently offer something you’re interested in—ASK!
  • Over 60 percent of employers offer some sort of wellness program, while about 30 percent plan to offer a program in the future. Have a voice and take the opportunity to request what you want. 
  • About 50 percent offer wellness programs for spouses as well. This is GREAT! Success loves company, so join as a team.
According to 42 different published studies, worksite wellness programs can yield: 
  • 28% reduction in sick leave absenteeism
  • 26% reduction in health costs
  • 30% reduction in workers’ compensation and disability claim costs
  • 56% increased employee morale
  • 41% improved health
  • 8% increased productivity

Benefits of a worksite wellness program help both you and your employer!

Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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The Seven Secrets of Customer Service

3/28/2018

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By Laurie Guest

A few years ago, I went to see the doctor. He said, “Laurie, I’ve got to ask you a question. How is it possible that a motivational speaker can have a weight problem?” I said, “Well, that’s easy. I see the golden arches, and I’m motivated to turn in.” I joke, but really we all know that if you burn more than you eat, you’ll lose weight. Knowing and doing, however, are two very different things.

I believe customer service works the same way. The term “101” means something is at an introductory level, but experience tells me a lot of us have either skipped the class or forgotten what we were taught way back when. And we can teach customer service 101, but is the staff really implementing it?

After secret shopping many companies over the years, I started teaching what I call the Big 7 of Service. As you read, rate yourself on a 1 to 5 scale on your ability to consistently deliver on each of the Big 7...
​
Eye Contact – The foundation of any connection starts with looking directly at the guest with an intention to serve. What do I mean by that? Simply looking at a person is not the same as establishing eye contact. Even if you are already involved with another guest or on the phone, you can accomplish this task in a way that makes the visitor feel a connection.

Smile – One of the easiest steps is often skipped is the smile. When an employee is at work, he or she may not feel like smiling for one of many reasons: too tired, too stressed, too overworked. The employee may not want to be there or simply lacks a commitment to the mission of the organization. If you don’t feel like smiling, it’s hard to do it. Even if you have to force a smile, it will make a big difference in your performance. Also, whether you believe it or not, a greeting without a smile and a greeting with a smile sound different! Try it. You can hear the difference in tone, which will make a difference in your customer service.

Show Signs of Familiarity – Dale Carnegie once said that a person’s name is to them the sweetest sound in any language. People love to hear their names. Have you ever been a frequent visitor to a business where they not only call you by name but also know what you want even before you ask? My dry cleaning manager pulls my clothes from the rack as soon as he sees my car pull up. At our favorite Chinese restaurant, the owner usually greets us with our standing order as we take a booth. A feeling of importance or familiarity makes us feel connected.

Posture – What does “ready position” look like in your company? As a secret shopper for over a decade, I have stories to tell. Take a banker who greeted a shopper with the phrase, “Hold on a sec. Let me get my shoes on.” Or side conversations between employees that don’t stop when the guest appear. Ready position is a behavior that needs to be taught in orientation. As a team, make time to discuss how posture plays a role in your service, then work to improve your ready position.

Greetings (Not Recordings) – One of the toughest aspects about greetings that is they need to be short, genuine, and repeatable without sounding like a recording. Years ago, I would visit Blockbuster. As soon as the door opened, I would hear employees shout, “Helloooooo” in a long, drawn-out, fake-sounding voice. They must have been trained to say hello to everybody as quickly as possible. What about the people who have a fake sound? They pick up the phone and say, “It’s a great day at the Shoe Den…” in an automated and expressionless voice. Depending on your specific industry or service, try a script that gets to the core of the connection.

Shaking Hands—When Appropriate – A handshake is common in many industries. Interestingly enough, I’ve never seen anyone teach a handshake to adults. One question that comes up has to do with who should extend a hand first. Keep in mind, the answer can vary according to culture, but in the United States, etiquette says the person with greater authority or age should be the first to reach out. What about customers? Research did not provide me with one right answer. Therefore, in my opinion, what makes sense is to shake hands when it feels natural and right. As a team, decide
if a handshake is mandatory or should it be le up to the individual. I always reach out to my clients with a handshake upon arrival. I greet with a big smile, say the person’s name, and follow my own advice on how to shake.

Remember Who You Greet – The final entry on the Big 7 proves to be challenging in large retail situations. I walked into my grocery store, and an employee in produce greeted me with, “Good morning. How are you?” Then about fifteen minutes later, I was over in the frozen foods section, and I saw the same employee again, “Hello. How are you today?” It was if he had never seen me before! This decreased the value of the hello. If you’re going to use it, try to find a little memory technique that tells you that you’ve already greeted that person. When you see that person again, you just smile as you go by. Once you’ve said hello, try really hard to remember that guest is covered.

If you rated yourself on the Big 7 of Customer Service as you read, how did you score? Though the steps may seem elementary, start paying attention to places where you feel your service has been lacking, and aim for improvements. I bet that what you find missing falls somewhere in the Big 7, and now you have the resources to fix them!


Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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How Gardening Can Positively Affect Your Health

3/23/2018

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By Donna Cardillo

There are many more ways to stay healthy and fit than simply just going to the gym. In fact, some options are right in our own backyard.

​While gardening may not be considered exercise by some, it can actually build or maintain strength, stamina, and flexibility. Some studies have shown that it can also reduce the prevalence of heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and depression and improve one’s perceived quality of life. Some research even indicates gardening reduces the chance of developing Alzheimer’s by 50 percent. Want to learn more?


Getting Strong
The carrying, planting, and digging involved in gardening work many different muscles. Bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling promotes flexibility throughout every moving joint, muscle and ligament. Have an injury? Careful planning with your healthcare provider can make gardening part of your rehabilitation program.

Whether you’re pulling weeds, pruning flowers, or merely sitting in the middle of the garden enjoying the fruits of your labor, time in the sunlight is essential in increasing vitamin D levels, and therefore, avoiding or reducing the possibility of depression. Even if your gardening entails taking care of indoor plants, doing so in the earlier morning hours near natural light will help feed you a little extra vitamin D.  This vitamin D enhancement can improve energy levels and lessen fatigue.

Minimizing Stress
Feeling stressed? Gardening can serve as a creative outlet as you aim to strategically place plants in a patterned fashion or work to mix each area with complementary colors. Your work in the garden can bring a sense of accomplishment, joy, and happiness that sets you free from stress.

The garden can also serve as a place of Zen, meditating among the plants, benefiting the mind, body, and spirit. The rewards often experienced include better sleep and a more productive mind.  Add a water feature to enjoy, such as a fountain, and the peaceful experience of the garden will magnify.
Don’t have room for a garden? Find a local community garden where you can reap all the benefits of gardening while adding in a social outlet.

Boosting Your Intake
Homegrown foods can benefit your diet and your health. More antioxidants within the food reduce inflammation, limiting the effects of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. A personal garden allows you to control what goes into and onto your food allowing you to leave harmful pesticides behind.

Many people, especially kids, seem more interested in eating fruits and vegetables when they participate in the growing process. Imagine grabbing those fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs that you nurtured from small plants or seeds and creating a masterpiece meal full of color and healthy vitamins.

The time is right to do what it takes to get into the garden. The health benefits are clear. So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, put on those gloves, and get your hands dirty.  While you work to cultivate fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you’ll be cultivating good health as well.

Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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How to Hire to Ensure Positive Patient Experience

3/21/2018

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By Kristin Baird

Attitude is contagious and transparent most of the time. Basic human instincts have trained us to look at someone and gauge mood and approach-ability. Your patients and other customers are no different. They judge quickly about someone’s attitude.


Both individually and collectively, employees are sending thousands of messages every day about their individual approach-ability which reflects that of the entire organization. And don’t kid yourself, their verbal and non-verbal cues are loud and clear.

If this is so obvious, why do we continually encounter poor service in healthcare? It may be pressure to hire and fill positions quickly, but that short-sightedness will hurt you in the long run.


We can teach skills, but we can’t teach people to care if that isn’t in their nature. Behavior-based interviewing is a great way to assess an individual, but it is not the only barometer to use during the interview process. Learn to listen with your eyes. Watch how the candidate interacts with everyone.  Little things should never be overlooked. Trust your gut.

A few years ago, I was interviewing a candidate for a position in my company. Being a small company, where we work very closely and value a collaborative culture, everyone’s opinion matters. One of my top candidates arrived for her interview and was promptly greeted by our office manager with a warm hello.

​Without a smile, and with minimal eye contact, she stated, “I have an appointment with Ms. Baird.”  She was invited to take a seat, which she did, and promptly pulled out her cell phone. In the two minutes she waited, other team members passed by offering a warm greeting. She barely looked up from her phone.


On the other hand, when I opened my office door to greet her, she broke into a warm smile, stood, shook my hand and became a bubbly, talkative person. Did her brain chemistry suddenly change making her a friendly and engaging individual? I doubt it.

She continued with the interview and did a fair job with the behavior-based interview questions. Her resume was very impressive. After the interview, I asked the office manager what she thought. She immediately told me that the candidate had been dismissive toward her and others.

This candidate had given every indication that she wasn’t interested in impressing or engaging with anyone in the company other than me. That wouldn’t fly in my company, so she was not offered the job.
​

If you really value the power of first impressions, remember that everything speaks. When interviewing, don’t ignore the little cues.

Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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Using Humor in the Workplace to Alleviate Stress

3/19/2018

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By Kathleen Passanisi. Kathleen Passanisi PT, CSP, CPAE is an internationally recognized transformational speaker, therapeutic humor expert, healthcare professional and author. She has spoken to bajillions of people about life balance, wellness, the power of perception, and the link that exists between humor and health. Kathleen is a member of the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame and the funniest woman in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri (and, quite possibly, the Western Hemisphere.) For more information on Kathleen's presentations, books, and products, please visit the New Perspectives website at www.KathleenPassanisi.com.

In the last hour, have you felt compelled to answer yet another call on your cell phone or blackberry? Has an angry boss or spouse yanked on your last nerve? Has the television, newspaper, radio, or internet bombarded you with bad news? Have you had problems communicating with your family, friends, or co-workers due to irritability or frustration? Have you suffered from muscular tension, stomach acidity or lack of focus?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be “biochemically challenged,” and you are not alone.

According to the Families and Work Institute, four our of ten workers are experiencing burnout on any given day. The stress of daily living seems to be ever-increasing and its effects on work and home life are daunting:
  • Stress costs American companies 300 billion dollars annually (Families and Work Institute).
  • Approximately 18.8 million adults in America suffer from depressive disorders every year. That's almost 10% of the US population over the age of eighteen (National Institute of Mental Health). 
  • Several studies attest that stress increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Communication failures and subsequent familial strain was the second most common cause of divorce in 2006 at 21.6% (Divorce Magazine.)
Clearly, we need to learn to deal with stress before it deals with us. The rising costs of health coverage alone are enough to put you on edge. Boost your benefits by using a tool that's powerful, efficient, and (best of all) free – your sense of humor!

The Physical Benefits of Laughter 
Stress plays a major part in health issues such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other muscular and skeletal conditions. In fact, over 75% of all doctor visits involve stress related illnesses. In the past year, over 43% of the American population has suffered the physical effects of stress (American Psychological Association). The phrase “worried sick” is common in our society for a reason! However, the physical act of laughter has been shown to:
 
  • improve cardiovascular function (U. of Maryland Center for Preventive Cardiology)
  • relax muscular tension
  • exercise the internal organs
  • elevate mood
  • improve pain tolerance 

The Psychological Benefits of Humor
As William Shakespeare said, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. ” (Hamlet 2.2). The most crucial thing to focus on when working to reduce daily stress is one's perspective.

Consider the words of Greek philosopher Epictetus (55 – 135 AD), “People are disturbed not by things, but by their perception of things.” Almost two thousand years later, the opinion of modern mental health professionals is consistent with this sentiment. It is not the events of our daily lives that cause our stresses, but the meanings we assign to them. However, humor naturally shifts perspective.

When you learn to shorten the time it takes to shift your perception, you will have mastered one of the most effective stress management techniques. Humor's benefits include: 
  • reduction of anxiety, stress, and tension 
  • abatement of anger and hostility
  • support of psychological well-being/enhance mood 
  • heightened sense of general well-being/empowerment/self-esteem
  • improved interpersonal relationships

The Social Benefits of Shared Laughter and Mirth
Laughter shortens the distance between people. It is the ultimate bonding tool during high stress situations, assuring all involved that a positive outcome is possible.

Humorous conversation facilitates an increase in eye-contact and inter-personal touch and opens doors for future communication. Sharing one's own sense of humor shows that he or she is approachable - and human! Laughter or the sharing of common experiences can reduce friction among team members.

Colleagues that can laugh together enjoy:
  • more finely tuned coping skills
  • increased job satisfaction
  • better productivity
  • enhanced creativity
  • higher morale
Remember: laugh “with” others and not “at” them!

You Cannot Lose!
What else can guarantee such improvements in your daily life – and at no cost? In today's pressure-ridden world, it is imperative to remember that, although stress is inevitable, suffering is optional. Take charge of your life and rid yourself of the biochemical roller coaster by incorporating a few of these easy tips!

1. Start every day with humor. Read the comics before anything. Clip and save your favorites for days when you are in a rush, or to share with family, co-workers, clients, etc.
2. Invest in funny audio books and comedic musicians. Laugh your way through long transit times.
3. Take mini ha-ha breaks during the day. Share a laugh with someone you encounter.
4. Show off your sense of humor however possible. Decorate your workspace with things that make you laugh. Seek out note pads, mouse pads, coffee mugs, etc. with a lighter side. 
5. Start a joke file or humor library including personal stories. Keep it clean and practice sharing bits of it. This will enhance your interpersonal skills and pep up a boring presentation or meeting!
6. Socialize with people that laugh a lot. Avoid grouches at all costs. 
7. Make Sunday “Funday.” Avoid techno-stress by turning off all electronic devices. See if you can go a day without email, text messaging, the Internet, or using your cell phone. 
8. Embrace an attitude of appreciation- especially for things that tickle your funny bone.


Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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How to Give Your Best Gifts

3/16/2018

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By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.

John Ruhlin grew up poor.

When you grow up poor, you notice when people are generous.

One example was a gentleman in his town named Paul. He was a business owner, coach, father and pillar in the community. He gave freely of his time, talent and finances; expecting nothing in return.

Paul was so beloved that others longed to be generous to him. It created a virtuous loop that made Paul, the individuals he served, the business he ran and the entire community even more successful.
Paul’s example taught John about radical generosity, gratitude as a business advantage, the compound interest earned on persistently giving more than you take and how satisfying it can be to celebrate relationships and make those around us feel appreciated.

One Question to Ask to Give the Best Gifts
​

Consider this: When the majority of people buy gifts for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or as recognition for an employee or customer, they ask themselves: What’s appropriate? What’s expected? Or, if we are honest, what’s the least I can give and not look bad?

John learned early on to ask a completely different question. Rather than ask, “How much do I have to give?” we should ask “What’s the most I can possibly give?” John was so inspired by this subtle shift that he started a business to help businesses and individuals embrace generosity and gift well.

My friend, generosity can be offered in many ways – all of which can be transformative for the recipient and the provider. It can be as simple as holding a door open or offering a kind smile, a little encouragement or a complimentary word. It can be the gift of volunteering or simply being fully present to another.

While it’s true that when you’re poor you notice when others are generous, it’s also true that we’ve all endured seasons of feeling poor. We’ve all struggled at work (or been between jobs), in a relationship (or with the constant tug of loneliness) and with meaning (or with the nagging question of if our life really matters).

We’ve also been fortunate to encounter the Pauls of the world. Someone who came into our life – sometimes just for a passing moment – but changed us through their example.

Today don’t just thank those who give generously, but become like them.

Turns out you haven’t really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
​
This is your day. Live Inspired.


Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!
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How Practicing Humor Can Advance Your Leadership Skills

3/14/2018

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By Karyn Buxman

John glanced quickly over his shoulder as he was driving me to my speaking venue and asked, “So you’re the speaker? What do you speak about?”


Ah! Did he know that this is a professional speaker’s favorite question?! “My body of work for the last 25 years has been the study of humor’s relationship to profitability and health. This afternoon I’m going to share how to use humor as a competitive business edge,” I explained, delighted to share my passion with him.

I could see John’s smiling eyes in the rearview mirror. “Did you know that humor is really, really good for you?” he asked in all sincerity. (Yes, I knew that!) John then went on to tell me a somewhat fuzzy version of Norman Cousins overcoming his life-threatening illness by watching funny movies. It was fun to hear someone else extol on the benefits of humor—and I was encouraged that the word was getting out to the general public that humor has practical benefits.

As I got out of the car and headed toward my meeting, I thought about what John said. Everyone knows humor makes us feel better. Everyone knows it’s enjoyable. Everyone knows that “it’s good for us.” So making humor part of our daily repertoire should simply be common sense, right? But as integrative neuroscientist Dr. Heidi Hanna points out, “Common sense is not common practice.”

Just because we know something is beneficial doesn’t mean we act on that knowledge. I know eating a low-calorie-high-fiber kale salad instead of a piping hot slice of delicious pepperoni and sausage pizza would be better for my waistline...but my belt size can attest to the fact that I don’t act on that knowledge—at least not consistently! My inconsistent actions keep me from experiencing benefits I know to be true.

Just because you know humor can enhance your leadership skills, or give you a competitive edge in sales, or improve your health doesn’t mean that you’re actually experiencing any of these benefits. The truth is that the vast majority of people allow humor to happen by chance, rather than by choice. They stumble across something that makes them laugh in the midst of their busy day and then hurry on—places to go, people to meet.

The good news is when you let humor happen by chance, you can still experience some benefits. But when you purposefully implement humor by choice—now you can really leverage the advantages and reap tremendous rewards.


Exercising on an occasional basis is better than no exercise at all, but you really gain the most results when you exercise consistently. It’s similar with humor.

​When you stumble across humor occasionally, it can elevate your mood, it can decrease your muscle tension, and it may even boost your immune system a bit. But to truly build your resilience, improve your creativity, increase your likability, enhance your communication skills, and reap other additional benefits, it’s best to practice humor consistently—every day.


Let’s say you make a commitment to run a 10K marathon. Would you wait until the day before the race to start working out at the gym? Only if you want to set yourself up for a huge fail! Instead you’d work out on a regular basis—increasing your strength and your stamina. Your commitment to run the race would be futile if you didn’t consistently prepare for it. Business development expert Mark Leblanc once told me, “Consistency trumps commitment every time.” If you want to experience humor as a competitive advantage, then set yourself up to succeed by practicing a bit of humor everyday.

There are many ways to practice humor on a regular basis. Below are three ideas. Pick one and practice it consistently over the next 21 days. (You get extra credit for keeping track of your experiences in a journal.) I promise you that you will begin to see a difference not only in yourself, but also in those around you.
  • Seek humor from one other person. This can be a customer, a colleague, a friend or a family member. Ask them to share a joke, a funny story, or an embarrassing moment they can now laugh about.
  • Set a goal to discover one humorous incident in your day. This could be something you read, something you hear, or something that you experience.
  • Watch one funny video that tickles your funny bone. This might be a gif on your smart phone, a YouTube clip on your computer, or a sitcom on your TV.

Set yourself apart and ahead of the crowd. Give yourself a competitive edge. Practice humor - not by chance, but by choice. Humor is power!

Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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How to Ask for What You Want

3/12/2018

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By Kathy Dempsey

In 1993, my sister sold her house and was looking to relocate closer to me.

One afternoon she stopped by my house and I said, 'Four doors down there is a house with a circular driveway. Wouldn't you like to live there, Virginia?'

She responded, 'Yes, Kathy, but there is just one problem. The house is NOT for sale!'

I responded back, 'So!?! Let's go ask them if they want to sell their house.' After an argument back and forth about this outlandish idea and that the worst outcome would be that the owner would say no, my sister agreed to walk down the street (Note: Way behind me!) and knock on the door. 

When the elderly lady came to the door, I said, 'Hello, my name is Kathy Dempsey, a neighbor from up the street. My sister has just sold her house and is looking to move in this area. She likes your house. Would you be willing to sell it to her?'

Despite the woman's startled response, within a week, the unimaginable became reality; a contract on the house was signed. 

Sometimes people don't ask for what they really want in life. They often become paralyzed because they think that their dreams are not possible. They fail to acknowledge that hearing, 'no' maybe the only risk in asking. 

Take 60 seconds and ask yourself, 'What do I really want in life? Am I afraid to ask for it? What's the worst possible outcome in asking?' What can you do today to move ahead and ask for what you really want? 

Asking for what you really want is 100% your choice!


Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!
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How to Be More Influential in Your Workplace

3/9/2018

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By Colette Carlson

One of the questions I am asked as a speaker who teaches the power of relationship building is this:  How can I be more influential in the workplace?  


You already understand the benefits of being an influential person at your place of work. People look up to you, respect you, etc., and this is a trait for which many people should always strive.

However, it’s not always an easy road because of different work situations. Here are some points to lead you to becoming an influential person in the workplace...


1. Be Knowledgeable
The workplace is always evolving. Different techniques and strategies are continually making their way across your place of business and one of the key ideas of being influential is to be knowledgeable about many things.

When you expound knowledge in your place of business you become the go-to source from which people rely on - a rock of sorts who is always striving for the correct answers to different problems your workplace is facing. Being knowledgeable means people have someone to lean on for help when they need you. 

Someone who can bring their own influence is a person who listens. Knowledgeable people understand when to share their advice to others as well as listen to the opinions of their colleagues. This brings your influence towards wisdom which promotes a healthy workplace where people can feel connected to you on an emotional level.

2. Bring Out the Confidence in Others
A study by Ohio State University shares how your career path is influenced by the level of self-confidence you have. 

It’s always important to have confidence in the workplace. When you are sure of yourself, other people will be sure of you too. Confidence breeds leadership qualities and allows a path for others to follow, which of course, makes you a leader in the workplace.

Not only should you be confident in yourself, but you also have an opportunity to help maintain the confidence in your co-workers as well. Take advantage of these opportunities when you can and people will see your influence.

For example, social marketing entrepreneurs all want one thing: to have their social post shared by someone of influence. When someone shares their blog, update, etc. to a social audience of thousands, if not millions, then they become more confident in what they have just produced. 

While you may not be a social marketer, the product of sharing is still the same. Give more than you get. If you felt like a conversation was worth mentioning, take time and share your colleagues thoughts and ideas with others. You can build confidence in your co-workers better by lifting them up rather than yourself. 

They will remember who made them feel this way and your influence with this particular person will rise because of the emotional attachment you have just created.

Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!

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What Does It Feel Like to Have Parkinson's?

3/7/2018

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By Tim Hague

“What’s it feel like to have Parkinson’s?” This was the gist of a conversation I was having recently with a friend whose father also has the disease. I enjoyed the conversation so much that it inspired me to make it my next blog post!


What’s it feel like to have this disease? It’s a good question on many levels with one of the most important being to help the person without Parkinson’s understand the reality of the person with Parkinson’s. The example I most often use is based on my personal experience and is simple.

You’ll need a friend for this experiment preferably two. While the three of you stand having a conversation, you will begin to tug ever so gently on the arm sleeve of the shirt or the tail of the jacket of one friend. Don’t pull so hard as to be terribly obvious but also don’t be too gentle. You want them to notice the tug but not spill the coffee they are holding.

Now, as you tug, have the three of you carry on your conversation. Just don’t stop tugging, ever. Tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, now tell them ‘just ignore it, it’s not that bad, carry on your conversation and pay attention.’ tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug….don’t stop, be persistent.

If you are reading this and don’t have Parkinson’s, we who do are going to give you a moment to go try this out. See you in five…….Jeopardy music playing……

What was your response? I almost always get one of two responses from people. One is frustration, they can’t stand that I’m messing with them, tug, tug, tug, tug. The second is often a genuine ‘aha!’ moment. The friend that I referenced at the beginning of this article had a heart warming ‘aha!’ experience.

It is very difficult to put in to words thus I encourage you to try this little experiment. While you do and as you stop remember that for us, your dad, friend, spouse, the tug (the tremor) never, ever stops. Yes, our meds will give brief interludes of calm where the muscles relax and the tug is silent. However, your body, your mind, your soul knows. It will come back. So while you may experience interludes of peace in your limbs, it never truly stops.

Now carry on: ‘just get over it’ (tug, tug, tug), ‘it’s not that bad is it?’ (tug, tug, tug), ‘you look fine’ (tug, tug, tug), ‘it’s just in your head’ (tug, tug, tug).

What I have described thus far is the classic early stage tremor in Parkinson’s. We’ve not discussed the rigidity or stiffness. We’ve not discussed the loss of balance or the slowness, or my personal favorite, the fatigue.

During the conversation with my friend, he made such an important and heart-warming realization. He said to me; “Maybe dad just needs me to affirm his reality.” He came to see that dad wasn’t necessarily asking to be fixed or pitied. He gained insight into the fact that while sometimes we need to be pushed, most times we just need to be encouraged. He came to realize that no matter what dad said, how he looked, or what he was doing it never stops tugging, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, tug, (does the repetitive text bug you?)

My hope is that as a person living with Parkinson’s, this little example will help you articulate your struggles to those you love. As a person who loves someone living with Parkinson’s, I trust this will help deepen your understanding of their struggle.
​

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