• 04Sep

  Fresh Peach Cobbler and Happy Labor Day

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  Fresh Palisades Peaches!!!!

  They are so juicy and delicious fresh from the farm, but they also fabulous as a dessert, tucked nicely under a cobbler crust. (My friend Deborah Hoskins went peach shopping two weeks ago and she put the cobbler idea into my head for the season. )

  Fresh Peach Cobbler
  4 large fresh peaches
  1 cup butter
  1 cup sugar
  1 cup flour
  sprinkle of cinnamon

  Plop fresh peaches into boiling water for about 45 seconds. Remove them quickly and dunk them into cold water. Then drain and cool a few minutes. The skin should peel right off with very little lost fruit. Cut into quarters. Remove pit and any hard parts, and slice.

  Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the sugar and spread in 8 x 8 pan. Sprinkle with a dash or two if cinnamon, if desired. (Large pie pan works well too.)

  Melt butter. Stir in flour and sugar. It will be sticky and crumbly. Spread over peaches.

  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until browned on top. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• 31May

  Want to thank a veteran? Hire them!

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  Memorial Day, 2010

  Want to thank a veteran? Hire them and strengthen your work force in the process

  Some of my business friends were lamenting the lack of commitment and dedication of their workforce. One gentleman claimed he could not get people to follow directions.

  “How many former military people do you have?” I asked.

  The answers were blank stares.

  The military corporate culture produces many of the characteristics that many work places lack. Military people are trained to show up — on time or early. They are computer savvy. They work until the job is completed. They understand how to take and give directions. They appreciate honest and helpful feedback. They are motivated to do a good job. They are serious about working, and serious about fulfilling your mission. Most veterans have the can-do attitude that employers want.

  “I don’t know where to find military people,” one business owner replied.

  “Couldn’t be easier or cheaper!” came the answer.

  Do a google or bing search for “hire military veteran” and all kinds of groups with databases pop up. You can post your job requirements at most of these sites for free. Good for your business, and good for the veterans.

  You can also join LinkedIn groups that focus on hiring veterans.

  I adore my civilian workers or friends, but on this Memorial Day, if you are thinking about increasing your workforce, please consider hiring a veteran.

  If you need help finding veterans to hire, please reply to this blog or email privately, and I will help.

  Thanks! Happy Memorial Day!
  

• 24May

  Put me in, Coach

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  An 8 year old gave me a great quote last night. We were talking about baseball, and I asked him what position he liked best. Eyes shining, wide grin, he beamed, “First base or pitcher. Hmmm, I like pitcher best. When you are the pitcher, you always get the ball.”

  What a great reminder that it can certainly feel easier standing in the outfield, and occasionally worrying what happens if the ball comes your way, but If you are pitching, you know the ball is coming to you. You don’t have the uncertainty of the pop fly to right center. You know that the game cannot go forward without you. More pressure on the pitcher, maybe. But it is more consistent pressure. You are the center of the field, the center to the action. You always get the ball.

  In business, sometimes we hold back from being on the pitcher’s mound. We don’t want to stand out, because if we become the focal point, we can expect pressure and criticism. Being at the center means people are counting on you and you have to perform more often and more consistently, in front of more people. But you also get the opportunity to shine. It pushes you to work harder and work (and play) at the top of your game.

  So if you feel like you are hiding in the outfield, maybe give pitching a try.

  Put me in coach. I’m ready to play.
  

• 03Apr

  Happy Easter!!

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  Happy Easter!

  Easter is a time of rebirth and new life.  In addition to the religious aspects of Easter, most people like the idea of celebrating spring as a time of growth, fresh opportunity, and an end of winter.  (Chocolate bunnies and those malted-speckled eggs are great too.)

  It is easy to fall into the routines of our daily lives.  We are comfortable with our routines.  There is a regular rhythm in our habits.   But when does a routine turn into a rut?

  As we look forward to the progress of the new season, it might be fun to try new things as a way of growing in this season.  Try to do something new, if not every day, maybe make a point to try something new once a week.  New experiences help us breakout of our groove (Yes, I used the word groove) and are just plain fun.

  Some ideas:

  1)  Try completely different food – a Moroccan restaurant, Thai Panang, or Korean BBQ

  2)  Take a class that interests you

  3)  Walk someone else’s dog

  4)  Participate in different exercise class, such as a Nia or Zumba class

  5)  Sign up to support a new fundraiser

  6)  Watch an episode of the History channel on a completely foreign topic

  7)  Plant some herbs

  8)  Help your cells regenerate – for a whole day, eat just fruits and vegetables

  9)  Further help your cellular development by getting a great night’s sleep

  10)  Clean out a closet and donate what you don’t use

  11)  Wash the car!  Or surprise someone else by cleaning their car

  12)  Try a local brewery’s beer

  13)  Try a different wine

  14)  Drive a new road

  15)  Put a different assortment of toppings on your next pizza

  16)  Babysit someone else’s kids

  17)  Open a cookbook at random and try whatever page you see

  18)  Listen to your kids’ music

  What are your ideas for new experiences this spring?  Let us know by leaving a comment!

• 26Mar

  Snow and Mess

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  It is snowing, and my dogs are having a marvelous, snowy time.  They love the snow.  They love standing in the snow, crunching the partially frozen top layer of previous snowfalls, and they love chasing each other in the snow.  This is “dog tag” and while I don’t quite understand the rules, it involves lots of running, chasing, dashing in circles, and barking.  It looks like loads of fun.

  Then the wet dogs come inside.  They drags in chunks of ice, snowballs that cling to furry legs, and whatever foliage they can manage.  It can be messy.

  I think many times, having fun involves a messy process.  I like the idea that we embrace the messy aspects of our life, including our fun.   While I love a clutter-free, clean house, (my office doesn’t count) I also love the chaos and mess that comes with house-guests, especially those with children.  I enjoy the remnants that remain after a good party, or what the kitchen looks like after a really great meal.  Messy and wonderful.

  The mess is sometimes evidence of a terrific memory and a fun time.  So let’s go make a mess!

• 27Feb

  Credit Card Rules Changed!!

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  Congress got involved with credit card companies. As a result, the credit card companies recently changed the rules regarding how it can charge customers. The credit card changes went into effect February 22, 2010. Consumers with credit cards should be aware of their rights under the new laws.

  1. Interest rates: Credit card issuers can no longer change interest rates in the first year that they issue the card. Cardholders get 45 days notice on any rate changes. Interest rates on the balances will not be raised unless the account is 60 days past due.

  2. Put a cap on it: Activation and/or service fees in the past were unlimited. Now, the activation and service fees are capped at 25% of the credit limit during the first year of use.

  3. Amazing grace: Card issuers previously were able to change the due dates to make it easier to charge late fees. Now, credit card companies have to give customers at least a 21-day grace period to pay their balance.

  4. Credit limits: Customers have to agree to exceed their credit limits before they can be charged a fee for doing so, and customers who go over limit can only be assessed one fee per bill.

  5. How long? Monthly statements now need to show how long it will take a cardholder to pay off the balance of their credit card debt if they only pay the minimum amount due.

  6. Just say no: Cardholders can now refuse to accept interest rate hikes. If you refuse the new interest rates you opt instead to pay off your balances at the existing rates.

  7. Hi Mom! Credit card companies used to target college students because their parents were liable for all charges. Now, anyone under 21 years old must have a co-signer or proof of enough income to repay the debt they might incur before they are issued a credit card.

  Caveat Emptor!

  Tags: credit card changes

• 14Feb

  Happy Valentine’s Day!

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  Daytona, FL

  Today is my perfect Valentine’s Day. I get to watch the Daytona 500.

  I realize that watching NASCAR may not be every girl’s dream for Valentine’s Day, a day usually hallmarked by, well, Hallmark, candy, champagne, roses, and heart-shaped chocolate boxes. But it works for me.

  On Valentine’s Day we celebrate love, and that means doing activities that make your loved ones happy. Some people will go out for a romantic dinner – I am making tempura shrimp and vegetables that go well with other race food. Some people will dress up and look beautiful for their partners – I will be in jeans and a number 14 sweatshirt. Some people will exchange cards and romantic gifts – I will place bets on NASCAR drivers and hope that my friends’ drivers lose. Traditional Valentine’s Day? No. Valentine’s Day Fun? Yes.

  Valentine’s Day is a moment to reflect on the important relationships in our lives, and there is one that is commonly ignored. My friend Carolyn Strauss (www.CarolynStrauss.com) reminds us in her blog that we need to remember to love ourselves as well. We need to love the person we are. So please take a little time to do something nice for yourself, as well as your loved ones.

  However you decide to celebrate a day that focuses on love and friendship, do what makes you happy, and what makes those around you feel cherished. Share the joy of being together. Make a promise to spend more time with someone special, whether it is a grandparent or a niece or a significant other.

  Happy Valentine’s Day!
  Mary

• 09Feb

  Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but product value is in the eye of the buyer.

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  Leaders need to put themselves in the position of their consumers. The theme of this article is to encourage leaders to experience their product or service from their customers’ perspective.
  

  1. Buy your product, and then try to return it. Do the internet search. Price compare. Actually make an order to see how well the process works. Some companies do this very well. Kohls, COSTCO, and Walmart are all very good about product purchase procedures and customer service during the return process. They build up a loyal customer base by being helpful and considerate throughout the buying (and sometimes returning) experience.

     Customers want the buying experience to be fast, pleasant, and productive. That means they don’t want hassle or difficulties along the way. If a company makes the process too onerous or time-consuming, customers will
     simply find other places to buy what they want. One reason many customers buy online is they don’t have to deal with customer service personnel.

     Organizations should experience their processes to see how they can increase consumer loyalty through simply examining their own customer experiences. Consider the airline industry.

     The airline industry needs to understand why so many of us are willing to put up with the lack of seat assignments at Southwest. It isn’t that they allow our luggage to still travel with us for free, although that is a help. Many people LUV (their ticker symbol) Southwest Airlines because the booking and changing of tickets is an easy process. Not only is there ZERO hassle for changing a ticket, but their customer service people are sincerely pleasant and helpful.

     My most recent experiences changing tickets on two major airlines were expensive and time-consuming. I don’t understand why I get docked $150 for a ticket change (months before the initial flight would have occurred) and then when I tried using the remainder of the ticket after the $150 was deducted, the airline also kept the remainder of the amount that I didn’t use when I rebooked. Seriously? I traded in a $534 ticket for $178 ticket? After several hours on the phone with various customer service representatives who were neither pleasant nor helpful, I succumbed. I was defeated.

     No amount of marketing or clever slogans is going to reverse the damage of poor purchasing processes and unpleasant customer representatives. Are senior leaders oblivious to the fact that their organizations are driving customers away? Maybe. But I guarantee that the major leaders of the airlines do not go through their own ticketing process and customer service desks and, therefore, have no real idea how miserable the experience is for their consumers. So I fly Southwest whenever possible.

  2. Go through your own drive-in. While traveling cross country with 2 dogs in the car, my meal selections are limited to either restaurants that do not mind my furry ones sitting with me (read: NONE) or those fine dining establishments that have drive-through windows.So on a recent trip, I placed my order at the window, and proceeded to the payments and collection window. I politely asked if they would please throw away my coffee cup (from my first drive-through experience of the day) to make room for their drink in my cup holder. To my unhappy surprise, the answer was a firm NO.

     “We cannot accept trash at the window.” “Why not?” I ask (in my own customer voice, which is far sweeter than I actually felt). “It is our policy not to accept trash. But you can park, come in, and throw away your trash.”

     Not willing to be so easily dissuaded from my fried entrée, I persist. “Is there an outside trash can?” “No,” came the reply, “because people might put garbage in it.” Seriously?

     It is 10 degrees outside, and I have pooches (what if I had children in car seats?) to consider. “Cancel my order please” was my response on behalf of all people traveling with small children, those who are physically challenged, and everyone else. It is ridiculous policy, and one that I am sure senior management knows nothing about. Why? Because they do not procure their own products in the same manner as average consumers do. They need to experience their company’s purchasing procedure like their customers do.

  3. Make the call. Leaders of America, I dare you – call your own customer service department. How long are you on hold? How many voice mails did you have to go through? How many buttons did you have to press before you got to the right department? An actual person?Nightmare on Hold – A Customer Service Story:

     My worst telephonic customer service experience was with one of the biggest PC manufacturers. After they shipped me the wrong $150 part, I tried to return it. Sorry, I was one day outside the 20-day window, they answer. “But:” I pleasantly explained, “I have only been home from a trip for 2 days, and it is only Monday.” “Sorry,” says their customer service representative in a country that sounds far away, “The clock starts when you place the order. And you can only return it by DHL.” (The DHL service office was an hour and a half away from where I lived.) Huh?

     Again, not easily dissuaded, I persisted in trying to find a reasonable person to help resolve the situation. I made over 150 phone calls to their overseas customer service desk, and no one even pretended to care about my
     problem. One of their senior customer service representatives suggested that I donate the undesired part to a school, because there was no way they were taking it back. I fell outside the stated policy. There are no exceptions.

     On phone call number 151 (I started logging them for my own amusement, since I spent so much time on hold, and I thought that number might prove lucky), I asked for the phone number to their Headquarters, right here in the US. Surely, I thought, if I spoke to a manager, I could explain that the part was still sealed in its box, and the mistake was theirs. I was told there are no phones at their Headquarters.

     My three letters went unanswered (this process became a research experiment in customer service), and emails to the company customer service site were ignored. Remember, I still needed a part to fix my computer.

     After two weeks of irritation and countless hours, I bought a Mac. My entire company went Mac. For the cost of decent customer service and a $150 part, this PC manufacturer lost me and my entire company forever. Mac, I am happy to report, has GREAT customer service.

  Leaders can protect against bad customer service before it starts by having efficient systems in place to take care of customers the first time. Not sure if your procedures are working? Make a return, go through the drive-through, and call your own customer service department.

• 29Jan

  Bless are they…..

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  Blessed are they…..

  There are those people in every organization who perform the myriad of tasks that everyone takes for granted.
  If you haven’t done any of these in a while, then you owe someone a thank you.
  I once had a boss who, when my time with the organization was complete (my tour was finished) and I was getting my outbrief, looked at me and blankly said, “I honestly don’t know exactly what you do around here.”
  I replied that much of what I did was, in fact, largely unnoticed because there were no problems associated with my department. “But don’t worry,” I assured him, “You’ll know more about what I did after I have been a gone a few weeks. When I’m not here, you’ll suddenly miss me.”
  I wasn’t trying to be self-aggrandizing or arrogant. He just never knew how many problems never got to his level because they were handled at mine.
  Then there are the basic, every day activities:

  1. Making the coffee (and again and again)
  2. Refilling the paper tray in the copier
  3. Sorting the mail
  4. Signing for delivery packages
  5. Cleaning out the office refrigerator
  6. Taking care of the trash
  7. Sending flowers to whoever is sick, had a baby, or lost someone
  8. Making the lunch run
  9. Answering the phones in the common areas
  10. Replacing the toner in the printers

  So to those people who DO those unappreciated, daily activities that make it nicer for the rest of us, thank you!!

• 21Jan

  How to Avoid Procrastination

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  It is minus 4 degrees at my house right now.  The temperature did not get higher than 7 degrees today.  On really cold days, when I am snowed in, I stay home.  Why fight Mother Nature?

  Being trapped in the house and my office makes me ridiculously productive.   No transit time, no spending time doing my hair in preparation for a face-to-face meeting, having to grab coffee on the road or waiting in-between meetings.

  I love working on my home office.  I know some people who do a lot of work from home have a hard time “going” to work, but I love my work and I love the environment.  Still, there are times when I struggle to attack the projects that frustrate, irritate, or seem mundane.

  So the question is how do I to get motivated when the project pile just keeps getting higher?

  1. Wash the towels first.   I am the queen of laundry, and when the pile looms, I attack the towels first.  Why?  They are bulky and once they are in the washing machine, the rest of the pile looks less daunting.  Make a dent in the biggest, easiest pile first.  Then the rest of the tasks seem more manageable.
  2. Make a dated list.  Not just the normal To-Do List that continues to grow every day regardless of the past three 18-hour workdays.  Put the day and date at the top of the  list of what is really important that day, and jot down what you really want to get accomplished that day.  Giving yourself measureable, attainable goals is helpful.  Simple ones like “Take Vitamins” and “Walk Dog” counts.
  3. Multi-task.  I know, I know.  Everyone says that multi-tasking increases the time it takes to accomplish something, but if you have a long, tedious conference call to attend that you are not chairing, clean out a drawer or do some other fairly mindless task while others talk.  I run two computers simultaneously so that I can always be working on something, and I don’t wait for loading of pages or looking up other information.
  4. Do the Post-Its Notes Focus Trick.  Thinking about the 2 dozen cupcakes that you need for the Halloween Party in the morning?  And the dog’s vet visit? And the oil light that came on yesterday?  And the project that is due in two days?  Write all the little distractions and other things on their own Post-It note, so and put them on the wall, on the space under the counter of your desk, or anyother place where you might see them.  Then as you get a few moments of free time, you can do some thing about those quick taskers.  What is left at the end of the day gets stuck on your daily list.
  5. Walk fast.  People in organizations assume that if you walk quickly, you are busy.   When you ARE busy and walking fast, and fewer people will want to waste your time with idle chat, (so slow down slightly but keep walking).
  6. Get it Done Now!  I make a sign and post it.

  Good luck!

  Mary

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