The Perfect Fit

Wisdom from Wallis -- Duchess of Windsor

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +0000

She upended an empire when King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry her. Madonna has just premiered a movie -- W./E. -- about her life with the subsequently titled Duke of Windsor. She wasn't movie star gorgeous...but was a style icon anointed in the International Best-Dressed Hall of Fame.

So....what kind of va-va-voom did Wallis Warfield Simpson have going for her? It's still a controversial and gossipy subject for debate.

What's certain is that she had some very effective managerial and leadership skills. She was famous for her sense of style and hospitality. Her housekeeping skills were par excellence.

She was a style mentor to Winston Churchill's daughter who later became U.S. Ambassador to France, Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman.

Here's a key tenet -- the underpinning of the Duchess of Windsor's managerial success -- something we can all follow in personal/professional/community endeavors.

In running a spectacular operation, you don't have to do the cooking yourself, she told Harriman, but you must understand the process. In other words...as per Christopher Ogden's Life of the Party:

"You can't say to a cook no matter how much you are paying him, that you don't like something. You must be able to say, 'I want it done this way.'"

Be informed about what you are overseeing. Give specific input. Then let the experts deliver what you want.

Granted, the shrill and scandalous divorcee from Baltimore is not an obvious "best practices" leadership icon. But keep this in mind. She got a King to follow her.
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The Reality of Job Postings

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

If you are a jobhunter focused on internet job postings, you might be feeling frustrated by the lack of "deal flow" -- i.e., responses, interviews, offers. Here's why. Scope this infographic from The Wall Street Journal in a story today on Your Resume vs. Oblivion.

Thus, when outplacement firms and campus career office expound the gospel of personal relationships and networking as a means to finding a new opportunity, it is a message to heed! Get in there and sell yourself to a company before a position is formalized and posted to the world!

In a down market, the glut of resumes submitted for jobs posted accelerates. It doesn't mean that all applicants are 100% qualified for the job. But it means the selection process becomes cumbersome. And, with automation as a solution on the hiring side, the process also becomes less personal.

Large companies with significant talent needs at the non-executive level have built hiring machines that rival military invasions. They have invested millions in systems that rely on sorting and key word searches. They have leverage in negotiating for better pricing to post jobs in various on-line venues and spider consolidaters, not to mention their own websites.

Entrepreneurs and middle market companies have a greater challenge when going to market for talent. They typically have no dedicated HR resource with up-to-date hiring savvy and budgetary prowess. It is not cost-effective to do so when you are hiring in fewer numbers.

Yet a wrong hire in a smaller company has a bigger impact. The downturn has a double-edge impact. Just because there is an abundance of talent doesn't mean that it's easy to find The Perfect Fit.
Front-end targeting, planning and messaging will dramatically and favorably influence the result -- whether
the hiring decisionmaker uses a search firm or takes the do-it-yourself path.

Who can help smaller enterprises navigate? Watch for a new breed of expert: The Talent Concierge.

Kind of a middleware service offering. Less investment/commitment than a full premium-priced retained search. Empowering improved results from lower-cost contingency firms who operate on speed and volume -- by providing specific input/criteria/messaging that is customized for you. Or enabling low-cost/no-cost do-it-yourself, with a spin of strategy and savvy.

Forget New Year's Resolutions: TARGET!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Why is the annual ritual of resolutions destined to fail?

Because the list is always populated by things that people don't want to do. Exercise more. Eat less. Become a morning person. No wine on weekdays. Get a new job. Save more. Spend less. Get a new job. Stop smoking. Start networking. Whatever.

Without a bigger context, resolutions are not strategic. They're too rules-oriented for most. The message to the listmaker is: You're not perfect! And who is???

Maybe it's time to be revolutionary. Select an important and worthy target. A reward! Something delicious and wonderful. Something you really want. Something that would improve the happiness factor in your life.

Really, really delve deeply into the underlying issues, desires and needs. The actual target might be different than you think.

We explored this concept at a meeting of C-Level women in transition. The logical goal of the participants: find another C-Level job. But here are the questions we explored:

* Do you really want a traditional job-job inside a big company?

* Do you need revenue? How much?

* How many C-level jobs do you think exist in our local market?

* How many of them are interested in 50-65 year old candidates?

* If you're targeting entrepreneurial companies, how many founders want to cede power by creating a new C-level position for an outsider?

* Alternatively, how many companies are interested in outsourced expertise?

* Could you achieve your revenue goals as a consultant?

* Or...are you targeting a job inside a company because you need health-care benefits?

* Could you get the health care benefits inside a non-profit organization?

* What really makes you happy?

* Are you incorporating this into your target?

You get the picture.

This exercise can be applied at any stage of life -- for either business or personal purposes.

Delve into the details of the target and define what is really important. Then you can tweak some behavior and actions around it. Even better, you can get rid of routines that don't advance the goal. A priority-minded focus -- wrapped in a desirable reward -- can work. And it will have the ripple effect of producing other benefits, achievements and by-products.

Intrigued?

Stay tuned for next steps -- and some success stories -- in a subsequent blogpost!

Boardroom Demographics

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:04:00 +0000

The always excellent Joann Lublin poses some interesting questions in today's Wall Street Journal. Why so few female Directors on public company boards?

From my time in the corporate world, including ten years in retained executive search, I have some thoughts -- and suggestions, which I posted on the comment section and now share with you:

1. Board selection committees and search firms could expand the "spec" to include leaders in professional firms who have served public companies with a similar revenue level, stage of growth, business situation as the company for whom the Board search is being conducted. There is a significant and often untapped pool of talent in the top/partner ranks of advisory firms (legal, accounting, finance, consulting, ad/marketing, human resources, process improvement, etc.) with functional and industry expertise, heavily populated by female/diversity leaders who would be very well qualified to serve as Board members. This would be a win/win for all -- expanding the scope of prospective candidates without independence/conflict-of-interest issues and increasing the potential for diversity inclusion.

2. When men receive outreach from executive recruiters seeking candidate suggestions for assignments, they tend to respond quickly with names, contact information, etc. They know the drill , i.e., how to be an active part of the selection/referral process. Many women are reticent responders; some are non-responders and I have actually had women ask to be removed from such email/call lists. This is all part of the "inclusion" process -- part of what used to be called the "old boys" network. So...very important to know how the process works and to participate! If a headhunter calls, respond immediately. It might be your opportunity to serve on a Board or to nominate a candidate.

3. If the executive search firms were organized as the lawyers (ABA) accountants (AICPA) are, it would have been written into Sarbanes-Oxley that every Board search for a public company would have to be handled by an independent, outside search firm, just as independent auditors are mandated. This would eliminate any informal aspect of Board selection and there would be a paper trail of the process.

Until then, be an advocate and active participant whenever you can. Diversity brings vigor and a valuable perspective to any dialog. For governance, it's an asset that can be a competitive advantage.

Bonus anecdote: When I was chosen as outside public relations counsel to Tandy/Radio Shack in the 1980s, there was a Saturday morning pow-wow in the executive suite. At the break, I looked for the ladies room. It was on another floor! Apparently, it was a money-saving move during construction of the corporate headquarters. At the time, legendary chairman Charles Tandy said there would never be any women in the boardroom, so why bother? Happily, that isn't the case today.

Tribute to Truby: Don't Get Discouraged!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Here is a note of encouragement for the students and career changers in your family -- or anyone undertaking a challenge.

When you start something new, whether imposed or by choice, you might not be very good at it. In fact, you might be quite awful.  But with dedication, initiative -- and a good teacher -- you can forge a path to something fabulous and rewarding.

Flashback:  An exciting course offering for English majors at Indiana University of Pa. Journalistic Writing, taught by the cocky, sardonic and totally entertaining J. David Truby (left, in photo). Featuring creativity, real-world scenarios and assignments in the field.  Everything I loved.

But early reviews of classwork were not encouraging.

"No conclusions. No quotes. No critique. No good."

"As interpretation, it's fine, I guess. As a news story, it is not too good. I hope you have a nice weekend."

Ouch. But keep at it.

"You have a great deal of material here. Some of it is quite good, while some of it is filler. In any case, I like the first two examples very much."

A good teacher can help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. Maybe even career DNA.

"OK, N.A., You chose to satirize the assignment. It is cute, well-written and very clever. It does not meet the assignment. Do you want a job as an ad writer in NYC? If so, see me. I think you'd do well. J.D."

Now going for a big get. For an interview assignment, I discovered that a powerful federal enforcer had retired nearby. Harry Anslinger was the first U.S. drug czar, serving five presidents. He proffered lively comments about J. Edgar Hoover, Frank Sinatra and mafia dons.

"The more I think about your work and ambition in talking to Mr. Anslinger, and compare it with what so many others did....I'm giving you an 'A' for extra credit work."

Closing with a satisfying win. A prospectus for a new women's magazine, dubbed Winning!

"Great. I wish I had $20 million to invest!!"

Our memories re-play wins and successes. But there are always false starts and missteps we like to forget. If you are a keeper of files and artifacts,you might even have the actual documentation. Very humbling.

Lack of initial success doesn't mean you're not good at something. You're not necessarily bad or untalented. It might just mean you're not good yet.

Just take a cue from J. David Truby, inspirer and critic, now professor emeritus.

Get better. Listen and learn. Practice. Make mistakes. Keep going. Have fun. Enjoy the journey!

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Today's world is not a smooth, easy space. There is disruption everywhere -- thus, an apt theme and headline for this year's TEDxSMU, the third and most satisfying event yet.

If you decry upheaval and cling to the familiarity of the past, you will derail from the mainstream -- and miss out on much of the fun on the way to the future.

TED encourages us to embrace change and celebrate new ideas. It introduces us to key game-changers who share a perspective in tidy and compelling 18-minute packets. You see the best thinkers, doers and presenters of our time. Those who play on a global scale. And those who impact the smallest sliver of a community.

To live today is to keep shedding the boundaries of our comfort zones. Advancements can lead to unexpected destinations, creating both solutions and ethical questions that no one expected, as relayed by Juan Enriquez, one of the world's leading authorities on the economic and political impacts of synthetic biology, genomics and other life sciences. An eye-opener.

Kate Canales, creative director at the vaunted frog design firm, showed the process of observation and out-of-the-box thinking that innovates products designed to satisfy customer comfort levels. Some can be low-tech, i.e., portable belt stanchions that prompt civilized queues at airports -- solving crowd chaos.

Internationally-acclaimed artist Jaume Plensa showcased sculptures that jolt observers into active experience, contemplation and participation. His Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millennium Park combines animated photography, glass bricks, LED lights, water and more. Spectacular.

Sustainability topics prevailed. Jeff Fulgham, of Banyan Water, presented strategies for improved usage and conservation. Mant Hawkins of Enoetics, showed a disruptive business model making "net usage" (no utility bill) facilities a reality. Military installations are pioneering impressive beta sites.

The sadness imparted by Maya Ajmera, founder of The Global Fund for Children, with her recount of statistics regarding abused, neglected children of the world -- those without a voice -- was tempered by the pure joy of singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb, who entertained with tales of camp and new works for kids, plus her breakout song, “Stay (I Missed You).”

TED and TEDx events offer a Niagara Falls of ideation. This is just a spritz.

So get out of your comfort zone. Scope www.TEDxSMU.org to learn more. Explore the opportunities of disruption. Better yet, become a disruptor yourself. In a positive way, of course.

Jerry Sandusky: In His Own Words

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:54:00 +0000

The image of a tall strapping football coach raping a 10-year old boy evokes emotion and outrage at the highest decibel level. It defies the parameters of leadership and humanity.

You ask yourself:   What kind of a person could do this to a child?

I grew up in in Central Pennsylvania where football is king and Joe Paterno was at the top of the stratosphere.  We all knew friends, neighbors and parishioners who played for him at Penn State. He spoke at our high school athletic banquets.

But who is Jerry Sandusky?

This is how he described himself in the book he wrote about himself, Touched. You can see it on the Look Inside feature on Amazon.com.

"Here I was, a grown man and a coach for a nationally respected football institution, and I had reverted back to the days of my mischievous youth. I had always professed that someday I would reap the benefits of maturity, but my lifestyle just wouldn’t let me. There were so many things I had done in my life – so many of them crazy and outlandish. But I have always had fun, and one thing is for certain: My time on this earth has always been unique. At the times when I found myself searching for maturity, I usually came up with insanity. That's the way it is in the life of Gerald Arthur Sandusky." -- Chapter 2/Tylerdale

Look for this excerpt to be reprised many times in the coming months.

An interesting character synopsis, wouldn't you say?

The Psychology of Suffering

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Everyone gets equal time this week. (See yesterday's happiness posting.)

The Art of Fielding is this fall's highly-heralded debut novel. Baseball is the backdrop, but it's not about baseball, the publishers want to assure -- so as not to turn off the non-sporting segment of book buyers.

Author Chad Harbach is an excellent writer of melodious prose. His passages on talent, motivation and the human condition are brilliant.

Suffering

In the book, Mike Schwartz is a hardscrabble scrapper in an arena of high intellect and impressive talent. He is the Westish College baseball team captain, peer leader and mentor to Henry, the perfection-driven shortstop poised to break the NCAA record for no-error games.

Schwartz has an intuitive Midas touch. He knows how to find the gold in each player. He knows how to deliver the team wins. His methodology:

Emphasize the obstacles that could prevent success. The hero has to suffer mightily en route to his final triumph.

Schwartz knew that people loved to suffer, as long as the suffering made sense. Everybody suffered. The key was to choose the form of your suffering. Most people couldn't do this alone; they needed a coach.

A good coach made you suffer in the way that suited you. A bad coach made everyone suffer in the same way, and so was more like a torturer.

So....here we are in a protracted economic downturn compounded by global uncertainty. Very important to incorporate the happiness factor. But there is an element of suffering in the equation.

How are you leading?
Are you mandating across-the-board moves that require everyone to suffer the same way?
What would happen if sacrifice/discipline could be tailored on more of an individual basis?
How might that impact the performance of the (pick one) organization, family, government?

Good coach vs. torturer.

It's an intriguing management analysis, whether you are leading or being led.

Note to pundits and pollsters: Also relevant in the political arena, whether you are voting or running for office.

The Happiness Advantage

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:22:00 +0000

It's official. There are metrics to prove the benefits of happy people in the workplace.

In a time of economic angst and overworked work forces, Harvard researcher Shawn Achor sells a well-documented strategy that links personal happiness with business success. He presented to the SMU Human Resources Roundtable last week.

Achor teaches that we can train the brain for a higher level of happiness just as we can train the body for exercise. We may not be able to change the environment, but we can change the lens through which we view the world.

Unhappy: You have a toxic co-worker.

Happy brain response: "I'm so glad I don't live that way."

Scientists focus on post traumatic stress after a crisis, but Achor proves that there is an equally important dynamic of post traumatic growth. Think of your biggest achievements in life. There is a likelihood they were preceded by a disappointment or phase of difficulty.

Some highlights from Achor's presentation:

People work for intrinsic motivation. Don't let the culture kill it.
Everyone has a band of potential. Happy people operate at the top level. Avoid reverse-motivating them to the bottom.
Happiness improves the success rate. A happy brain releases dopamine, which turns on learning sensors. Think of the myriad of song lyrics you can remember verbatim from the happy time of youth.
Unhappiness/stress causes mistakes. Think BP oil disaster.
Large, auspicious goals are destined for failure. Pick small, winnable ones.
Focus on the Zorro Circle, a small, definable space. Give the brain a victory feast.

The easiest way to shift the momentum of misery is to focus on gratitude. "You can't be depressed and grateful at the same time," says Achor. Here are some positive, immediately do-able steps:

Personal Initiative. Take 2 minutes every morning. Write down 3 specific new things that you are grateful for. Pick items from the previous day. In 21 days you will have a robust inventory of 63 unique blessings that shine out against a negative backdrop, no matter how bleak. Keep up the habit and imagine what you will have over the course of a year!

Business Initiative. Begin each meeting and conference call with 2 minutes of praise and recognition. Get everyone's happy brain buzzing to solve the challenges at hand. If you're not the session leader, suggest it ahead of time.

Social Script. Leverage a positive peer structure. Send emails to compliment or congratulate colleagues. Do it in person. You will build a brand of charisma, which Achor defines as the ability to shape the social script. In a confrontational situation: "Before we start, tell me what's right about...."

The goal is to get the brain to believe you can be successful, according to Achor, and to build a "cascade of success." Information does not cause transformation. It's all about action.

He has the statistical proof that:

Happiness is a choice.
Happiness spreads.
Happiness is a work ethic.
Happiness is an advantage.

It's about moving toward the potential, not just achieving it. I love it. Every step a celebration.

For more, see Shawn's website: http://www.goodthink.com/

How Top Angel Investors find The Perfect Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Whether you are an angel investor or an entrepreneur looking for early stage funding, here are excellent insights from Greylock's Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, who led a knowledge event last week presented by AngelPool. He is a founding director of PayPal, a founding director/investor in Zynga, first round investor with Peter Thiel in Facebook, as well as many other hits.

Hoffman seeks strong returns and "the creation of new things." The investment cycle is 5-9 yrs., with a small number of companies in the portfolio driving the returns.

He offers three key criteria for successful angel investing:

The Network

Hoffman does not invest as an individual. He qualifies and invests via his network, critical from two standpoints -- mitigating investor risk and maximizing the value added to the company. There is a Been There/Done That religion in Silicon Valley -- sticking with your track record and core competencies in order to leverage the deep experience and relationship base.

Where do you fit in the ranking of other investors who would most help the company? Best to invest when you are the strongest relative to other investors in the competitive space. There is a high mortality rate of portfolio companies and many things that can go wrong. The network delivers a shared intelligence and shared work level. Very important in due diligence and reference checking.

It is also important to ensure the perpetuity and effectiveness of your network. Are you giving back and constantly adding value? This would include counsel and constructive feedback to entrepreneurs in whom you don't invest, as they can be sources of future deal flow.

Competitive edge

As an investor, you can't learn it. It draws on your cumulative experience + network, so that you can immediately know the key variables in a potential investment and be able to assess that in a 5 minute conversation. You need to have the DNA and knowledge of the complete spectrum. Hoffman's space is, of course, Consumer Internet.

If you invest outside of your edge, it can be for purposes of learning, but do not expect a payback. Write it as a zero on your books.

You should invest in companies that you could lead yourself. Ask yourself, how would you do the play as CEO? Where is the best location to do that company (i.e., industry infrastructure)?

Company's ability to get next round of funding

When Hoffman looks at a company, he envisions what the next deck looks like.

What will change in the next 6-12 months in terms of new products, marketing results, etc. How will it set up to be VC-funded? How can you help?

It's important to ask the hard questions of the leadership team. Test the key hypotheses. What are the key risks you see? What are you obsessing about? Issues must be identified. If not, the entrepreneur is either dumb or deceptive, says Hoffman.

You are looking for a collaborative, not confrontational approach. Here are issues we see. Here's how we will solve the problem. Here's how we would hope to work together.

As a potential angel, you should see congruity in how you would handle it if you were running the company. In weighing two similar companies, evaluate which is more adaptive than the other.

I participated in the forum on behalf of our Texas Women Ventures Fund. (NOTE: TWV is a mezzanine fund that invests in women-led businesses. Currently, there is not an early-stage/angel focus, although some of the investors participate in the angel sector as individuals or institutions.)

Change-o-Meter ™

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:42:00 +0000

When the heat of summer lifts and the crispness of fall arrives, it's invigorating. We feel refreshed and renewed. (Particularly here in Texas!) A perfect time to re-evaluate the slate of obligations and perhaps mix it up a bit to capture new opportunities.

Our world is intense and fast-changing. The perfect mix of work/life balance may be elusive. Thus, it may be more pragmatic to focus on synergy -- getting multiple benefits from a single effort.  And very important to get rid of things that are harmful to your HQ -- Happiness Quotient.

Here's a process to consider.    Make three columns on a piece of paper and start making lists.

The Prize:  Is there something missing in your life that you want? Make this a header at the top of the page. This could be a major business goal or an important personal desire. Or...it could be a sliver of time that you want to devote to something you enjoy.  Go for it. You deserve it!

Column 1: How are you spending your time currently? Make a list of all work/home activities.  Include habits, hobbies and even time-wasters.    Evaluate recurring commitments. Put a checkmark beside the activities you enjoy. Put an "X" beside the items you loathe. Circle the items that might be impediments to attaining The Prize.

Column 2:  What do you talk about in the various circles that you inhabit? Make a list of your typical topics. Do they help or hinder your path to the goal?  Remember, we get to control what we broadcast to others. Thus, it might be important to edit and segment your messages.  Keep in mind that social media amplifies the perceptions being collected. The dashing Mad Men ad man Don Draper says it best.  If you want a different outcome, "....change the conversation."

Column 3: What new activities might you pursue to achieve your target?  Where is the audience that might lead you to the goal?  Is it a class, an organization, a change of scenery? Or is it simply an allocation of time to deliver an important dose of happiness?

Take a hard look at your list from Column 1.  You will be subtracting at least one activity from this group. Are you focused or fragmented? Everyone needs a tribe, so it's important to be part of a group that delivers conviviality, solace, learning, advancement of purpose. Are you still involved in organizations that no longer fit your new goals? Are you still chairing a committee that you're just plain sick of?   Are there things you can outsource -- at home or the office?

It could also be that something has already been taken away from you. A job....a relationship....a family member or loved one. If you've sustained a loss, be nurturing and good to yourself in the process of restoring and re-building.

Evaluate what your are saying in your various venues. Be mindful of the perceptions you are creating.  Capitalize on your relationships and time spent with others. Craft a message that engages friends and colleagues in your pursuit of The Prize. Delete some "tapes" in your conversations. Edit and revise.

Be purposeful and strategic in adding new activities in place of the old ones you've purged. Do you want a gractful migration or a full-tilt plunge? Or do you just want a few months of breathing space. Devote the time to what is important to you and savor the enjoyment! You'll never look back, I promise.

Here is a dating diagnostic version of a Change-o-Meter™ (Click on it to enlarge). It is a simple but powerful game-changer.

Example:  Column 1 -- Stop smoking and you will double the number of potential partner prospects. Column 2 -- A date is not a therapy session, parent/teacher conference or business meeting. It should be a respite from the pressures of daily life! Column 3 -- Taking up golf is a matter of location...location...location. It's where the men are.

New Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:52:00 +0000

After a summer of special projects, we're back on the blogging track -- with new insights on how to achieve The Perfect Fit in multiple facets of work and life. Stay tuned!

Update: Diane Keaton

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:18:00 +0000

We profiled actress Diane Keaton a year ago when she conducted a Q&A career session in Dallas. She encouraged a breadth of interests and also mentioned the new aspect of branding and product lines for actresses.

Voila! She now unveils a new business in tabletop designs. The New York Times has the story here:

....Diane Keaton still maintains a busy schedule as an actress, but in recent years the Oscar-winner has devoted considerable time to another area of interest: architecture and design. A serial house flipper, Ms. Keaton, 65, has bought several homes in her native Southern California and painstakingly renovated them before getting the itch to move on and repeat the process. The actress is also actively involved in architectural preservation (she is on the board of the Los Angeles Conservancy), and in 2007, she co-wrote “California Romantica” (Rizzoli), a book celebrating the Spanish and Mission-style architecture she loves.

Now Ms. Keaton is getting into the design game herself, with a tabletop collection called K by Keaton that she created for Bed, Bath & Beyond. The stoneware cups, bowls and plates, which are available online and in some stores now, have her trademark whimsy (some are stamped with the words “eat” or “bite”) and lack of pretension (prices start at about $5). But they also reflect Ms. Keaton’s latest obsession: the heartland. The “farm-y, landscape colors” she used, she told a reporter, were inspired by wheat, grass and bark.

Very savvy.

She is diversifying and adding to her portfolio of offerings -- something we can all do in our own work/life pursuits.

The Toastmaster

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:57:00 +0000

What we learn in early childhood shows up in adulthood. Sometimes it's a glimmer of a memory. But it's there.

In a career of active industry involvement, I've never served as president of an organization.

Instead, I LOVE doing the meetings and programs. Picking a timely topic. Recruiting speakers and panelists. Moderating. Generating buzz and participation.  Being a presenter.

I've overseen 250 programs for CEOs of start-up technology companies. Annual investor meetings for Texas Women Ventures. Special panels for SMU's Human Resources Roundtable. Monthly roundtables for COO Forum.  Practice Group retreats for PricewaterhouseCoopers.   A sampling from a long, long list.

Where did this come from?

My late father, Frank Vetakis.

Recently, I spent an evening on a research project scoping on-line archives of our hometown newspaper.   There it was in black and white!

"...Dale Carnegie Class No. 301 deviated from the normal trend of study" and hosted a special event. It was ..."a demonstration of the accomplishments of the class." My father was: Committee chairman.

A major undertaking was the expansion of his golf club to 18 holes and construction of a new clubhouse. He was a director and committee member. There was a whole series of announcements and events, culminating in the dedication.

He solicited letters from Arnold Palmer and other greats who played at the club in various exibition matches. Commendations from political figures. There was a moment-to-moment account of the entire opening convocation in the newspaper. The leadership team was photographed. My father was: Toastmaster.

There were other golf events he oversaw.  The Hacker's Handicap. The Carlie's Open, which possibly pioneered the trend of title sponsorships, as Carlie was a tavern proprietor. There were videos and elaborate programs. Even a tournament queen. (It might have been Carlie himself dressed as Miss Pennsylvania.)

When the Vatican allowed laypeople to participate in the liturgy, Frank became a lector at what was known as the Golfer's Mass. 7 a.m. No sermon.  He and the monsignor kept the service moving.  You could make an early tee time.

That love of content, packaging and showmanship trickled down. Frank had a flair, for sure!

In memory and gratitude on Father's Day.

Don't Wait Till Graduation -- Your Life Starts Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Here is a pre-commencement address for the students in your family.

It's no secret that we're in a tough economy and that trend is likely to continue. Thus, getting work-ready is an important priority. Get an edge on the competition and start now to build experience to showcase on a resume. If you wait until you're actually looking for that first big job, it might be too late.

The good news is that companies will be needing smart, savvy new entrants. We've been through two no-hiring phases in the last ten years, so there are big gaps in the talent pipeline. The aging BabyBoomers will ultimately retire or be replaced.
But it's C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-V-E out there.

Q. What do hiring decisionmakers like to see?
A. Passion, perseverence, leadership, pursuit of excellence.

Q. I don't know what I want to do after graduation.
A. That's OK. Why not use the time now to see what's out there?  Snoop around. Try on a summer job and see what it's like in a particular company or industry. Use the process of elimination to find out what you definitely DON'T want to do. That's a step forward.

Q. No one is hiring.
A. Volunteer at a non-profit. Every position inside the organization -- from marketing to accounting, IT and fundraising -- could use an extra dose of help and brainpower. This will look great on a resume and you can make some excellent contacts.

Q. I can get hourly work in retail or a restaurant, but I'm not interested in pursuing that field.
A. If you need $$ and this is what's available, go for it.  See if you can get continuing work in one specific company over a period of time. Summer job, holiday work.   Demonstrate work ethic and longevity.    Build relationships with customers, who may be able to help you in the future.

Q. I've been a camp counselor every summer. How will that help my future career?
A. Winning the slot year after year is a good thing. Shows you are well-regarded, reliable. Also indicates you can deal with the unexpected and all kinds of people issues. Homesick kids. Demanding parents, etc.

Q. What about an international program or mission initiative?
A. Definitely a good addition to your portfolio!

Q. I love music and I'm in a band.
A. Practice makes perfect. Keep it up! Maybe even keep track of hours/gigs/revenue. Add a quantitative
twist to a future resume. Track customer/venue names. You're building a network for the future!

Q. I'm into writing...cooking...Superheroes...vampires...
A. Then turn your avocation into a potential vocation. Write a blog. Share your knowledge, passion with others. Become a young, up-and-coming thought leader.

Q. Will I need an internship?
A. YES. YES. YES. This is the primary hiring pool for future positions. Begin laying the groundwork now.

Q. I don't want to work in someone else's company. I want to have my own business.
A. Excellent!  Then start now. Or preview the entrepreneurial life by working for another business owner/founder.

Make the most of this valuable time in your life. Have a great summer. Be a sponge.  Listen and learn. Find out about people's lives. Collect cards and contact information.  Oh...and don't do anything stupid/crazy/unretractable on-line. Honor your personal brand!!! :)

Tina's Trifecta

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Talk about timing. Right on the tail of Osama bin Laden and The Royal Wedding, Tina Brown, the doyenne of dish, serves up a red hot cover story on Newsweek, which she is resuscitating and presenting in a print/internet combo package with The Daily Beast.

It kicked off a week that exploded with supporting evidence of the premise -- the complicated dynamics of political wifedom in modern, media-driven society:

Jailed, married global politico, IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, on suicide watch at Rikers Island following sexual assault charges by a New York hotel maid. KAPOW!
Revelation of rationale -- Maria Shriver terminates cohabitation with Terminator Schwarzenegger when he confesses a ten-year old love child with a former household worker. POW!
Wronged political wife and evolving power attorney Alicia Florrick, in a hotel elevator with her college amour/legal colleague for a passionate tryst -- maybe??? -- in the season finale of the popular television series upon which The Good Wife cover story was likely timed. VaVaVOOM!

She's baaaack.

La Tina swept into town last week for an unscripted Q&A with journalism students at SMU.

Oh, she is a force! She engages with her posh parlance and passion for topics and taste-makers across the spectrum. She is a human buzz machine, so you can see how it works -- from her brain to final copy.

''May-December pairing"-- the mentoring of young journalists by seasoned staff writers.
"Eclectic calibration"-- rollouts of fast-breaking news and serving it up on evolving basis
On WikiLeaks -- "He is the biggest sleazeball of the western world. But it's a valuable tool."
Regarding political leanings of news entities -- "The Daily Beast is ''polypolitical."

She acknowledges the short spurt attention of news audiences in the age of Twitter and the Internet.  "Our brains are being re-wired.  You can't lead with six paragraphs of throat clearing at the beginning of the piece. It has to be provocative....the best written....the most juice."

But she's also knowledgeable and facile on any facet of politics, business, economics and the convergence of issues and truths that will change everything. She loves the wild swings in story cycles. "The news craziness suits me," she enthuses.

Flashback to Tina's childhood to trace her M.O. She grew up in a show business family. Her father was a prominent figure in the British film industry -- producer of the Agatha Christie films, among others. Her mother was press secretary to mega-actor Laurence Olivier during his marriage to Vivian Leigh, the portrayer of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind.

She experienced a glamorous girlhood in a salon filled with the prominente.  She was privy to see and hear what went on behind closed doors, a heady view not known by the general public. When she took the reins of Tatler, a stuffy chronicle of upper-class/aristo life, she infused it with tidbits of insider knowledge that shocked and tantalized. Magazine sales soared and Tina was off and running. She imprinted that same spin on Vanity Fair and The New Yorker.

It's an underlying truth of human nature.  People love a dose of dish in the daily news and information regimen.  Think of those old I Love Lucy shows about who gossips more -- men or women. It's both.

Living in the U.K., I saw first-hand the tabloid frenzy that ensued with the Fergie toe-sucking scandal and Diana/Charles/Camilla love triangle. There were traffic jams every morning at the corner news agent with everyone battling to pick up the latest tidbit on the demise of the Royal marriages -- the froth atop the more serious issues of economics and the future of the monarchy.

It's the core of the media/entertainment business. You have to attract an audience. Tina understands that. She is a box office girl. And now she commands a global staff -- with Newsweek bureaus worldwide.

It will be fun to watch. Stay tuned!

Friday Links -- 5 Must Read Career Management Articles

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Thank you to Sarah Wright for including The Perfect Fit in her weekly Top 5 blog recommendations on BlueSteps.com, the candidate-facing website of the Association of Executive Search Consultants.

She cites the Valentine's Day post -- Behavioral Blur -- Is a Date a Job Interview?

".....an excellent analogy of job interviews to dates. Do not be fooled by the title, this article is actually full of great advice and is extremely fun to read. Enjoy!"

If you are single and hoping this will be the summer of love, it's a good checklist. If you are in search of career advancement, do scope BlueSteps.

All of the AESC retained search firm members -- globals and top boutiques -- use Blue Steps as a secondary research database when conducting assignments, so this is a very efficient way to get exposure and candidacy consideration with utmost confidentiality.

There is a nominal, one-time fee to submit your profile, which you can update at any time. The focus is top level: C-suite candidates, potential public company Board members, high pedigree High Potentials, etc.

Here's to The Perfect Fit -- on all counts!

Scottish Enterprise -- Then and Now

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:49:00 +0000

It's spring and a Royal Wedding is in the air! No better time to be in the U.K.

Twenty years ago, I was a new bride gearing up to cross the pond for the experience of a lifetime -- moving to Aberdeen, Scotland with my wonderful husband, who was on an expatriate assignment for Mobil Oil.

There was one complication. I had a consulting business in Dallas, but no work permit in the U.K. And I didn't want to disappear from the domestic business scene, since we would be repatriating in about 18 months.

Thus, I found a way to continue servicing a major client on a long distance basis. A technology lifeline was installed in my U.K. home office. Are you ready for this? A dedicated FAX line! And of course, AT&T International calling at a rate of $1 per minute -- pre-Internet/Skype/Facebook/Twitter.

I also had a weekly segment on KRLD Newsradio, then the flagship Metromedia station in Texas, as business strategist for The Bottom Line, an evening news program. I pitched the concept of a Report from the EU regular segment.

The station had a new GM, Charlie Seraphin, and he nixed it. Instead, he proposed, why don't you do something more personal? Since you will be having a sort of sabbatical, here's the premise: What if you wake up one morning and there's NOTHING you absolutely have to do?  His concept was to share the experience of a new, uncharted life in unfamiliar surroundings. What a fantasy for frazzled business types who were beginning to feel the pain of downsizing and doubling of the workload!

Today, it would be called a blog.

I was horrified. I just couldn't put myself out there with tales of everyday life -- looking for addresses on streets that changed names every few blocks...trying to decipher the dials on an outmoded stove. It was before the blur of business and personal realms.  In retrospect, Seraphin was a prescient trendspotter.

But I did create a little newsletter, covering media trends and other business topics. The masthead was a strip of tartan ribbon. U.K. newsclips were manually cut and pasted -- i.e., bathing beauties illustrating a business story in The Times. Shocking, we thought. Production was on a Canon personal copier, one sheet at a time. The graphics were primitive, but the copy was lively. Distribution was via snail mail to friends and clients back home.  Imagine!

Today, mobile technology, social media and a global market enable transparency and a myriad of career opportunities for the trailing spouse in virtually any type of relocation.

Ronda Carman, a Texan living in Scotland, is my favorite role model for this new era of international career innovation. She likewise followed her husband who is is an esteemed professor there.

From her perch in Glasgow, she has built a glittering, global following for her excellent design blog All the Best -- A Passport to Stylish Living. She serves as brand ambassador for an impressive clientele. She is a top relationship-builder -- with longstanding design leaders such as Charlotte Moss and Jan Showers, as well as up-and-coming NextGen tastemakers, of which Ronda is now one herself.

Here's a recent profile in New York Social Diary, definitely a coup to be on the radar screen of the prolific David Patrick Columbia. She's one to watch!

It's a fun media juxtaposition. The U.K. sent us Anna Wintour and Tina Brown and we've reciprocated by dispatching Ronda to Scotland.

What a long way from the primitive era of The Tartan Tatler and ''patch me through to Dallas'' calls to the Aberdeen office of a U.S. tech client.

But some things never change. Royals will always make news and we are thrilled with the happy happenings ahead for handsome Prince William and his beautiful bride Kate Middleton!

Paper Dolls

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Are you pondering a new direction? Sometimes you have to look back before you can move forward!

Revisit your formative years. What were your favorite activities as a child? Were you building, exploring, reading, role-playing or competing in sports?

In an era of computer-generated graphics and all things digital, my friend and former ad agency colleague, Celesta Segerstrom, is forging an incredible career focus through gorgeous and painstaking hands-on design . She is making exquisite fashion ensembles out of various kinds of paper -- white doilies, colorful fashion publications, brown bags and tissue paper -- for the display windows of Clotheshorse Anonymous, a leading Dallas re-sale shop.

She calls this new medium --what else -- Paper Dolls!

"I've been an artist all of my life," she says, "even drawing portraits for friends as a small child." She loved playing with paper dolls, but went one step further -- designing and drawing her own creations for the cardboard models of her girlhood.

Celesta grew up in Menlo Park, Calif., now heavily populated by high tech innovators and venture capital investors. Her father was a brilliant dentist and oral surgeon -- deft with his hands and detail-oriented. He encouraged Celesta and her two sisters with artisan projects, tools and handiwork.

She went on to study at the prestigious Art Center College of Design, then headed to Madison Avenue to work on major brands for Proctor & Gambol, Colgate-Palmolive, Clairol and AT&T. She has been an art director, new product development entrepreneur and creative director. After leaving the ad agency world, she continued to take on art commissions, as well as pursuits in real estate development.

Celesta is a creative problem-solver...so the message and the medium of re-cycle, re-purpose and re-sale are congruent with the Clotheshorse Anonymous brand. It's The Perfect Fit!

But it doesn't stop there. She is part of the team doing interactive display windows for children in the downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus store. She creates custom props and sets for Magic Moments Parties & Events.

Update 4/19/11: And she just completed a prestigious commission. She designed hockey great Brett Hull's denim jacket for the 2011 DIFFA Dallas Auction. The package of the jacket, access to Hull VIP Suite and a kid's day camp slot with Hull was the top auctioned item at $14,000!

So, bravo to you, Celesta. What an era of renaissance and creative resurgence -- all wrapped in a clever package of strategic purpose. It's a re-mix that is literally fabulous! To see more of her designs, visit her Facebook page.

ReMix -- Re-tune your Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:15:00 +0000

re·mix

To recombine (audio tracks or channels from a recording) to produce a new or modified audio recording: i.e., remix a popular ballad and turn it into an iTunes hit.

* * * * *

In the age of re-invention, how far do we have to go to find a new path?

To get to the future, a first step might be to explore the past.

This goes back to Morris Massey, the organizational development guru who was early to articulate generational differences in the workplace... and how our values are shaped early in our formative years.

His work was entitled What You Are is Where You Were When, a throwback to who you were growing up and the inflection points that made us look beyond our immediate personal world to see the bigger picture and how it all fits together.

It's why nostalgia is so compelling, why we are drawn to the music and memories of our past.

As we evolve through adulthood, do we lose the core elements that created delight, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment in our childhood? Do we morph into process and efficiency masters in order to function and succees in an uber-competitive world?

To create a fresh direction, you might not have to write a completely new song. Revisit the memories of early childhood to find the clues. What were your earliest skills? What were the passions that attracted you to games, social activities or pursuit of a particular study?

For those seeking a tweak for a new phase of life, a look back can help you move forward. The old music is still good music. Maybe it just needs to be modernized.

Do a remix!

In future posts, look for profiles of those who are who are successfully mixing it up -- creating a work/life blend that is The Perfect Fit!

Behavioral Blur: Is a Date a Job Interview?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Those in pursuit of career advancement know the importance of putting the best foot forward in every step of networking, interviewing and “onboarding” once they obtain the new role.

Yet, when searching for romance, it is easy to slip into sloppy personal habits -- feeling you are relaxed, off-duty from work and displaying characteristics that merit self-examination.

With technology, access to other candidates is easier than in earlier times. Selectors are pickier because they can be. Thus, the same behavior that derails one's candidacy for a job can also wreck prospects for a courtship.

Being Late. Would you ever consider being late for a job interview? Of course not! Likewise, keeping a date waiting is dangerous grounds for elimination. It sends a signal of narcissism and a lack of respect for others.

Diva! The date starts as soon as you leave your home or near the destination. Any snappish behavior to cab drivers, valet parkers or wait staff will be noticed. Points will be deducted.  Be nice to everyone!

Rants about the Dating Process. The phenomenon of on-line dating has bred a very bad habit -- rounds of anecdotes about the frustrations and comedies of match.com, eHarmony, etc. This is a very unflattering opener and poor use of time.  Would you ever devote precious minutes of a job interview complaining about the process? Would an interviewer ever make fun of the previous candidate? Never!

Dissing the Ex. Ditto discussions about the former spouse or significant other.  The rule of thumb in “interview-speak” is to describe previous positions as “a wonderful opportunity, but I was ready for a new challenge.” Again, why would you spend valuable minutes describing something negative -- a life experience that was not successful?

Talking Too Much. Be a well and not a fountain. As in an interview, come prepared with lots of questions to put the focus on the other person. Babbling on about oneself gives the impression of being self-centered. And, of course, you’re not. Right?

Inappropriate Attire. Dress for the occasion and never “over-dress.” Your goal is to look like a potential spouse.

Too Much Fragrance. Lots of people have allergies. Your date might be one of them. Create a neutral packaging and don’t give someone a reason to de-select you.

Re-Engineering the Menu. Be decisive when ordering, whether a date or interview meal.  Do not parse the entree and request that the chef do a recipe re-do – with everything “on the side.” If you are impossible to please, who would want to sign up for a full-time hitch?

Foul Language. Keep it clean. Imagine that your date’s boss or mother is in tow.

Getting into a Debate. No arguing! Do not let the conversation gravitate to a heated discussion of differing opinions. Focus on finding areas of commonality.

Negativity. Avoid criticism of others.  When women complain and go negative in a conversation, my husband categorizes it as being judgmental. Stifle your inner pickiness and focus on the joy of the possibilities!

Now you're well on your way to finding The Perfect Fit. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

The Rumsfeld Chronicles

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:41:00 +0000

How nice are you when you don't have to be?

Anyone involved with the ego of public figures and CEOs has likely been on the receiving end of a scream-a-thon or PBO -- polite brush-off -- depending on the day or mood.

With the publication of Donald Rumsfeld's new memoir, Known and Unknown, politicians and media types are weighing in with their own personal accounts of eruptions and slights. Here's a post from Katie Couric's blog, written by veteran CBS News Correspondent David Martin, who has been covering the Pentagon for decades. An excerpt:

One of his close aides once jokingly referred to him as "a freak of nature." He can be irresistibly charming and stunningly rude. Once when the former Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge was ushered into the Defense Secretary's office, Rumsfeld left him to stand in silence while he finished reading whatever document he had before him.

[Annoying! I was once kept waiting by the new HR leader (no longer there) of a long-time client company for one hour -- in a reception area that was under construction, i.e., no chairs. Talk about a standing appointmentment...It still astounds.]

But flash back to Rumsfeld.

I was a young, PR plebe in Midland Mich., handling media and logisics for his speech at a local business luncheon. It was a month or so after the Carter inauguration and Rumsfeld was newly the former Secretary of Defense.

Rumsfeld's reputation as a stern taskmaster had filtered to Midland -- complete with insider anecdotes by way of Grand Rapids, hometown of Gerald Ford, the president he served. All in all, a bit daunting. Very important to be organized and prepared.

Midland is a pocket of influence, the corporate headquarters of Dow Chemical.  But the Executive 100 audience was not the magnitude of, say, the Detroit Economic Club, a priority whistle stop for any politician or business leader in that era.

He could have done a perfunctory drop-in just to earn the speaker bureau fee, but Rumsfeld graciously and sincerely accommodated every request proffered.  He agreed to an off-the-record, no-press-admitted speech -- to preserve the aura of exclusivity of the luncheon forum -- plus Q&A with the audience.  He participated in a separate press conference with the local Midland/Bay City/Saginaw print and broadcast media. He attended a private dinner with local leaders the night before his talk. He was only contractually bound to do a 30-minute speech.

He flew commercial into the local airport. Very unassuming in the terminal, but with the spit-and-polish patina of power -- and a huge dose of suave.  It was definitely the irresistably charming side described in the CBS blog. More Don Draper-esque than you would believe.

He peppered me with questions on the way into town.  Sought insights on local color and perspective of the luncheon audience. And, of course, wanted to know the moment-by-moment timetable prepared for him.   I reviewed it line-by-line, ending with the return drop-off at the airport, where a private plane would take him to Detroit so he could connect with a commercial flight home.

I promised to complete his itinerary by a certain time, as I was driving to Detroit to catch up with other locals for a function at the Adcrafter Club.

C'mon down on my flight, he invited. They can just add you to the manifest and drop you off.  Perfect.

So, politics aside, this was a small slice of Rumsfeld in his post-Ford career phase. He delivered a high level of value to multiple audiences -- with excellent content and smooth delivery. He was compelling, knowledge-packed, candid and respectful.  A world player on someone's local turf .  Plus, he was polite and proper, with prompt thank you notes of acknowledgement on makeshift notecards from his transition office before becoming CEO of G.D. Searle. What a nice guy, one would say.

All this and a private plane at his disposal -- which he was willing to share.  On that day, Rummy could have extracted a swoon from Maureen Dowd herself.

Super Bowl XLV: A Networking Guide for Newcomers

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 22:43:00 +0000

Welcome Super Bowl visitors! ! ! Maybe you'll like Dallas/Fort Worth so much, you'll want to stay.

You won't be alone. Texas is teeming with new transplants these days. No surprise. Folks are attracted to our open and welcoming culture, attractive cost of living, favorable economy and promising future. In fact, Dallas leads the nation in job creation, according to this impressive graphic from SMU's Michael Cox, former economist at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank.

The Texas Superstate cover story of Newsweek, above, was the eye-opener and impetus for me. Here is the complete story, as recounted in D Magazine's 119 Reasons Why We Love Dallas issue. Soon, my two sisters followed and later, even my mother.

It was fertile ground for pursuit of successful business careers, for which we are very grateful. Not to mention the side benefit of meeting tall, handsome Texas husbands. Dallas has been very good to these girls from Altoona, PA!

If you're new in town, here are some orientation tips:

1. Cultural context. Rent the movie Giant to catch the pioneering spirit of Texas. Scope some episodes of the TV show Dallas. J.R. Ewing is a bigger-than-life oilman. Note the shoulder pad fashions of the 80s and the changing skyline of the city. ESPN's Pony Excess covers the SMU football scandal, against the backdrop of local business, media and politics.

2. Media coverage. Peruse the websites, blogs and archives of Dallas Morning News, Texas Monthly, D Magazine and D CEO. Note the new neighborhood video channel You+Dallas.

3. Daytime beverages. At a weekday business lunch, you will likely order iced tea or Dr Pepper (regular or diet). As a corporate even planner once noted, "Dallas doesn't drink at lunch, but these men expect their glass of wine at 6 pm."

4. Gotta have Art. Take in an arts event at the venues of our internationally renown Arts District -- DMA, Nasher, Wyly, Meyerson or Winspear. And, yes, we have sports, too. Two pro team owners have Pittsburgh ties -- Mark Cuban and Chuck Greenberg.

5. Find a tribe. Join something. Whether it's a neighborhood group, professional organization or non-profit initiative. Take on a leadership role. Women In Communications was my port of entry. I became the Job Placement chairman, an excellent way to meet others and match them with new opportunities! (Program chairman is another productive and visible role in an organization.)

6. Team up. Don't go it alone. Find another newcomer and network together. One of my first friends in town was NYC transplant Erika Sanchez, then a reporter at the Dallas Morning News. We would do a regular lunch during those early days and both invite a new person that we thought the other would like. We're still friends and members of an excellent book club!

7. Fashionability. You will notice how attractive the women and men are here. The weather is warm much of the time, so people are outdoors and less bundled-up than in the North. Not to mention the Neiman Marcus influence of beauty and style. Fitness outlets also abound.

8. Be nice. People are friendly and happy here. Smile! Relax! Be polite! Say please, thank you and excuse me. No elbow-jabbing or pushing.

9. Go blonde. You will note being surrounded by beautiful blondes. At some point, many brunettes give into the temptation and, at minimum, experiment with highlights. Go ahead, give it a try. You can always go back to your natural color. Live the life of a Dallas blonde. Even the senior citizens do. (My mother included!) You can count the number of gray-haired women here on a single hand.

10. (Bonus tip for single women.) Take up golf. We have a nice long playing season here and, as the realtors say: Location, location, location. It's where the men are. Even if you only go to the driving range, it provides an excellent venue. It works. I can tell you of a particularly noteworthy tournament that yielded two weddings out of two foursomes. Do you need a more compelling testimonial? I didn't think so.

So, to all....Welcome. Enjoy. Go Steelers! ! ! !

Synergy

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Christine Breck, founder of Texas Wall Street Women, called this week with an invitation to present at the Dallas chapter's October meeting.

We brainstormed critical topics to address: leadership, career management and networking -- all wrapped up under the umbrella of busy career time constraints. How does one cope with work, home, family, fitness, a touch of social life and still find time to sleep???

It's risky to have all of one's eggs in one basket. A byword of career planning is to network before you need to. And advancement often requires relationships and outreach in industry circles beyond one's immediate department, according to author and career expert Dr. Helen Harkness. Yet, in a post-downsized world, bandwidth is limited. It's not uncommon for an individual to be doing the work of more than one.

What's the solution? Women in particular need a career and relationship strategy that delivers efficiencies. It's all about synergy -- mixing business and personal realms.

Men have been doing it for years. Drinks at the 19th hole after a game of golf. Football and baseball outings. Poker groups. We now have executive women golf initiatives. But you don't have to undertake sports if you're not athletically inclined. There are many other paths.

Here are some points that I will address:

1. People do business with those they like. Become friends with your clients.

2. Saying no is an important as saying yes. Don't get saddled with commitments if they are not going to give you an effective ROI. Or if they're not enjoyable.

3. Delegate and outsource -- don't try to be the homemade cupcake goddess if you are a time-crunched road warrior.

4. Seek alliances that can deliver multiple outcomes.

5. Find fitness outlets with friends.

6. Target organizations where your customers are -- and your competitors are not.

When I was single in my 30s, I always built relationships with the wives of male clients. My pro bono community work was always in support of their special charities. When I married, my husband and I became friends as couples with many longtime clients and co-workers. We are trusted advisors to one another. We network. We refer business. We help each other.

On Saturdays, I always look forward to Lisa Ann McCall's Body Balance class. It's a wonderful regime and as a bonus, it's a catch-up session with friends and colleagues from Texas Women Ventures (4 of us), Second Wednesday Book Club (3 of us) and Women's Leadership Exchange (4 of us), as well as a women's financial breakfast series where I first met Lisa Ann!

Texas Women Ventures Fund has been highly rewarding. We are a mezzanine fund that invests in women-led businesses. It's an impressive network of professional women -- and some men, as well -- who provide funding as well as expertise and connections, as needed, by the portfolio companies. It's a for-profit organization for the investors, but one which also does good, as the companies are creating hundreds of jobs in their local economies. Many friendships and business relationships have been forged, as the group prepares to raise a third fund this year.

The key is to find The Perfect Fit of outreach initiatives that work for you and your career goals.

Copyright!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Keene) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:42:00 +0000

If you have a creative bent,you likely have a storehouse of content -- ditties you've written or drawn. If you are in the professional services sector, it might be a backlog of thought leadership.

It's the New Year. A perfect time to try something new! Dig into the archives. Take a fresh look at your output. Maybe you can package, leverage -- or simply share -- something that might be of interest and value to others.

Here's a wonderful holiday song inspired by our little dog Chanel.

Children love it. It's easy to sing -- with a nice story about untapped skills that lie within. There are product extension possibilities. I'm storyboarding a picture book. And, of course, it would be an adorable plush toy -- or even screenplay.

Don't hesitate to shoot me an email regarding commercial possibilities. It's my creative side project of the year.

I just changed the name of the little dog to avoid conflict with the Chanel design house. Sending it off for copyright approval via LegalZoom.com. Enjoy!

Noelle’s Merry Christmas

There once was a dog....

And her name was Noelle.

She went with her family

Where some trees they would sell.

They all got so excited

About the Christmas tree.

They got into the car.

“AND THEY FORGOT ABOUT ME!!!!”

Poor little dog!

Left all alone!

So far away from home.....’

Just to wander and to roam.

She walked along the highway.....

She went from street to street.

When daylight turned to darkness,

THE LITTLE DOG BEGAN TO WEEP. (Oh noooo….)

Then what to her teary

Little eyes should appear

But Santa and his little team

Of merry reindeer.

They said, “Come on and join us!!

“We’ll travel through the sky.

“You’ll see your Mom and Dad again...”

“BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW TO FLY!!!!”

She practiced and practiced....

Tried to flap her little paws.

With Santa and his reindeer

Looking on with applause.

She said, “I’ll never do it!”

Her ears turned ‘round and ‘round.

The next that she knew it....

SHE WAS LIFTED FROM THE GROUND!!!!

(Touch your fingertips together and raise them above your head!)

With Dancer and Prancer

And the rest of them she flew....

Up in the air

In the winter sky so blue.

They landed on the driveway.

She scampered to the door.

Noelle’s back with her family....

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERMORE!!!!