bloganuary – Success Strategies

10 Thoughtful And Practical Gift Ideas For Women Leaders This Mother’s Day

The Perfect Gift for Her

Some gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all.
Tinku Razoria

Celebrations, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Selfcare Days…. no matter the occasion, it is always hard to find the ideal gift for the perfect mom, sister, co-worker, best friend to encourage or simply to say Thanks to one who did a kind deed. Here are 10 thoughtful and practical gift ideas for women leaders.

Gifts for Her

Professional Development Books: Gift a selection of books on leadership, personal development, or career advancement. Choose titles that align with the recipient’s interests and goals, such as “Ditch It, Switch It“, “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg or “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown.
Journal or Planner: A stylish journal or planner can help women leaders stay organized, set goals, and track their progress. Look for a high-quality notebook with inspirational quotes or customizable sections for reflection and planning.
Online Course or Workshop: Invest in an online course or workshop that aligns with the recipient’s professional development goals. Whether it’s leadership skills, negotiation tactics, or public speaking, there are plenty of options available to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Executive Coaching Sessions: Provide the gift of personalized coaching sessions with a professional executive coach. This one-on-one support can help women leaders overcome challenges, set strategic goals, and accelerate their career growth.
Membership to Professional Networks: Consider gifting a membership to a professional organization or networking group tailored to women leaders in their industry. This provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and access to valuable resources and events.
Tech Gadgets or Accessories: Surprise her with a stylish and functional tech gadget or accessory that enhances productivity and efficiency, such as a smartwatch, wireless headphones, or a sleek laptop bag.
Self-Care Package: Put together a self-care package filled with pampering essentials like scented candles, bath salts, herbal teas, and skincare products. Encourage women leaders to prioritize their well-being and recharge their batteries.
Mindfulness or Meditation Tools: Help women leaders manage stress and promote mindfulness with gifts like a meditation app subscription, aromatherapy diffuser, or a set of meditation cushions.
Personalized Leadership Assessment: Invest in a personalized leadership assessment tool or 360-degree feedback survey to help women leaders gain valuable insights into their strengths, areas for improvement, and leadership style.
Inspiring Artwork or Decor: Choose a piece of artwork or decor that inspires and motivates women leaders in their workspace. Whether it’s a motivational quote print, a vibrant painting, or a decorative desk accessory, find something that resonates with their aspirations and values.

These gift ideas for women leaders combine practicality, inspiration, and personalization to support their professional growth and well-being.

Which gift pulls you in? Is there another or a few that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Connect now to gift that personalized gift of Executive Coaching or personalized leadership assessment today. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

Cheers!

^{Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels.com}

9 Investment Strategies For New Entrepreneurs On A Tight Budget

Don’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.
Jas Bagniewski

20% of new startups fail within the first year of business. This can be scary for first time entrepreneurs. So, the more prepared small businesses are, the more they can survive especially as it concerns making bold marketing steps which require some upfront investment. That said, here are some ideas to counteract those costs for a new business owner on a tight budget:

Leverage free platforms – For example, start a free blog, post on LinkedIn, use free webinar services, publish a podcast using free hosting.

2. Barter services – Exchange things like hosting an event or providing content in return for exposure from partnerships.

3.Get sponsorships – Seek sponsorships from vendors/partners to help fund events, ads, giveaways. Offer sponsor visibility.

4. Use DIY options – Design your own simple website, create your own flyers, give free talks at local libraries versus paid venues.

5. Offer packages – Offer bundles and multi-session discounts to incentive larger purchases to increase revenue.

6.Be guest instead of host – Guest blog, speak at other events instead of funding your own. Reduces costs.

7. Tap into your network – Ask connections to share content, provide referrals, submit testimonials, write guest posts.

8. Focus locally first – Start by promoting heavily just within your local community to establish proof of concept.

9. Only invest where needed – Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Prioritize money only where it will derive direct value.

Essentially, the goal is to maximize existing free resources and opportunities where you can exchange services. The aim is to become creative in order to access cost-effective resources until you gain proof of return on investment, then you can increase spending.

Which of the methods have you used? Can you add another method that has proven helpful? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

15 Steps To The Ideal Career For The New Ambitious Professional …

Natalie, a frustrated high school graduate, had been in and out of jobs for four years after graduating high school. She was referred for coaching because she was annoyed at the way employers treated her and she refused to accept it. The lack of income did not help as she needed to meet her needs.

This situation is common among young adults who are in the early stages of their career and ‘waiting’ for their ideal job (and yessss among others with years of experience too). The 15 Strategies listed can be adapted to secure employment, gain valuable experience and bring you closer to your ideal career.

Career Goals: 15 Steps To Success

1. Apply For Entry-Level Positions

Target entry-level positions in your field of interest.
Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time positions to gain hands-on experience.

2. Enhance Your Resume

Highlight relevant skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities.
Tailor your resume for each application to match the specific job requirements.

3. Networking

Attend industry events, workshops, and networking mixers.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and engage in conversations.

4. Online Job Platforms

Explore job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant positions.

5. Temporary Work or Freelancing

Consider taking temporary positions or freelancing opportunities to build your skills and network.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can be good for freelancing gigs.

6. Professional Development

Take online courses or certifications to enhance your skills.
Mention ongoing learning initiatives on your resume to showcase your commitment to personal and professional development.

7. Volunteer Work

Offer your time to non-profit organizations or community projects.
Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your dedication.

8. Informational Interviews

Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews.
Gather insights, seek advice, and express your eagerness to learn from their experiences.

9. Create Online Portfolio

Build an online portfolio showcasing your projects, coursework, or any freelance work.
Include a link to your portfolio on your resume and LinkedIn profile

10. Skill Development

Identify skills in demand within your industry and work on acquiring them.
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare offer a variety of courses.

11. Professional Social Media Presence

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.
Share relevant content and engage with professionals in your field.

12. Industry Research

Stay informed about trends and changes in your desired industry.
Use this knowledge to tailor your applications and interviews.

13. Career Counseling Services

Seek guidance from career counseling services offered by educational institutions or career centers.
They can provide insights into job opportunities and help you refine your career goals.

14. Participate in Job Fairs

Attend job fairs, both virtual and in-person, to connect with employers and explore potential opportunities.

15. Soft Skills Development

Work on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
These skills are often highly valued by employers.

Remember, the job search process can take time, and being open to various opportunities can lead to unexpected but valuable experiences. Stay persistent, connect with a coach, maintain a positive attitude, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.

Cheers to a revealing journey of learning!

Unlocking Potential: 5 Signs It’s Time for Supervisor Training

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
John F. Kennedy

New supervisors are hesitant yet eager to dive into the job. Without training, mistakes happen. Behaviors indicating the need for supervisory training are shown here. Take a look and based on your observation, identify any that may need to be corrected.

1. Poor Communication

Poor communication skills exhibited when supervisor fails to set clear expectations, give direct feedback, listen actively.

2. Lack Leadership Presence

I’m not gonna lie, leadership ain’t easy. Managers who lack leadership presence are unable to command respect, build relationships, or influence others.

3. Ineffective Delegation

Ineffective at delegating – micromanages employees instead of empowering and trusting

4. Unable to Develop Team

Supervisors are unable to develop team – little coaching or support for the team’s professional growth

5. Poor at Managing Conflict

Poor at managing conflict shown through avoiding difficult conversations. Often, they let issues fester.

6. Fails to Align and Motivate

Failing to align and motivate employees. No vision, inspiration or strategic direction provided.

Recognize any of these behaviors in yourself, co-worker, family member or friend? It’s not a tradition. There is always hope. Training, one on one or group coaching can improve the behaviors those supervising leaders can received.

Need help? Lets connect.

Lazy Days By The Seashore Meanders Among 5 Of My Favorite Things …

The beach is my happy place

A ‘former workaholic’ I now realize the importance of work/ life balance.

Selfcare is the process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being of oneself, to promote health, and actively manage illness when it occurs. Individuals engage in some form of self-care daily with food choices, exercise, sleep, and hygiene (wiki).

As I reflect, I realize my favorite things work wonders for my relaxation and wellbeing. Here I share five things that I totally enjoy!

Writing is fun!
Coaching and helping others achieve success gives thrill
Lazy Days by the seashore is Fun
Family time is magic
Peace, Quiet and times of solitude is blissful
BONUS … all things spiritual is my safe place

These are a few of my favorite things. What’s yours?

Why Focus On The Future?

Focus on The Future

Living In The Past. Looking Through The Rear View Mirror…

Shelly. Meaning, Significance, Etymology

The beginning is always today
Mary Shelley

The question was asked… what is the meaning, significance etymology of your first name. Intrigued I search up the meaning of my first name – Shelly. Other spelling includes Shelley. Here’s what I found.

Shelley as a girl’s name is of Old English origin meaning “sloped meadow“.

It derived from the Gaelic word ‘sealbhach,’ which means ‘wealthy’ or ‘having possessions.

Origin:Hebrew. Meaning:ewe, female sheep; little rock; rest; sloped meadow. Shelly is a cute gender-neutral name with Hebrew, German, and English origins.

Some people believe Shelly is derived from Hebrew and means ‘like God. ‘ Another possible meaning from Hebrew could be ‘little lamb,’ ‘ewe,’ or ‘one with purity.

It also Means clearing on a bank.

When I was a young elementary student at a Girl Scout camp, one leader exclaimed “what a beautiful name for such an ugly girl”. She said it with a hug and a smile so I know she meant well.

My own mom (now deceased) told me that she had named me after an actress called Ellie Mae. At the time I didn’t dig any deeper but what she had mentioned was her quest for success for her daughter.

As I matured I researched the topics of success and leadership. I have published several books on both. So my mom was right.

What’s your take on your own name? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers.

Book Festival And Writers

Book Festival and Writers Conference February 17-18, 2024. Plan to attend. Hosted by the Urban League of Greater Miami.

I’ll be there presenting my new GreenLight book series. Writers and Readers Come join the fun, listen and hear literary artists and creatives.

5-Day Road Trip Plan To Captiva Island

Wander. Get lost on an intriguing Road Trip. Discover the new.
~Dr Shelly

Stone building designer Chrissy dreamt of getting away. She was exhausted. We connected. She was open to whatever plan I could come up with. It was awhile since she took a work break. Quickly I planned a getaway to Captiva Island, Florida. Here I share.

5-Day Getaway Plan

Day 1:
Road trip to Captiva
Lunch at Wicked Wings, a low-keyed hole in the wall pub that satisfies starving travelers before hitting the road to their final destination

Day 2:
Relax in the Sun, Sand, Sea engulfed in a delightful adventure riding the waves

Day 3:
Spa Day – Body massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi, a sure rejuvenation for the exhausted

Day 4
Shopping and Late dinner at the Harbor Side Bar and Grill

Day 5
Early morning beach wet. Late breakfast followed by reluctant afternoon drive back to the fast life.

Where’s your favorite getaway space? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

Me? A Business? That’s Crazy!

The only way to do great work is to love what you do
Steve Jobs

We all walk around with our heads low. Reading, being distracted by the the gadget–the iPhone. Competitors copy. Employers stipulate policies for and against. Regulators step in because the unscrupulous also fell for it, devising schemes that trick the unsuspecting.

Isn’t it Crazy To Think You Can Start A Business? Yet again one that will succeed? Sure, you can. Let’s take Steve Jobs for instance. He started a business doing things he liked. Things he was passionate about. Plain and Simple. He started while he was down on his luck. Then voila! With work, consistency and the right attitude, it grew.

Big Idea

So, what’s your Big Idea? If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Stay focused. Be consistent and you will achieve success for sure.

Happy crazy business building!

A Long And Lasting Life

What’s the concept of living a very long life?

A extraordinary leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a Baptist minister. His death catapulted a movement so others could live. Many national heroes and legendary leaders have made an impact through their deaths. Their deaths helped others live. It causes us to wonder if some people are born with the purpose of making a difference after death.

The concept of long life is not summed up in years but by the quality of how those years are spent. The impact we have on those we love and others. The difference we make in life.

That’s the concept of living a long life.

Future Thinking …

Focus on the Future

If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.
Baruch Spinoza

The question was asked “Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?” Here I share.

To shape the future, it requires focus to navigate the journey ahead. Looking back on the past is important to assess how far you have come. To be more clear, it is important to keep score. Looking back on the past year(s) help you to analyze your successes as well as those areas requiring possible improvement. At times there may be the need to make a u-turn.

It’s like sitting an exam. You reflect on the theoretical steps applied combined with the practical to gain the learning. Then sit the exam and receive a pass or ‘fail’. You then analyze next steps. You may need to resit the exam or some persons may choose to do a total revamp to make that giant leap towards achieving their goal.

Here’s hoping you will understand the need to look back to get ahead.

Cheers!