7 Ways to Cultivate Trust

7 Ways to Cultivate Trust

Trust is the foundation of all healthy relationships.

Would you be a friend with, or do business with, someone you didn’t trust? Most people would say, “Absolutely not!” Ideally, people do business and life with those they know, like and trust.

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Respect, honor and integrity go hand-in-hand with trust. Trust should never be viewed lightly as once it is destroyed it may be impossible to regain.Continue reading

Qualities of First-Class Service

Qualities of First-Class Service

I enjoy great service, but I am not a salesperson. 

You don’t need the title of being a salesperson to be in the business of selling. The truth is we all are in the business of selling. You are selling yourself!

Whether or not you work for a company or some other kind of organization, you are selling yourself every day to those you meet. From the moment you get up in the morning to when you go back to bed at night, you are continually announcing who you are and what type of service or services you offer. You serve others on the job, in your community and at home. Would those people describe you as first-class—or as second-hand?Continue reading

The Exhausting Pursuit of Perfection

The Exhausting Pursuit of Perfection

I am a recovering perfectionist. While some perfectionists feel pushed toward their goals, my inner critic kept me paralyzed in the land of ‘someday’. Someday, I will achieve mastery and be able to deliver a flawless performance. I embraced the saying, ‘practice makes perfect’, and was frozen in endless learning and rehearsal. After years of working with people I realized that I am not the only member of this club.  Continue reading

Manners Make School Better

Manners Make School Better

Across the country, the familiar echo of school bells ringing marks the start of another year. Children are excited to return to the classroom and to see their friends, and most parents are delighted to exchange the spontaneous days of summer for a more stable schedule. The shopping is over, pencils and paper are tucked into backpacks, and the exhilaration of “the first day” is here. Students wonder, What should I wear? Will others be nice to me? Will I fit in? School can mean stress!Continue reading

Your Child Needs a Parent – Not a Best Friend

Your Child Needs a Parent – Not a Best Friend

Parents fill many roles in the lives of their children, but one role they are not to fill is to be their child’s best friend and lifelong playmate. Today’s parent often has many responsibilities outside the home, including part- or full-time employment, which leaves precious little time for family life. Nevertheless, no matter how tired he or she is at the end of the day, he or she is still the parent, and no one else can fulfill that role.Continue reading