The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: 2011

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: How to make partner in 5 easy steps

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: How to make partner in 5 easy steps: It is that time of year again- time for law firms to decide which of their treasured associates will be given the coveted...

How to make partner in 5 easy steps

It is that time of year again- time for law firms to decide which of their treasured associates will be given the coveted promotion of Partner. Walk the halls of any large firm and the floors are likely abuzz with the excitement of the upcoming decisions. Senior associates can be found checking receivables, billable hours, and lobbying mentors for support. There are lots of “what if” conversations taking place, a last minute focus on marketing, and even some reliance on superstitions (crossed fingers, lucky ties, favorite lunch places, etc).

While I enjoy the excitement of this time of year as much as the next person, I am also a little taken aback at the level of surprise associated with this business process. I have had many a conversation with individuals that are “up” for partner who have no real grasp on the criteria of partnership or how their individual performance measures up to the unknown criteria. Say what? How is this possible? These are smart people. They would not be “up” if they weren’t. This is your career people. Having a fuzzy idea of what you need to do to succeed is not acceptable. It is like running a race in the dark with a good guess about where the finish line is. It is absurd!

If you are one of those folks “up” for partner this year-you may want to stop reading. This advice is probably a little too late for you. I will cross my fingers and toes along with you and hope for your best. However, if you see partnership in your future in the next year or two-keep reading. Below is a short and sweet plan to make your candidacy for partnership more like a one-candidate election and less like the NFL draft.

If you want to become a partner-

Find out the Rules:

Call me crazy, before I sign up to earn, compete, or win anything, I ask questions about what I am winning. If you think you want to become a partner at your firm, you need to ask questions. Here are a few that come to mind:

1. What are the requirements to make partner (get the specifics)?

2. Do I get to choose whether or not I am considered for partnership?

3. What is the nomination process? Is there a nomination process?

4. What data points are used to make partnership decisions?

5. What factors other than hard data are considered? How are they weighed?

6. How many votes does it take to make partner?

7. How many associates can make partner in the same year?

If you REALLY want to be informed, ask to see the partnership agreement. It would be nice to know what you are actually winning.

Analyze the Data:

Once you know what is required (again we are talking specifics) to make partner. You need to ensure that you meet the requirements. So, look at the data, analyze how you currently measure up. For example, if you need to have a sustainable book of business (this seems to be the term de jour) roughly able to cover your costs and that of at least 1 associate, find out what your costs and the associates costs are and add it up. For simplicity, lets say this means a book of roughly $1million from clients that you can reasonable expect will have additional work in the future. Now look at your current book and do the math. Go through this process with every known criterion. Don’t get too caught up with the numbers, back of the envelope math will do. Just give yourself a realistic picture of where you stand against your firm’s requirements.

Write the Plan:

Once you know the requirements and you know how you currently measure up, it is time to get laser focused and craft a plan to fill the gaps. If your book of business is too small, go see your marketing professional and create a revised marketing plan. If your receivables are too low, go talk to all the partners writing down your work and come up with a plan to fix the problem. If the firm wants leadership, and you are not engaged, look for ways to get engaged. Craft a plan to meet all of the requirements to make partner. Hint-doing it in your head, doesn’t count. Put it on paper.

Share the Plan;

You know me, I am a big fan of self-promotion. When you do something great you should share it. Share your plan with your mentoring attorney, your department chair, your marketing partner, and anyone else who will listen. Sharing it serves two purposes: 1-the reader may have some great suggestions of things you missed, need to tweak, or ideas to add to the plan and 2-it lets them know in advance that you are serious about becoming a partner and taking the initiative to make it happen.

Execute the Plan:

If you are really serious about becoming a partner you need to show your firm you are partnership material. So, take the handy dandy written plan that you spent time creating, and begin allocating appropriate time on your calendar to start executing. That is right- actually schedule the activities. And, when the reminder for one of your partner activities pops up, resist any temptation to cancel or move the activity. You are a lawyer. You will be just as busy next year as you were this year. Busy doesn’t count-progress counts. So, take control of your own destiny now and schedule the time to execute your plan.

Voila! If you follow the strategy at this time next year, you will know exactly where you stand in terms of becoming a partner. If you craft a good plan and execute your plan you will dramatically increase your odds of winning the partnership prize. The best news, when your time comes, it won’t take a lucky tie, rabbit’s foot, or begging to help you get the needed votes.

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold helps professional service providers build thriving books of business by aligning their daily activities with their personal goals and career aspirations. A mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals. Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by living with integrity and doing business with intention. You can reach Jonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com or www.jonellevold.com.

Women's MasterMind group starting in January, 2012. Are you a woman in business that would benefit from having a personal board of directors? Do you need some help holding yourself accountable and staying motivated? Would you like to have a support system of brilliant professional women to bounce ideas off of? If so, the Women's Mastermind group may be exactly what you need. Contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details or go to http://tinyurl.com/4xhchav

Labels: business development, women in business, working mom

Monday, October 31, 2011

Ten Rainmaking skills EVERY working Mom has

Ten Rainmaking skills every working Mom has:

#1- The ability to persuade. All Rainmakers need to have the ability to communicate persuasively while keeping the clients’ best interests at hearts. Moms do this every day as they navigate life with their children. Whether it’s trying to talk a 2 year old into eating peas or a teen-ager into wearing a jacket in the winter, working Moms are great at persuasive communication.

#2- The ability to see another point of view. If you have more than one child, you likely spend some portion of your day playing referee. Even if you are mother to a singleton, somewhere along the way your little angel likely had to learn to navigate social norms-requiring Moms to think about conflicts from multiple perspectives. Think the biter and the bitee at preschool. Having perspective is a critical rainmaking skill as well. Clients hire people that help them solve problems. Rainmakers must be able to assess the problem from the client’s point of view as well as the service provider’s point of view. Just like the Mom that has to navigate the back-seat teasing match.

#3- The ability to evaluate lots of information quickly. For some reason, pregnant women often find themselves on the receiving end of LOTS of unsolicited opinions and advice. This tirade of information continues after the baby is born. So Moms must quickly learn to gracefully receive and immediately evaluate mountains of information selecting the few nuggets to actually act upon. Rainmakers need this same skill. Rainmakers meet lots of people, learn lots of information about business and must decide which pieces of information have meaning and deserve action.

#4- The ability to prioritize. Most Moms have never-ending to-do lists. Each day they must make decision about how to prioritize that precious commodity we call time. Rainmakers need this same skill as they decide which prospects are hot and need immediate action and which can go into the system for a follow up at a later time.

#5- The ability to be flexible. What Mom hasn’t had well-laid plans changed by their child’s needs? Moms learn to adjust and re-adjust their time, priorities, and schedules according to their families current needs. Rainmakers do too. When you best client needs you TODAY, your have to know how to quickly adjust on the fly. Of course, when your best clients needs you EVERY day you have to know how to set boundaries which leads us to #6.

# 6 Boundaries. As much as we Moms love our little ones, we understand chocolate for dinner, no afternoon nap, and too much screen time is not good for them. Moms learn very quickly that they have to set clear boundaries for their kids to avoid meltdowns of unpredictability later. Rainmakers need boundaries too. It is very easy to get sucked into dinners, happy hours, morning meetings, and more when you are trying to develop business. To maintain their sanity and health, rainmakers have to have clear boundaries regarding the use of their time. Whether it is a one-evening event per week rule or a per day meeting limit, the best Rainmakers have clear boundaries of what they will and won’t do in the name of building business.

#7 Time Maximization. Moms know that in order to get it all done, they must maximize their time. From planning their errand routes to delegating household duties to scheduling Dr’s visits near the Starbucks so that you can connect to email, Moms understand how to maximize their time. Time maximization is a critical rainmaking skill as well. No amount of managing will create additional times. Rainmakers understand how to thoughtfully schedule their days to bring in the clients and take care of their needs.

#8 Organization. Have you ever seen the calendar of a working Mom? Nearly every detail of every day is organized. Moms know that there is no time to waste looking for stuff or deciding what to do next. Staying organized keeps them sane. The best Rainmakers apply this same discipline and organization to building a book of business. Rainmakers understand that developing business takes time and strategy and they organize their time, their appointments, and their approach accordingly.

#9 Leadership. Most mothers are the heartbeat of the family unit. They assume responsibility for their family’s economic and emotional well-being. They generally assume responsibility for the meal planning, determine the perimeters for the family vacation, and schedule the childcare arrangements. All of this responsibility, planning, and decision making is called leadership. The best rainmakers are leaders too. Rainmakers consistently look for opportunities to step up and making decisions for their business. They are the go to person for solving a client problem and planning a great event.

#10 Attitude. Working Moms are often the most tired people I meet in a day. Their days start before dawn and end long after the kids are asleep. Yet-every day they start fresh with a brand new can do attitude. Rainmaking is an attitude too. It is seeing the glass half full and recognizing the multiple opportunities.

Why on earth am I spending time writing about the similarities between working Moms and Rainmakers? Simple-true freedom and career success is built. Every working Mom that wants more flexibility or more control over her career and schedule needs to become a rainmaker. Remember the movie, Field of Dreams. The main character was driven by the words, “if you build it, they will come.” If you want your own Field of Dreams- you too must build it and it starts with a self-sustaining book of business!

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold is a business coach that is passionate about your success. A mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals. Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by cracking their own personal code and doing business with intention. You can reach Jonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com or www.jonellevold.com.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: 10 reasons EVERY working Mom should be a Rainmaker...

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: 10 reasons EVERY working Mom should be a Rainmaker...: Ten reasons every working Mom should be a Rainmaker 1. Flexibility in your schedule. If you are bringing in the clients, you sche...

10 reasons EVERY working Mom should be a Rainmaker

Ten reasons every working Mom should be a Rainmaker

1. Flexibility in your schedule. If you are bringing in the clients, you schedule the meetings. Need to attend Johnny’s football game, no problem, schedule the meeting earlier in the day.

2. Enjoyable clients. Rainmakers choose the types of clients to develop. Do you hate working with certain clients but love working with others? Great-build a book full of clients you actually enjoy working with.

3. Efficiencies in time. Rainmakers maximize their time by creating a book of business that combines their work and their passion. Do you have a passion for start-ups, ice cream, sports, or fashion but no time to pursue these interests? If you develop a book of business in those areas, you can pursue your interests and do your job at the same time! Working Moms love efficiency!

4. Rainmakers are in control-in any economy! Many working Moms are the breadwinners for their families. They cannot afford to be laid off, down sized, or relocated. Rainmakers are always in control because they know how to build. Regardless of the fate of the company or the firm, rainmakers can build it again.

5. No more Mommy guilt. Too many working Moms are plagued by the self-inflicted and self-limiting Mommy guilt. If they are at home, they feel like they should be working. If they are at work, they feel bad that they are not at home with the munchkins. Rainmakers love their clients, love their work, and see immediate reward for the time they spend away from the family. Most rainmakers do not experience Mommy guilt because they are focused and strategic with their time. Rainmakers are pro-active with how they spend their time rather than reactive to the situation. Rainmakers still have flat tires, sick kids, and meetings that run late. But, they are not dealing with the emotional rain cloud of guilt which makes these minor set-backs a huge ordeal.

6. Rainmaking shatters the glass ceiling. Women still have a long way to go to reach equal pay with men. However, All the statistics about women in business go out the window when you become the rainmaker. Rainmakers eat what they kill and are rewarded based on merit. If you are concerned about being trapped by a glass ceiling, become a rainmaker!

7. Rainmakers get the resources. Working Moms from every industry generally share one common theme-time is precious and they can always use more. One way to maximize your time is to properly resource projects rather than being the super women who attempts to do it all. Of course, resources cost money and in some organizations, they are hard to come by. If you are a rainmaker, chances are very good, your organization will support you with proper resources.

8. Rainmakers choose their team. If you land a big client or a new case, you decide who works on your team. You can choose a team you enjoy working with and members with skills and schedules that compliment your own. You don’t have to include that single partner with no kids who holds every case status meeting at 7:30p.m. on Tuesdays-right in the middle of Susie’s dance class.

9. Rainmakers choose when to travel. Remember reason #1-rainmakers also set their travel schedule. Yes, you have to coordinate with clients and potential clients. But you don’t have to offer time slots in the middle of your family vacation or on your daughter’s first birthday. Rainmakers have more control than worker bees. Busy Moms need control.

10. Rainmakers have more fun! Work life balance is not about scales or equal amounts of time at home and at work. It is about being present and enjoying yourself in each role. Rainmakers are working with clients they like, doing work they love, on teams they enjoy, during hours that work for them. If this doesn’t describe your current work environment, it is time to start learning to make rain.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog- “10 rainmaking skills every working Mom has”

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on January 18, 2012. Ladies if you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you. Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Is doing good work enough to grow your practice?

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Is doing good work enough to grow your practice?: Is doing good work is enough to grow your business? This is a great question and one that I am asked frequently. My go...

Is doing good work enough to grow your practice?

Is doing good work is enough to grow your business? This is a great question and one that I am asked frequently. My go to response is, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it does it make a sound? Think about it-just doing good work poses the exact same dilemma. If you are doing good work and no one really knows about it, does it still count?

Don’t get me wrong, good work is essential to growing your practice. In the early stages of your career, often the partners or mentors providing you work are your pseudo-clients. Good work is absolutely the key to keeping your pseudo-clients happy and becoming a good lawyer. In some instances and under some business models, doing good work is enough to maintain a steady flow of work. Again-a great thing; but, not the same thing as growing your business.

When you are ready to grow your book- the rules of the game change. Just doing good work without anything else is not enough to grow your practice. Why? If all you are doing is doing good work without anything else the right people will never know about. If you want to grow your business, you must do good work AND let others know.

How do you let others know about your good work? The choices are endless. You can write an article highlighting your expertise. You can conduct a seminar. Tell your co-workers at a practice group luncheon. Teach the new lawyers in your group about your practice area. Speak at a trade show. Apply for awards and public recognition. Speak at the local bar association. Tell your work out partner, your office mates, and anyone else that will listen. The opportunities to let others know about your good work are limited only by your creativity and strategic marketing plan. But, you must DO something. You must take responsibility for finding a way to let others know about all of your good work. Good work alone will not grow your practice.

If you are a worker bee that wants to move to the next level of your career, begin to strategize about how to let others know about your good work in a manner that is comfortable to you. If you are stumped, sit down with your mentor, a rainmaking partner, or your marketing director. Chances are good he/she can help you find some opportunities to show case your brilliance.

Do not be the tree falling in the forest with no one around to hear it. Do good work, and sing about it from the rooftops. Better yet-find a strategic partner (or 12) to sing it for you. It all starts with doing good work and letting someone know about it. You can do it. It is OK. Your mother will not be disappointed. You are not being bragadocious. You are being strategic. You are being a rainmaker!

Don’t forget your umbrella, I hear rain in your forecast.

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on September 22, 2011. If you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time (and your life), reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you. Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details

Monday, September 5, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: "Power" Points- takeaways from Thursday's Power Lu...

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: "Power" Points- takeaways from Thursday's Power Lu...: “Power” Points During Thursday’s Power Lunch we discussed the lessons we have learned about running our businesses from the tumultuous ...

"Power" Points- takeaways from Thursday's Power Lunch

“Power” Points

During Thursday’s Power Lunch we discussed the lessons we have learned about running our businesses from the tumultuous economy. Here are the “power” points from our conversation:

1. Business requires face to face interaction

2. It feels great to give but if you give to the right people, you can feel great and grow your business. Be strategic.

3. Technology is wonderful but never be afraid to return to the basics. It is a people business.

4. The economy has created many interesting business partners. One of the greatest trends: Gen X kids going in to business with Boomer parents.

5. Don’t try to be something you are not. If you are a woman in business-run your business like a woman-not a man

6. It is never too late to re-invent yourself or your business. If what you are doing is not working, stop. Change direction. Fight hard for what you really want.

7. Professional women supporting one another in business = a Powerful force!

Thank you to all of the amazing women who participated. Thank you for the connection and the wisdom. I look forward to October's participants.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Yes the economy sucks-but how is your attitude?

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Yes the economy sucks-but how is your attitude?: The economy sucks. We all know it. We hear it every day, we read it in every paper, and we feel it in our retirement accounts...

Yes the economy sucks-but how is your attitude?

The economy sucks. We all know it. We hear it every day, we read it in every paper, and we feel it in our retirement accounts. But-come on folks, the economy is not responsible for everything. I recently had a conversation with a potential client who explained to me that her extreme unhappiness and disdain for her current job was a result of the loss of equity in her house. Which of course was due to the bad economy. Say what? So much for personal responsibility. It is starting to feel as if we are sloughing every responsibility off on the economy. So, today’s blog is a look at the economy through the other end of the spectrum- five great things about today’s economy.

#1- The tight job market is forcing people to evaluate their job choices and pursue jobs that appeal to them personally rather then following like lemmings to jobs that are reported to pay well. A happier work force is a great thing in my book.

#2- Families are discovering new and creative ways to enjoy one another’s company rather than purchasing the vacation-in-a-box amusement park options. I have seen three recent articles in my local paper about day trips for families or other creative ways to get away without spending a bundle. Creativity-another great!

#3-Small businesses are opening up in record fashion. The most recent stats I have seen show small businesses are growing at double digit pace from this time in 2007. Small businesses make an immediate impact on their local economies. They diversify our economy and create jobs. And, fingers crossed, this will also mean more Mom & Pop restaurants.

#4-Businesses have had to tighten their belts, re-evaluate their priorities, and dump the busy work. Everyone is doing more with less. As businesses are re-creating strategic plans with fewer headcount, the work that was keeping people busy but not moving the ball is being dumped. As anyone that has ever had to create spread sheets that no one reads, attended a meeting with no real purpose, or been assigned to a pet project with no objective knows, less busy work and more substantive work is a wonderful thing.

#5-We have rediscovered our tribal instincts. In 2007 when money was flowing and deals were happening, it was easy to fly solo. Now, there is a new movement toward doing things as a group. It is as if our survival instincts from cave man days have kicked back in and people are migrating toward tribes. I see this particularly pronounced when it comes to women. You cannot walk ten feet without meeting someone who is involved in a women’s group of some sort. Women are rising up to the occasion by supporting one another. I have heard it described as the era of women. Whatever it is-I am loving it. But, men do not fret; there are tribes for you too. Be wary of navigating the economic waters of 2011 solo, instead go find your tribe. Find a group that will help you build your business, improve your skill, and thrive in this wild economy.

I hope today’s blog made you chuckle, gave you pause, and more importantly caused you to question your own attitude. Rainmakers thrive in any economy. They understand they cannot control circumstances but they can control their attitude. If your attitude is not one that others want to “catch,” STOP. Do not pass go. Do not interact with clients, perspective clients, or anyone else. Go back to the drawing board and find a way to create a positive attitude. Your attitude is your calling card. You need a great one!

Don't forget your umbrella, I see rain in your forecast.

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold is a business coach that is passionate about your success. A mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals. Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by cracking their own personal code and doing business with intention. You can reachJonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com or www.jonellevold.com.

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on September 22, 2011. Ladies if you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you. Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details

Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: What can you learn about your career from a hairy ...

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: What can you learn about your career from a hairy ...: " Thursday, I had one of the most surreal moments of my coaching life. I was teaching a women’s class about finding your..."

What can you learn about your career from a hairy man and a Speedo?

Thursday, I had one of the most surreal moments of my coaching life. I was teaching a women’s class about finding your professional fire. The class takes place early in the morning and is held in a conference room at an attendee’s office. Thursday we were in the midst of the class when a gentleman abruptly opens the door to the conference room and asks what we are up to. I tell him it is a class. Undeterred by his obvious interruption, he proceeds to tell us that his 50^th birthday is coming up and that he is going to wear a Speedo on the beach to celebrate. After a few moments of discussion about the Speedo and the man’s hairy chest, the gentleman asks about the topic of our class. Apparently he found the topic intriguing because the next thing I know, he asks if he can sit down and share a few thought on the matter. Normally, I would have redirected the gentleman or simply asked him to leave. But, this gentleman was a little different, he was Robert Sarver, the CEO of Alliance Bank and owner of the Phoenix Suns and we were sitting in HIS conference room.

So, Robert sits down and he proceeds to share with us some very insightful advice about having a happy career. He makes it a point to tell us that no amount of money or professional success will make you happy; happiness in an internal job. He also explains how he worked hard to get to his current position and some of the best moments along the way involved working hard while being surrounded by good people. He tells us good people are they key to good business. He shared with us his concerns about being a good father as he is able to provide ample resources for his children but that he worries every day about over-indulging them. He talks about the ups and downs of all careers, relationships, and life. He tells us that whatever choices you make, you have to be able to live with yourself so don’t play in the grey areas. For fifteen minutes, this very busy man shared his time and his wisdom with a complete group of strangers. From making decisions that his deceased father would approve of, to withstanding public scrutiny, Robert shared it all. Then, as abruptly as he came in, he stands, wishes us all well and leaves.

After he leaves, I look around the room at the shock, delight, and confusion on the faces of the women. In the wake of his departure, we have a very meaningful conversation about the wisdom of his words and the application to our careers. We had a fantastic discussion about the many gems that he shared with us and how to act upon his words. Here are the take-aways I found within his words

1. It is up to you if you want to be happy

2. Career satisfaction involves understanding your personal values and living them ever day. (some of Robert’s values are integrity, family, and connectedness)

3. We are all human-success doesn’t change our basic needs.

4. If you have something to say- Speak up. Even when you are not invited to do so. You never know whose life you will touch with your words!

5. If you are a man over 25 and you want to wear a Speedo, please find a good waxer.

As I am sure you can imagine, after Robert left the agenda for the class was completely shot. But, what a fabulous way to spend our time together. I cannot wait until the next hairy man with a Speedo interrupts my class!

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Maximize your time to maximize your success

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Maximize your time to maximize your success: " Wake up before dawn. Hurry to shower and get dressed before kids wake up. Wake up kids. Yell, plead, and cry to get kids read..."

Maximize your time to maximize your success

Wake up before dawn. Hurry to shower and get dressed before kids wake up. Wake up kids. Yell, plead, and cry to get kids ready and out the door on time. Scurry from room to room to gather stuff, scoop up kids who have now wandered back into the house, and get into car. Speed to school to avoid the tardy slip and the accompanying parent walk into the office (as that will eat up even more time.) Drop kids, drive like maniac to get to office in time for first conference call. Get to office- run from fire to fire. After 10 hours of fires, drive like maniac to pick up kids before day care closes and you are tagged with a late fee. Hurry home. Rush around to get dinner started and homework underway. Speed through evening process- dinner, bath, clean up house. Back to work for another hour or two. Fall into bed exhausted and set the alarm to do it all again tomorrow.

If any of the above sounded even remotely familiar-it is time to grab a hold of your calendar with both fists and regain control of your schedule and your life.

Calendars are meant to be a tool to HELP you not a navigation system for finding the next fire. From one over-achiever to another, trust me you really cannot do it all and the way you are currently managing your time is not working.

Many professionals are superb at managing time when someone else is involved but do not respect or honor their own time. Let me walk you through an example of this.

Here is today’s to-do list:

1. Schedule a meeting with a former client (former client is not expecting your call)

2. Attend a monthly networking lunch

3. Coffee with a friend from out of town who wants to talk to you about joining the local fundraising committee.

4. Catch up on monthly time sheets so that you are not under the gun on the 31^st (reminder-today is August 8^th) as you are leaving town the next day.

5. Conference call with two other participants.

It is Monday and true to form, your day goes sideways. You find yourself in a situation where you only have time to complete two of the items on your to-do list Which ones do you complete?

If you are like most of the busy professionals I know, you probably selected items #3 and #5 since those items involve interaction with someone else. 99% of you probably decided to spend the time to meet with the friend about the local fundraising committee-even though you do not want to join the fundraising committee and don’t have time for the committee because you respect your friend’s calendar and you don’t want to waste his/her time by canceling at the last minute. (Take a moment and ponder the truth of this. Scary-huh?)

Some of you may have considered items #1 and #2 but I doubt anyone chose item #4. Even though, completing item #4 will mean avoiding fires on the 31^st as you are trying to get out of town for that last summer vacation. I know-you are thinking yeah but the time sheets can be completed tomorrow or another day. You are right IF you make them a priority and honor your time and complete them. Most of you will continue to let the time sheets slide until the 31^st. The result will be a hair on fire, running like a mad man sort of day on the 31^st that may even bleed into your otherwise relaxing (and clearly much needed) vacation.

If you are tired of running around crazed searching for an extra few minutes of time-start making better choices about your time. Choose to respect and honor your own time as much as you respect and honor others. Choose to complete the items on your daily to do list that are mission critical to you. We cannot create more time. We all have the same 24 hours. The only difference between those who achieve massive success and happiness with their 24 hours and those who spend their 24 hours running around from meeting to meeting gasping for air as they arrive five minutes late for each appointment is choice. Before you schedule that next meeting, say yes to the next committee, or sign up for the PTA-step back and think about what you really want out of life. Is saying yes to these opportunities moving you forward? If not-politely decline. You will be saying no to the opportunity but yes to a life!

Need some help on additional strategies to maximize your time? Visit my website http://www.jonellevold.com or consider the upcoming STMA class.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Learn to love Mondays

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: You love Fridays-but what about Mondays? Part 2: " Good morning Rainmakers-it is here. Monday morning has arrived. Did you meet it with dread and apprehension about the upcoming..."

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: You love Fridays-but what about Mondays? Part 2

Friday, July 29, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: You love Fridays-but what about Mondays?

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: You love Fridays-but what about Mondays?: " OK Rainmakers-its Friday. I know this brings great joy to the depths of many of your hearts. I work from a home office on Frid..."

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: You love Fridays-but what about Mondays?

You love Fridays-but what about Mondays? Part 2

Good morning Rainmakers-it is here. Monday morning has arrived. Did you meet it with dread and apprehension about the upcoming week or did you meet it with a spring in your step and enthusiasm for its possibilities? If you are still working on the transition from dread to excitement, here are 5 easy things you can do this morning in one hour to grow your business and begin to treasure your Mondays.

If your office is a mess, spend 15 minutes getting organized. I know it is hard to spend time on non-substantive projects but the time you spend this morning will pay huge dividends through the week. You will actually save yourself time and frustration later if you spend the time today to get organized now. Not to mention, you will feel better walking into the office. No one wants to walk into a mess. From one paper piler to another-trust me on this. (Yes Mom-you were right all along)

Spend 5 minutes and set your rainmaking goal. Do you need to make 5 phone calls to former clients? Take 1 strategic partner to lunch? Maybe you need to attend 1 networking event, write 1 blog, and meet 3 new people? You get the idea. If you are serious about becoming a rainmaker, it is time to get moving. Evaluate your business and set a rainmaking goal for yourself. It is OK to start small. But-get started.

Spend 15 minutes identifying your low-hanging fruit. We all have people ready to do business with us. Who do you already know that with one phone call or one meeting is ready to send you business or hire you? Is there an existing client that mentioned they are opening an office in a new location? A friend from college that recently changed companies? A new law that potentially impacts your clients? Spend some time this morning thinking about your biggest opportunities and how you can move the ball. Then schedule some time on your calendar to execute on the opportunity i.e. make the phone call, schedule the lunch, write the memo, etc.

Spend 15 minutes creating a to-do list for the week. Get it all on there-the important projects you have been avoiding, the silly errands that must be done, and or course the dream projects that get your juices flowing. Once all the projects are on the list, review the list and prioritize it. Prioritize based on your upcoming deadlines but also based upon your vision and plan for yourself for the future. If the latter part of this sentence sounds totally foreign, it is gut check time. Are you living from fire to fire or are you spending time being strategic and crafting today so that you meet tomorrow's goals?

Spend 10 minutes in gratitude. Even if you hate your Monday mornings, you have a place to go on Monday morning. If you are reading this-you have a computer. You probably had a warm bed that you slept in and you woke up. Maybe you have a wonderful family to hug your neck and wish you a good day. You likely have an education and a world of opportunities at your fingertips. My challenge to you today is to spend 10 minutes just being thankful. For the ambitious rainmakers, send a thank you note to someone for something. If someone paid you, hired you, sent you work, or helped you in any way last week-that is a good place to start. If none of that is true for you, send a thank you note to your mentor, a former professor, anyone. Being grateful is a learned state. So, just start. I promise you that if you spend the time to think about it you have a LOT to be thankful for including Monday morning which is full of awesome potential.

Bonus- If you are like most of my coaching clients, you are probably an over-achiever and completed the above activities in less than an hour. If so-here is a bonus suggestion. Read something inspiring. Instead of jumping into the 100 emails that are waiting for you, spend an extra 5 minutes, scour the web and read a story that inspires you. It doesn't have to be work related. Just find something that speaks to you and reminds you that the world is about more than the waiting projects on your desk. The inspiration will provide you new energy, creativity, and optimism for the work week ahead.

Rainmakers are not born, they are created. Rainmakers know that time is a gift that cannot be wasted. Every day is important-even Mondays.

May your Monday be filled with possibility and some of the excitement normally reserve for Fridays afternoon. Don't forget your umbrella-I see rain in your forecast!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Be a stickler when it comes to your success!

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Be a stickler when it comes to your success!: " I am not normally a stickler for details. I am generally pretty good at going with the flow and not letting insistence on ..."

Be a stickler when it comes to your success!

I am not normally a stickler for details. I am generally pretty good at going with the flow and not letting insistence on perfection ruin my experience. But, when it comes to your success, I am a stickler. Today, I want to talk about details when it comes to how you engage with others to advance your career. Whether you are speaking with a mentor, asking a strategic partner for an introduction, or even reaching out for a new job opportunity, working with others can expedite your career advancement. However, there are some details you need to follow when you are engaged in this process. These details are important and cannot be overlooked.

First and foremost-you MUST care more about your career than the person you are asking to help you. I know-many of you are thinking, yeah of course. However, I see this and experience it all the time. Caring more about your career than the other person means that YOU are responsible for making the contact or following up if you are lucky to have someone proactively reach out to you. YOU are responsible for keeping the appointment. YOU are responsible for the follow up after the appointment. This is your career. If you want someone to help show him/her that it is worth it by taking the initiative and owning the responsibility of the engagement.

The people who are best situated to help you with your career are probably also very busy. Assume this and act accordingly. Don’t email them and ask them to call you. Instead, you pick up the phone and call them or send an email and schedule a time to talk. If you leave your success up to the determination of their busy schedule-YOU will be disappointed. Plus-pushing the responsibility for the contact to the other person sends a message that you either don’t understand that they are busy or don’t value their assistance and contact enough to make the appointment yourself.

The second detail-make it easy to help you. If possible, do your research in advance. Know what you want from the person when you show up. If what you need most is someone to brainstorm with so that you can formulate a plan-say so. But, don’t make the other person guess about what you are looking for. Like anything else in life, if you don’t ask-you don’t get. So showing up with no idea what you want or need will get you vague answers and likely lead you to confusion. Plus, it is a frustrating waste of your time and the other person’s time. Don’t allow this to happen. Take the time to think about why you want to meet with this person and outline a meeting agenda or meeting objectives.

Finally, remember your manners. If someone takes the time to meet with you to help you advance your career, please send a thank you note. I know in the era of email it is tempting to shoot over a thank you email. Resist this urge and instead take the time to put actual pen to paper and send a thank you note. It is also appropriate to keep the person in the loop about your advancement. Human beings are natural social creatures. We want to help one another. Asking someone for help and then sharing your journey will keep the person invested in your career. It will also be very satisfying for them.

If you are taking the time to read this, I know you care about your success. So join me in being a stickler for the details.

Don’t forget your umbrella-I see rain in your forecast

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on September 8, 2011. Ladies if you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you. Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details

Monday, July 11, 2011

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Charge your career!

The Monsoon- Making Rain in the Southwest: Charge your career!: " Today’s post is for those folks who have found themselves on the short side of the post-2008 job market. If you have recen..."

Charge your career!

Today’s post is for those folks who have found themselves on the short side of the post-2008 job market. If you have recently lost a job or struggled to find a job utilizing your professional skills, this week’s blog series is for you.

Let's say it one time-you lost your job. It is unfair, it is scary, and it sucks! OK it is out of our system, now let’s get down to the business of discussing some practical things that you can do to turn lemons into lemonade.

Stop blaming, whining, crying, and any other “ing” that doesn’t make you feel amazing.

I know that going through a job loss can be terrifying. I know that often job losses happen in a very inequitable and unsettling manner. But-staying stuck in the negative emotions is going to lessen your chances of finding a job. Human beings are attracted to positive energy. Your first job is to find a way (hire a therapist, write a letter, allow yourself one day to tell everyone, etc.) to see and feel the positive in this situation. Play mind games with yourself if you have to, somehow someway you need to find a positive place and remain there during the job search process.

I was just talking to a friend who has found herself on the opposite side of employment and she mentioned that the hardest part is waiting for potential employers to respond to resume drops. My response-stop waiting and take charge. This is your opportunity to re-invent your career. Take the bull by the horns. Stop waiting to find your dream job advertised and instead write your own dream job description. Then, start looking for companies that match your description. If you cannot find a dream company-maybe you need to start one.

In my younger days I played a lot of softball. It didn’t take too many shots to the jaw to discover that if I sat back and waited for the ball to come to me-it often took a bad bounce. If I charged the ball, I could scoop it before it had a chance to move in any unpredictable ways. The same theory applies to your search. If you are without a job, you do not have the luxury of waiting for someone to advertise the job of your dreams. You do not have time to submit a resume and wait for someone to call you. All of the waiting is going to end with a bad bounce to the jaw. Charge your career. Do research, submit unsolicited resumes, call up the hiring partner of the firm of your dreams and tell him/her why that firm is the firm of your dreams. Really live and ask to buy said hiring partner a cup of coffee to discuss what you can bring to the firm. Take chances you wouldn’t take while you are employed. What do you have to lose?

The other advantage of charging your career-all of the positive momentum will leave you FEELING positive as well. And, as previously discussed, when you are feeling great-people are automatically drawn to you. So, as you are interviewing for your dream job you will be in a GREAT state of mind attracting your interviewer to you and increasing your chances of being hired! Ain’t life grand?!?

Get our there

If you are in search of a new opportunity, everyone you know should be aware of said search. This means, getting out there. I don’t care how reserved and shy you think you are. If you have had a professional job, you have a network. Now is the time to put your network to work for you. Once you have identified the specifics of your dream job and any companies that offer your dream job-scream it from the rooftops. Tell your neighbors, your former co-workers, college roommate and anyone else that will listen. If you know what you are looking for, it becomes exponentially easier to spot it. Really play the odds and use your network to help spot it.

I know it can be a little awkward to call up people you have not talked to in awhile to ask for their help. If you really want a job- DO IT anyway. Here is a little secret-people like to help other people. I have received phone calls from friends of friends, old classmates, and my husband’s former co-workers. Each time, I was flattered that they called me and was more than willing to help. If you are in a positive state, and I know you will be because you read the first part of this blog and understand how important it is, members of your network will be happy to hear from you. Your phone call will be a chat with an old friend not a draining therapy session. So, get out of your own head, stop making excuses, and start making those phone calls.

Don’t overlook social media. One of the greatest benefits of social media is that you can get information out to the masses quickly. So, don’t be shy about posting a positive message about what you are looking for on LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Twitter. Search for your dream company on LinkedIn and follow it. Search your network for anyone that may have connections to your dream company and reach out to them. Look for networking events, seminars, and workshops sponsored by your dream company and attend. Search the Internet for articles or blogs written by employees of the dream company and respond. Find ways to connect yourself to the opportunities you want. Your search is limited only by your own creativity and determination.

One of the most detrimental patterns I see from job hunters is allowing themselves to become socially isolated. For many, work was is the foundation of their social life. If this is you-you have to find a way to stay connected to real people. Computers are great tools but online chats do not substitute for human contact. If you can afford it, join a gym or take a hobby class. If money is tight-attend free events in your community. Attend a free Meetup, free lecture, job fairs, and chamber activities. Get out of bed every day, dress for success, and find people. This will prevent you from falling into isolation and keep you in that critical positive state that I keep harping on.

In today’s economy, many talented, well-educated, and driven people have found themselves in the midst of unexpected job hunt. The truth is, it can happen to anyone that is employed by someone else. So, if it’s you-charge your career. Seize this opportunity and go find (or create) the job of your dreams!

Still need a boost? I will offer one free 60 minute coaching session to anyone that contacts me as a result of today's blog. Now you are totally out of excuses. Let's get started!