Announcing It’s All in the BRA! A New Radio Show Exploring Women in Business

Posted on May 2, 2013 by admin

It's All in the Bra

 NEW RADIO SHOW EXPLORES WOMEN IN BUSINESS, SEEKS TO EMPOWER WOMEN LEADERS IN BUSINESS COMMUNITY

─  “It’s All in the BRA: Business-Revenue-Assets With Wendy Hanson” Premieres Monday, May 6, 2013 on Contact Talk Radio International and Select Satellite Stations ─ 

OAKLAND, Calif. ─ Tuesday, April 9, 2013 ─   Wendy Hanson Connects today announced the launch of its new radio show “It’s All in the BRA: Business-Revenue-Assets,” premiering on Monday, May 6, 2013, on Contact Talk Radio International (http://www.contacttalkradio.com). Hosted by Wendy Hanson, an experienced business and executive coach and co-author of “The Sassy Ladies’ Toolkit for Start-up Businesses,” the new show focuses on the rapidly growing community of women business leaders and entrepreneurs.

According to a 2013 report by American Express OPEN, there are more than 8.6 million women-owned businesses generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing 7.8 million people. Since 1997, the number of women-owned enterprises grew at a rate that is 1-1/2 times the national average.

“It’s All in the BRA: Business-Revenue-Assets” strives to empower these millions of women business leaders by creating a dialogue on the issues most important to their success.

“Women hold incredibly valuable perspectives and wisdom that can contribute to a much richer business community than we have ever seen in the past,” said Hanson. “The goal of our new show is to provide a forum to discuss the unique issues facing women business leaders and entrepreneurs, including leadership skills, strategies for growing our businesses and ideas for empowering the next generation of women leaders.”

“It’s All in the BRA: Business-Revenue-Assets” will air live online every Monday at 9 a.m. PDT on Contact Talk Radio International. The show will also be available through select satellite stations and online streaming via iTunes Radio, LIVE365.com, Ping.FM, TuneIn.com, Upsnap Mobile and Xiaa Mobile. For more information, visit http://ctrnetwork.com/profile/itsallintheBRA.

What topics would you like to see covered?  Wendy would love to hear from you. Go here to share your wisdom, thoughts and ideas.

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Hiring Great People

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

teamsOne of the most important jobs of a leader is hiring great people. Many companies such as Google take a long time to get to know someone during the hiring period. I’ve heard it has taken up to six months. They want to make sure that they have the right people in the right seats on the bus. So how do you do this in your business?

Well, recently there was a great article in the “Corner Office” section of the New York Times and an interview with Kris Duggan, who is CEO and co-founder of Badgeville. (Badgeville designs game based programs for businesses.) He was asked about how he hires people. I loved his answer because it was so easily adaptable to your business or work situation. Everybody wants to hire people that sparkle. You need to feel it about someone, and you can. As Kris talks about in the article, it’s not about being introverted or extroverted. You can still be a very quiet person but have that sparkle. You also want to have people that get things done.

I’ve had this experience with hiring in the past. You might have a few good people that you’re talking to, but you’re really not sure they can produce. What is the level of quality of their work? I agree with Kris that you need to give them some homework. In my past experience I was hiring somebody to run an alternative high school in Massachusetts. I had two great candidates. We needed someone who could do curriculum development. So I asked them both candidates to come in and present some ideas and a template for developing curriculum for this population of young people. When they did that, it separated who was going to be the creative one and the one that gets things done, and the one that may not have been as good for the position. Years later, the woman who I hired to run this alternative high school is now a principal in a school in Massachusetts and has done an exemplary job through her whole career.

Kris makes the point that when you ask people to do homework, don’t even give them a date or a time, because you want to see how timely they are. Will they get things done? How will they clarify what they need to do? So next time you’re trying to hire someone, consider what you’ll need from that person and what it will take for them to be most successful.

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Fake It ‘til You Make It

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

confidence

Have you ever lost your confidence? Have you ever experienced a time in your business or in your work where you felt like everything was just going wrong? Especially if you are an entrepreneur, you are bound to have those days! As many wise people have said over the years, it’s not about the bad things that happen to us in life, it’s how we deal with them.

When you face tough times, do you wear that on your sleeve? I’ve had many experiences lately when I’ve been at a business meeting with colleagues and asked about someone going to a convention and they answered, “Oh no. Business is so bad right now. I can’t afford to do anything.” When we are presenting our public persona we need to be careful what it looks like.

There are so many sayings such as “Fake it ‘til you make it,” “Success breeds success,” but they’re so true. Act as if things are working fine. Don’t be inauthentic, but you do not need to bring your dirty laundry out in public. You need to let people know that you are doing well and or improving! Also remember, there is so much learning during these times. Don’t be hard on yourself.

Believe me, in my experience in coaching people for fifteen years, there have been many ups and downs. But what I’m proud of is that during the downs, I didn’t loose faith that things will get better.  And, sure enough, the more that I looked at what was possible, the more that I kept a vision for where I wanted to go – the more success came.

So fake it ‘til you make it. Your brain will feel the difference.

 

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Remote Teams and Connection

Posted on March 7, 2013 by admin

ConnectionSo many companies, especially high tech and online media companies are working remotely. How do we build connection when we are spread out across the country?  Building connection to build a team needs to be very intentional when you work remotely. The companies I work with have determined that technology tools can break down the remoteness of being remote.

Some tips for connecting remotely:

  1. As a manager, make sure that you do your one-on-one meetings using Skype, Google Hangout or other video conference tools. It is important to be able to see the other person. This is critically important. The mirror neurons in our brain reflect what you are seeing in the other person. This only happens when you can see their face.  Check out the TED talk by V.S. Ramachandran about “The Neurons That Shaped Civilization.”
  2. Teams need to have a way to collaborate. A few companies that I work with are finding great success using HipChat and Campfire. You need to create virtual meeting rooms where people can get together and share ideas and challenges. The more that you are able to use the technology tools the more people will begin to feel part of the company — and that breeds “ownership.”
  3. Although bringing people together for in-person meetings can be expensive, it will make a huge difference. Make sure at least twice a year you can bring people together. You cannot build camaraderie without spending some personal time with other people on your team. When you feel “connected” and you go back you will feel safe asking questions, getting feedback and moving the ball ahead. That’s good business.

As a leader, it’s a question you always need to be asking yourself. “Do my people working remotely or in separate offices feel connected to the vision and mission of the company? Are their voices being heard? Do I know how they are feeling?”

On my BlogTalkRadio Show “Business Innovators,” I did an interview with Crystal Lauderdale from Patch.com. Crystal leads remote teams in the southeast. Check out her tips and you can also download the show.

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Connection Builds Teams

Posted on February 24, 2013 by admin

Rockridge ToastmastersWhat comes to your mind when I say—“Connection Builds Teams”? Does your brain say—“oh yes” or “huh?”

There is important data that backs up the theory that when you are connected with people at work and have satisfying relationships, you will be more productive and happy and more likely to stay with the company.

This is critically important information around how we set up offices and provide the time and space for connection. The Gallup organization has done many studies documented in First, Break All The Rules: What The World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. They say job success is correlated to “having a best friend at work.” Many people have pushed back on the language of “having a best friend at work,” but the statistics speak for themselves.

In the Gallup Business Journal, they discuss the value of connection at work.

“When strong engagement is felt in a work group, employees believe that their coworkers will help them during times of stress and challenge. In this day of rapid-fire change, reorganization, mergers, and acquisitions, having best friends at work may be the true key to effective change integration and adaptation. When compared to those who don’t, employees who have best friends at work identify significantly higher levels of healthy stress management, even though they experience the same levels of stress.”

How do we build connection at work? One way is to provide opportunities. For instance, I’m a member of the Rockridge Toastmasters and recently held a Pot Luck Supper” in my home. (see picture) My intention was to bring people together so they will get to know each other beyond the one hour they spend each week building leadership and speaking skills. They can now be more supportive because they can build their relationships on a different level. People learn so much about each other when they have this time to hang out and socialize. I am curious to see what happens and how deepening these relationships will enhance our support of each other.

I use the Strengths Based Leadership Assessment with my clients and teams. My talents, which I have built into strengths are empathy, positivity, connectedness, focus, and responsibility. So it’s pretty clear that I am hard wired to connect, and it’s really important to me.

Even if it’s not that important to you, if you are a manager or a leader, think of what kind of impact this could have for your team. When things get tough-think of how connection can bring your people together.

What are some of your ideas for connection? I would love to hear about it.

 

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Your Personal Org Chart

Posted on January 29, 2013 by admin

Personal Org ChartWhen you think about an organizational chart, what comes to your mind? Most people think of the rigid charts that document the reporting lines in a big organization. It’s usually a top-down structure.

There’s a different way to create an org chart. In your business life, whether you’re inside a company or an entrepreneur in your own business, you need an org chart of the people that support you to be the best you can be. In addition, you need the same thing in your personal life. Unless you are a total introvert and don’t need anybody for anything, you need a personal org chart.

Let’s start with business. If you’re in a company, the org chart of your business holds the people within your organization that are your “go to people” for support. Maybe you have “Jill” on there because in your organization, Jill is someone who always knows what’s going on. If you’ve missed some of the water cooler conversation, you can check with Jill.

Then there’s your social needs for friends at work. Who do you have lunch with or go for a drink with after work? The Gallup organization has done multiple studies about what makes people successful at work. Having close relationships at work, personal connections, even having “a best friend at work” is attributed to success in the workplace. These things don’t always happen naturally; oftentimes we need to build them.

If you’re an entrepreneur and have your own business, you need an org chart of the people that support you in running your business. As an entrepreneur I have a virtual assistant, Sharon; I have my tech guy, Chris; I have a bookkeeper, Kaylyn; I have my CPA, Mike; I have my video guy, Jim.  I have a team of people that are spread across the country that I can use who have talents that I don’t have or do things I don’t have time to do. When I can delegate to my team, I can play a bigger game in my own business.  So the org chart of my life in my business is my support team.

Last but certainly not least, you need an org chart for your personal life. I found this was important to me when planning a balanced and fulfilling life.  In order for me to step away from my work, I need to put things in my personal life that call me to action. If you’ve read any of my previous posts, I am a member of the Oakland Renegades Dragon Boat Racing Team. That group is on my personal org chart. They meet my need for getting physically fit and for leaving my office for paddling practice.  I’ve developed great friendships with people on the team. We do things socially as well as Dragon Boat racing.

In addition on my Personal Org Chart, I have my best friend Judy. Since I was 12 years old- she’s the one I talk to when I need to share great things and or need a shoulder to lean on.  I have eight different people or groups on my personal org chart. These are people that make my life richer and fuller.

As we move into 2013, hopefully you’ve looked at some of the goals that you want to create for 2013. But think about the Org Chart of Your Life in these three different areas and see where you’re going to get the support you need to make 2013 your best year yet.

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Look Back, to Move Forward

Posted on December 18, 2012 by admin

boy looking through binocularsIn looking ahead to plan next year, what is important to you in 2013? What do you want this next year to be about? I believe if we do not create the map for where we want to go, we will never be able to get there. There’s also a part of our brain that is yearning for that kind of information. The reticular activating system of the brain is the part of the brain that will create focus. Set goals, create your vision and your brain will support your efforts — effortlessly!

To get yourself ready for the New Year, you need to look back in order to move forward.

  • What did you learn about yourself as a businessperson or entrepreneur in 2012?
  • What were your three key learning’s that you want to take with you?
  • What are three things that you want to leave behind as you move into 2013?

Leaving behind things that don’t serve you is important. Maybe it’s a habit, maybe it’s a failure that you’ve learned from and now want to leave behind. If you don’t carry them over the new year’s threshold, then you can clear space for the great things to come in 2013.

  • What are the three major successes you had in 2012?
  • What is your theme to be for 2013?

As you reflect, picture yourself on December 31, 2013. Looking back, what are you going to be most happy with that you have been able to accomplish?

Just make sure as you begin to look at those New Year’s goals, resolutions, plans — look back so you learn in order to move forward.

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I Can’t Do That!

Posted on November 26, 2012 by admin

barebackHave you ever come up against an activity, a goal or a job and said, “I can’t do that!” Where has that shown up for you?  Have you seen yoga postures, technical problems on your computer or physical challenges and said; “I can’t do that.” There are many opportunities in life to reach beyond our edge. In fact it’s so good for the soul. In my experience many of these edges show up at work and also in my personal life.

I recently had a fabulous four-day trip to Jamaica with my best friend Judy. After catching up on the past and the present, we had time to sit and talk about the future. To our surprise, we realized that we both had a bucket list that included horseback riding on the beach. Since earning my Girl Scout Badge at Pelham Bit Stables in the Bronx, New York, I haven’t been on a horse since. But somehow this has remained on my list. Judy and I decided to do this together and cross it off our bucket list, and found a great opportunity in Jamaica.

FallingWe were told to come prepared with a bathing suit, long pants, sneakers, and off we went. First, we did the trail ride through the plantations. Our guide, Byron shared stories of his unique insights on Jamaica. The plantation path gave way to the beach and we trotted along the beautiful blue water, waves lapping on the white sand and the smell of the sea and a tropical breeze.

Then, we meandered down to a beautiful little cove. Byron said it was time to give the horses a rest. Judy and I dismounted and Byron took the saddles off the horses. After about a fifteen-minute break he said, “Now we’re going to ride in the water.” He took us, one at a time, bareback riding in the beautiful warm water. It was amazing! The horse loved the water. And it was such a freeing feeling, although a tad bit more uncomfortable than riding on a saddle. They have big spines!

SplashThen, I thought that this was the end of my peak experience. Byron pulled his horse up to mine also sitting bareback, and said, “Now, you’re going to stand on the horse.” I said, “I can’t do that!” He said, “Yes, you can!” Bryon held my hand and gave me verbal instructions to move my feet, bend my knees, and stand … while in my head I kept saying, “I can’t do that!” With his good coaching and patience, within one minute I was standing bareback on my horse. It was a thrill! Then coming down I slipped and flew off the side of the horse behind Byron, laughing hysterically and so pleased with myself. I could do that!

How many times do we refuse to push past our beliefs that we can’t do something? If we believe we can’t do it, most times we won’t even try. This is true in our business life and in our personal life. Where are you refusing to stretch, or thinking it’s just impossible? I invite you to think about when you say “I can’t do that” and consider some breakthroughs as you begin planning for 2013.

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Renegades – Business Lessons From Dragon Boat Racing

Posted on September 25, 2012 by admin

Renegade Wendy

Last month, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, I learned more about myself and teaming than I have in a while. Treasure Island, a jewel of an island buried beneath the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, provided the perfect setting for 3,500 paddlers from around the world. The Oakland Renegades practiced for months to get ready for this great race. The 50 members of my team huddled on a cold, dark Saturday morning waiting to receive our racing instructions. It was the 17th Annual Dragon Boat Racing Championship.

A few lessons I learned:

Lesson #1: Losing can still be winning.

Our coach Mike circled us up and said, “We’re a new team. We’re just getting started. You did really well. You did your best. These other teams probably race five, six times a week. Don’t worry; we’re going to keep getting better.”  Mike engaged us all in this debrief after each race. We failed to place in the top 3 in any of our races. That hurts when there are only 4 boats. We “left it all on the water” and gave it everything we had. Mike made us feel good about the opportunities ahead of us to work harder.  We are now going to incorporate a boot camp into our training. My teammates and I strutted around like winners, even though we didn’t place in the race. Clearly, our best was yet to come.

Many companies hyper focus on the metrics and can loose sight of the accomplishments and growth. Celebrating effort and pointing to what’s possible helps teams stick together.

Coaching questions to help you dig deeper…

How does this show up in your work? Do you take the time to celebrate what is working and keep pointing to a brighter future?

Lesson #2: Teams need leaders and followers.

Dragon racing

There is no “I” in teamwork. Oh, that’s an old saying, but boy is it true in dragon boat racing. The strokers sit in the front row of the boat and set the pace. All eyes are focused on the strokers. Successfully paddling the boat requires everyone paddling at the same speed. Whether it’s an “upstroke,” which is fast, or the full dragon paddle, which is a bit slower and deeper, all paddlers must be it in sync. Great paddlers focus on the strokers.

Learning to focus on the actions of others and be a great follower is a critical lesson for business. In dragon boat racing, you don’t look at your own paddle. It’s not about you; it’s about the rest of the people on the boat. In business, we need confident leaders and committed followers.

Coaching questions to help you dig deeper…

How does this show up in your work and your business? Who sets the pace and who follows?

Lesson #3: What lures us in won’t always keep us there.

Dragon boats

Can I tell you something?  I am not a jock. Paddling lured me in because I wanted a fun way to be physically active. The experience has shifted some of my perceptions about myself. Now, I want to push harder. I want to be stronger. I want to constantly improve my strength and my stroke.

What keeps me paddling and working hard is the culture of the Oakland Renegades.  I have never been on this type of sports team. The culture exudes camaraderie, support and fun. Our social time is as important as our paddling time. The Renegades take care of each other. The team emits a “renegade” vibe and I like that.

In business, what attracts us to jobs or opportunities needs to be incredibly life affirming to keep us committed. Working with people that you can learn from and who “have your back” is a gift. A person who is innovative and creative is often a renegade. I choose to bring my renegade self to all my work.

Coaching questions to help you dig deeper…

Is your company culture luring staff and customers in? Can you keep them? What does it feel like to be in your work environment?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on teams and on being a renegade.

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Leadership Lesson: Love Works

Posted on September 4, 2012 by admin

SagaskolanAn esteemed colleague and good friend heard Joel Manby speak about his book, “Love Works,” at a Toastmaster Conference.  He said, “You would really like this guy.”

I just finished listening to the audio book.  He was so right.

Joel’s book is about seven timeless principles for effective leaders.  He bases it on the Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  In my experience, it’s unusual to find a business book based on a Bible verse.  I found the lessons and the stories to be inspiring.  Joel knows that business is about profit and the bottom line.  But we can do it, and possibly achieve even better results, using love.

Love is …

  • Patient
  • Kind
  • Trusting
  • Unselfish
  • Truthful
  • Forgiving
  • Dedicated

Sagaskolan BuildingLast week I was in Stockholm, Sweden visiting my cousins.  One of my cousins, Eva Steene is the principal of a school that serves children ages 7-10 years old called Sagaskolan.  I saw “Leadership with Love” in action in this school.

The children in the school are very diverse and speak over 30 different “mother tongues,” the language of their birth countries and parents.  They slowly learn Swedish and will eventually learn English.  Eva has a total of 35 staff, 15 of them teachers.  The doors open for the children at 7:30am and close about 6:30pm.  The school provides “day care” before and after school for working parents.

I experienced the principles of love and leadership in Eva and her staff.  Robin Fransson greeted each of her children at the door with eye contact, a quiet touch, some acknowledging words followed by a huge smile.  The children all waited patiently for their personal greeting.  I was moved just watching them.

Pratema Parekh was teaching basic addition when I joined her class.  She was so engaging and patient.  Although every thing was in Swedish, I could feel the love and support she gave each student as they worked on their math.  After math, a few children had the opportunity to come to the front of the room, sit in a special chair and describe the story of a drawing that they created.  Other children then could ask the student questions.  Pratema held the space for a beautiful, encouraging dialogue.  The children left the front of the room very proud with big smiles.

Teacher's Room at SagaSkolanMy cousin Eva, greeted her teachers in a similar way.  There were hugs, laughter and sharing as they began the day in the Teacher’s Room.  Eva went to the office early to make sure they had fresh coffee.  During my visit, we had many discussions about giving feedback, helping parents who were struggling and how to support her staff on a daily basis.  She was amazing.  She leads her school with love, commitment and passion.

How does this show up in your business or your work?  How do you use these leadership principles with your customers, clients, team members or employees?

As you work on your goals and to do lists, these fit into a very important new list – the “To Be” list.  Who do you want to be in your business?

 

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