Challenges?

With the summer quickly waning, it's time to turn our sites back to business. For some people that means a new school year, for others that means a rush toward meeting end-of-year business goals. With your goals in front of you, what are the biggest stumbling blocks - the biggest challenges - that you must hurdle, work around, or plow through to reach your success?

Just Say "No"

Running at today’s hectic pace, time for yourself is a rare commodity. Making space for you means saying “No” to others. When is the last time you said “No” to someone else? How does saying “No” make you feel?

Emails

Thank you for sharing your e-mail experiences - all of which have one critical thing in common - thinking. When we are face to face with a person, we are careful with our words. When we sit behind a computer, we tend to write - and respond - without thinking or fully reading.

Help your e-mail readers with these techniques:

1. Never assume that the person remembers you or the last thing you talked about. Always start your e-mail with a memory jogger. Identify not just yourself, but the topic you are addressing.

2. Always assume that people are busy and will most likely skim your e-mail. Use bolding, underlining, and repetition for important action items, so even if the reader skims, actions will stand out.

3. Always think twice before opening an e-mail, and think ten times before opening an attachment. In a world of hackers and unregulated marketing, always be on red alert for viruses and scams.

I'd like to have your input:

What's your worst email experience?

Hi Everyone!

My name is Melinda Condray. I was spurred to tackle my technology fear-dragon and enter blog-land for two primary reasons.

First is to introduce myself and my first book - "Goals to Go!" - that is being launched on August 4th.

Second is to tap into the wisdom pool by listening to your comments on topics that fuel my passion - helping people succeed phenomenally.

I am a business coach and consultant, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and president of Strategic Perceptions. Since 2000, I have coached and presented to hundreds of business owners and corporate professionals that have included participants from Cisco Systems, Mercer, Merrill Lynch, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Maryland Judicial Information Systems, and the National Association of Women Business Owners. I am a contributing columnist for the Baltimore Business Journal and have been featured in The Business Monthly, The Jeffersonian, Diversity, Inc. Magazine, and North County News.

Like my approach to strategic thinking, "Goals to Go!" was inspired by my clients, audiences, friends, and colleagues. The most resounding message I heard is that time to read a book is a scarce commodity. That's why "Goals to Go!" is designed as a practical resource - you can read any chapter and get full value without reading the rest of the book.

"Goals to Go!" is about you, your success, and what you need to achieve it. More than success, it is a fast track that can move you past blocks, tame your dragons, and provide you with the skills, tools, and plan you need to claim your success.

Make sure to check back for updates and tips from my book!