This is Why I Use Facebook!

Over the last six month, two former "acquaintances", both fellow UConn classmates have sought me out.

In one instance, the woman was a good friend and I've really enjoyed "catching up" regarding our respective family and business successes.

The other situation was more nebulous. I didn't recognize the name or the picture associated with the invite. But then she said and I quote, " I remember crying to you that I was going to fail cost accounting with James -- right was that his name -- and I ended up really "getting it" after you explained it to me! I think I have a picture of you from graduation -- I'll have to post it if I can find it!"

Thanks Jean for making my day and helping me to remember my mentoring skills 25 years ago went a long way towards helping others. And Thank You, Facebook!

This is a Great Time to be an Employee

Employees have a steady paycheck, benefits and most important, real and tangible opportunity. Now is the time to embrace your situation and truly make a difference.

1)...Forget, for now, Those Dreams of Your Own Business - Hey, if you are an Entrepreneur with an incredible idea… maybe. But if you want to be a consultant or open a small business, now is not the time! Competition is fierce and the market is lean, demanding and thankless.
2)...Recognize the Pain of Those in Job Transition - Finding a new job is more stressful and time consuming than you possibly imagine. And there are no signs of immediate change.
3)...Appreciate Your Compensation – There is tremendous downward pressure on salaries as Companies seek to align compensation expense with deteriorating revenues and margins. Your current salary is likely at or above “market value”.
4)...Make Yourself a Better Manager- Demand is high for Middle Managers who balance functional responsibilities in combination with organizational strategies. Make a strong statement that you “get it” through both your words and actions and seek guidance from internal mentors to escalate your performance and visibility.
5)...Listen and Learn – Do the extra little things to excel in every business communication. Companies value those who overcome performance barriers and impact customers, vendors and other employees in a highly collaborative manner.

While your job may not be perfect, be very thankful you have one and make every effort to heighten both your attitude and performance. Your level of satisfaction will increase and rewards will come your way. Don’t worry, for now, about when, right now the reward is “You Are Employed”.

Thank You Toastmasters

Until 8 years ago, I feared public speaking. But I'm all about positive change for the clients and professionals with whom I work, so I took my own advice and in 2002, joined a local Toastmasters group.

Thirty people from all different walks of life, some very savvy in their presentations, others not. We shared common goals: to support each other, improve our confidence and impact an audience with our unique experiences, spoken word and personal brand. I left Toastmasters in 2005 after achieving the Competent Toastmaster designation (10 speeches) and now present to groups...small and large with only minimal butterflies.

Whether you are an executive, manager or professional in transition, join a local Toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/). Or consider starting Toastmasters in your Company as an innovative, fun way to impact relationships, communication and your Company's success.

You'll be pleased with your results!

FAQ's -10 Minutes to Change Your Life

Appreciate all of your feedback and constructive ideas regarding my new business launch, 10 Minutes to Change Your Life (http://www.10minutestochange.com/). In advance of the next Website update, below are the Answers to YOUR most frequently asked Questions...

How do I prepare for our 10 Minutes to Change Your Life Session?
Companies need to complete the Purchase Order.
Managers of Participating Employees must complete the Pre-Session Comment Forms.
Individual Participants will schedule an appointment by calling 888-341-2525 and are required to complete an application. Forward the completed application to nancy@10minutestochange.com; if you are in a career transition, please include a copy of your current resume and cover letter.

What happens during a “10 Minutes to Change” Session?
A 45-60 minute interview-style discussion is conducted with Eric Frankel.
Immediately following the discussion, you receive a confidential 10 Minutes to Change Your Life CD, based upon information reviewed in advance and your Personal Evaluation. .

Why is it called “10 Minutes to Change Your Life”, not 45 or 60 Minutes to Change Your Life?
The “10 Minutes” represents communication delivered by the Life Changer (Eric Frankel), recorded on an Audio CD.

Why is the 10 Minute Audio CD so important?
The CD will enhance the “10 Minutes” of Feedback to 10 Hours of Feedback as you utilize the content for ongoing inspiration, focus and reinforcement. This will optimize your Personal Brand and Career Success.

Can a “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” Session be conducted via telephone?
Yes, we are able to offer sessions via telephone for individuals and corporations outside of the Tri-State area. However, Eric Frankel’s business and philosophies are predicated on in-person contact. Because “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” is only one session, participants span a wide geographic area from NY, NJ, CT and PA.

Are all 10 Minute to Change Sessions held in your Westwood, NJ office?
Yes, except where Companies purchase Sessions for multiple employees. In this case, we will facilitate one on one sessions at your location for half-day or full-day time frames. You can arrange to have us come to your company by calling 888-341-2525 or sending an email to:nancy@10minutestochange.com.

Great idea! I’d love for My Company to consider your services, but I’m not sure how to ask my manager. Any Suggestions?
The simplest way is to ask them directly. “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” is an Innovative and creative way to show you care about your job and your company. You certainly can’t go wrong by asking. If you prefer, feel free to give us a call to talk and brainstorm about an approach. Together, we will come up with a win-win scenario.

What’s so great about Eric Frankel?
Eric Frankel has incredibly diverse business experience. He embodies empathy, passion, and top-notch business instincts. Eric has an uncanny ability to understand and evaluate companies, complicated situations and individuals in a very short timeframe.
Eric will deliver… personalized, meaningful, and positive change in a nurturing, constructive manner.

Find out what the Buzz is all about!
Let Eric Frankel Change Your Life in 10 Minutes

Deliver Great Service... Receive Great Dividends

Yesterday, my wife Nancy did something which makes a world of sense, but as a society we don’t do often enough.

She Made Sure Excellent Service Was Recognized.

While enjoying a holiday meal w/extended family, we were impressed by our waitress who greatly enhanced our dining experience. In addition to a solid tip, Nancy did one better by informing the restaurant owner this woman had earned our utmost respect.

Ideally, the waitress and the restaurant will now earn more and other patrons will enjoy a dining experience similar to our own.

While we are often frustrated by bad service (and usually let higher ups know about it), let's make sure we praise superior customer interactions, as well.

Let's Pay It Forward.

A Gem of a Concept

Got an email from a terrific lady who says "I take great pride in working hard every day."

If every employee worked hard every day-

• we wouldn’t have as severe an economic crisis and
• we’d be getting out of it much sooner.

Thanks for the great input, Mary Ann!

What's My Biggest Weakness?

I ask this question in every interview, but no interviewee has ever turned the tables on me. Probably the right move...

I've worked very hard to resist the need to provide an immediate answer to questions I haven't had time to think through (i.e. pricing strategies, plans of action, people and structural challenges). While the immediate response serves my innate need to please others and seem intelligent, I'm too often minimizing the potential benefit to both the individual posing the question and myself.

Sustain Momentum After the Elevator Pitch

Networking functions are frustrating. Sure I connect with interesting people, but I'm left with an impression garnered only through their Elevator Pitch, not a meaningful reflection of their demeanor, perspectives or likability. So I spend additional time over lunch or coffee to identify the smaller % who I can collaberate with to provide meaningful, lasting value.

Many professionals have developed an effective introduction, but fall short in differentiating their product and service, their knowhow, themselves to provide a lasting positive impression. Whether you are in a job interview, selling to an A level prospect or at a networking function, make sure your communication is effective (and consistent) throughout the process, not just in the beginning stages.

Listening to Your Instincts

Had lunch yesterday with Rob, a long-time business associate. He and I have had tremendous success working together over the years; you might even call it "Karma".

Funny thing, he gets the credit goes for tremendous persistancy in initially developing our relationship, a trait which is usually my forte. Thanks Rob for listening to your internal voice and getting what you wanted; we have both benefited tremendously...

What are Men Afraid Of?

Resurrecting the Mens Club at my Temple the last two years has been a tall task. I watch in awe as the Sisterhood grows ever stronger in fund raising, a sense of community and socialization while we have struggled despite a thriving congregation.

The reality is Men are resistant to stepping outside of their "constants", their inner circle of friends, family and business relationships. Women recognize the value derived from meeting new people and advancing these relationships. Makes me think that the advancement of opportunities for women (and minorities) is only in the beginning stages in US politics. We'll have hiccups along the way, but it may well be a great ride.