Actual Names of Professionals
July 22, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
On of the e-groups to which I belong, someone recently asked for a recommendation for a doctor in our local area. Another list member suggested a doctor whom her family uses, and the name was rather interesting for that type of doctor. Soon lots of people on the list shared names of professionals – beyond doctors – whom they either know, use, or know to be “real people”. The list got to be so humorous that I decided to compile the list to this blog. Remember that these are real folks!
Extreme Makeover, Baltimore MD “Girls Hope” Project – Life Skills Training
July 17, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
This ABC2 News (Baltimore, MD) report ran on Friday, July 16, 2010. Its main topic is the Extreme Makeover project that will be revealed Sunday for Girls Hope non-profit in Baltimore, MD. The subject within the clip, however, is about the group Second Chance, Inc. that donated architectural items to the makeover project. The sub-subject is the Life Skills Training that the guys at Second Chance receive, and THAT topic includes me and my business. I have a couple seconds on camera, as well as a couple of the guys in my class.
What Should I Tell High School Students?
May 26, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
To prepare to speak to a group of high school students, I asked my professional colleagues the question, "What one message should I communicate to high school students?"
The responses I received…from:
- (Roger) A message about freedom and responsibility.
- (Gayle) Accountability.
- (Janice) "Be" rather than "seem".
- (Bob) Love and sex do not mean the same thing.
- (Liz) How and when to say "yes", and how to care for yourselves.
Mini-Lessons With Great Content, From Great Experts
April 21, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
If you've got a short attention span, or want "just the facts" about a particular topic in about five minutes, I found – and subscribe to – a resource called Athena Online.
According to their own description, "Athena's SmartBytes™ provide a quick overview of subjects through online video, animation, and supporting material. Advice is presented by such leading-edge thinkers as Drs. Homa Bahrami, Judith Bardwick, Marshall Goldsmith, Mitchell Marks, Larraine Segil, Al Vicere, and many others. Topics range from coaching and feedback skills to merger and acquisition issues."
Choose to Dance: Dedication to My Mom, @ 95 Years Young
February 6, 2010 by Sylvia · 2 Comments
My mother is my inspiration for establishing supportive relationships and getting out to find joy in living.
While she is now unable to dance (at 95 years old, though still going strong in her own way) she once embraced the meaning of the words to the song recorded by Lee Ann Womack…"I Hope You Dance".
When YOU face a decision as to whether to sit down and give up or get out and get moving…I hope YOU choose the later (metaphor = dance!)
Quilts: Slave Communications Along the Underground Railroad
February 3, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
As a student of communications methods of varying types, I am fascinated by the variety of ways in which we communicate with each other. One of the messaging systems of the past controversially includes quilt codes used by and for slaves as they escaped to freedom. Quilt patterns were used to communicate safe-passage messages and other information along Underground Railroad routes. More information about this form of communication is in this article (The Crisis Forum LINK) and in the book, Hidden in Plain View: The Secret Story of Quilts and The Underground Railroad, by Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard.
Who Says? College Grads & Skills For Success
January 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
The top 5 personal qualities/skills employers seek are:
- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills (works well with others)
- Initiative
- Analytical skills
Students' top criteria for choosing an employer are:
- Opportunity for advancement
- Job security
- Quality of employer's benefit package
- Friendly co-workers
- Location of the job
The top 10 employer benefits important to graduates are:
Is it Noon, or just 12:00PM?
January 26, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
How do you indicate the time for "Noon" and "Midnight"? This interesting question – and the ensuing answers – appeared on a recent forum to which I belong. I have wondered for years whether to note "12:00 P.M." or "12:00Noon". Since success language is as much about our writing skills as it is about our speaking skills and how we present ourselves, I think the researched responses to the question are worthy of noting here.
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12:00 Noon – Correct Way to Say
Garner's Modern American Usage Guide states that neither am nor pm is correct. Use Noon (for middle of day) and Midnight (for end of the day).
Grab Opportunities That Open To You, And Encourage Others
January 23, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Many of you have heard the term or seen the movie "pay it forward." The book "Go Giver" is about a sales executive showing a young salesperson how doing things for others opens opportunities for yourself, as long as you do not expect personal reward.
I am having a wonderful time watching the evolution of a television program born from grabbing an opportunity. And actually, my own show was also born from an opportunity.
Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun
January 23, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
One of the topics I cover in my workshop is work-life balance. Within that topic we use a life wheel to map areas in life that need more focus than others. One of those areas is "Fun/Recreation". While researching some information on this area I found a great web video on "Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun".
Check it out. It's a nice relief from some of the videos I'm finding at the usual video site.
Beat of Da Feet
January 23, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
What does physical fitness have to do with success language? Everything! Success language = everything you do and say that communicates (language) who you are and what you stand for (success). Your physical conditioning is part of what you do to be ready for and manage your successes…and your actions leading up to your successes. If you feel good you "do good".
Awesome Photographic Detail (Inauguration Photo 2009_0120)
January 22, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
This is a dated photo. (Aren’t they all?) Yet, regardless of your political affiliation, this photo and its zoom capability is awesome!
You can zoom in to amazing detail…like who is grumpy; cold; asleep; interested; etc. Pan around to see this snapshot in time at doorways and other corners we don’t usually see.

