Rebrand, Refresh and Renew

I’m happy to say I finally consider myself to be a successful Coach. Yet, looking back, I realize I’ve been hard on myself. I haven’t always recognized the progress I’ve made.

I’ve consistently increased my income for the past few years and grown so much. But in 2020, I achieved a new credential (Professional Certified Coach) from the ICF, as well as a Certification as a Mentor Coach. I stepped solidly into the role of Coach Training Delivery Leader, a goal of mine since 2009! I popped a lot of champagne last year in celebration of my milestones.

Found a new favorite as well.

As a result, I was really busy. So much so that I kept my head down and got stuff done. Lots of stuff. Things I am very proud of.

What I didn’t do yet again was pay much attention to my online presence. You may be shocked to hear that and yet, there are reasons that’s important for me to declare. I don’t get many referrals from my website or my social media presence, at least, not at the moment. So I spent much of my time engaged in activities that moved me forward toward my professional and financial development goals.

And of course, 2020 was the year of COVID19 and world-wide Quarantine, combined with a difficult year of division in many ways across the US. Honestly, I found social media a place I needed to avoid for my own self care. Most of my interactions were on coaching and business groups, creative groups and with my family and close friends.

Yet, at the end of the year, I realized I was longing for something new. A new perspective on marketing for my business. A new way of connecting and belonging again. More human connection, even if it still needs to be mostly online.

And when I looked at my online presence, I definitely felt like some changes needed to be implemented. So I started reflecting on what I really wanted. As I entered into my own business planning process at the end of last year, I wanted to be sure to add a few things:


1) Rebrand my Professional Presence Online and at In-Person events, however that may unfold.
2) Write, Create and Share in whatever way I can
3) Deliver free and paid content again
4) Cultivate opportunities to Speak about topics that I am passionate about
5) Serve in a leadership role as I feel led, especially in my own ICF Chapter
6) Support new and current clients in their professional and personal development plans as a Coach.
7) Organize myself more efficiently and effectively. One area in which this is critical is my digital data. It MUST be tamed.
8) Show up more fully and authentically than ever before.

So I’m off and running on managing Project Rebrand. I’ve redesigned my logo and I’m updating social media sites and this website. As of today, there’s a huge learning curve as Instagram and Canva have both changed a bit since I was a regular user. And I want a whole new look here on WordPress. In December, I thought I would be complete by now. Turns out, it’s going to take a bit more time.

I’m also renewing my commitment to some free content and online events quarterly. I enjoyed delivering my Inspiration series, my Accountability Days and various webinars on topics that I thought were of interest to my clients. I love giving value no matter if the effort yields a new client or just a new connection to support and develop a friendship or collaboration. So I’m in the process of Refreshing that content and talking to clients about how their businesses have changed as a result of what happened in 2020. What I am seeing and hearing is exciting!

It appears as though some of the platforms have calmed down a bit following the January 2021 Inauguration and I’m grateful for that. And though we’ve seen over 500,000 deaths from COVID19, I am also seeing evidence that more and more people have been vaccinated and cases are decreasing in many areas. My hope is Renewed.

And maybe most of all, I miss writing. I did very little writing in 2020, except for a few blog posts for others who requested that support from me. I even signed up for a 30 day writing challenge that I realized quickly I didn’t have the bandwidth for.

Normally, I would have continued to add to that list of things I want this year to get to an “even 10.” Now, I’m good with 8. It’s a lot. And yet, I feel energized and ready to take it all on.

I’m going to need to lean into Diligence on the Tilt Wheel in order to show up for these things fully. And Diligence is absolutely the polar opposite of where I naturally Tilt, which is Ideator through and through. I’m going to need to lean into Architect and create the systems and workflows to make it all happen, while having fun along the way. (if you’d like your own Tilt assessment and debrief, let me know and we can get you scheduled).

Enough about me – what are you showing up for fully this year? What’s on your plan?

Virtual coffee? Happy to get that scheduled too. Just reach out and I’ll put on my favorite brew.

For now, Cheers to all that 2020 was and to all that 2021 has in store.

Laurie

Book Review – Creating the Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney

Creating the Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney
Lee Cockerell

I picked this book up at one of my favorite bookstores in Walt Disney World two years ago. I hadn’t heard of it and thought it might be helpful to me in my work as a coach and consultant for small businesses and nonprofits. But like a lot of the books I have on my shelves, it took me awhile to crack it open.

Once I did though, I found it was very easy to digest and practical for almost any company I work with. The author weaves the story of his career development at the same time sharing examples of specific ways in which you can learn from his mistakes and successes.

His tenure at Disney wasn’t without challenge – hurricanes and tropical storms impacting guests stranded at the park and resorts as well as cast members who were affected by damage. Also changes and restructuring in several of the companies he worked for over the years.

Each chapter is well thought out with anecdotes to support his strategies as well as action steps to go forward and use as checklists or barometers.

It’s a short read – about 250 pages – and is written using a style that’s easy to read but stimulates a lot of thinking about your own strategies and systems.

My original hope of using these strategies to help clients was definitely realized. I use it when discussing team member roles, customer service, staying connected to mission, and creating a culture of empowered and respectful employees. These aren’t difficult lessons or strategies to implement – you can begin to put these ideas into practice while you are reading the book. And if you are working with a coach, it’s a way to marry the coaching and accountability piece with the tips and tactics you’re learning. I definitely introduce it to clients and invite them to bring the lessons into the coaching conversations.

I gave this book

because it’s solidly written and contains a lot of helpful information on how to create a successful leadership style and develop talent that will lead your brand.

After reading, I found out Lee has a podcast, which I am now subscribed to, as well as several other books. The next on my list is Time Management Magic. I’ll review it as soon as I finish.

If you decide to take a look, let me know what you think in the comments below.