The Power of Professional Coaching

Introductory Questions:
Are you having a difficult time at work?
Are you struggling with getting along with your boss or co-workers?
Do you find yourself wanting to explore educational or training opportunities, but you do not have the time?
Is it time for you to consider looking for a new job? 
Are you bored and unmotivated in your current position?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I think it is time you thoughts considered utilizing the expertise of a professional coach.


Taking Small Step Through Professional Coaching:

Change within your profession or at your job will not occur usually or typically until you empower yourself to take the first step, a practical small step..  A simple, first step may entail finding a professional coach.  Listed below are some of the positive outcomes of professional coaching:

Brief Introductory Comments:
Professional Coaching is about:

• Utilizing a one-on-one intervention in order for people to progress in a positive manner.
• Assisting employees, supervisor, and managers with complex human resources issues that arise at work.
• Helping people to improve their work performance skills or issues.
• Setting realistic employment or work-related goals.
• Learning new and exciting ways to connect with people at work.
• Discovering new ways to resolve conflicts on the job in a professional manner.
• Allowing a professional coach to advice, support, and counsel you about alternative ways to handle people issues that arise within the workplace.

Concluding Remarks:
I sincerely hope you do not wait until it is too late to benefit from the insights and experiences of a professional coach.  I can be reached at 267-979-8064 and just ask for Jeffrey Snowell, President of Snowell Consulting Inc.

Over the past ten years, I have conducted professional coaching services for my clients over the telephone, utilizing video conferencing for professionals in remote places, and lastly face-to-face coaching sessions.  Whenever I am coaching people, I usually start out with coaching sessions lasting about two hours and after individuals start to improve, the coaching sessions will only last for one hour. 

In order to close out a professional coaching assignment, the professional coach and the client work together to write a summary report about how the client has improved over the course of a professional coaching relationship.

Tips About Professional Coaching

The purpose of this article is to simply provide the general public with tips to consider when engaging in the professionial coahcing process.

Tips for Coaching Article

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Snowell Consulting Inc.: ipad2 is an awesome computer: "Purchasing the ipad2: Yesterday, I purchased the Ipad2 from the apple store in center city Philadelphia, Pa. There are many amazing interes..."

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Purchasing the ipad2:
Yesterday, I purchased the Ipad2 from the apple store in center city Philadelphia, Pa. There are many amazing interesting features.

 

I am at the early stages of trying to utilize all of the various features. The purpose of this blog is to contact people who have had the ipad2 over an extended period of time.

 

I have a variety of questions for people who have been using the ipad2:

 

Discussion Questions for ipad2 users:

• How did you learn all of the various apps and features on the ipad2?
• What apps do you find very helpful to you?
• Have you been able to use the ipad2 at work? And what are the reactions of your peers or co-workers?
• What apps or features do you find to be the most helpful or impressive?
• Do you know how to operate the "stylus":---the pen for touch screens? And in what programs or apps are you able to actually write on the screen when you are taking notes?

 

 

Concluding remarks:

• Again, the primary purpose of this blog is to have people share what the ipad2 users like about it or simply share information about some of the unique features about the ipad2.

Don't be morally right and behaviorally wrong.

Follow-up to Previous Post:
Last week, I posted an article that talked about the importance of a supervisor taking responsibility for their staff's work performance.

I received several comments in which people asked--- how do you talk to your boss about pressing performance issues?

Several ideas came to mind.

• First, I think it is crucial and critical whenever you are having a difficult conversation with your boss to approach him or her in a respectful manner.  Diplomacy and asking probing questions are the keys to to achieve a better outcome with connecting and relating to your boss.  Remember---" it is not so much what you say---it is also about how you say it". 

• I would suggest in order to resolve a particular situation, it is important to think about your supervisor's personality and when is the best time and place to have a sensitive conversation.

• Remember---"You can be morally right, but behaviorally wrong":

Often times, employees can feel like they are morally right in a particular situation and the reality may be that you are morally right; however, do your behaviors match what you are trying to demonstrate or display?

Looking at a practical example:

• For example, in looking at your pay check,  you noticed that your boss forgot to pay you for your overtime pay.  If you start yelling at your boss thinking you are right; however, since you decided to yell at your boss, I would argue you are behaviorally wrong.

• What is the correct or professional way to handle this situation?  The professional way would be to talk to someone close to you about the situation.  Stay calm or calm down and your next step would be to have a professional conversation with your boss.  Remember, don't raise your voice and be professional. 

• Many people often use the express, "It is better to catch a bee with honey than a fly with vinegar". The major point is to try and be kind, nice, polite, and professional during difficult situations at work. 

Discussion Questions:

• What triggers your emotions at work when you have conflicts with your boss?
• What is the primary situation in which you would have a difficult time being professional towards your boss?
• Do you engage in positive self-talk as a way to calm down and to be professional at all times at work?
• Is there ever a situation where you may be justified in being rude or displaying anger towards your boss?
• What are the alternative, professional ways of addressing your boss or your co-workers during difficult situations or when conflicts are occurring?

Concluding Remarks:

• I have noticed most reasonable people know and understand the importance of being nice, kind, and professional towards their boss. On the contrary, I believe most people struggle with being professional towards co-workers of equal status. In other words, remember--when you are morally right, just don't forget to be behaviorally right. Being professional is important especially at work with your boss as well as with your co-workers.

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Why do some employees perform poorly?

I recently read a book called, "Harvard Business Review on Managing People".  Within this book, there were several journal articles.  One of the articles called, "The Set-Up-to-Fail Syndrome" was very interesting because the authors Manzoni and Barsoux provide insight into why employees perform poorly at work.

I think you will find their research compelling and also interesting.

Listed below is the executive summary regarding the question---"Why do some employees perform poorly?

According to Manzoni and Barsoux:

Why do some employees perform poorly? Most managers would answer that question by ticking off a list that includes weak skills, insufficient experience, inability to prioritize assignments, and lack of motivation.  In other words, they could content that poor performance is the employee's fault.  But is it?

Not always, according to the authors. Their research with hundreds of executives strongly suggests that it is the bosses themselves--albeit unintentionally--who are frequently responsible for an employee's subpar achievement.

According to the authors, bosses and their perceived weak performers are often caught in a dynamic called the set-up-to-fail syndrome, which tends to play out as follows:  A boss begins to worry when a subordinate's performance is not satisfactory.  He then takes what seems like the obvious action by increasing the time and attention he focuses on the employee.  But rather than improve the subordinate's performance, the increased supervision has the reverse effect.  The subordinate, in perceiving the boss's lack of confidence in him, withdraws from his work and from the boss.  And the realtionship spirals downward.
What is a boss to do?  First, he must accept the possibility that his own behavior could be contributing to the problem.  Second, he must plan a careful intervention with the subordinate that takes the form of one or several candid conversations meant to untangle the unhealthy dynamics in the relationship.  The intervention is never easy, but the time and energy invested in it usually yeilds a high paycheck. 

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever been in a job where your supervisor's actions influenced your work performance?
• Does your current supervisor recognize how his actions influence the team's work performance?
• How do you get members of your team as well as your boss to take responsibility for their actions?
• How open are you when your supervisor provides feedback regarding your work performance?
• What advice would you give to others about how to connect or reconnect with management when performance issues arise within your team?

#10 Tyrese Gibson

How To Get Out Of Your Own Way by Tyrese Gibson

Over the past week, I have been reading a book by Tyrese Gibson called, "How To Get Out of Your Own Way".

Many of you know Tyrese as a multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated American R&B singer, songwriter, and actor.  He grew up in Watts, California and in his new book, he provides advice about living life in general and how to be successful in the game of life.  

The primary theme of his book focuses upon how to "love yourself" so that you are able to get out of your own way.  Throughout his childhood, Tyrese was able to make progress and get out of his way by having mentors and also by overcoming a variety of obstacles.

Chapter#1: Tyrese's Childhood

Tyrese makes a variety of major points:

• "Most of who we are as adults is somehow directly connected to our childhood (p.3).
• "Son, every lesson is a blessing, but you will grow through what you go through (p.4)
• "If I learned anything from those early years, it's that within the bad, there is always the good". (p.16)
• "My household was like a pot of stew that had every combination of emotion in it.  Being hungry, seeing my mama drink and get beat, I felt helpless most of the time because I couldn't do anything.  It was heaven and hell in a pot, and it just kept on stirring," (p.25)

The power of mentoring:
Throughout his book, Tyrese mentions the power and importance of having a mentor such as Reggie Andrews and Don Lee, the first person who had allowed him to be in his first talent show.  Tyrese writes, "I want to thank you for giving me permission to be great.  You believed in me and I've been around the world and I've seen the greatest that life has to offer, and it all started right here, standing in this exact spot" (p.5)

I am proud of Tyrese that he did not forget where he received his first exposure or an opportunity to showcase his talent.  He is sharing the power of going back into his "hood" as he calls it to simply thank a variety of people who made a difference in his life. 

Tyrese is quick to admit the importance of mentoring and also how a neighbor clearly made a difference in his life.  He writes, "I did not think I had any talent that could specifically help get me out of Watts until my neighbor heard me sing.  She kind of planted the idea in me that music was something I needed to look into.  As soon as she and her friends told me I could sing, I was going to try and go all the way---period.  If singing could get me out of Watts, I was going to put all  my time and energy into music and singing.  The pain of being broke, hungry, stuck without a ride or any transportation, the feeling of being vulnerable and being in an unpredictable environment became my motivation." (p.27)

Discussion Questions About Mentoring:

• Who was a powerful mentor within your life?
• How many mentors did you have while growing up?
• How did your mentors help and assist you in achieving your goals?
• Do you still remember the "words of wisdom" or the advice that your mentors gave you?
• How did you apply the information or advice that your mentor gave you?
• As an adult, are you mentoring others?
• What advice do you give young people who you are asking to mentor?

Overcoming Obstacles:

• Tyrese admits his childhood was difficult. By being honest, his story will teach others that you do not have to come from a perfect background in order to advance or excel in the world today.  However, it does definitely take additional work and working very hard to overcome many obstacles when you grow up poor or live in a poor neighborhood. 
• Today, we need more disadvantage people who have made it to tell their story so that young people see a way out and know there is hope in succeeding at the game of life.  
• Tyrese even admits the following to show the reader the extend of growing up poor, "We received social security, food stamps, and county checks, and started getting WIC vouchers when I was in elementary school, after my oldest sister had her first child.(p.7).
• Tyrese even writes, "We were hungry all the time" (p.8)
• I admire this book and Tyrese because he is clearly an overcomer.  While he struggled in school and was a bad kid who had to go to a school for behavioral students, he was still able to progress in life.  His story should motivate and encourage a variety of poor, African-American adults in general and children or teenagers in particular.

Discussion Questions about Obstacles:

• What were some of the obstacles standing in your way throughout your childhood?
• How did you cope with the dysfunctional behaviors within your family, your community, or at school?
• Who were the people or mentors that taught you how to overcome problems, concerns or issues from your childhood?
• Even as an adult, what are some of the obstacles that still haunt you as an adult?
• What are the major issues that you confront as an adult which are linked to issues or problems you faced as a child?
• How did you try to break the dysfunctional behaviors of your childhood regarding family, friends, or classmates?

"Relax, don't get excited," from my Pottsville High Teacher, Mr. Rogers

Current Situation:Reflection Questions:
Have you noticed in today's world people get excited, angry, and upset very easily?  Are there any calm people in the world today?  What do you do to stay calm when problems start occurring?

The purpose of this message is to simply report how I learned to cope with life's many problems such as having problems with my car.


Primary Issue: Mechanical Problems With My Car:
On Monday, I took my car to the Mazda dealer where I initially purchased my CX-7 Mazda.  I just took it there for an oil change.  In the process of changing my oil, they mentioned there was an expensive problem with my car which may cost about $2000.

On Tuesday,  I immediately took my car to my mechanic at the end of my block and he stated yes there is some engine work that needed to be done on my car.  The mechanic initially suggested that it was I think a "timing change issue" with my car.

Today, Wednesday, I again contacted my mechanic and he mentioned that he is still working on my car.  In addition, he said that additional work may need to be done.  The good news is the cost was not any where near what the dealer wanted from me and further more the worse case scenario was still aligned with my budget for these repairs.

My response to the mechanic was, "How do you walk a 10 mile marathon?" He looked at me a little puzzled.  I replied, "By taking one step at a time".  I explained to him this is how I think about problems in life and this is how he should solve the problems with my car.  He showed me several reports online about the mechanical problems with Mazda's CX-7.  I immediately said that this is the first time I had a major mechanical problem with my car in almost five years.

I really believe my car has worked well over the years because this is the very first time I am spending a sizable amount related to repairing my car.

My mechanic and I agreed to talk tomorrow---Thursday July 21, 2011 after he properly assessed the situation with my car. I refused to get upset about the situation with my car.

Lessons From My High School Health Teacher, Mr. Rogers:
Upon leaving the garage, I kept thinking of my Health Teacher from high school, Mr. Rogers who would always say, "Relax, Don't Get Excited".  I used this statement today to get through the day.  I know in my spirit every thing is going to be fine with my car.  Some might think or say I am crazy, but I have learned an important lesson in life and that is "to relax and don't get excited". 

Back in high school, Mr. Rogers would never yell or scream at students.  Although Mr. Rogers was a big guy, he would always remain calm. When students were yelling, screaming, or acting crazy; he would simply say, "Relax, Don't Get Excited".  I found myself saying this statement throughout the day.  I was still able to get my consulting projects finished, service my clients, and do my daily workout.

Concluding Remarks:

• I really believe people in the world would be in a different place if they learned to relax and manage their emotions and "Don't Get Excited".
• Everyday that I live this life, I am learning the importance of not over-reacting to stress, pressures, or various situations.  I also say to myself, "This Too Shall Pass".
• I sincerely pray and hope everyone learns the importance of staying calm and relaxing in the truth of the matter that God is able to help anyone through any storm in life.

Nature Teaches Us To Calm Down and Enjoy The Moment

How to Increase Your Lung Capacity - wikiHow

How to Increase Your Lung Capacity - wikiHow

Practical Solution by Snowell Consulting Inc.: New Service---Social Network Marketing

The purpose of this communication is to let the general public know that Snowell Consulting Inc. is now offering practical marketing tools to assist people with utilizing social networking sites to market and grow your business.

Rationale for This Marketing Service:

Several months ago, I set a professional goal to market and grow my business by utilizing the Internet. Listed below is an update about the progress I made: (I just took small, simple, practical steps.)

• First, I hired Daryel Jarmen to design a new business website for me and he completed a new business website for me about two months ago.  I received positive feedback from friends, family members, current clients, and prospective clients.  People reported they now have a very clear understanding about  the primary services offered by Snowell Consulting Inc. Daryel also created and designed my facebook--business page and set up my twitter account.

• Throughout this year, Khalya Atte, who manages various marketing programs for Snowell Consulting Inc.,  influenced me and helped me to utilize social networking sites to market my business.  She was instrumental in improving my facebook--personal page and also created my linkedin account.  I was able to get in touch and stay in touch with various people I have worked with or had as clients over the past five years.  It was wonderful to reconnect with others. 

• Harriet Marlin from my local library designed a business blog for me and again I received positive feedback from many people.  I really enjoy blogging because I am now able to create content on a daily basis to keep my clients, customers, friends and family members informed about my business.

• In addition, Harriet created links on my business blog so that the general public could easily access my business website, facebook-personal page, facebook-business page, linkedin account, and twitter account. 

Overall Positive Feedback From The General Public:

• I was surprised and happy to report that people are starting to follow my business and they regularly provide feedback on all of the social networking sites.  I am truly thankful for the team of people who are assisting me with this marketing effort. 

• Chris Pomrink just completed a promotional marketing video for Snowell Consulting Inc. and this video will provide an overview of the services that we offer.  Chris said that this video will be completed by next Monday which is July 25, 2011. 

• As a result of all of the positive feedback about how my company's commitment to utilizing social networking sites for marketing purposes, I am now offering up these same services to the general public through my business, Snowell Consulting Inc. 

New Social Networking, Marketing Services:

You can contact me at 267-979-8064 (Jeffrey Snowell) if you need assistance with marketing services by utilzing social neworking sites such as facebook, twitter, linkedin, blogging, and business websites.

Call us if you need help with the following:

• Improving your current facebook--personal page.
• Creating a facebook--business page.
• Seting up a twitter account and improving the content on this site. 
• Creating a business blog or personal blog as well as improving the content on your blog.
• Setting up a business website as well as improving the content of your current personal or business website. 
• Setting up and/or improving your linkedin account.
• Creating short videos in order to promote your work or small business.

Concluding Remarks:
All of  these services are priced at a reasonable cost so that individuals and small businesses can utilize social networking sites as a marketing tool to bring attention to your work as well as to bring attention to your small business.

Listed below  this note is the link with the cost of these networking marketing services:

Cost of Social Network Marketing Services

Snowell Consulting Inc.: Practical Solutions To EveryDay Social Network Mar...: "Practical Solutions

To EveryDay Social Network Marketing * Cost Of Network Marketing Services *
Network Market..."

Sexual Harassment/Affairs Within The Workplace

Yesterday, while talking to my neighbors over at our community center, three of us got into a discussion about sexual harassment and affairs among co-workers within the workplace.

There were three people involved in the discussion--- two males and one female.

The overall purpose of this message is to remind people of the importance of not having affairs in the workplace and not to engage in sexual harassment at work.

Everyone agreed that it is not a good idea to date someone at your job.  We also discussed why people end of going with people on the job. 

One person said she could understand why it happens because men and women often spend more time with co-workers than with their families.

The older male in the conversation or the discussion said in a joking way, "It is real simple---you don't mix your honey with your money."

Everyone in the group started to laugh saying you are so right.  We all knew exactly what he meant. 

In other words, people should keep their private sexual habits or dating habits separate from the workplace.

More importantly, what are some of the basic steps people can take in order to protect themselves from an affair at work or from sexual harassment on the job?

Practical Solution: Maintain Professional Boundaries
Billy Graham comes to mind as a person who established a very good reputation for having appropriate relationships with his staff and the general public. 

He decided early in his ministry that he would not meet with a female or women without another person being present.  He had an accountability partner in order to keep him honest, but also by having another person present---it also created the perception that he was not up to no good. 

While you might not be able to have another person present when you are meeting with members of the opposite sex, it is important to manage perceptions so that you are not perceived as engaging in inappropriate relationships and maintaining healthy boundaries. 

Throughout his entire career, Billy Graham was viewed in a favorable light because he was able to manage perception.

Sexual Harassment Policy:
Most corporations or larger organizations have a sexual harassment policy.  The policy is meant to reduce the number of complaints about inappropriate relationships in which someone engages in an unwelcome advance towards another person.

A Sexual Harassment policy can do a good job of protecting innocent people from random, inappropriate comments, remarks and behaviors of a sexual nature which create a hostile work environment. People should not have to endure inappropriate sexual comments and statements while working at a particular job.

Sexual Harassment (Unwelcome Advances) vs. Welcome Advances (Two Adults Agreeing To Have An Affair):
However, a sexual harassment policy does not prevent people from having affairs at work where two individuals engage in consensual relations.

 In the early stages of the affair, everything seems to be going well, but when one person becomes dissatisfied and wants to break the relationship off, this can often lead to a variety of problems or trouble. 

I think my neighborhood said it right and in a humorous way, "Don't mix honey with money".

Discussion Questions:

• Do you have healthy boundaries with your co-workers at work?
• What do you do to manage perceptions so that you are perceived as having healthy boundaries with your co-workers?
• Have you ever worked in an organization in which sexual, inappropriate relationships were taken place?  And what impact did an affair or sexual relationships at the office have upon the dynamics within the team?
• If you know your co-workers are having inappropriate relationships, would you say any thing or would you simply mind your own business?
• At what point would you speak to your boss about an affair taking place within your department?
• What advice would you give younger people about how to maintain professional boundaries with co-workers?

Final Remarks:
If you are looking for ways to maintain professional boundaries and to be professional towards your peers, just remember a simple rule--keep things separate.  In other words, keep your private life separate from your professional life. Why? 

As my neighbor would tell you, "It's real simple---don't mix your honey with your money".

 I think you probably get his point. I think my neighbors' message keeps it simple and provides advice in a humorous manner.

Don't Mix Honey With Money

Video Project Complete and New Website On The Way

The purpose of this communication is to simply thank my friends, family members, and clients for their support regarding my recent marketing projects for my business, Snowell Consulting Inc.

 Video Project:

• Chris Pomrink, who is in charge of video production projects at Snowell Consulting Inc., filmed our first company promotional and marketing video.
• Yesterday, Chris spent the entire afternoon filming or taping me about the services that Snowell Consulting Inc. offers to its clients.
• Chris taught me many important lessons I would like to share. First, in speaking into the camera, I realized I had to slow down to make sure I did not stumble over my words. He gave me excellent feedback and as a result of his honest advice, I was able to create and film several "takes" of the three parts of this marketing video.

 End Result:

• Chris mentioned this marketing video will be completed by July 25, 2011. He is planning to work on this video for two weeks.
• In addition, he is also going to create a animated version of my logo for Snowell Consulting Inc. This new animated logo will appear on all of the social networking sites featuring Snowell Consulting Inc. such as facebook-business page, company's website, company's blog, twitter and linkedin. This new animated logo will further help in the branding of Snowell Consulting Inc.
• In two weeks, you can expect to see this new marketing logo and video about Snowell Consulting Inc.

New Training Program Website:
Harriet, who introduced blogging to me,  has already started to design a new business website which will feature all of the training manuals designed by Snowell Consulting Inc. Hopefully, by next week, this new website will be completed.

Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

In professionally coaching somebody several years ago, an employee gave me this brief story in order to illustrate the point that "Everybody" must do their part at work and also in life.

The story reads as follows:

The story is about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job that needed to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!

Try to make sure you do your part. Sometimes we may have to do someone else's part and we may not even like what we have to do, but if that's what it takes to get the job done, we must consider the goal and not our own selfishness.

Discussion Questions:

• At work, what role do you tend to play within a team? Are you  like Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, or Nobody?
• At work, how do you obtain support from your peers?
• On a typical day at work, how do get your peers and co-workers to participate fully in trying to resolve certain people issues?
• What are the issues that your team confronts in which people refuse to find a cooperative solution?
• What do you usually do or how to do typically behave when Nobody shows up and contributes to resolving a pressing issue?

Final Comment:
It is important to be helpful to others. The best types of relationships in life involve a "give and take" dynamic.

In general, the more you are giving and loving to others, the more you will get in return not only at work, but also in life.

Today, try to make the best of today by making someone's day by giving of your time or service just for the sake of making someone else's day.

Remember don't be like "Everybody" who was waiting for "Somebody Else" to get the job done. In addition, you do not want to just be like "Anybody or "Nobody".

I sincerely hope you try to be like your authentic self and not like "Everybody" who tends to only care about "nobody", but instead try to care for "Somebody" besides yourself.

(080823) -- BEIJING, Aug. 23, 2008 (Xinhua) -- David Neville (R) of the United States competes during the men's 4x400m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. The team of the United States won the title and set a new Olympic record. (Xinhua/Guo Dayue) (wll)

Two New Marketing Projects For Snowell Consulting Inc.

In an effort to continue to market my business, I have started to collaborate with two professional people I met at my local library and their names are Chris And Harriet.

Project#1:
As a result of Harriet helping me to set up my first business blog, I have also hired her to assist me with setting up a new website for just my training programs.

This new business website will capture the essence of all of the different training programs I have designed over the past twenty years.

There are several characteristics of the training programs I designed which include the following features:

Written in a language participants can clearly understand.

Contains ice breakers, case studies, discussion questions, assessments, lecture notes etc.

May include a participant training manual for the people who attend a particular training program as well as a facilitator training manual for the trainers who will be training the participants for a major corporate training initiative.

Features an overall metaphor with action verbs so that participants can easily talk about and explain the title of a given training program ie. such as "Going The Extra Mile", "Staying In The Right Lane", and "Connecting With People Each And Everyday".

Highlights the importance of applying the information within a training program to practical, common, and everyday issues that employees and managers confront on daily basis.

Contains high quality graphics and pictures that visually reinforce the major message or concept being taught within the training manual.

Second Project#2:
The second major project I am starting this week involves making my marketing material user friendly and interactive. Chris Pomrink, a recent graduate of Temple University and gifted at video production, is going to make the logo for Snowell Consulting Inc. have animated features.

Video: Chris Pomrink and I will start filming a promotional video tomorrow which provides an overview of the services offered by Snowell Consulting Inc. In essence, it will feature simple explanations and content regarding the type of work Snowell Consulting Inc. does for its corporate clients and various organizations.

This promotional video when completed will be available on several social media networking sites such as: facebook personal page, facebook business page, linkedin, business blog, and website.


Life Applications:
Many times people get very frustrated with the various technology changes currently taking place on the internet. At times, it is very difficult to master the processes within the various social media networking sites.

However, I have noticed friends and business professionals try to do it all by themselves. If you do it this way, you will get frustrated. I have learned the importance of putting a team of people together who know various social media networking sites.

This team approach will enable you to spend more time in servicing your clients and customers.

Thank You For My Support Team:
Daryel Jarman did a very good job in putting up my first business website. He also assisted me in setting up my first facebook-business page as well as my first twitter account.

Khalya Atta, a graduate of Lehigh University, has been assisting me with not only proofreading my marketing, educational, and training documents, but also setting up my first linkedin profile. It did not take her long to upload my resume as well as my picture to my linkedin account. Lastly, Khayla finds new client leads for me.

Harriet from the LaMott Library located in my residental neighborhood also taught me the importance of providing links on all of the social networking sites so that by going on the one site, anyone can also gain access to the other marketing or social networking sites.

Lastly, Daryel who set up my business website this week added links for facebook and twitter on my business website.

Concluding Remarks:
It is important in life not to be a "lone ranger"----instead try to put a team of people in place so that you can achieve your goals regarding marketing your business in a much faster and productive manner.

I can truly say that the right people placed in the right job with the right assignment has helped and assisted me with marketing and growing my business.

Furthermore, I am sleeping better and not worrying as much about marketing my business, Snowell Consulting Inc. because there is an entire team behind me who are teaching and showing me the importance of utilizing an internet technology team to market and grow my business.

Indicators of Being In The Wrong Place:
How do you know when you are in the wrong place with social networking marketing? You are in the wrong place when you are trying to do every thing by yourself. In addition, if you do not know the current technology stuff, that may be fine for some people, but for those who are committed to growing their techology skills set---just get someone to show you the basics.

Today, in everyday conversations, I continue to tell people about the marketing projects I am trying to complete and usually I am able to get additional ideas from others.

Whenever I place new content on my social networking sites, I ask "like-minded people" (Tara Colquitt's concept) to evaluate and provide feedback to me. My friends such as Claude Parker and Tara, The Credit Woman, LLC., I can count on to provide sound advice and excellent suggestions about how to improve a particular communication document or message.

As I mentioned last week, you can make great progress by "taking small steps" to complete a marketing project---now today I am sharing the importance of "taking small steps" with a team of people undergirding and supporting you with your projects.


Discussion Questions:

Are you a "lone ranger" when you start or work on your marketing projects?

Who are the professional people who undergird and support you with your marketing projects?

How do you reward people when they assist or help you with your marketing projects?

What feedback do you obtain or receive from others after you post your content about your marketing projects?

Final Thought:
I am mentioning a quote from Ghandi who once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world".

In applying Ghandi's advice to marketing my business, I also want to market and highlight the team of people who are undergirding and supporting the content within all of the various social media networking sites affilitated with my business, Snowell Consulting Inc. I am sincerely trying to be the change of appreciating others.

This compassion or appreciation and respect for others I would like to see in the workplace and the world on a daily basis.

“Here Comes Bekele” SOLD 18“ x 24” Acrylic on Canvas Sept. 08

Somebody Said That It Couldn't Be Done

Several years ago while conducting a training sessions with employees at a non-profit organization in Center City Philadelphia, an employee gave this important message to me. The employee used this as an inspirational message when dealing with negative people on the job or negative people in the course of living life. This is a wonderful short story and I sincerely hope you enjoy it. It reads as follows:

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That maybe it couldn't,
But he would be one
Who wouldn't say so 'til he tried.
So he buckled right in
With a bit of a grin on his face.
If he worried, he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done,
And he did it.


Somebody scoffed, "Oh, you'll never do that!
At least no one has ever done it.
But he took off his coat,
And he took off his hat,
And the first thing he knew, he had begun it.
With a bit of a grin
And a lift of his chin,
Without doubting or quitting,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That coundn't be done,
And he did it.

There are millions who will tell you
That it cannot be done.
Thousands will prophesy failure.
Hundreds will point out to you one by one
That the dangers which wait will assail you.
But just buckle right in
With a bit of a grin
And take off you coat and go to it,
And start to sing
As you tackle the thing
That couldn"t be done,
And you'll do it.


Discussion Questions:
Who are the people in your life who are always saying it can't be done?

What are the projects or assignments that you believe you can't complete?

When was the last time you overcame a particular situation because you believed it could be accomplished?

What tools do you utilize in order for you to listen to "whispers" within your soul from God?

Who are the people who motivate you to do creative work such as writing a book, designing a training program, playing a new musical instrument, singing for just the joy of it, and staying fit through exercise?

What habits do you practice every day that assist and help you to overcome your own doubts and fears?

Concluding Thoughts:(Life Application)
While walking in Fairmount Park one day last summer, a fitness instructor was working out with her sister who was not in shape. Her sister did not want to exercise and she had fallen far behind the fitness trainer.

In jogging passed me, the fitness instructor asked my name and I replied, "My name is Jeffrey". She uttered, "Come on Jeffrey, why don't you jog with us"! I started to make excuses and the fitness instructor yelled, "You can do it. You can jog with us".

"No I won't be able to keep up", I said.

She simply mentioned, "Just Take Small Steps".

I was able to keep up with the fitness instructor and her sister for about fifteen minutes by "simply taking small steps". This was a major break through for me because I did not think I would be able to even jog for that short period of time. Yes, I am being honest.

This is the reason why I like to write a blog because it teaches me the importance of communicating with others by "taking small steps" to market and grow by business, Snowell Consulting Inc., against all odds.

Whenever you become overwhelmed with the pressures of life or the people on a particular job, just remember what the fitness instructor said to me that day when I was doubting I could keep up with them and get in shape---she gave me a verbal nudge saying, "Just Take Small Steps".

Professional Coaching by Snowell Consulting Inc.

Are you having a difficult time with your boss?  Are you having problems with your peers?  Do you find yourself being unmotivated at work?  Have you ever considered having a professional coach?

 

Snowell Consulting Inc. continues to offer professional coaching services to clients in various businesses.
Most of the people who are receiving professional coaching are having people problems on their job.

 

In the early stages of the coaching process, Jeffrey does an assessment of the clients' people skills.  After having a sense of the clients' strengths and areas of improvement, Jeffrey provides an overview of the clients' skills set and begins to work with the client.  

 

Remember: Professional Coaching can be conducted via the telephone using your cell phone or by engaging in a video conference.

 

Listed below are some of the issues Jeffrey helped his clients to overcome:

 

• Managing stress on the job.
• Building and maintaning relationships on the job.
• Connecting with your peers and your boss on the job.
• Resolving conflicts on the job before problems escalate.
• Learning how to adjust your communication style in order to relate and connect with others.
• Thinking and reacting to people issues in a professional manner. 
• Learning how to write in a professional manner on the job. 
• Coaching and counseling employees and managers in order to handle difficult people and difficult situations.

 

Do not wait for terrible things to happen to you?  You can take the first step to benefit from professional coaching by calliing Jeffrey Snowell at 267-979-8064.  You do not have to suffer in silence. You can get the help you need.  I would welcome an opportunity to see how I can assist you with overcoming the people issues and problems that you confront on your job.

Jeffrey has coached professionals with the following job titles as listed below:

• Executive Director of Retirement Living.
• Director of Nursing at hospitals and also retirement communities.
• Director of Development for several social service agencies in Philadelphia.
• Case Manager, Therapist and Psychologist.
• Director of Finance.
• Director of Culinary and Assistant Director of Culinary.
• Director of Support Services and Maintenance.
• Director and Vice President of Human Resources Management.
• Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses.
• Assistant Director of Nursing at hospitals and retirement communities.
• Director of Resident Services and Director of Recreational Services.
• Executive Director of Homeless Services.
• Executive Director of social services in mental health field and field of psychology.
• Human Resources Generalist, Director of Employee Relations, Human Resources Consultant. 

Developing Your Own Voice

Are you afraid to write about your true feelings?  Do you ever think that your ideas are not worth writing about?  Or do you ever think no one wants to hear from you?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, you would be a good candidate to read the book titled, "If you want to write: a book about art, independence and spirit" by Brenda Ueland.

One of the major point that Brenda makes in her book is that everyone can be creative and write if we are willing to break through fear, doubt, and confusion.  In other words, people have to be committed to feeling like their writing voice matters. 


According to Brenda, " I tell all this for just this reason:  because I want to show you that millions of human beings, with education and without it, think and feel things that are worth saying and then can write them just beautifully, like great men and women and true poets"  (p.81)

So what are you waiting for?  Now is the time to share your ideas with others.  This is your season to share your ideas with others and to feel like your ideas matter.  Your writing can clearly make the difference in people's lives.  I strongly hope you share it with others.

Getting Back Up Is Living

My neighbor Tara sent this information to me and I thought it would be helpful to people who are finding it difficult to cope with difficult people.  It is meant to provide simple insight about learning how to move on as well it illustrates an important lesson in life.

 

Tara's  message reads as follows:

 

An old man once said...."There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.  forget the bad, and focus on the good.  Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't.  Life is too short to be anything but happy.  Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

 

This is a wonderful message especially because many people need help with letting go of the past.

 

Discussion Questions:

• What did you like about this message?
• How can this message empower you in letting go of the past?
• Who are some of the people you think can benefit from this story or message?

The Start of Blogging

This is the first time that I am blogging.  My neighbor was so kind to help me set up a blog. I am so excited.

It is important to share what I hope to achieve with this blog.  I am looking to communicate and help employees feel supported about workplace issues.  In other words, I hope people share their everyday issues which they confront in the workplace. 

In addition, people need to feel supported when they are confronting difficult issues in the workplace.