Reasons People Like You

• You remind them of themselves. It’s that whole “birds of a feather” thing…
• You’re knowledgeable (but not a know-it-all).
• You add value to their life/project/business.
• You have qualities they find inspiring.
• You make them feel comfortable.
• You have a sense of humor.
• You’re honest.
• You’re reliable.
• You make them smile.

 

Just a quick reminder that being likable is a great personality trait.

 

Towanda Long aka mscafe

Emails I Read Daily

Vital Juice This is a well-designed email that offers nuggets of health information. It’s not overwhelming, takes a couple of minutes to read, and serves as a daily reminder to live healthy.

 

Ad Age The online version of Advertising Age, this is a compilation of news and opinions. I get a dose of daily news and links to some of my favorite bloggers (check out The Big Tent) in the same email.

 

Daily Candy We all need a little sweetness in our life. Whether it’s an announcement about a new spa opening, a great event coming up or a new product hitting the market, Daily Candy is a great source for “in the know” information. It gives me a break from the “serious” things that try to take over my day and it constantly adds things to my “I WANT THAT” list.

 

HARO (Help A Reporter Out)  I think of HARO as the media matchmaker. Journalists post their source requests and they get responses that are on target! The bonus is that members of the email list are from a variety of industries and backgrounds, not just the traditional media machine.

 

Which are your favorite and why?

 

Towanda Long aka mscafe

The Upside of Less

A smaller budget means streamlining our annual marketing plan, using creative strategies to reach our target audience, and closely monitoring how we spend our travel dollars.

 

Downsizing our homes means less to clean, smaller energy bills and less furniture to buy.

 

Wearing less jewelry means the signature pieces will truly stand out.

 

Whether in our professional or personal life, now is an optimum time to evaluate our systems and lifestyles, cut out the slack and be more productive.

 

Efficiency, it’s the Upside of Less.

The Beauty of Starting Over

Mastering my to-do list. And by “mastering” I mean I’m starting from scratch.

 

I twittered this statement about a month ago. I had just accepted a new position in another state and my “things to do” list had grown to astronomical proportions.

 

As I looked at my list I realized that every time I checked something off I had two things to put in its place. The list that was supposed to keep me organized was really just causing me more stress.

 

So, in an effort to maintain my sanity, I threw away the list and decided to start over. I figured if, at the end of the day, my family and I had the essentials (you know, a place to live, food to eat, etc…) I was doing fine. This was a HUGE deal, because my nature is to make sure everything gets done.

 

It’s funny, but now I feel more productive. My list is more balanced (especially after reading Godin’s blog mentioned in the previous post) and includes things like:

 

-spend at least two hours with the girls (daily, no distractions!)

-read before bed (daily, sometimes this is only a magazine article, but who’s counting pages…)

-study continuity plan

-begin “green” case study

-plan ski trip

 

Not only that, but I’ve given myself a pass so that I don’t feel pressure to get everything done at once. For instance,

• YES, I love writing. But if I can’t blog everyday, twittering is fine.
• Yes, I would love to find some new organizations to join, but it’s okay if I give myself time to get acclimated to the new gig first.
• And of course I need to print new business cards, but my girls will only be this age once, and I don’t want to miss it!

 

Yes, there is beauty in starting over. And to make sure I don’t get caught up in this cycle again, I’ve set a monthly appointment that says “Reel in that TTD list!” 

 

Towanda Long aka mscafe

Working on my “Things To Do” List

It’s been a while since I’ve written, mostly because relocating is EXTREMELY time-consuming. Plus, I just haven’t found my new groove yet.

 

 However, this post, Godin’s Get To vs. Have To, has inspired me to make time, not only for the “musts” on my TTD list, but the “wants” too.

 

Enjoy!

 

Towanda Long aka mscafe

Flying With Kids

A few weeks ago we took our first flight as a family of four. From the time we entered the terminal with our double stroller and bags, it was obvious that other passengers were not too happy to see us.

Passengers sighed heavily as they waited for us to fold our stroller for the security checkpoint. As we approached the gate, many passengers had the “I HOPE they are NOT on my flight” look. Defeat was written all over the faces of other passengers headed to Ft. Lauderdale.

We were able to board pretty effortlessly and since we were first (definite perk of traveling with kids!), we got to enjoy the sighs of relief from other passengers when they realized they weren’t sitting near us. We also enjoyed the sighs of disgust from those not so lucky.

After everyone was onboard, the flight attendant actually offered my husband ANOTHER SEAT. I guess she thought he was the unlucky soul that was seated with the “mom with two kids.” I politely smiled and said, “That’s okay, he’ll be fine – she’s looking forward to sitting with him (pointing to my oldest daughter).” She politely offered apologies and walked away.

We take off, no problem. My girls are fine the ENTIRE flight. They talk for a little while and then they go to sleep. See people, all of those looks for nothing.

But this is where my husband and I got our “ain’t karma something” joy. A GROWN MAN sitting behind us SNORED most of the flight. And I’m not talking about a “breathing heavily” snore. I mean one of those “A TRAIN IS COMING!!! A TRAIN IS COMING!!!” snores. We could barely contain our laughter.

Yes, stereotyping is never good…

Towanda Long aka mscafe

RIP Randy Pausch

The first time I heard Randy Pausch’s lecture I was inspired. The second time I was inspired and motivated. The third time I was inspired, motivated and actually made some changes in my life.

You get the point. No matter how many times I’ve heard this or read it, it evokes an emotion or an action. I hope it does the same for you.

Towanda Long aka mscafe

2008 – The Halfway Point

Today marks the halfway point for 2008. And while I’m always grateful, days like this put me in an especially good mood.

 

I know how I’m celebrating, but if you don’t have ideas (and even if you do) here are some suggestions:

• Look at your list of New Year’s Resolutions. Now either a) congratulate yourself with a piece of chocolate or b) laugh hysterically and then get a piece of chocolate.
• Do something daring. How about signing up for a belly-dancing or boxing class?
• Have Christmas in July. Treat yourself to something nice (I see new shoes in my future…)
• Watch the evening news and be happy you’re not on it.
• Call your parents, a close friend, etc. just to see how they’re doing.
• Let your children play until dark and then have cookies and ice cream for dinner.

Enjoy your day!

 

Towanda Long aka Mscafe

Selling in a Buyers Market

I’m preparing to put my house on the market, so my weekends consist of painting, cleaning out the corners (it’s amazing where dust can accumulate!) and going through boxes in my basement that haven’t been touched in years. I also have to organize my kids’ closet and do a little work in my yard.

 

After all, I know how great the house is, but a potential buyer will not. I know it’s been well maintained, but it has to look good on paper, too. The photos have to be clear, the description has to be appealing and when a buyer visits, the house has to be clean.

 

It’s funny how much this makes sense to job seekers, but the same people will use form cover letters, send out resumes with typos or go on interviews without researching the company.

 

This is a buyer’s market, for both employers and potential homebuyers. And to be successful you have to stand out. So, get a friend to walk through your house and point out problem areas, and let them review your resume, too. It’ll cost you nothing, but it will help you to put your best foot forward.

Towanda Long aka The Cafe Lady

Ways to Make Volunteering Work for You

Today starts National Volunteer Month (April 27-May 3^rd is National Volunteer Week). Ads promoting the importance of volunteering and the benefits of helping others have begun.

And while many people volunteer because they enjoy helping, I also know there are people that wonder what’s in it for them.  

So, if the great feeling of knowing that you are helping others is not enough, here are a couple of other perks. 

You can build skills that your current job description does not offer. If there are gaps on your resume, or experience that you need to move to the next level, volunteering is a great way to get it. Volunteering options are endless and most organizations welcome the extra manpower. 

Volunteering can offer experiences out of the norm. Think about it, how many opportunities will an accountant get to build a house outside of Habitat for Humanity? 

If you’re wondering where to find opportunities, try Volunteer Match. Using your zip code you can find opportunities in your area ranging from the Girl Scouts and American Cancer Society to local theatres and animal shelters. The opportunities also have age suggestions, so you can choose something that is perfect for your entire family or something just for you.  

Happy Volunteer Month!

 Towanda Long aka The Café Lady