Recently I responded to a client's e-mail by including the line: "One thing for certain is change. It changes hourly in our industry".
How do you embrace change?
1. Open-Minded
It is not easy to always be open-minded, however, we must always have an open-mind. Relying on just the past and doing things the same way will not necessarily result in future success. Just because "we always did it that way" does not mean it is the best way.
Look at the constant change, the number of new requests and the fast pace of business. Be open-minded to reacting to this change by adapting new ways of thinking and tweaking your current good habits.
2. Plunge Forward
Take a look at the facts first and make your own conclusion to plunge forward with the changes. More often than not, you will find yourself asking what was holding me back in the first place?
It is OK if you make mistakes along the way. Always remember the more important thing is how you react to not being perfect. You can also revert back in most cases if plunging forward is not successful.
3. Let Go
This is a tough one! Anyone else a micro-manager and control freak? Yes I thought so. Let go of being so rigid and be more flexible by letting go.
I am happy to report this has been somewhat successful over the years. Better at letting go some things than others. Managing and coaching have taken over micro-managing.
Change is good and healthy for businesses. It sets apart those who are leading in their respective professions. Share how you are embracing change.
Accept Change as a daily habit.
Connecting business people to share stories of making new business relationships and creating opportunities.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Being Arrested for a Good Cause
My "clean-streak" is over. When someone asks "Have you ever been arrested?" now my answer is yes.
It started as a typical monthly team discussion on Friday morning where we gather to share information as a group.....when we were interrupted by a superhero announcing a bunch of charges for my arrest.
I was surprised! OK I do admit, I was not very happy about it at the time. The good news is since it was so early, I was able to resume the monthly team discussion and on good faith was told to drive over to the jail cell and turn myself in. The AlphaKORians had a good laugh as we attempted to resume the discussion.
Once the day started to unfold and I headed over to the Jailhouse (aka Devonshire Mall), I was embracing the idea and decided to make the best of it. I had cancelled all my meetings. I missed one in my calendar who arrived to find out my demise. They pledged $40 for the cause!
I was the first one to arrive and was offered coffee and muffins. Hmmmm I was thinking, butter me up and then pay for it at the trial. The judge, Kenny, came over to chat. We shared our stories and found out he was a retired police officer involved with the Crime Stoppers for a number of years.
The trial. There was the Prosecutor whose opening remarks were all shot down by the Judge. He felt no pity for me being a hard working family man with two teenage daughters. My Defense Attorney demanded a different client since I am a Habs fan and she is a Leafs fan. Needless to say this was not off to a good start.
The Judge, it turns out, was also a Leafs fan. He asked an interesting question: "I have one last question. Frank, now be very careful how you answer. Who is your favourite team?".
My response "LaSalle Stompers 2000 Girls Soccer Team".
Silence.
Judge Kenny replied "Well you certainly are a shifty one" and he set my fine at $550 which 50 higher just for that answer!
My other charges included having an "iron-clad fist" because I am such a nice guy, talking about the Internet like it is a person and building my own internet out of Lego bricks. I know what you are thinking and let's give them credit for being creative and keeping it light.
In the cell, it was time to get the word out by using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Some pictures were posted and a few cries for help/support went out. I had some support to bail me out and some chose to throw the book at me.
I even had some visitors! Carmela, Haley, Brandy and Mazen stopped by to laugh at me and try to give me some support. They did support me and want to thank them for that.
After 2.5 hours, I had raised over $600 and it was time to head for lunch and get on with the rest of the day.
I want to thank the Crime Stoppers for organizing such an event to give one an experience you would least expect. I want to thank everyone who donated to bail me out or to throw the book at me.
It was all in fun and makes for a good story when you tell people "Did you ever hear the story when I got arrested?"
Here is the official alleged charges list: http://bailjail.catchcrooks.com/arrestees/frank-abbruzzese/
It started as a typical monthly team discussion on Friday morning where we gather to share information as a group.....when we were interrupted by a superhero announcing a bunch of charges for my arrest.
I was surprised! OK I do admit, I was not very happy about it at the time. The good news is since it was so early, I was able to resume the monthly team discussion and on good faith was told to drive over to the jail cell and turn myself in. The AlphaKORians had a good laugh as we attempted to resume the discussion.
Once the day started to unfold and I headed over to the Jailhouse (aka Devonshire Mall), I was embracing the idea and decided to make the best of it. I had cancelled all my meetings. I missed one in my calendar who arrived to find out my demise. They pledged $40 for the cause!
I was the first one to arrive and was offered coffee and muffins. Hmmmm I was thinking, butter me up and then pay for it at the trial. The judge, Kenny, came over to chat. We shared our stories and found out he was a retired police officer involved with the Crime Stoppers for a number of years.
The trial. There was the Prosecutor whose opening remarks were all shot down by the Judge. He felt no pity for me being a hard working family man with two teenage daughters. My Defense Attorney demanded a different client since I am a Habs fan and she is a Leafs fan. Needless to say this was not off to a good start.
The Judge, it turns out, was also a Leafs fan. He asked an interesting question: "I have one last question. Frank, now be very careful how you answer. Who is your favourite team?".
My response "LaSalle Stompers 2000 Girls Soccer Team".
Silence.
Judge Kenny replied "Well you certainly are a shifty one" and he set my fine at $550 which 50 higher just for that answer!
My other charges included having an "iron-clad fist" because I am such a nice guy, talking about the Internet like it is a person and building my own internet out of Lego bricks. I know what you are thinking and let's give them credit for being creative and keeping it light.
In the cell, it was time to get the word out by using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Some pictures were posted and a few cries for help/support went out. I had some support to bail me out and some chose to throw the book at me.
I even had some visitors! Carmela, Haley, Brandy and Mazen stopped by to laugh at me and try to give me some support. They did support me and want to thank them for that.
After 2.5 hours, I had raised over $600 and it was time to head for lunch and get on with the rest of the day.
I want to thank the Crime Stoppers for organizing such an event to give one an experience you would least expect. I want to thank everyone who donated to bail me out or to throw the book at me.
It was all in fun and makes for a good story when you tell people "Did you ever hear the story when I got arrested?"
Here is the official alleged charges list: http://bailjail.catchcrooks.com/arrestees/frank-abbruzzese/
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
My Co-Op Experience
This week we welcome Guest Blogger Nathan Bellaire, student at Tecumseh Vista Academy Secondary School.
February I had my interview at AlphaKOR and it went really well. I knew I would be going here for co-op but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. My first impression was everyone was very nice and friendly, and the building was fantastic!
Next year I will be starting college for mobile app development, and although that is the sort of thing I was initially expecting to do at AlphaKOR, my current lack of schooling in that subject matter made me a better candidate to work with Brandy in the marketing department. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it has turned out to be a really good experience so far. After a little over two months here I can say that I have been really enjoying working in the marketing department and I have learned a lot so far.
Throughout the time I have spent here, my primary project has been to create a user guide for KareHR, AlphaKOR’s time and attendance software. My first objective was to learn and understand the software enough to be able to write a user guide for it. I have been working on the user guide on and off as other smaller projects came through that needed to be worked on as well. I am currently finishing up the user guide for KareHR and just making some small revisions to it.
After the user guide is complete, I’m not sure what will come next. I have a passion for computers and everything tech related whether it be hands on or software related. Whatever AlphaKOR has in store for me next, I am eager to find out what it is.
I’m sure it will continue to be a wonderful learning experience and I will enjoy the rest of my time here.
Nathan Bellaire, Guest Blogger
Student, Tecumseh Vista Academy Secondary School
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Does Anything Hold You Back?
Do you stop and think about what is holding you back?
Look at the other side of this question to determine what motivates you. Focus on these and work on the other things that prevent you from moving forward.
We have talked about removing the nay-sayers and negative energy around you. Really think about this. If you find this holds you back, do something about it. You can ignore, forge ahead or you can get pushed down.
Move forward! Sure we get caught up and get drawn into the dance. Learn to recognize when you are and move to the positive side.
What fears do you have that hold you back? Face these head on and deal with them. You will find you are strong enough to deal with them and you do have the ability to get past them.
Think about your challenges and how you address them. Is some sort of fear getting in the way of resolving challenges? What excuses do you allow to hold you back? Excuses are just excuses by the way and most of the time they are not valid.
When I think about excuses, it comes down to myself holding me back. This morning, it was easy to shut off the alarm and sleep a little longer. I told myself I am too sore and too tired to go to the gym. So I read my messages and almost let myself get in the way!
After sitting around making more excuses, I stopped, got up, filled my water bottle and out the door to the gym I went. Don't let yourself get in the way and hold you back. Channel that energy to help you move forward. I am glad I did and always feel energized after the gym. Now I'm ready for the next challenge.
What is holding You back?
Look at the other side of this question to determine what motivates you. Focus on these and work on the other things that prevent you from moving forward.
We have talked about removing the nay-sayers and negative energy around you. Really think about this. If you find this holds you back, do something about it. You can ignore, forge ahead or you can get pushed down.
Move forward! Sure we get caught up and get drawn into the dance. Learn to recognize when you are and move to the positive side.
What fears do you have that hold you back? Face these head on and deal with them. You will find you are strong enough to deal with them and you do have the ability to get past them.
Think about your challenges and how you address them. Is some sort of fear getting in the way of resolving challenges? What excuses do you allow to hold you back? Excuses are just excuses by the way and most of the time they are not valid.
When I think about excuses, it comes down to myself holding me back. This morning, it was easy to shut off the alarm and sleep a little longer. I told myself I am too sore and too tired to go to the gym. So I read my messages and almost let myself get in the way!
After sitting around making more excuses, I stopped, got up, filled my water bottle and out the door to the gym I went. Don't let yourself get in the way and hold you back. Channel that energy to help you move forward. I am glad I did and always feel energized after the gym. Now I'm ready for the next challenge.
What is holding You back?
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