Dip Don't Dazzle is the Key to Surviving The Christmas Party says Life Coach Carole Ann Rice

The fog of body spray, the miasma of hair lacquer and the clouds of high anxiety emanating from the Ladies loos can mean only one thing – it’s office party season. The tension and excitement has been building for months; dresses planned, bodies dieted and de-toxed into size 10 submission and strategies devised to pull a real cracker for Christmas.

Fast forward three hours later. You’re on your third pint of Malibu and pineapple, your outfit has turned into a transvestite’s worst nightmare, there’s a hint of the Tim Burton about your make-up and suddenly Kevin from accounts is beginning to turn from duff to buff. Who would’ve thought it?

This wasn’t the high gloss Vogue shoot you imagined this glittering occasion to be and with defences down and spirits up it can also be a place of high voltage danger and regret. You may be in the festive spirit with your colleagues and partying like there’s no tomorrow but you can be sure that your boss will on sober as the day they interviewed you.

Similarly with family and friends it’s wise to beware the potentially toxic cocktail of excess alcohol, heightened emotions and unrealistic expectations that can turn any situation incendiary.

Tempers, tears, tantrums and torrid gropes could lose friends, alienate people and could well end up all over Facebook the next day.

Of course we want to let our hair down and have fun. We want sequins, silks and feathers not hair shirts, sack cloth and ashes. But there’s a fine line to be drawn between riot and ruin. So here are a few tips on how to survive the office party and seasonal gatherings with your respect and reputation intact while still having a good time and happy memories thereafter.

• If it’s the office party decide your drink limit before you go out. Two alcoholic drinks are fun after three there could be loss of control so don’t risk it. Keep topping up with water. There’s no need to tell colleagues what you are doing. They may try to force your hand.

• Don’t wear revealing, trashy or provocative clothes to the office “do”. You need to maintain your professional reputation and you will be remembered for your sequined basque rather than your presentation skill ever more.

• If out with family and friends and you want to razzle dazzle them also consider how your outfit will look when you dance, have had a few drinks, travel on public transport, have a curry etc. Will it hold up to the wear and tear of the evening?

• With colleagues and managers do not get drawn in to gossip. Either change the subject or move away. What is loose talk over drinks could end up with you being implicated by association.

• Similarly don’t say, do or act in any way that you would not do in the workplace. The pictures passed around the office next day could mean the difference between promotion or passed over.

• For legless Lotharios be polite and move out of their way. Giving in for a bit of fun could mean you’re the subject of gossip the next day. Is it worth it?

• Even if you have a secret crush on a colleague don’t let on. Some companies operate a no-fraternisation policy so watch out.

• Everyone’s spirits are high at Christmas so beware the lowered defences, play safe and don’t get carried away with the moment. Allot a friend as protector too.

• Don’t assume colleagues or your manager are friends. Refrain from giving away personal details or grievances about the job in this seemingly relaxed environment. It could boomerang back.

• Do however keep your ear to the ground for information about staff morale and office politics.

• For the office party or family/friends gathering remember you don’t have to stay until the bitter end. Set yourself a time limit and slip away when you are ready. Also it adds to your mystique that you had “better things to do”.

• Use office parties an as opportunity to network, introduce yourself to people from other departments and learn insider knowledge. This can give you a competitive edge.

• It’s very important that you plan upfront how you are going to get home and either book a cab in advance or have a range of licensed cab numbers with you. If your budget doesn’t extend to a taxi then familiarize yourself with local bus/train routes and timetables and find out if you can share the journey with someone trusted. You don’t wand to be left alone, vulnerable and stranded.

Have fun, be safe and enjoy the party season with relish not regret. Happy Christmas

Carole Ann Rice is a life coach. Find out more http://www.realcoachingco.com/

How to Make 2011 YOUR Best Business Year Yet!

What’s your Resolution for 2011?

Eat less? Exercise more?

Can we show YOU one that’s much more enjoyable? How about this for a resolution?.

‘I resolve to attract more clients, make more money and build a business I love, with less effort, more ease and FUN!

Don’t believe it? We can show you how.

Join Susan Tomlinson and Carole Ann Rice, Real Coaching Solutions, at our next Business Building Breakfast. A fresh way to grow your business, meet like-minded people and start your day with energy and enthusiasm.

Why wait until the New Year to plan for success? Find out......

How to Make 2011 YOUR Best Business Year Yet!

By attending this breakfast workshop you will learn....

Simple steps to grow your business in 2011 and beyond.

How to manage your mindset so that you attract more clients and make more money

Ways to remove obstacles and blocks to your ultimate success.

Your ticket price covers tea/coffee and continental pastries, includes the workshop, and the opportunity to mingle and make new contacts with other like-minded business folk, in the sublime surroundings of the elegant St Stephen’s Club.

For further details please contact Sarah Moorhouse sarah@realcoachingsolutions.co.uk
'"I have attended a couple of events organized by Real Coaching Solutions in the recent past. I had a great time meeting like minded people, who share the same passion - healthy and sustainable business.

I believe that Susan and her company have a fantastic package for small business owners - empathy, integrity and hands on advice, which helped me to crystalise my thoughts and ideas related to my relatively new business, quite effortlessly.

I would like to recommend Susan's services to others who are looking for innovative support and fresh ideas for their unique business."

Jana Stanton

http://www.westminsterhypnotherapy.eu/

A Case For Coaching by Life and Business Coach Carole Ann Rice

A Case for Coaching - Carole Ann Rice

Why in the world would anyone use a coach? It’s a good question. Still considered a “new” profession here, coaching has its devotees across the world along with a fair degree of cynics who see it as another unnecessary US export.


But just as personal trainers in the 90s were considered a luxury fad for the lucky few, now we all know someone who is using or has used a fitness guru to tone their bones and get them fit. In the near future you too will have used a coach or know someone who has.

Coaching is rapidly becoming the most essential training tool that leaders and individuals use to run successful organizations and to create extraordinary lives.

It is not surprising that many global organisations such as IBM and Dell employ legions of full time coaches to work with managers or teams to increase performance, productivity and profits.

Yet for many coaching still carries therapy/new age connotations despite the fact that coaching principles are based on sound theoretic and academic processes. Unlike mentoring, coaches don’t necessarily have to work within the same sector as the client or have had personal experience of the profession or role they are coaching around. Whether scientist or sales exec the coach seeks to unlock the individual’s potential and unhook them from whatever is preventing them from achieving the success they have within them.

We look at the limiting beliefs the individual may be holding “I’m not management material”/ “I feel like a fraud” and see what lies behind them.
We also analyse what is currently standing in their way whether it’s a communications or confidence issue or perhaps a past grievance that has them stuck. Taking a holistic view of how the person is leading their lives; diet, relationships, work/life balance and five year plan, we have found also has an impact on how they perform in the workplace.

Unlike therapy coaches don’t want to wallow in the painful past but focus on the here and now and set achievable goals to teleport them into a powerful future.
For organizations this means greater awareness and understanding, which creates cohesive and directional teams; where the talent is nurtured and the weak points exposed and managed.
Corporations are also beginning to believe that coaching helps retain employees and that the financial investment is far less than replacing a key player.

Just as some large city firms may offer “perk” coaching to valuable employees, who voice dissatisfaction despite hefty bonuses, to prevent them from leaving, similarly some find it equally beneficial if staff head happily for the door post coaching too.
Increasingly organizations are opting to develop in-house coaches out of their own teams where managers are taught coaching skills in order to effectively manage their workforce.

Tanya Clemons, Vice President of Global Executive and Organizational Development at IBM said: “We’ve done lots of research over the past three years and have found that those leaders who have the best coaching skills have better business results.”

We rest our case.


Carole Ann Rice of The Real Coaching Company www.realcoachingco.com

Carole Ann Rice Imparts the Esoteric Secrets of Nifty Networking

It’s Not All Business Cards and Sell, Sell Sell.

It takes both nerve and verve to network well. To work a room with the oiled ease of consummate pro takes some practice. I have known top CEOs bolt for the door as soon as they see the crowds, the business cards and an atmosphere about as welcoming as Colditz; such is its scare factor.

The “roar behind the door” is the nightmare scenario networking novices face when standing outside a conference hall hearing the deafening chatter and wondering how to penetrate this cold front of possible rejection.

But networking can be easy and exciting as long as you know what you’re doing. Remember your ears will never get you into trouble so decide to listen and learn about other people; let them do all the work as you pick up clues as to how you can help them or they help you or connect them to a strategic alliance.

Sounds good but how do you break the ice when all you’re armed with is a cocktail sausage?

Here are some tried and tested openers that you can use once you’ve smiled broadly, introduced yourself and prepare to dazzle with your ardent interest. Have one or two of these up your sleeve and pay attention

• What do you love about your business/what you do? (See their passion)

People will warm to you for asking this and you will find out who they are.

• How did you get started in that line of work? (Their life story)

Learn about their history, maybe shared experiences and why they do what they do now.

• What separates your business from your competitors? (Their USP)

Let them brag and reveal what they excel at. Nod, smile and look impressed. You’re learning useful things.

• What’s changed in your industry over the last few years and what do you see happening in the future? (Their challenges)

This allows the person to show their knowledge and expertise. Could you use this information for follow up?
• So what’s next for you? (Their Big Dream)

World domination, beach or boardroom or simply a “nice little living” – whatever they want now you are privy to their big goal. How could you help get them there?

• How would you like to be described by the people you work with? (Who they are)

Again allow the person to feel good about themselves. Is there anyone you could introduce them to?

• What is the most satisfying and successful way you win business/influence? (Pick up their tricks)

Learn from their processes. Could you and your business become part of this process?
And finally ask

• What’s your ideal type of customer/client?(Who they are looking for)

Now you know if you can help them, pass on leads or offer referrals.

Swap cards, email them the next day to say how nice it was to meet them and suggest follow up. If you are stuck with a crushing bore, say you’re looking for someone, smile and glide on.

Carole Ann Rice is a coach and author. Find out more by visiting http://www.realcoachingco.com/

Away Day or No-Way Day Carole Ann Rice looks at the Pitfalls of Team Development.

For the singleton it’s an opportunity for romance or expense account booze up and for those with kids it’s a nightmare of childcare arrangements and disgruntled partners. The team away day or residential development event can build morale and create an inclusive, motivated workforces or it can simply divide, disengage or downright disillusion the reluctant team player.

From solving faux business dilemmas to psychometric testing, where individuals are divined as either Earth Mothers or Warriors, the away day can be a minefield of bruised egos and battered expense budgets. When a team is pulling in different directions, blame and scapegoating is the culture and there seems to be an issue around shared goals and outcomes, time out and training can solve the issue.
But how many times have you seen folk return from these events flying high and geared up for change to find it dissolves into the same old routine?

Donna from sales may have been the high wire heroine abseiling her way to team glory in the badlands of Shropshire last week, but is back to being as obstructive as ever as soon as her heels hit the office Axminster. Something appears to have been lost in translation from away day to work day.
To ensure that a team away day really does do more than bond a disparate group of people but have real and sustainable effects it might be worth considering these pointers.

• Be very clear from the outset what the desired intention of the event is. What exactly is it you want to achieve? How will that be done? What needs to be in place? What benchmark with you use to know you’ve got there?
• Make sure you will be able to measure results and take away accumulated data (contributed by the teams) that you can use effectively thereafter.
• Don’t assume everyone wants sporting terminology and Will Carling-esque motivation exercises; that people like to be physical, extrovert or do things that get them out of a comfort zone and straight into the psychiatrist’s chair.
• Inform the team what you would like them to get out of the event and invite them to make suggestions to as to what they would like to achieve, learn and contribute to the exercise.

• Use psychometric tests from the outset so that they can identify theirs own strengths and weaknesses and learn about the qualities of their colleagues too and how best to work and interact with them.

• Work, rest and play – make sure the event has its highs and lows and at the end there is a social time in the bar or restaurant to socialize, de-brief and consolidate what has been learned.

• Check in with the team a week later to see if what they have learned has been useful and put into practice.
• Avoid death by away day. Too many psychometric tests and physical challenges could lead to confusion and burn out. Remember, this is training and development not the Apprentice.


Find out more about Carole Ann Rice http://www.realcoachingco.com/

Killer Ice-breakers – 7 questions to help you win friends and influence great business contacts by Life Coach

Who hasn’t felt their heart sink and their stomach churn when you can hear the roar of chatter behind the door as you approach a networking event?

It’s the nightmare scenario everyone faces as novice networkers. But there are a few things you need to bear in mind if you want to make these events purposeful instead of painful.

The main thing you need to do is use your ears. Your ears never get you in trouble! People love to talk about their selves, their passion about their business and who they are. Let them.
They’ll think you’re fascinating and charismatic and all you did was nod in the right place and more importantly, picked up clues about how to helpthem, connect them to others or form a strategic alliance.

Let them do all the work and let your ears do the detective work and this way you don’t leave the event exhaustedand feeling as if you’ve done nothing but hard sell yourself for hours.

Tuck one or two of these up your sleeve to ask:
1. What’s do you love about your job? (See their passion)Their faces should light up at this point and if they don’t that in itself is another clue as to who they are and what their business needs. People will immediately warm to you for asking this. Good ice breaker.
2. How did you get started in your line of work? (Their life story)You may get someone’s life history here especially if they are successful but again a good way of seeing what makes the person tick

3. What separates your business from your competitors? (What makes them different)This gives the other person permission to brag and show what they excel at. What their USP is. Nod, smile and look impressed. You’re learning new things all the time.
4. What’s changed in your industry over the last few years and what do you see happening in the future? (Their challenges) This allows the person to show off their knowledge and expertise. They know more about this subject than you but it also gives you an insight to their challenges from their observations and speculations. Use this information for follow up.

5. So, what's next for you? Where will you be in 5 years time - beach or boardroom? (Their Big Dream)Some want world domination, others a quiet life; a global empire or a “nice little living” but whatever it is the individual wants now you are privy to their Big Dream How could you help them get there? Who or what do you know that could help them (and benefit you?)
6. What’s one of the funniest things you’ve experienced in business life? (Relax them)A funny and memorable story will have you both giggling. Everyone adores someone who made them laugh, even if they themselves were the one to tell the funny story! It makes everyone feel more relaxed and it makes you memorable.
Have your own story up your sleeve and share it too.
7. What’s your ideal type of client/customer? (Who they are looking for)Celebrities, the rich, the poor, the needy, the pregnant, married, single, with children, high powered corporate, small business owner, international, local, CEO, entrepreneur? Why not pass on leads or offer referrals at this stage?
This implicitly tells them you’ll look out for them and could encourage reciprocation. Makes you looklike a good networker.
And finally don’t cross examine, be human and share your stories too where appropriate. Don’t try to sell and doexplore common ground. Introduce them to other networkers, even if you’ve only just met them too.Remember also that you’re not just here to socialize. Be goal-focused and have an intention from the event andif you can enjoy yourself.
There’s nothing more attractive than someone having fun and making it look effortless.
Want to book a free 30 minute coaching consultation with Carole Ann Rice ? Visit her at http://www.realcoachingco.com/

Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive Workshop

Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive Workshop, 14 April 2010

An Exclusive Event for Coaches, Consultants and Small Business Owners

St Stephen's Club, Westminster, London

Carole Ann Rice and Susan Tomlinson, Real Coaching Solutions, are hosting a very small and private Live and In-Person 1-day Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive in the beautiful St Stephen’s Club, London, on 14 April, 2010.

If you are ready to take a big leap in your business in 2010 then join us for our one day Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive Workshop. We will be working with a very small number of motivated coaches, consultants and small business owners who are ready to learn new dynamic tools, tips and techniques to take away and put into practice immediately.

By attending this event you will:

Ensure a clear and focused vision for your future success

Generate new ideas for attracting clients and increasing your revenues

Learn new business models for delivering your products and services,

And find more time for your life.

As a bonus you will receive a copy of our guide to Boost Your Business Success in 2010 which takes you through the 6 key steps to grow your business. Plus we will share with you our unique list of contacts and resources.

Based on our own knowledge and experience of building and developing businesses we will focus on:

Creating a powerful, compelling vision for 2010 - do you have a vision for your business which you feel passionate about? Find out how developing your vision can transform your business into a unique proposition, becoming the driving force for all actions that create business growth

One-on-one coaching “hot seats” with Carole Ann and Susan to identify the strategies to boost your revenues and develop your business model. You will have an opportunity to be coached on any issue you want help with in your business.

Creating a plan to overcome obstacles - identify what may stop you achieving your results and learn practical strategies to confidently handle objections, self doubt, set backs and mistakes.

Marketing approaches to attract more clients consistently- learn our own tried and tested approaches to attracting rather than chasing clients, which have helped us to create a full practice of coaching and consulting clients. Find out how to consistently fill your marketing pipeline using easy to set up systems.

Increasing your visibility and how to master the media - step by step strategies to help you increase your visibility, credibility and expertise to become the 'go to' person in your field. Being quoted in the media can raise your profile and give you a competitive edge. We will share 5 steps to help you magnetise the media and expand your business potential.

Support, masterminding, networking, sharing resources and potential collaborations - in a supportive environment with a small group of likeminded business owners you will be inspired with new ideas and approaches.

We look forward to you joining us for this Unique Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive Programme – taking you and your business to the next level.

Save £300 by Investing in the Business Fast Track Coaching Intensive Programme Today!

Total Value £550

Book here http://businessfasttrackcoaching.eventbrite.com/