What a glaring, knock out message it was when I read" Who has been doing your tweets for the last couple of days? It doesn't sound like you". Oh, my! What did I do differently. Will make a check list.
I used my 10 free Buffer tweets for automatic disbursement. My followers have increased and I wanted to say thank you in addition to pressing the follow button. I did a few shameless plugs for my little art business. Most people do that now and then. I promoted Profastpitch Softball because I love the game. People like to share with what they love. I support and re tweet others as well, promoting them and their websites. Used my "old saying: Grandma says: which matches my vintage soul where I can truly say
I am true to myself and my name. Ah ha!- that's it! I started adapting to what others are saying and doing!...Check
What is wrong with that? If you copy someone else, lesson learned. It is not you! If you take their message, learn from it and be creative in your own style and thoughts you will succeed. So I will go back to Twitter 101 and do some lessons on personal branding....Check
What I want to say-be creative and make messages interesting for others to like and share. Make it match the experience you want people to have. Be true to yourself. Does it match your personality?...Check
From Mari Smith, I learned the importance of my name-GrandmaOnDeck-which I chose for my brand name. The name is a true match for my love of fastpitch softball and the love for old sayings I heard from my grandparents and parents. They showcase my message Mari expressed: "the experience I want readers to have. She also said: A Brand of You! It's all in the future"...Check
Reality check time:
Devote time and energy.
Develop what you want to say.
Develop a list of those I want to engage
Don't be intimidated by others writings. Work on writing skills.
Build my brand with my name, thoughts and experiences.
Be proud to say" I did it my way".
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Do You Have A Dream Team?
The question is not new but one relevant to each and every organization. It must be answered by the businesses, services, and non profit industries a like.
Take a look at your organization.
Does each member participate in some way to the team? It takes them all to work toward the goals of the organization, Are they called upon for their expertise-their best skills? In order for the team to be successful each task should be match with the person's best skills for the job at hand. The Television show Apprentice is a good example. Each week the two team's success depends on each ones contribution to the task. For example; you don't trust your advertisement with a person who has no computer skills or graphic art design or even where to advertise.
Another important point the show brings out is the ability to collaborate and get along. It has been quoted in many articles on business that 90% of success is attributed to getting along with people. Each team member must be responsible for their responsibility,accountability, integrity, sportsmanship, and teamwork for any success. Mike Kryzewski, Head Coach of the 2102 Men's Olympic Basketball Team was interviewed on NBC right after their gold medal ceremony.He was asked how he chose the ones he did for the "Dream Team" There are many highly skilled , successful basketball players in the NBA. It was a hard choice. The one thing he said he look for was "Is he a team player. Did he play for himself or for the betterment of the team-backing each other up. Does your team work together as a team to achieve success for the task at hand? Do you have an unselfish desire for each team member to participate and share the success.
You can readily see the word sportsmanship pop into this discussion. For example, a good sports person respects teammates equally. He is responsible for his actions. He is responsible for being prepared and equipped to speak with authority. He is accountable and doesn't blame others. I added integrity . He asks for suggestions and advice when he needs it. He also provides honest opinions. The qualities of sportsmanship are the same whether it is on the playing field or in the board room. These qualities can boost morale, promote teamwork, lend to positive thinking which will provides good honest solutions.
Take a look at your organization.
Does each member participate in some way to the team? It takes them all to work toward the goals of the organization, Are they called upon for their expertise-their best skills? In order for the team to be successful each task should be match with the person's best skills for the job at hand. The Television show Apprentice is a good example. Each week the two team's success depends on each ones contribution to the task. For example; you don't trust your advertisement with a person who has no computer skills or graphic art design or even where to advertise.
Another important point the show brings out is the ability to collaborate and get along. It has been quoted in many articles on business that 90% of success is attributed to getting along with people. Each team member must be responsible for their responsibility,accountability, integrity, sportsmanship, and teamwork for any success. Mike Kryzewski, Head Coach of the 2102 Men's Olympic Basketball Team was interviewed on NBC right after their gold medal ceremony.He was asked how he chose the ones he did for the "Dream Team" There are many highly skilled , successful basketball players in the NBA. It was a hard choice. The one thing he said he look for was "Is he a team player. Did he play for himself or for the betterment of the team-backing each other up. Does your team work together as a team to achieve success for the task at hand? Do you have an unselfish desire for each team member to participate and share the success.
You can readily see the word sportsmanship pop into this discussion. For example, a good sports person respects teammates equally. He is responsible for his actions. He is responsible for being prepared and equipped to speak with authority. He is accountable and doesn't blame others. I added integrity . He asks for suggestions and advice when he needs it. He also provides honest opinions. The qualities of sportsmanship are the same whether it is on the playing field or in the board room. These qualities can boost morale, promote teamwork, lend to positive thinking which will provides good honest solutions.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Fastpitch Softball-Not A Simple Game.
After reading a statement on the internet declaring softball as a simple game, I had to write my thoughts. In support of the National Profastpitch Softball League; and, to promote equality for women in their chosen field, I must support their qualifications.
Softball is a sport that a lot of people take for granted. It is not a simple game. There is a great deal strategy and concentration. You can not walk out onto the field and do as well as experiencxed players. The more experienced you are the better you do. That is a given. What most people do not understand is the amount of concentration you have to have for a ball coming at your head going 65 to 70 miles per hour is no joke.
The game takes skill, talent and the love for the game. It requires speed on the bases. It takes mental fitness and concentration to hit a ball 70 mile per hour. Smart strategies, smart plays. smart hitting and smart base running all come into play. Then there is the speed in the outfield to run down the soaring balls and accurate throwing to make the outs. Infielders, are in the hot spots fielding hard hit balls, ones that comeback as fast as they were pitched. They show great glove work. The pitcher and catcher working in tandem and being accoutable for their play.
The game takes talent, skills, mental and physical fitness, and love for the game. When you watch a Profastpitch game you will see highly skilled players who are physically and mentally fit. They are very well educated
women. They play with heart and love for the game. These players are mothers, teacher's coaches, business women and play in their chosen sport.
Softball is a sport that a lot of people take for granted. It is not a simple game. There is a great deal strategy and concentration. You can not walk out onto the field and do as well as experiencxed players. The more experienced you are the better you do. That is a given. What most people do not understand is the amount of concentration you have to have for a ball coming at your head going 65 to 70 miles per hour is no joke.
The game takes skill, talent and the love for the game. It requires speed on the bases. It takes mental fitness and concentration to hit a ball 70 mile per hour. Smart strategies, smart plays. smart hitting and smart base running all come into play. Then there is the speed in the outfield to run down the soaring balls and accurate throwing to make the outs. Infielders, are in the hot spots fielding hard hit balls, ones that comeback as fast as they were pitched. They show great glove work. The pitcher and catcher working in tandem and being accoutable for their play.
The game takes talent, skills, mental and physical fitness, and love for the game. When you watch a Profastpitch game you will see highly skilled players who are physically and mentally fit. They are very well educated
women. They play with heart and love for the game. These players are mothers, teacher's coaches, business women and play in their chosen sport.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Do You Need To Clean Up Your Language?
More and more you hear business women using foul language. Where does it come from? Do you think it is necessary to keep up with the men in a man's dominated world of business to make it to the top?
First of all, I was taught that cussing came from the lack of vocabulary. Be creative and learn to express yourself in a better way. My straight-laced North Carolinian grandmother cam to visit us. I was cutting out paper dolls for my baby sister-it happened so quick. I cut off one of the dolls arms and said " oh darn. My grandmother told on me. My mother sent me out immediately to get my own switch!
Sometimes we get frustrated or angry and blurt out expressions to relieve the tension. What's wrong with "old turkey foot" or a food you don't like "oh liver" ! Be creative! Many foul words create more anger and offend others.
Another observation that is displeasing is the use of profound language by very young children . Some teenagers think it is so cool to cuss. It amazed me to find on YouTube a young man McKay Hatch who started a "No Cuss Club". He heard cussing in elementary school and when he moved to middle school so many around him thought it was cool to cuss. He didn't like it. He told his parents it offended him. It was then he asked his friends and classmates not to cuss around him. He started his club and now has over 30,000 members. Youngsters and adults have started eliminating foul language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBCfXJBjVQg
Do we need to clean up our everyday language? Do we use cussing in meetings? Is it something we feel we have to do to be in the "in" group.? Do you want our children to grow up cussing and replace good English?
First of all, I was taught that cussing came from the lack of vocabulary. Be creative and learn to express yourself in a better way. My straight-laced North Carolinian grandmother cam to visit us. I was cutting out paper dolls for my baby sister-it happened so quick. I cut off one of the dolls arms and said " oh darn. My grandmother told on me. My mother sent me out immediately to get my own switch!
Sometimes we get frustrated or angry and blurt out expressions to relieve the tension. What's wrong with "old turkey foot" or a food you don't like "oh liver" ! Be creative! Many foul words create more anger and offend others.
Another observation that is displeasing is the use of profound language by very young children . Some teenagers think it is so cool to cuss. It amazed me to find on YouTube a young man McKay Hatch who started a "No Cuss Club". He heard cussing in elementary school and when he moved to middle school so many around him thought it was cool to cuss. He didn't like it. He told his parents it offended him. It was then he asked his friends and classmates not to cuss around him. He started his club and now has over 30,000 members. Youngsters and adults have started eliminating foul language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBCfXJBjVQg
Do we need to clean up our everyday language? Do we use cussing in meetings? Is it something we feel we have to do to be in the "in" group.? Do you want our children to grow up cussing and replace good English?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Don't Isolate Our Seniors
There are so many seniors across our country that live at home and are isolated.These seniors are isolated due to physical limitations in getting around. They have no families or friends nearby. They want to stay at home for the rest of their lives. Many think that moving to a facility is a death sentence. How can we reach out to these seniors? How can we help them feel at home without that dreaded isolation? How can we help them feel more comfortable when it is time for assisted living. How can we assure them they are loved and cared for.
Being 80 years of age myself, I know my limitations and I am fortunate to live in a 55 plus community. I am comfortable in my own home and find my neighbors some of the happiest people in this world. There are 100+ clubs all conducted on a volunteer basis. We have all kinds of events from exercises, games and concerts. Outside community partnerships bring us educational and fun events. There are many amenities here: a lake to enjoy;
many trails to walk; and sports facilities to enjoy. But one of the nicest things about our community is the neighborhood care committee.We stay in touch with our neighbors and share with carpooling to local functions, dining, shopping and the list goes on.What worries me are the older folks who do not live in a retirement community like mine.
So many things come into play when it comes to helping isolated seniors. It doesn't matter whether they live at home or some type facility. People think they are too busy-not enough time in the day. Costs and under staffing creates a stressful situation when it comes to providing the care the seniors need.What good is the best facility in the world when it does not provide the loved, friendship and the feeling of being wanted.
All ages can participate in a "Don't Isolate Our Seniors" A dream world of the Walton's where three generations co-exist is a good thing. We can fill that void of money and staff with our new technologies, our power of creative thinking and people willing to share.
My first step to help my senior friends was to share what I had learned from training and walking a 5K with my 4 wheeled "Cadillac" walker for my 80th birthday. Walking with my trainer, daughter was such a refreshing self-care time for both of us. we shared the out of doors, a little family time and exercise. My personal desire is to promote "Walk With A Senior Campaign."
Here are some of my thoughts about sharing with our isolated seniors.
Start with a mother, grandmother, elderly aunt or uncle. Just around in their neighborhood or maybe a nearby park. Walk in the Mall. Be creative. A Weight Watchers group can do this as they exercise to lose weight.
Promote the idea of community service credits towards graduation for seniors in high school to share time and relieve the understaffed care providers. Students can serve and be trained as part of a nursing career by adding Senior facilities as part of their internship curriculum.
Let me know your thoughts on how we can provide a little self-care for ourselves at no cost and provide our vintage souls with a little friendship they so deserve.
Being 80 years of age myself, I know my limitations and I am fortunate to live in a 55 plus community. I am comfortable in my own home and find my neighbors some of the happiest people in this world. There are 100+ clubs all conducted on a volunteer basis. We have all kinds of events from exercises, games and concerts. Outside community partnerships bring us educational and fun events. There are many amenities here: a lake to enjoy;
many trails to walk; and sports facilities to enjoy. But one of the nicest things about our community is the neighborhood care committee.We stay in touch with our neighbors and share with carpooling to local functions, dining, shopping and the list goes on.What worries me are the older folks who do not live in a retirement community like mine.
So many things come into play when it comes to helping isolated seniors. It doesn't matter whether they live at home or some type facility. People think they are too busy-not enough time in the day. Costs and under staffing creates a stressful situation when it comes to providing the care the seniors need.What good is the best facility in the world when it does not provide the loved, friendship and the feeling of being wanted.
All ages can participate in a "Don't Isolate Our Seniors" A dream world of the Walton's where three generations co-exist is a good thing. We can fill that void of money and staff with our new technologies, our power of creative thinking and people willing to share.
My first step to help my senior friends was to share what I had learned from training and walking a 5K with my 4 wheeled "Cadillac" walker for my 80th birthday. Walking with my trainer, daughter was such a refreshing self-care time for both of us. we shared the out of doors, a little family time and exercise. My personal desire is to promote "Walk With A Senior Campaign."
Here are some of my thoughts about sharing with our isolated seniors.
Start with a mother, grandmother, elderly aunt or uncle. Just around in their neighborhood or maybe a nearby park. Walk in the Mall. Be creative. A Weight Watchers group can do this as they exercise to lose weight.
Promote the idea of community service credits towards graduation for seniors in high school to share time and relieve the understaffed care providers. Students can serve and be trained as part of a nursing career by adding Senior facilities as part of their internship curriculum.
Let me know your thoughts on how we can provide a little self-care for ourselves at no cost and provide our vintage souls with a little friendship they so deserve.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Kindness A Word For Everyday
The Founder of Affiliated Women once tagged me as their women's organization cheerleader. It is a new hat I wear. And, the reason is simple. This vintage soul, heart and mind has taken on the fast beat of new technologies without moving out of the computer chair. It is a way to connect and share. Women's groups. like AWI do share their thoughts, problems,solutions and dreams. So be kind to yourself and give yourself a chance with the organization that best suits you.I encourage each and every one of you to participate. Participation helps you grow in so many ways: speech, writing, creative thinking, positive thinking- I could go on and on.
Seize the chance and opportunity, but as you do so always be kind:
Don't wait for people to show you how.
It's Nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.
Treat people with politeness, even though they are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are.
Never miss the opportunity to make others happy even if you have to leave them alone to do so.
The kindess word in the whole wide world is the unkind word unsaid.
Kindness is like a boomerang it always comes back.
Seize the chance and opportunity, but as you do so always be kind:
Don't wait for people to show you how.
It's Nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.
Treat people with politeness, even though they are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are.
Never miss the opportunity to make others happy even if you have to leave them alone to do so.
The kindess word in the whole wide world is the unkind word unsaid.
Kindness is like a boomerang it always comes back.
Monday, July 16, 2012
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| Gloria Keeping Healthy |
How Often have you heard this: "So you think you are in a rut"? What does being in a rut mean? Some things are daily routines to maintain ourselves and our safe haven-home. Does doing routines mean ruts?
Tennessee had just gone through 11 straight days of record breaking heat indexes. Staying indoors was a safety precaution especially for babies and seniors. On the fifth day with 109 degrees outside I began to feel caged in. At that point I throughly began to understand the expression "doing the same old, same old." That was the answer I gave my daughter when she called and asked what I was doing.
Yes I had been in a rut for five days. My days became boring, uninteresting and down right boring. This was not me! You can get in a rut in your personal life, in your business , in a club or in schooly doing things over and over in the comfort zone. Keep things simple-don't take risks.This attitude allows you to be around like minded people with no risks and not much effort. And, there is little room for making mistakes.
Some people are happy with the same old, same old. But for me I felt like my life was passing me by. If you feel like you are in a rut and are not happy with your situation look it over and make your changes. We are not talking marathon here.We are talking about simple changes. I changed my walk time to the coolest part of the day. Every other day I walk the indoor track at our clubhouse. This helps me keep cooler, meet people and keep healthy.Then I planned lunch and an afternoon movie with a neighbor, Fun, cool an interesting. My coffee and quiet time remains the same because it is the one thing that sets my tone for the day. In the evening I don't stay glued to TV. Once in a while, I put a jigsaw puzzle together or read books by my favorite authors-Nicholas Sparks. So with a few tweaking of my day plans life is back.
My take from this new experience is:
Acknowledge you are in a rut.
Create an action plan
Set simple realistic goals
Include both chores and activities for fun
Take your time making changes. You didn't get in a rut overnight so don't expect getting out of the rut overnight.
Keep things simple and enjoy variety
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