Radish Sprouts

WHERE IS YOUR MESA?

WOW!  Today while participating in the MESA awards breakfast in Denver, I saw encouragement for "Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement" among middle schoolers and high schoolers from across the country. MESA, www.cMESA.org, brought these kids, mostly minority and female teens, together with a meaningful purpose. This is what our country needs -- a young generation prepared to pursue a passionate purpose of innovation creation. Education is the answer. Here's how and why you can support this effort. 

I think back on my own experience in high school -- what a program like MESA would have done for me and many other students.  Even though I loved math and science there was no practical forum to put these skills to use to solve real world problems and to learn about career options. There was no one to encourage me to pursue a career in engineering. Not knowing exactly what I would do with it, I did pursue a degree in Mathematics.  Good fortune and a connection through a friend brought me to my first job out of college as a Member of Technical Staff with Bell Telephone Laboratories. This changed my life.  What more people need are MESAs -- programs which encourage you to reach your potential.

Companies are looking to hire qualified engineers. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com) one of MESA's sponsors said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance workforce today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need more qualified graduates.  That is why we sponsor MESA."

The program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science.  MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, business, and other math- and science-based fields.

What are you doing to help others to get educated in math, engineering and science?  Here are some PRACTICAL POINTERS on you can do:

• Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics. Encourage them. Show them that math and science are fun.
• Ask your middle and high schools to sponsor a MESA program.  If your state does not have MESA, ask why not?
• Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, or create an internship.  Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

Did you or do you have MESA in your life?  Help create one today so you and others can successfully pursue passionate purpose.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

MORE FREEDOM AND JOY AT WORK — CREATE THE MIND SHIFT

A few weeks ago it was the last day of school for my 13-year-old daughter. As she jumped for joy with her math final finished, happiness floated in the air. Remember the song, "School's out for the summer!" and the great feeling of freedom after taking your last final? As Annie rejoices at the thought of reading lots of books, getting ready for interesting camps, sleeping over with friends, and traveling to distant relatives, business life goes on. Most parents with at-home kids, are working parents, and we do not have the summer off. Tomorrow is the not the last day of work, it is the beginning of a more complicated juggling act until school restarts just 11 weeks from now in August.

Perhaps your kids are older or you don't have kids. Regardless, you must know a recent graduate. My nephew just graduated with a Bachelor's degree and is off next week to intern in Nepal for the summer, doing meaningful work before embarking on graduate studies. Rather than worry about finding the best summer paycheck, he will have a priceless experience, meet new people, learn about a different culture, explore, and grow.

What if you brought that sense of freedom, joy, and exploration to your work and life every day? Is it possible to perceive each day as an adventure and learning experience, regardless of attachment to the exact outcome? Perhaps some of the pressure and stress would lift, your creative juices would flow, and with renewed energy you could continue the pursuit toward your passionate purpose.

Here are PRACTICAL POINTERS to create a mind shift:

	Pause for a moment, close your eyes, and visualize a flower. Recall Edward Abbey's wisdom, "Wildflowers, like love, blossom best in openness and freedom." This is also true with people. Ask yourself what you need in order to allow your sense of freedom to bloom. And then, give that to yourself. Perhaps it is just a mind shift — realizing that you have as much freedom as you allow yourself.
	Next, do something for YOU for a change — something that will stimulate your sense of joy, exploration, and wonder. Rather than all those picky, endless little-and-big tasks on the to-do list, do something, even if small, for yourself today. For me, I dream of hanging out in my hammock even for a few minutes in my secret garden with the aspen leaves shimmering against a brilliant blue sky. The birds chirp and a gentle breeze brings the smell of sweet flowers. My laughter rings out.
	Give yourself permission to slow down, play hooky for a few minutes, and breathe. In between your in-breath and out-breath, there is a magical, infinite moment of possibilities. Your true self is waiting inside that moment to be released.

The worst of times? The best of times? Which are these? It depends on your perspective. You have the power to turn it around. Allow yourself to BELIEVE in the freedom, joy, and adventure of business and life. And then refreshed, take action on your pursuit!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

WHERE ARE THOSE BIG STIMULUS BUCKS?

Everyone is talking about it.  Supposedly, there is $787B in funds available to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and investing in infrastructure projects and growth industries.  The big question is:  How does your business tap into them now before those funds are gone?

Here are few tips shared at the “Where’s The Money? Navigating Opportunities from the Stimulus Package and Other Contracts” conference on May 15, 2009. Preston Gibson, President of the Jefferson Economic Council shared, “We are running this event to help existing companies and new businesses in this economy.  Over 450 businesses from Colorado and beyond are at this session.” Check out www.jeffco.org for more insights from the dozen of speakers and to see their presentations.

Of the total amount of stimulus funds of $787B, the http://www.recovery.gov/ website reports that as of 5/8/09 $102.9B is available for distribution and $36.8B has been paid out.  Some of the funds are allocated to the states.  Go to http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page and learn more about the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (known as ARRA) in all 50 states.  You can find a link to a website describing how your state is spending funds allocated by the Recovery Act. In Colorado that website is: http://www.colorado.gov/recovery/ where you can see a summary report of what ARRA means to Colorado.

The state of Colorado expects to receive more than $7B in the next three years and to distribute those to:  education, health care, human services, employment and workforce training, business and economic development, transportation, energy efficiency and conservation, environment and natural resources, housing, public safety, and telecommunications.

There are 28 federal agencies listed on www.recovery.gov with recovery plans.  Jim Spaeth, Assistant Manager for Commercialization and Project Management with the U.S. Department of Energy, gave these specific instructions to apply for a grant or a loan guarantee from DOE:

Track funding opportunity announcements through:

- All types and loan guarantees -- energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm

- Grants -- grants.gov

- Contracts -– fbo.gov

For first-time applicants, register before submitting application:

- Register early to be ready when opportunities are announced.  The process can take a minimum of 30 days.  Realize you need DUNS, ccr, orca, and other numbers to register.

- Read registration instructions carefully and comply completely.

Apply for grants administered by states or local governments:

- Apply directly to state energy office or local government entity

- Go to energy.gov/recovery/ and find link to your state energy office

For help, call DOE’s Recovery Act Clearinghouse at 1-888-DOE-RCVY (1-888-363-7289).

The General Services Administration (GSA), a federal agency, helps all federal agencies better serve the public by offering, at best, value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management service.  Pennie Estrada, Director of Small Business Utilization Center, of the Rocky Mountain GSA regional office in Denver (Pennie.estrada@gsa.gov) shared some things to do:

- Register for the federal acquisition service at www.fedbizopps.gov , click on vendors.

- Find your appropriate schedule at www.elibrary.gsa.gov.  Do a keyword search by service or product.

- The standard application process can take 120 days.  An accelerated process call MAS Express can take 30 days.  You will need ccr, orca, sba, and naics numbers /certifications and a past performance review by www.openratings.com.

- Take the required online “Pathways to Success” education seminar to learn how to apply for MAS Express at the Vendor Support Centerat http://vsc.gsa.gov//

There are dozens of other federal agencies with recovery plans and funds, as well as state and local government entities distributing funds.  The most important sources of information mentioned are: www.fedbizopps.gov, www.recovery.gov, www.gsa.gov/recovery.

Overall, finding the funds and applying for them is complex.  It takes patience and persistence. You may want to find some expert advice on how to navigate these waters. Is it worth it?  YES!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com and www.TMSworld.com)

RECESSION-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS

How is your company doing in these uncertain times? When I talk with many business leaders, I hear about revenues that are down, sales closing cycles that are longer, and prospects who are unwilling to make decisions. Why? Because people and the organizations they make up are fearful. They are expecting to lose in this recession.

 

What can you do about it? Successful people and organizations do not despair, they “Believe and Act.” That is the recommended mantra this year. But what actions should you take?

 

Here's a snapshot of what you must do.

 

Victor Cheng, author of The Recession Proof Business, spoke recently at the Fortune Small Business Sales and Marketing Summit. His perspectives support all of my research findings. Consistent with my “Believe and Act” message, Cheng recommends adopting a “play to win” mindset. "Get your head screwed on straight and play to win,” he says. “Fortunes will be made in this economy. History has shown future Fortune 500 companies get started in times of extreme economic change. There are opportunities if you're looking for them."

 

Now is not the time to hunker down and attempt to ride it out. There is money out there. Go and find it. Determine where the money is, find the problems, and solve them. The money will follow your solutions. As preteen superheroes Sharkboy and Lavagirl say, "Dream a better dream, and do the work to make it come true."

 

What is Your Secret Weapon?

 

These times stimulate fear. What happens when you are fearful, afraid, scared, and overwhelmed? Your intuition — your heart — closes down. Yet that sixth sense is likely to be one of the most important tools to help you steer a course to success in challenging times.

 

The most successful people and organizations follow a four-step “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” process and utilize six success strategies. The “Connections Strategy” starts with listening to yourself. Many of us recognize this as intuition, instinct, or sixth sense. This perception capability is defined as directly knowing, independent of rational thought and inference. Do not neglect to exercise this secret weapon and incorporate it as part of your ongoing strategic planning!

 

PRACTICAL POINTERS

  

• Tap your intuition. Respect and honor this source of wisdom and guidance. Take actions to make it more available to you. How do you tap into your intuition? Try breathing, meditation, exercise, journaling, and other ways to hear your inner voice.

•   Unpack fear. Fear is often irrational. Be aware of the negative impact of fear. See my earlier blog post on this topic. 

•   Take action. Be proactive. Develop a good plan, and act on it. Now is the best time to define your core and craft your strategic plan. Make sure it leverages your intuition and includes a sales assessment and plan (see www.TMSworld.com/sales.html) . Then execute it. Do not wait.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

Follow Theresa on Twitter @TheresaSzczurek.

 

 

EQUAL PAY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

According to US Census statistics on average, full-time working women earned 78 cents to every dollar earned by men. That is right - women working earn 22% less than their male counterparts. The figures are even worse for women of color with Black women only earning 66 cents and Latinas 54 cents on the dollar. Over a lifetime of work this loss adds up. On average, women lose out on $9,575 per year and $434,000 in a lifetime due to the wage gap.

Did you know that April 28, 2009 was Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day is held annually in April to signify the point into a year that a woman must work to earn what a man made the previous year.

Legislation is needed to close the persistent gap between men’s and women’s wages. The Paycheck Fairness Act (HR 12/S 182) will strengthen the Equal Pay Act closing loopholes and strengthening penalties to guarantee that women workers are not shortchanged solely because of their gender.  Join working women advocates across the country to educate women and men about pay inequity and demand passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. 

Check out this blog to learn about author JoAnn Smith Ainsworth’s 40 year tale of unequal pay and much more, http://youngwomenmisbehavin.com/category/pay-equity/

In the first 100 days of Obama's term much has been done for working women for which we can be grateful including:

• Thank you for signing the Lilly Ledbetter Act. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will ensure that women subject to wage discrimination will get their day in court and is an important step towards closing the persistent and sizable wage gap that remains between men and women. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rights the wrongs done by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., reinstating previous rules protecting workers and ensuring people who have been discriminated against can seek vindication in a timely matter.
• Thank you for creating the White House Council for Women and Girls.
• Thank you for making sure women and families were provided for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
• Thank you for securing working woman Hilda Solis as head of the Department of Labor.
• Thank you for instating workplace flexibility as a key tenant in the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families.

Much more is needed.  Eliminating the wage gap is good for families and for business.  Join me in passionately pursuing the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

PRACTICAL BUSINESS ACTIONS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

Join me at my May 8, 2009 seminar ‘Practical Business Actions to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times” sponsored by the Sustainable Business Group.  I offer suggestions to help you and your company successfully weather this economic debacle.  Registration and coffee begin at 8:30 am, seminar from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at The World Trade Center, 1625 Broadway, Suite 820, Denver. Free of charge. Please RSVP by May 5 to Kathleen Flynn 303 592-4062 or Kathleen@sbizgroup.com

Here is a description of this seminar, which is part of "Toward a Sustainable Future" Business Education Series.

Many Americans are more pessimistic about their situation now than they have been in more than a quarter-century. What can you do about the current economic situation so it does not negatively impact your company any more than it already has? Many of the most successful people and organizations today have a clear approach in their attitudes and actions specifically designed for these difficult times. Sales and marketing play an important role in helping a business thrive in tough times, as does overall leadership of the firm.  Research reveals the key strategic actions which have helped companies succeed during past economic downturns.  Come learn what actions business leaders must take now to promote the best possible results in this downturn.  Case studies of firms that have proactively acted and produced great results will be discussed.  Explore how to apply these actions in your company through an interactive exercise. 

This session will address the following key issues:

• What actions help firms survive and thrive in tough times
• What are the top things you should do now
• How can you justify these actions with a strong ROI 

As a successful entrepreneur, consultant, and Gazelles® business coach, I deliver a set of unique tools, you can immediately apply to your bottom-line advantage. The take-aways include practical ideas on how to apply this to your organization. 

See you on May 8th.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com) 

CREATING A WORLD WIDE RAVE

Think of the the last time you were in a stadium -- perhaps during a football game or perhaps at a Fourth of July celebration. Did you experience a crowd wave?  One person starts it, others catch on and spread the action, and before you know the entire crowd is standing up at the appropriate time with the wave moving around the stadium. In a similar manner, you can create an even larger wave for your message by reaching people online.

 

David Meerman Scott, author of World Wide Rave, spoke recently about leveraging social media tools to reach buyers and grow your business at the Fortune Smalll Business Sales and Marketing Summit in New Orleans hosted by Gazelles International.  Rather than buy advertising, beg for media coverage, pay an army of sales people, you can get attention by using 'word of mouse.'   Create something valuable that people want to share and make it easy for them to share it.

 

Case Study.  Consider how the Harry Potter Universal Park was launched.  In a secret session, Cindy Gordon, the marketing maven for the park, told seven of the most popular Harry Potter bloggers in a secret session, they blogged about it, other blogs picked it up and people started emailing, the message moved into the main media.  In 24 hours, 350M people knew about the launch.

 

Practical Pointers.  Here are a few 'rules of the rave' about effectively using new media

 

·                     Remember what Yoda said, "You must unlearn what you've learned."  The new approach is to earn attention by publishing web content and other information. Think like a publisher utilizing a range of onlline media such as blogs, micro-blogs, websites, video posting outlets, and more.  Online you are what you publish.

·                     Don't talk and market to nameless faceless prospects.  Determine who you are trying to reach and create white papers, e-books, videos, contests, and more that this audience finds interesting because it solves their problems.  Make those deliverables FUME -- fun, unique, memorable, and educational / entertaining.

·                     Lose control.  Make your valuable online information totally free and freely sharable.  Let it disperse organically.

·                     Create triggers that encourage people to share.  Is there is something in the way your message is communicated that people will want to tell?  David Meerman Scott says, "When a product or service solves someone's problems or is very valuable, interesting, funny, or just plain outrageous, it's ready to be shared."

·                     Put down roots.  If you want your ideas to spread, you need to be involved in the online communities of people who actively share.

·                     Point the world to your virtual doorstep. Get a google profile. Write your own blog after you monitor other blogs and learn how to work with bloggers.  Follow people on Twitter. 

 

Ask yourself, "How can I create a world wide rave?"  Believe it is possible and then take appropriate action.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

ARE YOU ON PLAN?

The CEO of one firm said to me, "We have seen our business drop about 75% from where it was last year at this time." Another CEO commented, "Our sales are down 20%. Most of our competition is down 35%." Both of these companies are in discussions with us to get help in developing a strategic plan and evaluating their sales force.  What about you?

Was Q1 All YOU planned?

Are you tracking progress against clearly defined metrics? You do have a plan, right?

In case you haven’t noticed, spring is in the air. In arid Colorado you can tell by the 16 inches of wet snow we got last week to replenish the water supply.  It also means that the first quarter of 2009 is almost behind us. Time flies — whether you're accomplishing what you want or not.

If you have a plan, ask yourself how things are going in pursuing your purpose. Be honest and assess progress. If you are on plan, pat yourself and your team on your back. Recognize and reward.

Assess and Adjust

If you're not on plan, you are not alone. Now is the time to ask tough questions and take appropriate action. Many firms have cut expenses as much as they can. The next step is taking necessary action to build the top revenue line. Determining appropriate initiatives takes strategic thinking. Once they’re in place dive in and embark on them.

Here are five practical pointers to make the needed adjustments:
• Envision the optimal outcome. What strategies will help you get there?
• Analyze. Determine what adjustments to make by looking at the current situation and comparing it to your where you want to be.
• Broaden. Take hold of a bigger purpose. There may be other product or market segments where you can find opportunity.
• Divide and conquer. Take on a big goal by splitting it into smaller chunks. What do you need to do “a day at a time”? Focus and finish one piece at a time, allowing that progress to replenish your energy.
• Reaffirm and execute. Establish mid-course corrections, commit to them with courage, and take the necessary action.

What If You Don't Have a Plan? 

There is no better time than now to create a good one. Especially in a storm, economic or otherwise, you don't want to be the ship lost at sea without a rudder. Without a plan you may actually sink. That's why one of the seven actions needed to survive and thrive in a recession is: Develop a good plan and act on it. Companies with a written plan outperform those without one. A good plan depends on a core ideology to provide guidance and direction.

Now is the best time to define your core and craft your strategic plan. Make sure it includes a sales assessment and plan. Then execute it. Don't wait.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

PRACTICAL TIPS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN TOUGH TIMES

You are invited to come as my guest on Monday 3/30/09 to the Boulder Business Series program "Survive and Thrive in a Tough Economic Environment:  Practical Business Tips."  The program, sponsored by the Deming Center of Entrepreneurship, is held 6-7:45pm at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder in Koelbel 210.

The event is free to attend. 

Come to this program prepared to learn from others, and also to share your own strategies.  Rich Wobbekind, will give his thoughts on what the economy has in store for us in 2009.  Theresa Szczurek will introduce specific suggestions to help your company successfully weather this economic debacle.  Dan King will give us a glimpse as to the measures his company has taken to thrive.  Attendees will also be given a chance to share and apply these approaches during a small group interaction

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

POSITIVE SIGNS OF BETTER TIMES

There is some good news.  The U.S. Department of Commerce reports:

• Total sales volume for US Retailers was stronger in 2/2009 than expected (-.1% versus -.5% projected.

• US retail sales, excluding autos, increased by .7% in 2/2009

• US retail sales increase 1.8% in 1/2009

Check out www.ThePositiveObserver.com for more good news.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)