Deb Nelson – Page 13 – Be Well Consulting Group

The Road to Success is Paved with a Strong Team

You can benefit from the input of others whether you work alone, in a small organization, or a large company. The best of teams, however, will do you little good unless you take the time to know each member of the team.

Sports teams – professional and amateur – underscore the importance of knowing team members every time they set foot on the field, ice, court, etc. Teammates practice together, train together, travel together, and socialize together. They learn a lot about the reaction, recovery, and pivot capabilities. For sports, success depends on how well team members work together.

Hockey players shoot the puck to the area their teammate is supposed to be covering; a basketball player makes a bounce pass to the spot his or her teammate can reach. Seeing achievements of teammates at practice spurs others to reach a little deeper. Athletes communicate during competition with words when possible, gestures when necessary, and screams when appropriate. Your business might not be so different from a sports team.

If you’re successful in your profession, chances are you’ve got a good team behind you. If you’re not as successful as you’d like to be, chances are you need to shore up your team. Here are a few tips to get your team lined up to support you.

Identify your teammates. Coworkers, colleagues, committee members, volunteers, supervisors, trusted friends and advisors, mentors. You might be surprised how many people are committed to your success.
Clarify the roles of every member of your team. Clear expectations are key to having a successful outcome. You’ll make the most of your team’s talents when everyone knows what’s expected of them, and what they can expect from you in return.
Provide and receive feedback. Things didn’t work out the way you expected? Find out why – while a conversation or two might result in identifying the need for a major overhaul to your plans, you might also unearth minor changes that will result in the results you seek.
Ask for input. When you’re stuck and are sitting in the funky chair of analysis paralysis, check in with someone on your team and ask for some help. Sometimes hashing an idea out with someone can save hours of hemming and hawing on your part.
Say thank you. No two words are more appreciated than thank you. Make the time to thank all of those who lend a hand to you on your path to success.

Lace up your skates (or laptop), get in the game, and give it your all. Let me know how you and your team meet and beat the challenges you face.

The Road to Success is Paved with a Strong Team was last modified: January 20th, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Have You Skipped Today?

Spend a day with a kid, and you’ll undoubtedly learn a thing or two.
You know what else will happen? You just might find yourself skipping.

What kind of question is that? Have you skipped today? Maybe a better question is: Why do we stop skipping? Is it because we reach a certain age? Or attain a certain social status?

Spend a day with young kids and you’ll find yourself giggling and skipping along with a big grin on your face. Pressure melts away, perspective changes, new insight is realized. Young kids haven’t been taught not to laugh or not to skip. Without limitations or restrictions having been imposed, kids are unstoppable. They do what comes naturally, and happiness prevails.

Do something that makes you skip every day. You’ll change your story. And you just might change the world.

Let me know how you’re changing the world – comment below, or connect with me directly.

Have You Skipped Today? was last modified: January 19th, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Are You All About the Sunset, No Moonrise?

While focusing on one thing – all about that bass, no treble – might work really well for Meghan Trainor, tunnel vision could land you and your business in a very vulnerable place.

My husband and I were watching a sunset over the harbor along with a group of adults and one young boy. All of the adults zeroed in as the ball of fire began its descent from the sky: cameras ready to go, oohs and ahhs, exclamations of delight as though this were the first time any of us had witnessed a sunset.

Suddenly and quietly, the young boy chimed in with his thoughts: “Hey, what about the moon?” We all turned to the left and saw the much simpler, yet equally impressive moonrise. Lucky for us, this boy had no qualms about letting a bunch of adults know that Mother Nature had more than one sight for us to take in on the horizon.

Perhaps you’re wondering how the heck this relates to your business. Here are a few things I learned from our young friend. Make sure:

You’re inviting people with different perspectives to be part of your team.
You allow all voices on your team to be comfortable sharing how they view the progress of your project.
You don’t become so enamored with a shiny, beautiful idea that you forget look at whether there’s a simpler way to achieve the same results.
To remove blinders; they’re quite dangerous.

Sometimes we learn things when least expect to; be open to hearing and responding to those quiet voices that sometimes teach us the most.

Let’s stay connected. Sign up to receive notification of blog posts, and let me know about the lessons you’re learning.

Are You All About the Sunset, No Moonrise? was last modified: October 21st, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Running for Good: Good for the Community and Good for You

This Sunday, get off the couch and hit the pavement. Stretch your legs and support an organization helping people who are facing health challenges.

If you’re in Maine this Sunday, lace up your running shoes and hit the road for a 5K filled with fun in Brewer or Sanford. Each run will support a nonprofit lending a hand to those in treatment for cancer. Here are the details:

Brewer:
The Purple Iris Foundation will host its 2^nd Annual Pound the Pavement 5K FUN Color Run. The race starts at 9:30 at the Brewer Auditorium. Chris Parrish founded the organization after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer: “The Purple Iris Foundation…..It’s my dream. I want to raise money for people who have pancreatic cancer that can’t afford treatment.” ~ Chris Parrish

Sanford:

Grahamtastic Connection hosts its 4^th Annual 5K Run & Walk. Registration and packet pickup begin in 8:00 a.m. Leslie Morissette is the founder of this organization to honor her son, Graham, after he lost his life to cancer. Grahamtastic Connection provides laptops, tablets, and internet access to seriously ill children.

Caroline and me at last year's Grahamtastic 5K Run & Walk — Caroline and me at last year’s Grahamtastic 5K Run & Walk

While running or walking in these 5Ks will support the nonprofit community and the people they serve, these 5Ks are also good for participants. Whether it’s your first 5K or your 100^th 5K, the exercise you’re getting will help you stay healthy and fend off illness. If it is your first 5K, use this as a benchmark and train throughout the winter months. You’ll be surprised at the progress you can make running three time a week. I was able to participate in last year’s Grahamtastic Connection 5k with my husband, my Goddaughter Caroline, and her mother. It was Caroline’s first 5K; since then, we’ve followed a plan to run three times a week. The results: we’ve run a 5-mile race and a 10-mile race together!

So…support those in need with your registration fees and donations; support your own health by moving those feet!

Let’s stay connected: Sign up for blog posts, and drop me an email to let me know about the good work of nonprofits in your community.

Running for Good: Good for the Community and Good for You was last modified: October 14th, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Three Reasons to Read Chris Guillebeau’s Latest Book, The Happiness of Pursuit

Yes, there are WAY more than three reasons to read The Happiness of Pursuit. I’m choosing to limit my list to three reasons that will more than illustrate why you should hop on over to your favorite local bookstore or power up your favorite piece of technology to order this gem.

One copy just isn't enough — One copy just isn’t enough

The subtitle of the book provides a bit more clarity of what the book is all about: Finding the quest that will bring purpose to your life. How, you ask, can a mere book steer anyone to identifying their quest? Great storytelling, that’s how. Guillebeau is a master at weaving stories together to move his readers around the world from the comfort of their home as he shares a variety of quests focused on the happiness of pursuit.

Do we all have a quest? Maybe, maybe not. Are you happy in your everyday life? Do you go to work with a smile on your face? Or are you trudging through each day waiting for something to happen to bring a spark into your world? If the latter speaks to you and your humdrum life is getting you down, it just might be that your inner self (your gut feeling) knows there’s something you’re meant to do. A few hours reading this book. At a minimum, it will get you thinking; at a maximum, it’ll change your life.

Here are my top three reasons for reading The Happiness of Pursuit:

Inspiration Meets Action. Guillebeau shares numerous stories of people’s quests. Some resonated with me in a big way; others, not quite as much. Each story, however, illustrated that small steps matter. Quests (which Guillebeau defines for the reader) are not accomplished overnight AND must have deadlines. This keeps the inner perfectionist from endlessly fine-tuning the quest rather than moving forward. As Seth Godin says: “Stop polishing andship Polished perfect isn’t better than perfect, it’s merely shinier.”
Assistance Identifying Quest. Guillebeau outlines a few steps to put readers on the path to identifying their quests. Putting the brakes on, set aside some time to honestly assess your life, and see what happens. Use this book as a guide, not a crutch. That’s the beauty of Guillebeau’s approach: this book can’t (and shouldn’t) tell you how to find purpose in your life. What it will do, though, is lend a hand as you figure out just what the heck it is you’re meant to do with your life.
Happiness is Important. Happiness means something different to each one of us. We go around once in this life. Our choices can make that ride a wildly fantastic experience, a yawn fest, or worse. Following someone else’s path to happiness isn’t going to work for you. What matters to someone else may not matter to you. Listen to that inner voice as you take time to figure out what happiness means and looks like to you: This is the difference for many of us between leading a life of drudgery and leading a life that counts.

Flipping the pursuit of happiness on its head, you can’t help but take a step back and rethink your approach to life as you read Guillebeau’s The Happiness of Pursuit. Discontent is a big motivator. As Guillebeau noted: “Dissatisfaction + Big Idea + Willingness to Take Action = New Adventure.” Take advantage of that discontent and find your quest.

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Three Reasons to Read Chris Guillebeau’s Latest Book, The Happiness of Pursuit was last modified: September 30th, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Oxymoron or Smart Strategy: Planning for Spontaneity

I don’t use the word oxymoron every day, and that’s probably a good thing! While the concept of planning to be spontaneous sounds a bit odd, let’s see how these two concepts might work together in your business.

You know where you want your business to go. You know where you want to be in three years, five years, and beyond. And yet, you’ve got no plan. This raises many questions, including:

Mapping out your approach can pay off in a number of ways for your company — Mapping out your approach pays off for your company

How will you know which tactics have been successful, or not-so successful?
How will you know what to repeat, what to tweak, and what to promise NEVER to do again?
And, of course, what was the ROI?
One of the questions I always ask, though, is How will you know when to do the sweet happy dance of success?

All of these questions also lead to another valuable question to ask yourself: What did you miss out on because you didn’t have a plan?

If you’ve got a plan – well, you actually need a number of plans: business plan, marketing plan, fundraising plan, event plan, etc. – AND you’re working the plan(s), and an unexpected opportunity knocks on your door, no problem – you assess your current situation and decide whether or not this opportunity is worth pursuing.

If you’ve got no plan, it’s really hard to determine whether this “opportunity” is actually (1) a worthwhile opportunity for you to pursue, or (2) just one more distraction that will help you continue to spin your wheels without moving forward.

Make a plan. Work the plan. Celebrate your results.

Oxymoron or Smart Strategy: Planning for Spontaneity was last modified: September 23rd, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Attitude of Gratitude: There’s a Lot to be Grateful for in my Life

A favorite lunch spot along Maine's rocky coast in Bar Harbor. Uninvited seagulls never fail to join us. — A favorite lunch spot along Maine’s rocky coast in Bar Harbor. Uninvited seagulls never fail to join us.

Faceboook is overflowing with gratitude challenges. People are challenging their friends, family, and colleagues to identify those things in their lives for which they’re grateful. My friend, Maura Halkiotis, challenged me to identify and post three things I’m grateful for each day for five days. I altered the challenge a bit: here’s my list – all 15 in one day, no particular order except for number 15 (no skipping ahead).

Laughter. Listening to a child’s infectious giggle or an adult’s belly laugh stops me in my tracks and immediately puts a smile on my face.
Coffee Shops. Working out of my home as a consultant has given me a great appreciation of coffee shops – even though I’ve ditched coffee for green tea. These satellite offices provide a place for me to meet with clients; allow me to be in a room with people when I’ve spent too much time alone; and, of course, there’s always a great cup of tea or snack awaiting.
Friends and Family. There is nothing like sharing successes and setbacks with people I love and respect. I’m blessed to have family and friends who open their hearts and homes to my husband and me; and I’m especially grateful for those of you who share your children’s worlds with us.
My preferred mode of travel takes me through the marshes of Cape Cod.
My Bike. My pink bike has taken me places I never imagined I’d travel. And, yes, I’m grateful each of those 30 gears to power me over hills and through trails.
Water, Water Everywhere. Beaches, marshes, lakes are mesmerizing. I feel lucky every day to live in the beautiful State of Maine. The rocky coast is a stunning backdrop for a good life.
Second Chances. We can all use a do-over every now and again.
Living in a Country Where Disagreements / Debate Take Place. While our country certainly has its issues, there’s no place in the world I’d rather live. Disagreements can be debated publicly; political change takes place seamlessly; in spite of disagreements, there is a sense of compassion (most of the time) that transcends politics.
Generosity and Philanthropy. Working in the nonprofit sector allowed me to see on a daily basis how dedicated people are to helping those in need. The generosity of people to share their time, talent, and financial resources is truly heart-warming.
Public Spaces. Imagine a world without public beaches, parks, or museums. No thank you.
Pioneers. I’m so grateful for those bold pioneers who turn a deaf ear to the naysayers and forge a new path.
My Health. I’ve been researching the relationship(s) surrounding lifestyle and cancer for close to three years now. I’m grateful every day to be healthy, sometimes in spite of my choices, and sometimes because of my choices.
Loud Music. Whether I’m cooking in my kitchen or driving my car, a loud blast of music can change the shape of the day.
Artists. Creativity provided by artists – photographers, painters, singers, musicians, etc. – opens our eyes to new possibilities and perspectives.
Social Media. The power and ease of connecting has never been greater since social media entered our world. Personal and professional lives collide, multi-generational conversations bloom, and the world is a better place for it.
John Nelson. I saved the best for last. I’m grateful every minute of every day that John is in my life. Lucky me to have a husband who is my best cheerleader, sounding board, and friend.

This was a valuable exercise for me to complete. While it may sound a bit contrived, developing an attitude of gratitude can change the way you see the world AND the way the world sees you. So give it a shot: I encourage (or should I say challenge) you to take a few minutes and think about those people / places / things that make you smile even when you’re trying your hardest to be cranky. Don’t let anyone else write your story; it’s yours to tell.

Attitude of Gratitude: There’s a Lot to be Grateful for in my Life was last modified: September 18th, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Managing Expectations: Do Your Clients Know What to Expect from You and Your Company?

Before you even enter Ducks in the Window, this business has already kept its promise to you because, yes, there are ducks in the window! Upon entering the store, you’ll see that a variety of ducks line the shelves – big ducks, smaller ducks, clothed ducks, decorated ducks.

There are other items for sale in Ducks in the Window, all of which fit into the description on their site’s About Us page: “toy store for the young and young at heart.” I double-dog dare you to leave this store without a smile on your face. Don’t see what you want? No problem – order up a customized duck for your special occasion.

Are you offering your clients the same clear set of expectations? If not, let’s connect and see how we can improve your messaging.

Managing Expectations: Do Your Clients Know What to Expect from You and Your Company? was last modified: September 15th, 2014 by Deb Nelson

TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race: There’s Room For Everyone at Joanie’s Run

Here it is Sunday night, the weekend’s winding down, and I’m watching the Boston Red Sox play those dreaded New York Yankees. While this is a good way to end the weekend (as long as the Red Sox win), I find myself thinking about yesterday’s TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race along the coast of Southern Maine. It was the third time I’ve run this race, and it’s the third time I’ve thanked the running gods for Joan Benoit-Samuelson.

With countless 10K races in Maine alone, what’s so special about this race? Well, let me tell you. In a word: Joanie is what’s so special about this race:

Every year for the past 17 years, Joanie has brought runners of every ability “to some of [her] most favorite training grounds.”

Every year elite runners from around the world are joined by not-so-elite-but-no-less-enthusiastic runners from around the country. 46 states were represented in this year’s race.

Every year the residents of Cape Elizabeth open their town and their homes to host elite runners visiting the Coast of Maine.

Every year the people who live along the race route create a party atmosphere that powers the runners to dig a little deeper and have a little fun as they climb that last hill.

Every year a local nonprofit is selected as the beneficiary of the race and receives publicity, a cash donation from TD Charitable Foundation, and has the opportunity to put together a fundraising team of its own for the race.

Every year at the start of the race, we hear Joanie tell us how important the runners and volunteers are to this race.

Key to why we all love Joanie and the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race is that every year Joanie puts the spotlight on someone other than herself. In 2012 when the documentary There is No Finish Line: The Joan Benoit-Samuelson Story was released, Joanie ran with back of the packers (including me) around Portland’s Back Cove. She ran with us, chatted with us as we ran, and offered up some advice for each one of us. Joanie continues to observe, encourage, and inspire the back of the packers to run every day of the year.

She and her team, which includes race director Dave MacGillivray, work behind the scenes year-round to make adjustments to the race. The rest of us wait to see how the race will be improved from the previous year – even though we thought it was just about perfect to begin with. No detail is forgotten at any stage of planning, which is something we’ve come to expect from our Olympic Gold Medalist who puts together a race that sells out in minutes and is talked about for years.

As I left the packet pickup expo, I heard several people commenting: “they’ve got this down,” “they know their stuff,” “wow – that was organized.” After the race, buses were ready and waiting to take runners back to their cars; praise all around for the volunteers and logistics. Complaints and whining? Are you kidding? The only thing that comes close to a complaint is those of us who wonder what our time would have been if we’d gone up that last hill just a little faster.

So, thank you Joanie, for bringing a race to Maine that welcomes and accommodates every runner, walker, and wheelchair participant. And thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and spectators for being a part of this race. See you next year, going up that last hill just a little bit faster.

TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race: There’s Room For Everyone at Joanie’s Run was last modified: August 3rd, 2014 by Deb Nelson

Yarmouth Clam Festival: Still Fresh After 49 Years

The weather gods were looking out for the organizers of the 49^th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival last weekend. Perhaps the unseasonably cool temperatures and lack of humidity were Mother Nature’s way of acknowledging a job well done.

The town of 8,300 along Maine’s southern coast prepares to welcome 100,000 to its village every year to celebrate in a clamtastic way. The Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce is tasked with organizing this annual three-day event and making sure there’s something of interest for the young, the old, and everyone in between.

While the parade is a staple with its fire trucks and wild Shriners, the theme changes every year to give it a fresh look. Bands come and go as our music tastes change, and the artists and crafts people change up as well. Steamer was added as the festival mascot in 2004; he wanders through the festival all weekend, posing with anyone who wants to get a photo. Steamer and selfies go together like lime rickeys and sweet potato fries.

I’ve been attending this festival for 19 years, since moving from Massachusetts to Yarmouth. And each year, the festival succeeds in entertaining the masses. Festival attractions include a parade, 5-mile road race, professional bike race, diaper derby, clam shucking contest, firefighters’ muster, craft show, fine arts show, carnival, live music, fireworks, and more.

There’s also a food court featuring clams, clams, and more clams. No worries, though, if clams aren’t part of your diet; there’s a little something for everyone at the food court, where the vendors are Yarmouth nonprofits raising funds to do good work.

While lots of favorites returned to the craft show, this was the first year I noticed Shibumi Silks. A unique addition to the show, Shibumi offered festival goers the opportunity to create their own silk scarves. Events change up over the years as well. The canoe race now accommodates canoes and SUPs. The variety of shows pretty much guarantees there’s never a dull moment from start to finish at the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

Congrats to the Chamber and its many volunteers for putting on a good show! 2015 will mark the 50^th anniversary of the clam festival. The Yarmouth Clam Festival is always the third weekend in July, and is always worth attending. I hope to see you next year July 17 – 19 on Yarmouth’s Main Street!

Yarmouth Clam Festival: Still Fresh After 49 Years was last modified: July 23rd, 2014 by Deb Nelson

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