Winning Strategies

My Eleven Favorite Things of 2011

It is that time again, the end of 2011, where I get to share my TOP eleven favorite things of 2011.  The components of this list score high scores for most memorable, most enjoyable, most beneficial, most helpful, and my favorite things of the year.

#1. Movie Courageous:  http://www.courageousthemovie.com/  Available on DVD January 17th, 2012, this movie moves hearts and minds, leaving the viewer moved into action, watching dads  step up and become courageous dads.

62% of mother's raising children alone are not getting support from the fathers.  It is a silent epidemic.

Watch the movie Courageous to enjoy a great story with a message of dedication, love and support for dads everywhere!

 

#2.  Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake:  http://duncanhines.com/decadent-glazes  A complete delight to the tastebuds, Duncan Hines has created a decadent carrot cake (and a chocolate cake) that tastes good enough to challenge even the best chef's recipes.  This cake in a box and the drizzle frosting that accompanies it, creates for  the home bakers everwhere, a quick solution to amazing cakes at home.

They hit it out of the park with this one.  Thank you Duncan Hines!

 

#3.  RevitaLash:  http://www.revitalash.com/revitalash-products/revitalash-eyelash-conditioner

I am amazed by RevitaLash and it's ability to lengthen and thicken lashes.  I hesitated to believe that it would really work, but discovered within about 3 weeks it's extraordinary ability to lenghthen and thicken lashes.  I immediately bought a tube for my daughter and she experienced similar results.  Wow, great product, great results.

#4.  XOBNI:  Make your inbox smarter with Xobni.  http://www.xobni.com/download/outlook
I enjoy reading email on my desktop more now that I've downloaded Xobni.  I enjoy the ability to see pictures of the senders, and its ability to aggregate emails and track emails to/from the senders. 

#5.  Hulu Plus:  http://www.hulu.com/plus?src=sem-plus-google&cmp=205&gclid=CPrH-t3xoK0CFeJdTAodIwg0qw  Nothing makes traveling for work easier than access to Hulu Plus on the Ipad 1 or 2.  It allows access to television shows that you missed, allowing easy access on the go.  New wifi access on airplanes makes it possible to watch your favorite television shows on the airplane, even at 30,000 feet in the air. 

#6.  Logitech Keyboard for Ipad 2:  http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Keyboard-Case-iPad-2/dp/B00512W4Y2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324942352&sr=8-3  I find my Ipad 2 much easier to take to meetings and use for note taking and work with a blue tooth keyboard.  I LOVE using a keyboard with the Ipad and it has enabled easy use for traveling without having to lug around my PC.

#7.  Jeb Blount's Women in Sales Webinars:  As much as I love www.salesgravy.com, I love Jeb Blount's Women in Sales Webinars even more.  He has put together a great collection of resources to equip women in sales.  Making them easily available from your desktop, you can learn inbetween loads of work on your desktop.  http://salesgravy.com/women_in_sales/

#8.  Renting Travel Videos/Television episodes on my Ipad:  Preparing for a vacation is sometimes better than taking the vacation itself.  But nothing has made preparation easier than the ability to search for television episodes of travel locations and download them on your ipad for viewing while traveling.  I am planning a trip to Machu Picchu and was amazed to find 3 separate television episodes on the location.  Each episode was about $1.99.  Great use of technology, and fantastic way to explore the location. 

#9.  Google Places:  I love Google Places.  http://www.google.com/places/  Not only does it allow you to get your businesses found on Google, but it also allows people to rate businesses.  It has made it easier to find small businesses and see ratings. 

#10.  Amazon's Top Listing:  I love Amazon's rankings and suggestions for books.  I don't think I'm tainted because my book hit the 'top' list, but I could be.  Thanks amazon for your Top Listings.  I love them!

#11.  Coffee on the go via Starbucks Via:  I fly around the country visiting clients as well as vacationing around the world.  http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/via  The new ready brew from Starbucks allows me to grab my favorite Starbucks coffee, while sitted at my desk at work, on an airplane, or even in a hotel room in Singapore.  Fabuloso.  Thank you Starbucks for making life so easy for someone to enjoy a cup of java.

As you embark upon 2012, take a moment to enjoy a few of my favorite things!  Happy New Year.

Bethany Hamilton, Amazing Story- Amazing Girl

I watched Soul Surfer the other day and was amazed and delighted at the story. Often we 'celebrate' the lives of celebrities and lose track of life's true heroes. Bethany Hamilton is one of life's true heroes. She encourages all of us as we watch her tackle her struggles and lean on an unwavering faith. What a simply amazing role model she is for our youth.

I run a motivational web site and blog (you're reading the blog now) (grin) for executives working hard to balance work and life and live their best lives.

Recently I had a peculiar question come through from my 'ask Bethany' portion of the site.

It read, "hi I was wondering if you could tell me a few tips of how to surf. me and my friend just love surfing but were not very good so please tell us some tips
love hannah YOUR BIGGEST FAN XOXO"

I didn't make the connection until Hannah emailed me back to say that the message was for Bethany Hamilton. I redirected her to the right Bethany.   Smile!

If you are looking for some motivational, log on and check out the 'other' Bethany's blog:http://bethanyhamilton.com/about/bethanys-blog/

We Arrive in Langkawi, Mayalsia

We caught a flight on Malaysian Air from Singapore to Langkawi. The weather today is amazing, mid 80s. We arrive at the Westin Langkawi Resort, ready to rest from the blur of travel this week.

The Westin Langkawi Resort ( http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=283 ) is located only 2 kilometers from the town of Langkawi. We check in and get our room keys, ready to explore the beauty and splendor of the resort.

I change into a swimsuit and run for the pool/beach. Here is the view from my beach chair.
 

And an airial view of where I'm sitting (to give you perspective):

 


From my beach chair, I am exploring the island from my blackberry, reading up on the words and wisdom of a blogger that has spent a month traveling around Langkawi.  His blog can be found at:  http://langkawitravelblogger.blogspot.com/    Hopefully, he can give us some ideas for our adventure.  Follow along, we will go many places this week.  

Top Blogs of 2010

These were the most read blogs from Winning Strategies from 2010:

1. What Us Girls (Sometimes) Wish the Boys Knew and Understood:
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/05/what-us-girls-sometimes-wish-the-boys-knewunderstood.html
2. Building the Life of Your Dreams:  http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/10/building-the-life-of-your-dreams.html
3. Do It Better Than Anyone Else, And in Less Time:  http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/09/do-it-better-than-anyone-else-and-in-less-time.html
4. Beaten Down and Broken at Work:
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/09/beaten-down-and-broken-at-work.html
5. You Have All That you Need:
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/08/you-have-all-that-you-need.html
6. Are You Willing to Get Up, Stand Up, and Run After Your Dreams?
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/06/are-you-willing-to-get-up-stand-up-and-run-after-your-dreams.html
7. Life is Yours To Design: 
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/07/life-is-yours-to-design.html
8. Social Networking Well Kept Secrets: 
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/06/social-networking-well-kept-secrets.html
9. Dream a Better Dream:
   http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/04/dream-a-better-dream.html
10. Over 2,000,000 Miles on American:
    http://bethanywilliamsblog.typepad.com/blogging_with_bethany/2010/02/over-2000000-miles-on-american.html

Enjoy! 

January 2011 Newsletter

News from Winning Strategies:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Winning-Strategies.html?soid=1103573876891&aid=zZ1dnCoZt_o

My Favorite Things of 2010

1)  Books

Jeb Blounts book, People Buy You :       http://www.amazon.com/People-Buy-You-Matters-Business/dp/0470599111                                                      
 

and his Sales Gravy Website/Blog:  http://www.salesgravy.com/

 

AND

Timothy Ferriss' Book, The Four Hour Workweek:  http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/

AND his Blog:  http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/

Thank you Jeb and Tim for adding to my life!  You guys have blessed me beyond belief.

 

2.  The Workbloom website that I guest blog for:  http://www.workbloom.com/

WorkBloom is one of the Web's leading job portals.  They leverage the expertise and experience of career coaches, resume writers and HR professionals to empower  job searches and define individual's career paths.

3.  Oprah's 25th Season:  http://www.oprah.com/oprah_show.html
I have enjoyed Oprah's last season.  I haven't gotten my opportunity to see a show in person, but I haven't given up get. 

4.  Smashwords e-publishing site:  http://www.smashwords.com/

Smashwords will allow you to epublish books to the digital stratosphere.  (It helped me to get Book #2 published on the Apple ibooks application.)
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Bethanywilliams

5.  Personal Assistants Overseas:  https://www.getfriday.com/

I have loved the personal assistants that have helped me to get organized, and to accomplish more than I have ever been able to.  Midhya and Jestin have been amazing.  They are encouraging, swift, and efficient. Thank you Get Friday!

6.  Cake Balls:  http://www.cakeballs.com/

Oh my goodness are these things delicious.  How in the world did we live without them?  I have to say that these are definitely one of my 2010 favorite things. 

7.  Ipad by Apple:  http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Apple hit one outta the park with their new Ipad.  The book reading features are amazing, along with the movie rentals; it makes for an on-the-go entertainment system that would make long airplane rides much more pleasant.  I have downloaded city guides, maps, my favorite books, and my favorite movies.  It is great for ready email , and I'm generally just loving the portability and ease of use.  Great job Apple!

8.  P90X; Beach Body:  https://www.Beachbody.com/P90X

If you want to get in shape, this is the workout that will kick your butt and take names.  It is a brutal workout with guaranteed results.  I have modified some of the excercises due to my scoliosis, but I still love it.

9.  Ab Contour Belt:  http://www.thecontour.tv/success.php

I admit it, I love it.  I wear this belt when I write my blogs in the evening.  It is my secret weapon to incredible abs.  .

10.  Customized Gift Baskets:  http://www.conradcreative.com/

On many occasions, Jenny from Conrad Crative has made custom baskets for delivery to friends, family, and clients.  Her special touch has made the gifts memorable and one of a kind.  I love 'em.

I'm anxious to see what 2011 holds for the list of 'my favorite things'. 

Thank you to all of my Readers in 2010!

Thank you to all my readers for making my blogging such a fun and enjoyable journey.  This blog wouldn't exist if it weren't for a very many of you that log on to get encouragement and advice.  I appreciate each one of you.

I recently read a blog from a friend of mine, John Self, and decided to take his lead on thanking his readership  (find his blog at http://healthcarevoice.typepad.com/healthcare_voice/).

I am continually astounded by the numbers of people that log onto the blog and I enjoy the emails and comments that I receive.  It is a journey of daily discovery that I find both fun and exciting.  I learn from all of you and together we have journeyed together through 2010.  As 2010 comes to a close, I look forward to another year of opportunity.  I have set my sights on a year of encouragement and new discoveries.

What are you dreaming of for 2011?  Have you begun to wonder what the new year could entail for you?  Have you begun setting small goals and defining steps that you can take to move yourself forward in areas that you'd like to advance?

Here are some suggestions to add to your calendar somewhere in 2011:

• Get a professional photo taken for your bio.  Yes you need one.  If you haven't yet written a bio, then schedule a time on your calendar to do so.  Put this html link on the calendar entry to give yourself some ideas:  http://workbloom.com/blog/career-advancement/your-bio/
• Schedule some fun activities.  Yes you need time to do something other than work or kids.  For inspiration, read this article:  http://workbloom.com/blog/lifestyle/juggling-kids-and-work/
• Think about creating the life you've always dreamed of.  Yes you can do it.  Find an article on the cover of my web site:  www.bethanywilliams.org

Again, thank you for being a part of the journey.  Wishing you and yours a very happy end of 2010.

Hugs,

 

Bethany

 

 

Topics of Discussion

It's that time of the year! The holidays are approaching and it is nearing the busiest time of the year.

What topics would you enjoy reading about? Send in your topic ideas....I'm waiting to hear from you.

Onward to the Gulf of Papagayo & Lifestyle Design in Action

Monday

My posts are a little behind due to internet connectivity (or lack thereof) (laugh).

Today we get our last glimpse of the hot springs and enter an air conditioned van to enjoy a 4 hour trip to the Gulf of Papagayo.

It was a winding road.  It wove around and around, zig zagging through the jungle.  This road trip is not for the faint at heart.  I took Dramamine motion sickness pills to be able to handle the drive.  We stopped in the middle in a small town to visit the banos.

We arrive at the Hilton Papagayo Resort (http://www1.hilton.com/es/hi/hotel/SJOPAHH-Hilton-Papagayo-Costa-Rica-Resort-Spa/index.do) just before dinner.  We check into 2 rooms high atop a cliff overlooking the Bulf.  It would have been difficult to fit all 4 of us into one room.  They are euro sized rooms.  We open the connecting doors and whala, we have a 2 room suite complete with 2 bathrooms for the coming stay.  This should do just fine.

We have landed in Costa Rica during the rainy season.  It rains part of everyday and some days it rains throughout the day.  The rain hasn't kept us from being outdoors.  We are simply ignoring the water dripping from the sky.

Dinner was yummy.  They serve a large selection of vegetables grown fresh in the region.  I love fried plantain.  I wonder if it is a bad carb or a good carb (fun vacation wonderings).

We sink into bed and call it a night.  five more days of vacation to enjoy time with the kids.  I'm really liking the idea of longer "working trips" that Tim talks about in his book and blog (http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/).  I want to consider annual one month trips (to start).  It will include 2 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of remote working.  Check out Tim's blog- and read his book- it will open your eyes to Lifestyle design.

What goals/aspirations have you set for yourself?  Are you waiting to enjoy your life?  Stop waiting. 

The Evolution of Communication

Heather and I were reminiscing my early travel days. I was traveling the globe in an international strategy position pre-cell phones (at least I didn't have one). We wrote each other notes and made folders to hold the notes that we wrote each other. When we did talk on the phone (the old trusty LAN line) we paid close attention to what was said- these were priceless words that we didn't hear very often and an opportunity that was a rare privilege.

I can't help but think that we have desensitized communication. Phone calls happen SO FREQUENTLY. Are you truly listening to what is said when you are the phone? Are you holding on to each word? If you are texting, do you save or print the texts to read 10-20 years from now. Of course not. I love reading old letters. It reminds me of where the relationship was at that point in time. It gives me perspective and reminds me of things I've forgotten. I can fall in love with my husband all over again by reading old letter he's written me or laugh my butt off reading a note from one of the kids when they were smaller.

I think we should re-adopt an occasional hand written letter. We will cherish and keep them for years to come. They will brighten a day for us in 10 years or longer. It will become a collectible. Let's face it- there aren't many of them around. Pen a letter to someone you love today. Give it to them with a 'memory' box to keep it in. Enjoy!

PS.  I just realized the irony in the fact that I write most of my blogs today on a Blackberry sitting in line at the grocery store or at Starbucks.  Using new technology, my Blackberry can electronically upload images and text to my Typepad account.  It is really quite amazing. 

Years ago, it would have been impossible to have a phone at either location. Now it is the norm and it allows me to blog- - - WHILE I'm living life- and trying to be an executive, working, way too busy mother of three, wife, writer, and blogger....ha- it all seems a tad bit ironic.