Rinker & Associates

real world career coaching & consulting

Today is your day! Everyone is capable of living their dream. All it takes is courage, determination, and inspiration!

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart! (Confucius)

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"One thousand days to learn, ten thousand days to refine." - - Japanese Proverb

The Butterfly Effect – Living Your Passion

Speaker's notes from an engagement with The Virtual Nation in Sacramento, CA on April 22, 2006.

Definition from Nature: Transformations are not random acts of nature; there is a meticulous process involved. Caterpillars don’t just wake up one day and decide to become a butterfly. It’s in their nature to do it and every caterpillar goes through the same meticulous process as a normal part of their life cycle.

Definition from Mathematics: Small variations of the initial condition of a dynamic system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of the system. The Butterfly Effect from Chaos Theory Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? (Philip Merilees, 1972)

Begin with the Game Plan (like a biz plan or career plan)

Two parts – 1) Creative; 2) Practical

Part One – Creative Perspectives – The “what are the possibilities” phase.

Explore, reflect, and imagine unlimited possibilities!:

“Intuitive vision is about connecting with your imagination, paying attention, trusting, perhaps experimenting a little, and seeing where it takes you.”

Where do you want to go? Reflect on where you’ve been to help you understand yourself and define your intentions.

Great tool = “what next?” by Barbara Moses (developmental workbook)

Great tool = “Radical Careering” by Sally Hogshead (motivational)

Daring to make a change requires: Courage, Determination, Inspiration

Inspiration - What inspires you? Lorraine’s inspiration comes from:

	My family – Dad “step back and see the big picture”
	Nature – The ocean (place of solace and contemplation)
	Mathematics – Does the flutter of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? (the butterfly theory of order in chaos, no randomness)

Lorraine’s Intuitive Vision: Caring for and helping others realize their own dreams. Corporate career development gave me experience, teaching others to do the same is becoming a viable business proposition for me.

Define your passion:

	Revisit your childhood; what do the people you grew up with think about your passion and where it lies.
	Practical exercise (Career Development Timeline, look for patterns)
	Remember, we’re able to build on all of the experiences that we have had and go on to do something that we really enjoy doing; whether it’s switching careers, starting our own business, or providing some sort of service to others.
	Lorraine’s Story – I was born to lead and serve people; my career development timeline showed I excel in leadership roles (nicknamed “Ice Rink”, the “Lion Queen”, “velvet and steel”). Did I want to be known by those labels? To satisfy my need to help others, entrepreneurship seemed a natural next step for me (and many other executives).

Part Two – Practical Perspectives – The “make it happen” phase.

How will you get there?

	Practical Magic; sometimes there’s just no way out but transformation. Like the familiar definition of the Butterfly Effect; metamorphosis is a natural part of every caterpillar’s life cycle. Nature moves you in a certain direction.
	Lorraine’s Story – In 2003, I became more and more aware of the “signs” along the way. Forces around me were moving me towards the realization that I am meant to own my own business.

Four things to do in this phase:

1) Establish a timeline; creating time for the “time of your life”. Bottom line; time is money.

	Money is an emotional topic; to be objective and realistic about your financial situation, you need to separate yourself from your emotional ties to it.
	Seek a financial professional who understands you (segue to Donna’s topic).
	Lorraine’s Story – In starting my own consulting business, my plan and feedback I acquired from others who have successfully established their own small business, indicated that I needed to be ready to live without an income for 2-3 years.

2) Find/Establish a direction; align your path with your purpose.

Practical exercise (see participant card with 6 questions).

Should you stay or should you go?

	Stay and try a lateral move within the company to expand your functional experience. (i.e. same industry, new function)
	Leave and try a similar role in a new company to expand your business experience. (i.e. same function, new industry)

3) Chart a course; when to make course corrections

	Small course corrections are much better than big ones. Example: How a 747 flies. Check your progress along the way by revisiting your Game Plan (biz plan, career plan).
	Remember, (the Butterfly Effect says) small variations of the initial condition can produce large variations in the long term.
	If you feel passionate enough, and continue to refocus your vision as needed, you’ll find your true path.

4) Hit your goal; How to achieve a soft landing

	Begin with a solid financial plan up front.
	Have a strong sphere of emotional support around you.
	Essential to seek the help of others.

One key closing thought

Most people in this country are unhappy or dissatisfied with their job and/or career. (67% or 7 out of 10 people) Face it people; no matter what the cause of our being unhappy, it’s how we behave during adversity that truly defines us.

What matters to you will determine what you do! There are no victims here. No one is responsible for your life but you. And, you do not require permission to live a life of passion. All you require is courage, determination, inspiration!

We’re only here for a while. If not “now”, then when? If not now, then maybe you’re meant to wait. I know why I’m here, and I know what I want to be remembered for. It comes down to two choices; you either can or you can’t, you either will or you won’t, you either do or you don’t. You hold the future in your own hands. What do you want to be remembered for?

When the time is right, each of you will find the courage, determination and inspiration to discover that butterfly fluttering around inside you. Just think how much more colorful the world around will be!

I wish you all a very bright future - - Thanks for spending this particular time of your life with me!

Boomer Bloomers - Their Impact on Your Business

Speaker's notes from engagement with eWomenNetwork in Rocklin, CA on October 26, 2005.

The Boomer and Their Impact on Society Those born between 1946 and 1964 (inclusive).

Boomer Bytes

The Aging Customer Segment Baby Boomers represent 28% (approximately 76 million) of the U.S. population today Currently earn almost $2 trillion annually Control more than $7 trillion in wealth (70% of total) Own 77% of all financial assets Represent 66% of all stockholders Own 40% of all mutual funds (approximately $1 trillion)

In Sacramento County (2000): Population 1,223,499 29.4% (359,745 people) aged 35-54 In Placer County (2000): Population 248,399 32.4% (80,593 people) aged 35-54

Here’s The Challenge: A Changing Workforce Nationally half the current workforce is eligible to retire in the next 5 years. Workforce will shift; 79% of BB’s will continue to work but not necessarily in their same job or career. Half of all adults age 50 to 70 are interested in taking community-based jobs known as “Good Work” in fields such as healthcare, education, and social services. The Leadership Gap: Workforce will split between younger and older workers. Succession planning may take second seat to leadership development and retention in organizations who plan ahead for the boomer shift. Global demographic changes may make outsourcing difficult (i.e. the rest of the world is experiencing similar age trends).

Sources: Business Week, U.S. Census Bureau, Baby Boomer Headquarters, Princeton Survey Research; Ken Dychtwald (Age Wave)

Why Boomers are Working Longer: Financial reasons: Many boomers got a late start in saving for their “retirement” The bust of the IT bubble in the early 2000’s caused huge losses in portfolios, setting average IT investments back 5-7 years The Need to Give Back: After making a living for 20-30 years, boomers are anxious to give back to communities Life Style: Boomers are living longer and are more active - - simply do not see themselves retiring in the “traditional sense” Many boomers are leaving Corporate America for careers that express the passion in their life. Many who were “ousted” during the 2000-05 downsizing trend have opted to start their own businesses. Having children later in life; many boomer parents are opting for home-based business (self owned or telecommuting)

Why Business Needs to Change: Age-diverse learning styles and communication preferences requires change to internal resource development processes in order to encourage knowledge transfer from “sage to student” To create a flexible work environment for the “phased-retired” boomer (i.e. part-time); policy changes such as extended access to benefits for part-time workers may be needed

Why Marketers Need to Change: Boomers think and act much differently than previous maturing generations Traditional marketing techniques aimed at the mature audience in the past, simply do not apply or appeal to Boomers (i.e. what was “true” before is now a “myth”)

The Changing Self Image: 20-something may be “young and beautiful”, but 40-something is “vibrant and youthful”, and 50-60-something is “simply beautiful”.

What This Means To You

Individually, you may find yourself: Changing careers from Corporate to Entrepreneur Enjoying longer stronger spending power Planning for “phased retirement” Planning a new career in doing “Good Work” Becoming a part-time “consultant” or mentor. Learning to work with much younger co-workers; including your Generation X/Y boss! As a business owner, you may find yourself: Being challenged by a significant increase in direct competition as more career changers start new businesses Changing your marketing strategy about how to market to boomers Offering expanded boomer-friendly services such as financial, health & wellness related, virtual learning, re-training & education programs Managing a leadership gap among age diverse employee groups comprised of 20-somethings and 50,60-somethings. Creating work environments that appeal to the boomer’s need for flexibility Business Owner “Call To Action” – Have your marketing team learn what makes Baby Boomers tick!

Strategies for Success - A Reality Check with Lorraine

Speaker's notes from an engagement with American Business Women's Association (ABWA), Sacramento CA in May 2005.

10 Things To Do For Success in the Real World

Maintain focus and make small “course corrections” along the way.

Get connected and stay connected! Make networking a normal part of your life; always make a great first impression and leave a positive lasting impression.

Realize that owning a business is a “Real Job” and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Think creatively when developing your business or career; consider everyone you meet a potential client/employer or referral.

Don’t just see a Purple Cow . . . be a Purple Cow! Be remarkable and remember the “word on the street” has the power to enhance, ignore, or tarnish your name.

Practice your MVV (Mission, Vision, Values). Think. Plan. Write it down.

Stay close to your customers and closer to your competitors.

Face a setback with a comeback. Take risk management seriously and always have a “Plan B”.

Record your own history, its more likely to be accurate that way.

Be Real. Mind your manners. Be a mentor, a role model, and a confident.

Opening Commentary regarding “Making a Comeback”: What made Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback so “special”? It was done via a television special centered solely around the star: no guests, no frills—- just the King singing his heart out.

If you’re a Networking Diva, does that mean you’ve been promoted from Networking Princess to Networking Queen? (i.e. how important is networking anyway?)

You hear it time and time again. Today, according to bluesuitmom.com over 80% of the jobs today are not advertised and this percentage goes up for executives. Being a Networking Diva does not necessary mean a promotion to “Queen”, but the larger crown would be a nice accessorizing touch! What it means is that you’ve made networking a natural part of your “repertoire” or skill set. Woody Allen once said that “80% of success is showing up” but in networking its really about “showing up 80% of the time” and being engaged.

When does owning your business become a “Real Job”? (i.e. why do people keep asking me if I’ve found a “real job” yet?)

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve just landed a client and you’re on your way back to your office when the phone rings. It’s a close friend of yours and after the “hello’s” you say “guess what, something fantastic just happened!”. They say “Oh! You’ve finally got a real job!” What’s that all about?

Real Job continued: Its mostly about staying focused and not being rattled when people who care about you think that what you really need is a “real job”. Friends and family remember your success with a specific image in mind. If you are transitioning to something “different” from what you did before, they may not be able to imagine what that looks like. The important thing is that you be able to imagine what it looks like for you and stay focused.

Does it matter if they remember your name, but they don’t remember where they heard it? (i.e. how do you create name and brand recognition in an attention deficit world?)

It doesn’t matter if people don’t remember where they heard about you, the important thing is that they have heard of you. And, sometimes just the notion is enough. Its sort of like recognition by association. Sometimes if your name or brand is bantered around enough, people become convinced that they’ve heard of you even when they really haven’t. Your name or brand has simply become acceptable as an “everyday” item. How do you create your name recognition? Passionate Repetition! Treat each opportunity to be seen and heard as if it were the first time.

If your favorite thing to do is to “go shopping”, can you count that as business development? (i.e. to “market” you will go!)

No one will market you better than you will yourself. Whether you craft your message or have another professional do it, you will deliver it better than anyone else. So when “out and about”, be mindful of the appropriate opportunity to treat people you meet as a potential client, employer, or referral.