Business EQ

There's another good post on how to enhance your LinkedIn profile on the SCORE Women's biz blog, http://womensblog.score.org/2008/08/06/marketing-enhance-your-linkedin-profile/. There's so much buzz about LinkedIn, but I've heard Xing will soon corner the market. Despite the increased benefits of Xing, it's particularly useful for entrepreneurs who want to increase their international visibility. You should check it out.

thanks susan..will definately check all these sites out..although i dont have access to seminars and workshops here at Ahmedabad i do have access to the internet so its all self learning..anyways do keep writing..i do enjoy your posts a lot!

thanks susan..will definately check all these sites out..although i dont have access to seminars and workshops here at Ahmedabad i do have access to the internet so its all self learning..anyways do keep writing..i do enjoy your posts a lot!

Check this blog throughout the week for more tips on reducing -- and effectively managing -- email avalanches. In the meantime, readers, post your favorite strategies!

Denise's comments are right on target. Another suggestion is to color code the mail in your in box by recipient. Most email programs allow you to choose a color for the mail coming in from specific addresses. When you open your in box you know to first look at the message from the CEO or a client who is reviewing a big proposal.

Unless you are expecting something critical via email, most of it can wait a few hours. Here's a tactic that works great for me.

1) Turn the sound off.
2) Set specific times of day to check and respond to email.

And don't forget to close the program so you aren't tempted to just "take a peek" at what's come in before the time you've allocated to spend.

I'm also regretting that my kids don't get a truly free summer. I'm office-bound five days per week, and so is my husband. My daughter is signed up for a whole series of wonderful camps, and she's having fun. But the daily schedule is more draining than the school-year one! We wind up with less unscheduled, unstructured time these three months than we have during the rest of the year.

I know we parents tend to romanticize our childhoods and strive to impose our remembered joys on our kids -- even when we live in a different setting, at a different time. But I *really* did relish my summers knocking around, improvising, lolling, feeling "bored" -- and I do hope I can also find a way in the coming years to give my kids a taste of that!

I find that there isn't a satisfactory way to deal with the volume of invitations that come in Facebook and LinkedIn, and I'm not satisfied with the options for sifting through the clutter. I wind up deleting LinkedIn invitations from people I don't know, but with Facebook, because of its more social bent, the question of how to select among your invitations seems touchier. I recently got an invitation from a friend of an acquaintance of mine from high school (really just a name I recognized from our class list). All the invitation said was "I'm poaching [x]'s friends!" What's the value of accepting that invitation?

But I do worry about offending these strangers when they learn that I've officially chosen to ignore their invitation.

The same goes for all the invitations to be vampires, play six-degrees-of-whatever, and rally around one another's causes. I'm with you Susan -- overwhelmed.

I'm glad that LinkedIn has worked so well for you! And so fast! It is amazing that we can find old friends and acquaintances while we are trying to network! I have Linked up with many of the other branches and look forward to getting together with them. Good luck!

I joined LinkedIn a few months ago to possibly help find other branches of my company. So far it has linked me with several branches, but I have not really put much into yet. I will check out the sites that you listed here and thanks for the research! I hope you'll post in the future on how it has helped you. We should Link Up!

I too suggest reinforcing capitalism! What's so awesome about capitalism is that you are not really limited by the system in any for. You have the opportunities to rise above the status quo, such as the people that you mentioned in your article. Understanding these natural laws can really help you rock away your goals and become a capitalist-driven machine...

1. The Law of Attraction

Neural research shows that when you think positively towards a certain idea or object, every time you think of it in the future, positive neural chemicals are released in your brain, influencing you to take a positive stance on whatever it is your are thinking about. The same happens with negative thoughts. Learn to control your mind and you will be able to accomplish anything, as well as be able to adapt to adverse situations. When you think positively, you will attract positivity, which leads to success. Negativity breed stagnation, fear, doubt, and more negativity (its a vicious loop effect).

2. Cause and Effect

We see the world of tangible phenomena; we don?t see the vastly greater world that gives rise to it. That vastly greater world is the world of cause. Newton used the principle of cause and effect as it operates in the physical, mechanical world as the basis of his laws of thermodynamics: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. What the science of Newton?s day did not yet grasp was that matter, energy and consciousness are not distinct and separate domains, but are all simply different frequencies along the same continuum. What they did not fully grasp, but science has now shown us, is that the principle of cause and effect applies not simply to the mechanics of matter, but to the mechanics of everything, including our thoughts. You must be practiced at creating the thoughts that will serve your business. The effect will come shortly after.

3. Law of Gestation

Ambitious businesspeople tend to be impatient. However, ambitious people must understand that patience really is a virtue. The Law of Gestation complements the law of attraction. It says that for every seed, there is a set gestation or incubation period, a specific span of time that particular seed needs to establish itself before it can unfold from the blueprint into fully realized physical form. Each of your goals is a seed itself. If you take the right steps and have the right mind frame, the tree with sprout.

Check out more of my info here...
www.readtheanswer.com/index.php?RTA=web2
...

hi susan,

since am out here in india dont have opportunities to attend such conferences...can you share useful blogs/article links or ebooks i can download on this topic that will help in developing EQ. Would love to read anything i can to develop my EQ. I try and catch up on your blog whenever time permits and it has definitely improved my self awareness. Just wanted to say thanks and keep up the good work!

Great reading! I think that far too often we forget why/what we are working towards...why? Do most of us continue to work towards the future....why? Maybe we should "take a break" and appreciate the moment.It is absolutely amazing at how much I see when I stop and look around. The special moments around the family might happen once, maybe I should slow down and take a look....why not?

Mark Salinas, Viscom, MN ...

Susan, this is a wonderful reminder for both parents and other species of stressed-out overworked adults. I occasionally remember to allow some whimsy into my days, and the impulse for it usually comes from my kids -- instead of saying no to their requests for a quick mid-week trip to the beach, or for a picnic in the living room, I sometimes try saying yes.

Whether you get the idea from kids or find inspiration elsewhere, it is indeed crucial to improvise something different in the midst of the usual scramble!

Wow! I have to admit you bring so much iformation to your posts! Mark Salinas,Viscom, MN ...

So much great insight from Susan Davis! Mark Salinas, Viscom ...

Another great post! I definitely believe that most people "miss the boat" on this one. Social Awareness is a learned skill that becomes habit after much trial and effort. The natural exception,is usually acquired by the individual that is trying to please another or a caretaker attitude. Often Social Awareness is a skill that is picked through a negative upbringing or an abusive relationship. Again I believe that it is a skill or almost a "sixth sense" that can be very beneficial if it can be honed in properly. One might call it "Mirror Imaging" or NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming. Mark Salinas ...

Mark, I love that technique. My own fix in those situations is to deliberately lean back, fold my hands in my lap, and take a long slow breath. Helps me to relax and not feel compelled to jump in!

although it sounds simple enough to say "practice self control" its difficult to be completely in control of your emotions and not let it overtake you. Hey by the way i read the most witty farewell letter from an employee..check this link: http://theclosetentrepreneur.com/the-art-of-writing-a-farewell-letter tell me what do you think about this guy's self control techniques.

Another great post! If I am at a point that I could possibly present an opinion that will not benefit the situation, I will "pinch" my thumb. This is an anchor that I have taught myself years ago. This action reminds me to be aware and to be in self control. Mark Salinas Viscom Technology Group Inc., MN ...

I absolutely agree that self awareness is extremely important, if one to succeed in any business endeavor or life in general. It is definitely a life long journey and if an individual can identify their strengths and weaknesses the potential for success improves drastically. A very important step that should follow self awareness is: "action". As we take action we become more self aware through trial and error. Great Post! Mark Salinas Viscom Technology Group Inc.

hi susan, The problem with trying to do the above is basic lack of trust; mostly people in your work life have an inbuilt feeling of competition or rivalry or just plain lack of trust to allow forming any meaningful lasting relationship. There is of course courtesy, helping out, being friendly and trying to help when required, but forming a lasting bond is something that can be downright impossible.

Susan, great story, and so true. Think of the couple of years you missed out on! But then, think of the huge step you made in going in the bookstore and selling your book! Procrastination should be a four letter word! I have had things like that in my life and I can honestly say, once I stopped procrastinating and faced it, I felt so much better about myself and my abilities. This is true both in the business world and also on the personal side. Congrats on the book and the bookstore deal!

Hi Rincy, Dozens of studies have shown that people perform best (and feel best) when they're doing the work that they love...and that doing "drudge work" actually causes physiological and psychological stress. I'll write a blog about this sometime this week. Thanks for the topic -- and sorry to hear you're having a hard time.

Hi Rincy, Dozens of studies have shown that people perform best (and feel best) when they're doing the work that they love...and that doing "drudge work" actually causes physiological and psychological stress. I'll write a blog about this sometime this week. Thanks for the topic -- and sorry to hear you're having a hard time.

when you ask someone how they are doing? they will 99.9% reply..'fine'..you expected that..and they know you expect that one worded reply..we are expected to supress our real thoughts and emotions and act our so called 'normal' self or put on fake self to make life easier and comfortable for everyone..in such circumstances i think the best way to find well being is being truly happy with who you are..i think if we can stand our own company without seeking out too many other distractions..we have reached there..we are truly fine..and found our 'well being' ...

a blind leading the deaf..thats how this is going to be if you have yet to introduce yourself to yourself..the more you are self aware the more you become open to others around you..

we are so bombarded by information left, right and center, at work, at home, each and every min till we are exhausted and fall asleep while watching the AXN or the movies or the news..life is full of something to do..days feel shorter and have to read the newspaper headlines to find out which day and date..its all flying away way too fast, doing the same things, thinking the same thoughts..i think life for me will slow down when that pattern is broken..getting out of the rut will help me catch my breath and rethink and slow down..

somethings not thinking too much.and not really doing anything helps to declutter life..it seems even relaxing is a big chore now..i mean there has to be a list of things to be done to relax..why does everything has to be so complicated and so over thought..just try doing nothing for sometimes..works for me..maybe some people would go stir crazy if asked to do nothing!!

well honestly the thing that scares me most is heading like a runaway train doing things which i seriously doubt am enjoying...i really envy those people who know where they are headed in life and are enthusiastic about it..like take for example..the studies i took for my graduation was based not on my strenghts or likes..it was purely based on which courses to take to get a good job..so ergo took my masters in commerce..although the very idea of looking at a balance sheet gives me the heeby jeebies..then the career choice..just sort of by fluke went for interview, got selected and was an office assistant..later on by accident..tried hand in marketing and managed to make a good dent..but inspite of all this..still have to find the niche meant just for me..my zone..it scares me the most to feel am loosing time..and have still not found out what am best doing..do you have something to help me with that..if so..do post it..will look forward to it..hope this comment is not turning into agony column..or something like that..thats not my intention..so keep the topics as varied as you have done so far..this is just my opnion..and wish you belated happy easter!!!

the only thing i dont like about posting comments here is that it gets jumbled up and you cant edit it..maybe we should all suggest to the site owner to give rights to edit our own comments..like the previous comment i posed has been all jumbled up and down in few sentences..ouch!!

susan, i really like your blog..It isn?t too filled with technical mumbo jumbo and what i like most about it is that everyday incidents, which people like me just ignore, actually makes you sit down and write something you learnt from it..like take for example, the comments posted by me...which let me clarify is not wee hours in morning here...am located in India and as part of my job description, am supposed to check out the various business blog sites...but honestly sometimes..mean no disrespect to all those bloggers who pour their talent and heart out..if the blogging gets too technical..it does tend to blur in front of my eyes..i guess it will appeal to certain audience..but i feel the major chunk of people out there want some lighter take away from blogs. They wish to be to learn new things, without it actually feeling as boring as learning..know what I mean?..yes that?s a must i think, the blog needs to be witty, and should strike a direct cord..keep the good work susan...and i honestly did not think about forwarding your blogs to anyone..till you mentioned it..now i will do so..yea i know, the obvious things always escape me..unless bought to my attention..am sure my mom will enjoy your blogs as much i have..i think my office people are probably too stuffy to find the humour in the chicken sagas?but maybe I will get a peek into how they think..so what the heck..let me forward these to them as well!

If Business EQ readers have a really snarky comment they want to say about someone (with names changed or deleted), go ahead and post it here. You still get to say it behind the person's back...but you'll be doing it in a way that won't cause him/her (or you) any harm.

what other chronicals would be writing next?? am all eyes and ears here..

maybe there should be blog to vent snarky comments.. without names of course..and just get it over with..

Hi susan, I am still sitting with a grin on my face here. Few home truths doled out with everyday ladle (probably my analogy didn?t make much sense) what i meant was sure appreciate how everyday ordinary incidents can be turned into amusing anecdotes from which you get to learn few simple truths about life..Keep it up..Would love to read more on your blog..Keep blogging!!

Gossip is indulged in various forms irrespective of gender. It is a good way to break the ice and to gather information. As long as it does not degenerates into character assassination or takes a malicious turn, it is a good way to socialize.

Excellent points...I'm printing out for my daugters to read and practice (hopefully).

Susan- The same people who don't feel that emotional intelligence matters at work also don't believe that it's important to get to know the people you work with. Getting to know people and understanding their strengths are integral to growing staff. Using EQ to develop strong relationships is one of the keys to building high performance teams.

I have never been able to understand the expression 'Work-Life Balance' Whether I am at work or not, I am alive and trying to do the best I can to ensure my family and I live a decent life. The separation of the two, I believe, causes confusion in many people's minds. It says to some that work is separate from 'life' and is just something to 'get through' before they can start enjoying life! I believe that, as a result of this distinction, work time is not 'real life time' and many hours of a person's life are wasted! Just a personal thought.

I have my business at home, Sales Manager Now LLC so I can help my son complete high school through an on-line learning program. He is 18, has had his challenges in life and so has his Mother and I. He still needs 1 1/2 years to graduate, wants to do it but is very reactive and school is hard for him. I don't hear the pitter patter of little feet, I hear the growl of an almost grown man, that still can use support. Finding balance can be hard and my life is twisted around work, family and community each day. What works for me is noticing when I am out of balance and doing something about it. Pray, listen to music, watch TV, exercise, etc. I was taught to ask myself does my restoring activity bring more aliveness and a sense of well being to my life? If yes, it is the right things to do, if not, try something else.

Right -- for women with children, having help is crucial if we're going to find any time for self care. (Honestly, how many of us have tried to take a long, relaxing bath at the end of the day, only to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet, the knock of a tiny fist, and that much over-used phrase "Mommmmyyyy?"!)That's why I often advocate swapping childcare with other parents, even to get a two-hour chunk of time a couple times a week. Even a one-hour break can give you the relief you need so you can go back into the, um, trenches with renewed energy and a clear mind.

No matter what it is, if I'm passionate about it, I can find the energy to do it. What would make it easier? Childcare that starts at 7am and ends at 6pm--all year. Childcare that I can afford. Childcare that allows for children under the age of 3 years. Childcare based on a philosophy like Montessori or Waldorf and/or the research of child development experts.