MotivMode - Learn

Why not try a "Staycation" this summer!

2009-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I like to share interesting information that goes beyond simply "career". Working parents have needs and interests that fall into a broader spectrum of wellness, which is why today I would like to share a blogpost written by Nancy Rigato, an HR Manager and mother to three, that was originally posted on the RedSphere Network. As a mom myself, the summer poses some frustration over what to do with the kids, and Nancy shares some great strategies around a relatively new concept (well, new to me at least!) called a "Staycation":

July is my favorite month in my favorite season of the year. I swear I lived in the Mediterranean in a past life. I absolutely love summer and the onset of July has put a “spring-in-my-step” so to speak.

Who can possibly deny the backyard BBQs, pool parties, picnics, and various outdoor activities we all enjoy and wait all year to experience.Those of us with school aged children, either ship them off to camp or take the opportunity to bond and create family memories to last a lifetime, be it road trips, camping, fishing, cottaging, or running through the sprinklers . (mind you, I have the fondest memories of summer camp myself).

As a working mom, I scheduled this year’s summer vacation by taking every Friday off in July. I plan to take the kids to the various attractions around town. I believe the new term for that is a “Staycation”.

The Costco Connection describes a staycation as the perfect time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for, such as playing tourist in your own city. Like any vacation, a staycation takes planning. Experts suggest you set a beginning and an end to your staycation, make a budget, do research, buy a few things to make it more enjoyable and get your chores out of the way first. Otherwise you’re just coming up with weekend activities.

Check your local papers and magazines for new exhibits and events, visit the chamber of commerce or stop by a nearby hotel for brochures on area attractions. Before visiting museums and other venues, find out if there are special deals. Consider becoming a member or obtaining a season’s pass, especially for places that you plan on visiting several times in a year. Also, see if a city pass (several sights bundled together for one discounted price) is available. Various limousine companies such as Rosedale Livery Ltd. also offers city tours. Besides museums and amusement parks, visit botanical gardens, take a walking tour and find your area’s highest point for a panoramic view. See a minor league baseball game and check out area festivals. And since you’re saving money with a staycation, splurge by dining at your favourite restaurant or be more adventurous and eat in the local Chinatown or other ethnic community. You can make-believe you’ve travelled to that country and order something exotic.

Natural and nearby resources
Tired of the city? Look to outdoor parks, rivers and lakes. Depending where you live, you may also have access to the beach or outdoor pool. Think about boating, hiking, camping, white-water rafting and nature walks. Many urban areas have great walking/bike paths. If you’re looking for excitement and an element of danger, outdoor adventure provides it in a controlled manner. For more adventurous activities, such as rock climbing, you may want to take a course first, get the proper equipment and stay within your ability.

The world is outside your door
For some, their own backyard is the ideal staycation. Maybe the perfect lounge chair is less expensive than a weekend get-a-way. Quietly read or curl up and take a nap can do the trick. Consider turning your backyard into a relaxing oasis or mini resort by adding beautiful plants, outdoor furniture, a grill or even an above-ground pool. Add a water slide, a trampoline and a net for badminton or volleyball games. Afterwards throw a themed party such as a Caribbean night.Can’t go camping? Create a campground in the backyard. Set up a tent with sleeping bags and don’t forget the food.

Lastly, just because your destination may not be exotic doesn’t mean your expectations should be lowered. Remember your camera and who knows – the vacation of your dreams may be closer than you realize.

Knocking Down Silos™ - Mississauga, Ontario

2009-06-10T11:45:00.001-07:00

I attended the April Knocking Down Silos™ event in Richmond Hill, and if you missed out on it there's no need to worry. Dave Howlett will be presenting again, this time in Mississauga at the Living Arts Centre, on June 22. If you're thinking about attending but aren't sure, here's some feedback from my own experience as a first-timer in April (originally posted on http://www.redspherenetwork.ning.com/):

"Last night my husband and I attended Knocking Down Silos in Richmond Hill. In fact, several people I know were there and it was great to see everyone. I registered to attend a while back and had been very intrigued about what was going to happen there. I mean, I've worked in career services for a good length of time now and we talk about networking – the dos and don’ts - incessantly. After all, it is proven to be one of the best methods (combined with other actions) of securing employment and building business. Yet this event was not marketed as a "networking event" per se, even though it seems most people attend (and some apparently repeatedly) to do just that: network. I kept thinking, "What could Dave possibly say that is any different than I already know??"

As it turned out, it wasn't so much that I learned new information per se. The event presented an opportunity to move important and desirable behaviours up to the forefront, and it also really made me think about diminishing negative behviours. Dave talks about "gears" and outlines the difference between 1st, second and third gear from a behavioural perspective. I realized that I have been stuck in 2nd gear for a while now. And being stuck there, over time, has cluttered my brain and my soul to the point of exhaustion. So here are my takeaways from last night's event:

Stop worrying about other people’s actions and don’t let it drag you down.
If it doesn’t directly affect you, leave it be and move on
Anyone you meet anywhere can be a valuable resource to you. You simply need to be open and receptive to everyone you come in contact with, find common ground, and let it progress. Yes, people are pretty darn amazing.
I met a woman named Angela last night who is a singer in a rock band in her
spare time. I love rock and I love to sing (in the privacy of my own home or car, of course!) so I found what she does veryadmirable. I think I’ll get on my
karaoke machine tonight!"

For professional moms - whether you are an entrepreneur or a career professional - the chaos of managing work and family can be very stifling in many ways. In order to move forward and progress in both work and life spheres (and each impacts the quality of the other), it's important to move yourself out of your current headspace of chaos into one that is inspiring and motivating. This event gave me that chance. On top of that, I brought my husband along and it has made a profound difference for him as well. So if you can get your partner to go along with you, it'll give you something really great and positive to talk about for a long time to come. What relationship couldn't use some of that? The event will take place June 22, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. You can learn more about Dave Howlett and purchase tickets for the event at http://www.realhumanbeing.org/.

Tickets are $80 each. If you would like to receive a 50% off code and attend this event for only $40, please email Lydia Fernandes at info(at)motivmode.com and write "June RHB" in the subject line.

Knocking Down Silos™

2009-04-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

MotivMode is pleased to highlight this networking event happening in the GTA.

Knocking Down Silos™ has inspired thousands of people across North America and abroad. Dave Howlett identifies the Real Human Being (RHB) elements in networking that will allow you to increase your visibility and generate more word-of-mouth opportunities in your field. This humourous and interactive evening attracts hundreds of people. It will give you techniques and connections to increase your effectiveness for days, months or even years later. "We will connect you to hundreds of people for word-of-mouth opportunities in multiple industries".

Discover three questions that knock down a silo and build abridge.
Learn the word of mouth strategy for that great sale or thatperfect job.
Find out how to be successful with sincerity.

If you are a careerist or entrepreneurial mom who is looking for better work opportunities or wanting to expand your client base, I invite you to attend along with me. I have been told by trusted sources in my own network that it is a wonderful experience. Let's learn and grow (and build) together. Feel free to share this information with others. Anyone wanting to attend a unique networking event for career or business success would benefit.

To receive a 50% off discount on ticket prices, you can apply my discount code when you register online!

Monday April 27, 2009
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Sheraton Parkway Hotel, 600 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill, ON
Register at http://tinyurl.com/de2va3
Discount code: IS-5-2232FERNANDES0409

The Pink Slip Party Networking Event - March 2009

2009-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

A New Beginning -
A celebration may not seem like an appropriate response to being laid off. But when one opportunity comes to a close a Pink Slip Party may be just the event to help you kick start your job search.

Let's Network -
Made popular by similar events held in Manhattan, The Pink Slip Party brings together professionals who are facing the challenges of receiving a pink slip. The aim of this networking event is to create an informal and proactive environment in which to share ideas, commiserate with each other and to generally have a good time.

Additional benefits of attending The Pink Slip Party are many -

- Meet with Top Recruiters in order to find your new gig
- Gain tips and tricks for being successful in your job search
- Network with Professionals from across many industries
- Come out to hear the latest buzz from job search gurus
- Foster a professional approach to getting hired

What if you haven't received a pink slip?
So, you may be unhappy in your current role or you just like to stay on top of the trends in the job market - The Pink Slip Party is for you as well! Come out and network with your peers and others in your field of choice. You never know what may be just around the corner and being job-search prepared, even in a tough economy, may be your best defense.

Contact tellmemore@thepinkslipparty.com for more information. Please visit www.thepinkslipparty.com for upcoming events and details.

Free Teleseminar

2008-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

Recession-Proof Your Career:
7 "Panic-Free" Steps for Working Mothers

If you are a working mother who is concerned about your career stability, you are certainly not alone. But don’t push the panic button just yet. Tough times simply call for smarter measures. Now is the time to start steering your own ship for career survivability.

In this free teleseminar, you will learn 7 actionable “panic-free” steps to recession proofing your career. You will also come away with easy, practical steps you can take to get the ball rolling in the 24-hour period following the session.

DATE: Tuesday February 3, 2009
TIME: 7:00pm
COST: Free!

Register by email at info@motivmode.com.
Deadline to register is January 27, 2009

Please note: this teleseminar will be conducted via a conference line based in the U.S. Long distance charges to your telephone line may apply.