We make association leaders think.
You just never know.
On Friday, I attended the California Society of Association Executives lunch.
I’m facilitating their Insights 2010 program this February.
Focus will be on transformation.
For experienced executives.
We decided to do a little promo since I was in town.
Had two minutes.
Described the experience and take-aways.
Gave them a sample of Cynthia live.
Walking out two women approached [...]
October 5th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
With your boyfriend!
Yesterday I was in Washington, DC for a meeting at ASAE’s office.
It’s an easy Metro hop to the airport.
Usually.
Yesterday, not so much.
I had my brick-filled suitcase and briefcase with me.
The escalator was broken.
Wasn’t sure I could carry all down the steps.
Without landing on my head.
Saw the Metro worker in the information booth.
Decided [...]
September 30th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
And going strong.
Lynn Morton tagged me for the Gen-X meme.
Started by Maddie Grant.
Asks if Gen-Xers have sold out.
(Yes, I’m a Gen-Xer.)
When first out of college I was a certified job- hopper.
I had something like 10 jobs in just a few years.
Fit was more important than sticking around.
(Drove my parents CRAZY!)
I’m still dancing to the [...]
September 28th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Is not my problem.
I recently agreed to help out an organization.
I’ve belonged for a while.
It’s a strategic effort.
Seemed like a good fit.
The process involves a series of gates.
Part A must happen before Part B, etc.
I’m Part B.
We all committed to a timeline over a month ago.
Haven’t heard from Part A.
Sent an email.
Was told they [...]
He failed reality!
Today I got a call.
From a man named Angel.
Perhaps that was a sign.
The call was going to be out of this world?
“Hello…”
He launched into his pitch.
His team was going to transform our government relations efforts.
Huh?
I tried to stop him – he pressed on.
They knew how to get members involved.
Could build a grassroots [...]
Even if it’s virtual!
This past week my world was stretched…
The Lazy Leader Road Show was finally starting.
About to leave for the airport.
Got call Dad was on way to hospital.
I had no choice.
I had to fly.
I was worried about Dad.
And needed a strong debut of the Road Show.
Before leaving, I mentioned something on Facebook about being torn.
It took a [...]
September 20th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Ah the joys of email.
“NOW is the time to focus on YOUR business.”
That was the lead-in.
Frankly it irked me.
Can you guess why?
The guru insulted me from the get go.
Assumed my business is struggling.
Without even asking me a single question.
The copy that followed reinforced how dumb he thinks I am.
It’s always time to focus on [...]
September 16th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Darn!
Newspapers have struggled in Ann Arbor.
The Detroit Free Press dropped to twice a week.
The Ann Arbor News totally died.
AnnArbor.com (replacement) is not my cup of tea.
The Ann Arbor Journal was a delightful discovery.
Delivered once a week.
For free.
Interesting articles.
I was hooked.
Thursday (delivery day) became my favorite day.
Enjoyed greeting evening.
Reading the Journal on my porch.
This past week that [...]
September 14th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Please stop.
Crowdsourcing is the sexy name.
It’s simply old-fashioned polling.
Vote on your favorites.
Decide which person/idea/thing wins.
It picked up speed with reality shows.
Vote for the best.
Decide who leaves.
(Like my one vote really matters.)
TV voting was okay.
I chose to watch the show.
Didn’t have to pick up the phone.
It was a pretty non-invasive experience.
No more.
Now crowdsourcing is everywhere.
It’s the hottest [...]
Again.
This weekend I finally saw the new Star Trek movie.
James had been begging for a while.
He loved it and I thought I would too.
I was skeptical.
Basically Star Trek got a new life.
It was the same Star Trek.
And it wasn’t.
Much more than just a remake.
More like a new chapter.
New actors in classic roles.
Guiding principles honored.
And ability [...]
Why not?
The holiday weekend is calling…
Family and friends.
Fishing?
Fun.
It’s also a great time to prep your leadership skills for this fall!
That’s fun, right?
Of course it is.
Here are simple three things you can do.
1. Join the Chapter Leaders Playground.
The $50 membership is FREE this weekend.
Listen to the archived “Delegating for Outrageous Results.”
(Actually, you can listen later – just [...]
Register today.
Today I got an email from an acronym organization asking me to attend their program.
I have no idea who they are.
Their promotions don’t give a lot of clues.
Topics are pretty generic.
Tried to check their domain name.
The one in their return address.
Got a temporary page holder.
Still clueless about sender.
Just noticed graphics in the message.
I don’t usually [...]
August 31st, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Alas.
I’m new on a board.
Can’t make the first meeting – even virtually.
I’ll be in Iowa.
They’ll be in Ann Arbor.
Just got a reminder from the President.
Meeting next week.
Directions to house.
Agenda of topics to cover.
If you are a NO, we will get you caught up on actions and plans following the meeting by email or phone
The [...]
Raindrop here.
I’m mad at my mom.
I stole her computer.
Dragged it in my house.
And decided to blog about it.
Mom’s in town this week - so what about me?
I was a good girl.
I guarded her for hours.
And Mom petted that darn computer all day – ignoring me!
I wanted some attention.
I barked.
I jumped up by her feet.
I batted the [...]
That was the joke.
I got a pedicure this weekend.
My feet hurt from walking all over Toronto.
The convention center was huge.
A foot massage called my name!
Decided be outrageous with my polish color.
Debated between blue and green.
I made my choice.
Lime green crossed with avocado.
I giggled as the color went on.
How would it look?
How would people react?
Did I care?
Aside from [...]
August 24th, 2009 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
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