Unlimited Resources Coaching

Web site revision

2007-05-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

My web site has recently been revised by our marketing department. Please take a minute to check it out. I especially like the resources section. I have some really great links there. And, if you have a link request, please don't hesitate to contact me.

To Serve is to succeed and to succeed is to serve

2007-05-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

These days, for a business to thrive and become truly successful, I believe that the way the company serves their customers is what will make or break their business. CEO's are learning this lesson the hard way. But many of them are taking it to heart and working on changing their company and their relationship to both their customers and employees. One CEO I know, gets grounded by serving food in the company cafeteria every once in awhile. He says that making sure his employees eat well and are nourished properly is extremely important, but knowing that he actually had a profound effect on each employee's health by putting their food on their plates made him feel like he was taking care of them in a way he couldn't otherwise do. Not only that, but the interactions he has with employees are so totally different on the food line, than at any other opportunity the CEO has to meet them.
Recently, I had a very bad customer experience with a major telecommunications company - Vonage. Here is a copy of a note I wrote to their forum/customer service blog.
Back in the beginning of April, I needed to cancel my Vonage account. Now, let me preface by saying I have been a Vonage customer for several years (and so is most of my family) and very happy with the service. But, I have changed residences and I no longer need the service. So, I followed procedure and went to the vonage web site and filled out the customer service form indicating my request to cancel. It then brought me to a page that says to contact us (in hypertext) and I clicked on that and was taken right back to the original email form. Thereby creating an endless loop that I couldn't get out of except by calling the customer service line - which I did. I spoke with a rep named Stephen (rep ID #25156 - he wouldn't tell me his last name). He handled the call well in the beginning. And tried to salvage the account with special offers - as I am sure he was trained to do. However, I asked for a one month credit on my account as I was not only frustrated by the endless loop, but I had cancelled no less than 4 times on the vonage site back in April. And, they hit my credit card even though I had cancelled. But, I was willing to let the charge go, but then my account never got cancelled. So, the rep tells me (with a profound Indian accent) in order to get the credit, I have to call back in to the toll free and wait and talk to billing. I asked him to transfer me to billing and he said he couldn't. To wit I said "you mean to tell me that Vonage - the leading VOIP technology company cannot execute a simple call transfer from one department to another?" And, he said no he couldn't do that. Then I asked to speak to a supervisor. And his response was "why do you want to talk to a supervisor - they will tell you the same thing as I did". Now, this set me off. I asked to speak to a supervisor no less than 10 times and each time the rep said that the supervisor couldn't help me and I had to call the toll free. But, he could let me speak to someone else - not his supervisor. In call center land (in which I have lived for over 20 years) this is a big no no. If a customer asks to speak to a supervisor (especially more than once), the rep should comply. But, this rep not only did not comply, but he proceeded to ask me what I wanted to speak to the supervisor about (as if he was afraid of the consequences of my speaking to the supervisor).
Well, now I have to go and call in again to billing and see what happens. See you in a couple of hours.
Now, this is why Vonage is in trouble. More to come.

Career and Executive Coaching - Article Paradigm Shifts

2005-04-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

The ability to see things from different perspectives is a skill that can be developed. Looking at the figures below for five minutes a day helps to develop that skill and releases stress. Most surprisingly, after a while you will find that you are able to think about situations and problems and came up with creative solutions. You may also find yourself giggling and feeling light hearted.

People who work with the paradigm shift figures report that they can relieve stress and feel refreshed after intensive work periods.

Coaching, produces Paradigm Shifts by helping you to see the possibilities of your business, your career, your personal relationships and your life from different perspectives. Coaching is all about increasing your effectiveness, finding your purpose, setting and realizing your goals. It is all about how to design and live the life you always dreamed of but dont think possible.

Subscribe to the Coaching Mini-Motivator -Click Here!

Check Out the Coaching Resource Index -Click Here!

Today, have a phone conversation with Success Mentor Coach Ruth Zanes about how you can tap into your unique unlimited resources, so that you can start producing astonishing results. Visit the web site for more information.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

Career Management Coaching Article -Motivator, Perfection vs. Excellence

2005-04-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Mid-Week Mini-Motivator

Mid-Week Mini-Motivators - a 30-second infusion of motivational energy from Coach Ruth Zanes - for people committed to excellence in their lives, businesses and careers. Pass it on to your colleagues, friends and families so they can subscribe too.

Perfection vs. Excellence

"(Howard) Hughes never learned how to convert his knowledge to practical application. Instead he sought a perfection that assured failure."
- From Empire: The Life, Legend and Madness of Howard Hughes
by Donald L. Bartlett & James B. Steel

How many times have you heard someone (it may have been you) proclaim or complain that he/she is a perfectionist? You may have noticed that going for perfection is a fool's game. You simply cannot win when you set perfection as your standard.

There may be rare and unusual situations where perfection is assumed to be an appropriate standard. Frankly, I can't think of one - no, not even life and death situations such as heart surgery demand perfection in the process. Each stitch does not have to be sewn perfectly in order to affect the outcome. Perfection is present in the ultimate result, as evident in the patient's survival or death, not in the process.

When "perfection" is the goal it is usually out of an exaggerated desire to be right, to avoid criticism or risk. The focus is on "how am I doing?" rather than on producing a specific outcome. Excellence, on the other hand, is a way of life. It is the context in which high achievers and peak performers produce and contribute to the quality of life. High achievers and peak performers get things done by taking action looking for appropriate outcomes and measuring their success based on the quantity and quality of their results.

The bad news is that being a human being means we have the abilities and the failings of human beings. We make mistakes. We get tired. We get distracted. We fail to communicate clearly and accurately. When we set perfection as our goal, all of our actions are based on attempts to conquer our natural human limits with little or no intention on the ultimate outcome. The search for perfection limits our ability to act meaningfully.

Acting in accordance with standards of excellence allows us to produce superb results and opens the door to experimentation and creativity.

Subscribe to the Coaching Mini-Motivator -Click Here!

Check Out the Coaching Resource Index -Click Here!

Today, have a phone conversation with Success Mentor Coach Ruth Zanes about how you can tap into your unique unlimited resources, so that you can start producing astonishing results. Visit the web site for more information.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

2005-03-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mid-Week Mini-Motivator

Mid-Week Mini-Motivators - a 30-second infusion of motivational energy from Coach Ruth Zanes - for people committed to excellence in their lives, businesses and careers. Pass it on to your colleagues, friends and families so they can subscribe too.

Discipline and Desire

"There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in the way I work. Discipline by itself simply is not enough in the creative process."
- Robert De Niro

Many of us think of discipline as a highly positive characteristic. When we fail to keep our resolve to take the actions that lead to success, we point to our lack of discipline with regret and disappointment.

Human beings really like the focus and structure of imposing discipline on themselves to achieve specific outcomes. But discipline implies that you have to push through something unpleasant to achieve the outcome you are after. Pain, suffering and struggle seem to be present when we invoke discipline. Most of all it takes mental self-control to be disciplined.

Desire is also a powerful force. When you are clear about what you desire and what the payoff is for accomplishing it, then you will be drawn to it and will take the required actions without the pain involved in discipline. With desire you experience the outcome even before you achieve the result. Desire is stronger than wishing or wanting. It is the ingredient that kick-starts discipline.

This week take at least one resolution you made for the New Year and clarify what it is you really desire by making that resolution. Imagine the joy of having that desire fulfilled and focus on that. The discipline to keep that resolution will fall naturally into place without effort.

Subscribe to the Coaching Mini-Motivator -Click Here!

Check Out the Coaching Resource Index -Click Here!

Today, have a phone conversation with Success Mentor Coach Ruth Zanes about how you can tap into your unique unlimited resources, so that you can start producing astonishing results. Visit the web site for more information.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

On Risk (And Managing - Improving Your Future)

2005-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

As you look at your future plans do you have any that will require you to put yourself at risk? What goal are you avoiding because the risk is too great? What way of being are you putting off because of fear of what the reaction might be? What are you afraid of losing? How and where will you stretch yourself beyond imagination?

If risk is not in your plans for this year, you may want to re-think your goals and objectives. Being comfortable with risk is like exercising a muscle. Once you get into the swing of things you build strength and are capable of taking more risks. People hire coaches to help them build muscles in their bodies. More and more individuals and companies are hiring coaches to accelerate their personal development and growth. What are you willing to risk this year to go where you have never been before.

Author Helen Keller said, “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men, as a whole, experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

Helen Keller was blind and deaf at birth and you're afraid of what...?

Sign Up Today for- Mind your Business! An Unlimited Resources’ Group Coaching Program- Click Here!

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

Six Coaching Steps that Take You Straight to the Top

2005-03-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Clarify your vision and purpose. If you don’t know what you really want, go through the Unlimited Resources’ five step process to help you figure it out. Your vision provides a guideline-basis for setting priorities and developing your standards.

Uncover anything that is currently holding you back. By clearly identifying fears, conflicting intentions, concerns and obstacles, we can develop strategies to overcome them.

Break your vision into bite-size pieces. We call these your “Keys to Success.” Focusing on these smaller goals makes it easier for you to achieve your long-term goal.

Develop a specific action plan. Create measurable objectives and milestones, so you know when you are succeeding.

Build a strong personal foundation to optimize your relationships, physical environment, health and well being and financial state. Your basic needs are defined and ways of satisfying those needs are created. Your values are clarified and embraced.

Design a structure of support. Through weekly phone calls the Unlimited Resources’ coach keeps the client accountable, focused and inspired to execute the action plan. The difference between people who are successful and those who are not is the execution of a good plan. Most people have good intentions. The key is taking consistent action.

Today, have a phone conversation with Success Mentor Coach Ruth Zanes about how you can tap into your unique unlimited resources, so that you can start producing astonishing results. Visit the web site for more information.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

(Part 2) Mechanisms of the Mind (Achieving Success Through Coaching)

2005-02-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Our Previous Post was Part 1 of this article - Mechanisms of the Mind (Achieving Success Through Coaching) - Click Here!

The Top 10 Tips to Begin the Practice of Positive Affirmations

Positive Affirmations are things we say to ourselves that build us up and make us strong. They empower us to take chances and to be our best. Thoughts run through our mind thousands of times a day and are often negative. Making positive affirmations a daily practice gives you a powerful tool to strengthen your inner foundation and follow your bliss.

1. Get over feeling funny.
Doing something new takes practice and because it is unfamiliar
it might feel funny at first. Get over it. So often, it doesn't feel
funny to talk negatively to ourselves, but praise feels awkward. Just
do it and don't worry if it feels funny. In time, you will feel less
and less awkward.

2. Begin your affirmation with "I."
The more you personalize what you say the more it will hit home
and stick.

3. Put your affirmation in the present tense.
Keeping the statement in the present will give it more power.
Avoid can, will, could or should in your statements.

4. Make it short and sweet.
Make the affirmation meaningful to you. If affirmations are too
long, you may find it cumbersome or difficult to say on a regular
basis. Longer affirmations work well during meditative moments.

5. Practice.
Teaching our inner voice to speak well to us takes some
practice. For most people it is an under developed muscle. Practice
and your affirming voice will become stronger.

6. Clear vision.
Hold a clear vision of what is possible for you in your life.
Picture yourself absorbing the positive affirmations as they become a
part of you.

7. Write it down.
Writing down the positive affirmations helps your mind remember
the new statements.

8. Repeat them often.
Repetition facilitates learning. The more often you say
positive affirmations the more they become a part of you.

9. Make them fun.
Enjoy yourself with them. Laugh and hold out a sense of
lightness.

10. Remember to be gentle.
Remember that the more you nourish and cherish yourself the
better able you are to live a life you love. Be patient and loving as
you learn something new.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

On Being Offended - Business, Executive Life Skills Coaching

2005-02-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

The business world often brings us in contact with people who live their lives looking for opportunities to be offended. Wayne Dyer, noted author, philosopher and guru pointed to this simple fact of life on PBS the other evening. It caught my attention because it explains so much of human behavior from hurts between family members (look at Othello and Desdemona) to terrorist acts by fundamentalist Muslims offended by Western Culture.

But, what about us?
Are you looking for opportunities to be offended? Do you find yourself getting angry with people who are not doing the job the way they should? Are you offended by the fact that someone disagrees with you and seems to be thwarting you at work.

I purposely exclude people who embrace this behavioral mode from my life. I'm not always successful, so when I do find myself having to interact with masters of negative possibilities, I set very definitive boundaries for what's acceptable behavior and what is not.

True, looking for opportunities to be offended is not a dominant behavioral mode for most of us. Yet, just accepting the fact that just by nature human beings have a natural tendency to be offended. Knowing that being offended is a possible mode for any human being, allows us to draw distinctions about own behavior.. We can ask ourselves whether we feel offended because we are "looking to be offended" or because there was an honest intention to offend us. Being able to draw that distinction empowers us to react more appropriately to situations when we do feel offended. Had Othello the emotional maturity to draw this distinction, the play would have had a much different outcome or might never been written at all.

Adherence to two of the four basic agreements put forth by Don Miguel Ruiz in his book, The Four Agreements, will help us to avoid being offended. The two agreements are 1) Don’t take anything personally and 2) Don’t make assumptions.

Coaching Points: Consider how you will interact with people you encounter who are looking for opportunities to be offended and how you will recognize when you are operating in this self destructive mode of behavior.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

Balance - Business, Executive Life Skills Coaching

2005-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

As a Business Coach I get to ask business clients, who are complaining about their hectic, stress filled lives, what they yearn for most. “Balance” is the answer I get most. Many business people I work with say that in spite of their successes in the world, the one thing that seems to elude them is having a balanced life.” So, we embark on an inquiry about what is really important to them and how to include those important things in their lives.

In this process, clients discover that success is based on who they are, not on what they do. Here are some of the shifts and insights that occurred for clients engaged in this coaching inquiry.

“It’s not about the job, it’s about relationships! I found out I make
a difference to people.”

“My wife says I’m not grumpy any more. I never realized
I was being unpleasant at home.”

“I saw that in the past I was driven by what I thought I should do, not what I wanted to do. When I realized this, I was able to choose not to go along with the company relocation plan to a place I did not want to live. I now know I am totally free to choose my future. And it’s looking good.”

Perhaps this quote from Pulitzer Prize winner and author, Anna Quindlan’s commencement speech says it best.

"We are the only person alive who has sole custody of our life, our particular life, our entire life. Not just our life at a desk, or on a bus, or in a car, or at the computer. Not just the life of our mind, but the life of our heart. Not just our bank account, but our soul. You cannot be really first-rate at your work, if your work is all you are.

The best advice that we can follow is to get a life. A REAL life, not just the manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house. Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Get a life in which you are generous, and realize that life is glorious, and that we have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around, because it is so easy to exist, instead of to live.

Life is made of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves to live, to love the journey, not the destination. One must learn that this life is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee we get.

Learn to look at all the good in the world, and try to give some of it back. School never ends. The classroom is everywhere. The exam comes at the end. No one ever said on his deathbed that he wished he had spent more time at the office.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes

Mechanisms of the Mind (Part 1) (Achieving Success Through Coaching)

2005-02-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Suppose that the human mind is nothing more than a bio-computer and that the function of this computer is to get its owner exactly what he says he wants.. The computer mind takes what you say very literally. So, if you say you cannot do something, the mind interprets that as a command and makes sure you cannot do it. If you say you are confused and don't know what you want, the mind makes sure you have that experience.

That is why the harder we try to change, the very things we want to change persist stronger than ever. Think about it. How many times in a day do we give our minds negative commands? We say things such as "this is hard for me," or we complain that we don't have something we want in our lives. When the mind hears us making these declarations, it hears it as a command, not as a wish it wasn't so. If this is the way our computer minds work then we have to find a way to give it commands that get us what we want. Positive affirmations are a way to do exactly that.

There was a time in my life when I used to complain that I knew how to make lots of money, but I could not hold onto it - that I would manage to find a way to make it disappear and thus never seemed to have any reserves. Guess what kept happening? Finally this way of life and "my story" about it became untenable, not to mention scary. With the help of a coach, I began to use affirmations such as "I am a competent manager of my money and make good investments." Or, "I know how to educate myself and take actions that will result in building reserves." I would write these affirmations daily, look at myself in the mirror and repeat them every day until I started to really hear them and believe them.

I soon started to read books about money and shifted my beliefs about money. I joined DA (Debtor's Anonymous - a 12 step support program) where I learned how to create a Spending Plan and more importantly, how to follow it. By using affirmations I was able to create a life that I love to live and the financial reserves that allows me to take care of myself in the present and in the future. I now live in a state of abundance, not scarcity.

"Be careful what you ask for, you may get it," simply means that you must be careful about your language when you are giving commands to your mind. To be perfectly clear, phrase your affirmations following the Top Ten Tips below. To those of you who are skeptical about the theory, I know it seems strange at first, I ask you to consider the possibility that this version of how things work may actually result in the outcomes you always wanted. Some of you may want to talk with a coach to help you clarify what it is you really want and how to phrase your affirmations. It does take some practice. After all, you will be changing a lifetime of functioning one way, what I call "hard wired programming," and behavioral patterns. Experiment! I would love to hear about your results.

In our Next Blog Post we'll cover The Top 10 Tips to Begin the Practice of Positive Affirmations! Designed to help you be successful in whatever your endeavor.

For a Life Changing Experience Try Coaching - Contact Ruth Zanes