I love this time of year....you see friends/family from out of town, have holiday parties to attend and get the chance to cuddle with someone you love next to the fire. The holiday pace can be frantic but I truly love the chaos that comes with last minute shopping. I have always been somewhat of a procrastinator...not sure if it is the adrenaline rush, the challenge to overcome or if I just think I deliver better when I'm pushed but the holidays definitely heightens my sense of urgency as I try to do a million things at one time and typically at the last minute.
This year is no different and in some ways is even more intense as I prepare to launch a new company, transition off of the corporate severance package and figure out how to supplement income so the family doesn't experience a hiccup in lifestyle. As I look back on my year I wonder if I could have "planned" better for this transition and minimized my stress.....after a few moments of reflection I confidently decide, "nope." This is exactly how it should be, how I work best, how I will do what I was meant to do....the pressure is what elevates my game, makes me better, stronger, and uncommon. If you find yourself overwhelmed this holiday season don't get down, find a way to make the pressure work for you and use it to push you...we only call it stress if it kick's your ass ....we call it MOTIVATION if you accomplish something you didn't think possible. Be motivated, accomplish the impossible!
Career Journey
The twists and turns never cease to amaze me and what a ride the career journey has been this month. After months of evaluating, interviewing, and negotiating I have decided to balance my efforts between two paths....launching/managing the new company and to pick-up project/consulting contract work to supplement income. Balance may not be the right word as I am more or less bouncing back and forth between the two paths. I continue to seek alignment between the two so I can take care of my family both in the short term as well as long term. I am aware of many people who are trying to find work or preparing to transition jobs so thought I would include a mashable.com link that includes a list of 100 places to seek employment opportunities.
LightThread
Our website is under development but is live with alpha testers. We continue to develop our launch plan and target a 1Q 2009 launch. Our initial focus is helping businesses navigate the social media landscape allowing them to market their services and engage with their clients in a more cost effective manner than traditional advertising/marketing efforts. We will also offer intellectual venture capital/virtual CXO services to start-up, small and mid-size companies. Application and platform development will serve a third focus area once revenues are generated. We are a very excited team and have already started to meet with potential clients! I am including a few links to articles/case studies that show the power of social media for business.
Dell makes $1M in revenues from using twitter
Future of Business and Social Media
A bmighty.com Q&A with Chris Brogan who is considered a social media guru. The article highlights why a business may need help with developing a social media strategy/approach, it is NOT a one size fits all space and can be risky if the approach doesn't meet the business need.
Please contact me at lisa@lightthread if you know a business that might be interested in our service as we are seeking trial customers to practice our processes for a low introductory rate. Our objective is to deliver results for our trial customers prior to formal launch so we can use their testimonial as proof points and enter the marketplace as powerful as possible!
As I wrap up this update, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009! I very much look forward to getting back to weekly updates in the new year and appreciate your patience as I continue to evolve this forum. In 2009, I will also begin blogging on our lightthread website so I welcome your thoughts on what you find valuable and would like me to focus on with LJ Landing. I am open to shifting this blog to a more personal share space (a day in the life of lisa), or career space (what its like to get a biz off the ground), or general technology space (smart grid, gov't focus, etc), or I can continue to touch on all three areas like I have done up to this point. The lightthread blog will obviously focus on social media so I don't feel the need to replicate in this venue but I'm sure I'll reference it from time to time. Please leave a comment with your advice or email me at lisa@lightthread.com.
Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa
Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Reunited, And It Feels So Good
I finally caught up with society and joined Facebook earlier this month. I have enjoyed reuniting with so many friends from back in the day and have been surprised by the flood of memories buried deep that haven't been reflected on for quite some time. These memories are a reminder of the joys, laughter and even some sorrows that molded my inner voice of today. I am humbled as I remember the girl of my yesterday and smile as I remember her fears, her confidence, her defeats and her accomplishments. I am proud of how the girl has become a woman and appreciate that even through the stumbles we call growth, she still holds the confidence and yet also the fears as she did so long ago. The reflection of how the past defined the path to today opens up the possibilities for tomorrow. Take a moment to remember, reunite with others and reflect on your inner voice and see what new possibilities exist for you.
Energy - Missouri Clean Energy Initiative
For you Missourians out there, you have the opportunity to shape the future of energy growth on November 4th. The Clean Energy Initiative requires Missouri investor-owned electric utilities (Ameren, Empire, Aquila, and KCP&L) to get 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2021. The Clean Energy Initiative defines renewables as clean sources of energy like wind, solar, landfill gas, biomass, and small hydroelectric projects. Often this policy is called a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and it has been passed in 26 other states (sorry Kansas you have some catching up to do). If you are fed up with negative politics and trying to find a reason to show up and vote on November 4th, please consider this initiative as your motivation. It is supported by over 100 Missouri current and former elected officials and community leaders and I have yet to find any negative press or concerns associated to the effort. Please support this initiaitve by providing your YES vote on November 4th. You can read more details at http://www.missouricleanenergy.org/about.asp
As a follow-up to my entry last week, I had the honor of judging a high school debate at Blue Springs South High School this past weekend. I was assigned to the public forum debates and listened to our leaders of tomorrow argue pro's and con's of growing nuclear energy effort in the US. The public forum venue is different than policy cross-ex debate as it flows more like a Sunday morning roundtable t.v. show with two teams (two members each) making their points, questioning those points and ending with a grand cross-fire where all four members discuss/argue at the same time. It was a blast to watch but I'm not going to lie, it was very hard to keep up from a judging perspective. At the end of the day, I was blown away by the intelligence, research skills, communication abilities and out right passion that these students exemplified during the debate. We hear so much negative of our youth but let me tell you, I was more impressed with these leaders of tomorrow than I am with many of our so called leaders of today. If you have some extra weekend time, check out when a high school debate is scheduled in your area and volunteer to serve as a judge. Judges are always needed, the schools give detailed instructions and you might be surprised how much fun you have while you learn something new.
Career Front
Ahhhh....how I love negotiations, let me count thy ways. I continued discussions this past week with the Ireland company and experienced the highs and lows of negotiation. They are evaluating a permanent offer situation for me but at the moment it looks like the consultation opportunity has come to a dead end as we couldn't come to an agreement on a competitive rate. They are fabulous people with tremendous potential and I wish them all the best. I received a permanent offer from a local engineering firm and am patiently waiting as they work with HR to deliver a compensation package. I continue to evaluate consulting opportunities as they arise, in fact I spoke with a New York business owner late last week who presented a unique possibility where I might be able to help him create a new media/entertainment powerhouse. I am meeting with one of my LightThread partners today to review his business plan and design an offer to become involved. Excitement in the air!
Family
Another busy week in the Qualls household with a big addition in the driveway...we purchased a 97 Eclipse for Zach who should have his official driver's license within days. He is very excited and proud of his "new" car and we are excited to have one more taxi driver in the family. This is another moment that makes you pause and reflect...remember being 16, getting your first car and taking that first drive without mom and dad? The feeling of empowerment and independence, it was as if nothing could stop you. We want Zach to embrace this new step in life and encourage him to be responsibile by reminding him, it only takes one mistake to change your life FOREVER so think before you act and PAY ATTENTION!! He probably doesn't know it, but I am reminding myself of this life lesson just as much as I am reminding him.
Thanks again for stopping by and checking in on what's new with LJ Landing. As always, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at lqualls4444@yahoo.com if you want to further discuss any of the items mentioned above. Have a great week!
Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa
Energy - Missouri Clean Energy Initiative
For you Missourians out there, you have the opportunity to shape the future of energy growth on November 4th. The Clean Energy Initiative requires Missouri investor-owned electric utilities (Ameren, Empire, Aquila, and KCP&L) to get 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2021. The Clean Energy Initiative defines renewables as clean sources of energy like wind, solar, landfill gas, biomass, and small hydroelectric projects. Often this policy is called a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and it has been passed in 26 other states (sorry Kansas you have some catching up to do). If you are fed up with negative politics and trying to find a reason to show up and vote on November 4th, please consider this initiative as your motivation. It is supported by over 100 Missouri current and former elected officials and community leaders and I have yet to find any negative press or concerns associated to the effort. Please support this initiaitve by providing your YES vote on November 4th. You can read more details at http://www.missouricleanenergy.org/about.asp
As a follow-up to my entry last week, I had the honor of judging a high school debate at Blue Springs South High School this past weekend. I was assigned to the public forum debates and listened to our leaders of tomorrow argue pro's and con's of growing nuclear energy effort in the US. The public forum venue is different than policy cross-ex debate as it flows more like a Sunday morning roundtable t.v. show with two teams (two members each) making their points, questioning those points and ending with a grand cross-fire where all four members discuss/argue at the same time. It was a blast to watch but I'm not going to lie, it was very hard to keep up from a judging perspective. At the end of the day, I was blown away by the intelligence, research skills, communication abilities and out right passion that these students exemplified during the debate. We hear so much negative of our youth but let me tell you, I was more impressed with these leaders of tomorrow than I am with many of our so called leaders of today. If you have some extra weekend time, check out when a high school debate is scheduled in your area and volunteer to serve as a judge. Judges are always needed, the schools give detailed instructions and you might be surprised how much fun you have while you learn something new.
Career Front
Ahhhh....how I love negotiations, let me count thy ways. I continued discussions this past week with the Ireland company and experienced the highs and lows of negotiation. They are evaluating a permanent offer situation for me but at the moment it looks like the consultation opportunity has come to a dead end as we couldn't come to an agreement on a competitive rate. They are fabulous people with tremendous potential and I wish them all the best. I received a permanent offer from a local engineering firm and am patiently waiting as they work with HR to deliver a compensation package. I continue to evaluate consulting opportunities as they arise, in fact I spoke with a New York business owner late last week who presented a unique possibility where I might be able to help him create a new media/entertainment powerhouse. I am meeting with one of my LightThread partners today to review his business plan and design an offer to become involved. Excitement in the air!
Family
Another busy week in the Qualls household with a big addition in the driveway...we purchased a 97 Eclipse for Zach who should have his official driver's license within days. He is very excited and proud of his "new" car and we are excited to have one more taxi driver in the family. This is another moment that makes you pause and reflect...remember being 16, getting your first car and taking that first drive without mom and dad? The feeling of empowerment and independence, it was as if nothing could stop you. We want Zach to embrace this new step in life and encourage him to be responsibile by reminding him, it only takes one mistake to change your life FOREVER so think before you act and PAY ATTENTION!! He probably doesn't know it, but I am reminding myself of this life lesson just as much as I am reminding him.
Thanks again for stopping by and checking in on what's new with LJ Landing. As always, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at lqualls4444@yahoo.com if you want to further discuss any of the items mentioned above. Have a great week!
Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
And the wheels on the bus....
I understand last week's financial wackiness caused many to start worrying about what's next, what does this mean to me, my family, and will I ever be able to retire??? I encourage you to take a deep breath, be mindful of your mood, and think, learn, & be educated prior to taking actions. There are numerous opportunities to be had when many can only see darkness...so ask yourself, what spark can you ignite to help yourself and others find the light?
Energy Developments
You may be surprised but in the midst of congress getting involved to "save us from financial ruin" (scary thought eh?), they added an energy related amendent to bill H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act 2008 (aka $700B bailout). The amendment calls for Energy Production Incentives which includes renewable energy incentives, carbon mitigation and coal provisions, transportation and domestic fuel security provisions, energy conservation and effeciency provisions (giving credit {$$$$} to early energy efficient adopters), and revenue provisions. In total, bill H.R. 1424 is a whopping 451 pages with the Energy portion noted on pages 113-261. Upon initial review the majority of actions include timeline extensions that were initially defined in various other Energy bills. You can obtain the full text of H.R. 1424 at this link, http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/latestversionAYO08C32_xml.pdf. I speculate you may be surprised by how much of the 451 pages are dedicated to items NOT related to the $700B. If you are interested in the bills being proposed by your house of representatives and senators please check out this website, http://www.opencongress.org/bill/all.
I'm excited to learn what our youth of today have to say about energy so I volunteered to judge at the Blue Springs South debate competition next weekend. The 2008-09 National High School policy debate topic is timely to say the least, "The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States." Students must be prepared to argue both sides of the resolution so I am eager to hear the research they reference to support their arguments. Check back next week to see how our teenagers of today may save the world tomorrow. :)
Career Path
Tremendous movement on the career front last week. I continue to engage in discussions with top notch executives and look to finalize negotiations as early as this week. I am learning a great deal through this process and have been most surprised that what I thought I wanted in my next job might actually be very different. I am enjoying talking with different companies and discussing the valuable ways I can help them and have come to realize that consulting might be a meaningful path for me. Anyone who knows me understands I have a broad background in various business disciplines from sales to business transition management to operational leadership. Initially, I thought security and fulfillment would come in the form of a permanent position, however I am challenging myself to think beyond my comfort zone. My desire first and foremost is to achieve my ambition (my family and I living a good life without compromise) and I now realize my old ways of thinking may be getting in my way of doing just that. Lots to think about this week.
Family
Not only was last week a bummer on the financial end but also on the sports end in the Qualls household. After 2.5 years of not losing one freshman A football game, the Wildcats succumbed to defeat. Coach Qualls took it like the man he is and displayed great character telling his team the heart of a team is how they come back and play the next week. What made the game difficult to watch for me was the Wildcats were playing their rival the Jaguars which happens to be the same high school my kids attend. Soooo mixed emotions as the kids were happy but dad was not. I was proud of my son who didn't rub it in....too much. Sports are big in this household and we encourage the life lessons that come from playing. Being a good sport win or lose is value number 1 in our family.
Thank you for checking in. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have more to add to any of the conversations noted or have any questions. I am always eager to receive feedback and welcome additional information you may have to continue the discussion.
Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa
Energy Developments
You may be surprised but in the midst of congress getting involved to "save us from financial ruin" (scary thought eh?), they added an energy related amendent to bill H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act 2008 (aka $700B bailout). The amendment calls for Energy Production Incentives which includes renewable energy incentives, carbon mitigation and coal provisions, transportation and domestic fuel security provisions, energy conservation and effeciency provisions (giving credit {$$$$} to early energy efficient adopters), and revenue provisions. In total, bill H.R. 1424 is a whopping 451 pages with the Energy portion noted on pages 113-261. Upon initial review the majority of actions include timeline extensions that were initially defined in various other Energy bills. You can obtain the full text of H.R. 1424 at this link, http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/latestversionAYO08C32_xml.pdf. I speculate you may be surprised by how much of the 451 pages are dedicated to items NOT related to the $700B. If you are interested in the bills being proposed by your house of representatives and senators please check out this website, http://www.opencongress.org/bill/all.
I'm excited to learn what our youth of today have to say about energy so I volunteered to judge at the Blue Springs South debate competition next weekend. The 2008-09 National High School policy debate topic is timely to say the least, "The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States." Students must be prepared to argue both sides of the resolution so I am eager to hear the research they reference to support their arguments. Check back next week to see how our teenagers of today may save the world tomorrow. :)
Career Path
Tremendous movement on the career front last week. I continue to engage in discussions with top notch executives and look to finalize negotiations as early as this week. I am learning a great deal through this process and have been most surprised that what I thought I wanted in my next job might actually be very different. I am enjoying talking with different companies and discussing the valuable ways I can help them and have come to realize that consulting might be a meaningful path for me. Anyone who knows me understands I have a broad background in various business disciplines from sales to business transition management to operational leadership. Initially, I thought security and fulfillment would come in the form of a permanent position, however I am challenging myself to think beyond my comfort zone. My desire first and foremost is to achieve my ambition (my family and I living a good life without compromise) and I now realize my old ways of thinking may be getting in my way of doing just that. Lots to think about this week.
Family
Not only was last week a bummer on the financial end but also on the sports end in the Qualls household. After 2.5 years of not losing one freshman A football game, the Wildcats succumbed to defeat. Coach Qualls took it like the man he is and displayed great character telling his team the heart of a team is how they come back and play the next week. What made the game difficult to watch for me was the Wildcats were playing their rival the Jaguars which happens to be the same high school my kids attend. Soooo mixed emotions as the kids were happy but dad was not. I was proud of my son who didn't rub it in....too much. Sports are big in this household and we encourage the life lessons that come from playing. Being a good sport win or lose is value number 1 in our family.
Thank you for checking in. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have more to add to any of the conversations noted or have any questions. I am always eager to receive feedback and welcome additional information you may have to continue the discussion.
Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa
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