April 26th, 2023
James Swan
How the Cookie Crumbles and My Upper Limit Late last Friday evening, I stood in my kitchen desperately trying to recall when and how I had consumed an entire plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Fragments of the evening were all that was left. Only ghostly recollections remain of snapping up two or three cookies […]
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April 20th, 2023
James Swan
Recently I read a statement by a prominent business coach that “coaching saves lives.” Part of my brain said, “yea, we do,” but another part said, “Well, that’s a nice attention-grabbing toss-away line intended to grab attention, clicks, and likes.” He said, “More marriages break up over the lack of money than for lack of […]
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April 19th, 2023
Stephanie O'Brien
Does your brain ever resist you when you need to focus on a task and get it done? It can be so frustrating ““ especially when it’s a task that can’t be postponed without consequences, and you’re not in a position to delegate it. Procrastination can be incredibly tempting, but it can also be costly, […]
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March 25th, 2023
James Swan
Just as I was adjusting to losing a job, its income, and benefits (see last week’s email if you missed that bit of excitement), this happened. First, let me be clear; I am fortunate. I’m not out on the streets or sleeping on friends’ sofas (done that before). My gratitude for all I have is […]
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March 17th, 2023
James Swan
As I work to grow my private coaching practice, my position as a Business Success and Strategy Coach for an international online marketing agency has filled an important role. Steady income, a benefits package, and camaraderie with some brilliant people make this an essential part of my life. Last Wednesday was my monthly one-on-one with […]
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March 8th, 2023
James Swan
Have you ever taught a cat to bark? It’s a very involved process. You will spend weeks, months, and years diligently repeating your instructions to the cat, “I need you to bark.” You may even demonstrate to your feline companion the exact sound you desire them to produce. Morning, noon, and night you will drill […]
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March 1st, 2023
James Swan
It should have been a simple event. There should have been no stress, just relaxed fun with a group I enjoy spending time with. On deck was a small (35-40 person) supper staffed by a seasoned group of volunteers. Planning meetings were perfunctory; supply lists were drawn up, assignments were selected, and with one week […]
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February 28th, 2023
Stephanie O'Brien
Are you communicating with your clients and other business contacts in a way that maximizes connection and understanding? I recently had two experiences that reminded me how important it is to do that. One was with a client whose written communication style is somehow incompatible with mine. We’ve learned the hard way that we can […]
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February 22nd, 2023
James Swan
What Is It About Giving As my little saga of the burst water pipe dries out, I’m happy to report much less drama. The insurance company has sent an adjuster, my contractor has promised to make time to stop by, and with temperatures in a normal range for February in Maine, all appear manageable. Amid […]
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February 15th, 2023
Stephanie O'Brien
It’s hard to believe I’m approaching the ten-year anniversary since starting my business! As I look back on this past decade and the lessons it’s taught me, one of the things that stands out in my mind is the number of coaching and training programs I’ve gotten into, and the things that motivated me to […]
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