9 traits of Successful People

So what is the first trait that successful people have in common?

1.Passion – Do it for the love, the money will follow

Synergize mind, emotions, spirit – be genuine and caring

2.Hard Work - they say it’s all hard work but they have a lot of fun. Most successful people are Workafrolics

3.Get Good – Put your nose down and Get good at it – think win,win – sets example for others, walk the talk and practice what you preach

4.Persistance – Be proactive – go beyond your comfort zone – you will need to persist through failure, criticism, rejection, Fears, doubt, pressure  and annoying people around you – but there is no other way they say

5.Focus – Focus on one thing at a time, don’t try to do too many things at once – be alert – begin with the end in mind

6.Ideas - seek to understand rather then be understood, Listen, Observe, be curious

7.Serve – serve other something of value to your customers, your employees, your colleagues, the community
create leaders rather then followers

8.Making Money – Invite it, plan for it, it but don’t obsess about it

9.Awareness – get to know yourself – your strength, your weakneses, your motivations, fears and predjudice and then look at it all and

That’s it. Those are the 9 traits most commonly cited by successful people. That’s how they do it. And so can you. Good luck!

Are you aggressive or assertive?

During my Coaching sessions I often find that many people confuse assertiveness and aggression. What is the difference you may wonder yourself. Essentially it's your mindset!

Think of assertiveness as being firm, but polite. It's a mindset that says "I want to win, but I'm not going to walk over you to do it - I'm going to respect what you want and work to help you win also."

Aggressiveness, on the other hand, is firm but impolite. The aggressive person says "I'm going to win, and I don't care if you get what you want" or "I don't care whether or not you get hurt in the process or your needs are met."  

Which of those two approaches do you think produces better results in the long run? 

Aggression is rooted in fear. When we act aggressive we have no time to consider other people's needs because we are fearful that we will not succeed if we do. Our whole focus is on achieving what we think is important. We may believe that we are acting like this because we care for others, and yes maybe we are on one level, but if we step on people or if we make them look or feel bad in the process then there is a certain amount of selfishness involved. When we act aggressive we value ourselves and our ideas more then others. We feel competitive.

Assertiveness is rooted in confidence on the other hand. When we feel confident then we do not fear looking incompetent or failing or being rejected. We know what we want and we can be firm about communicating it, but at the same time we will have the ability to consider other people and we will act in a way that they do not feel diminished. In fact we may even help them look good. When we are assertive we value our selves, our ideas and others equally.

Here is a useful check list that may help you identify when you are act aggressive and when assertive: 

Aggressive conduct: Glares or stares at others
Assertive conduct: Makes friendly, considerate eye contact

Aggressive conduct: Intimidates others with body language
Assertive conduct: Shows confident body language that matches the message

Aggressive conduct: Has an air of inflexibly—"my way or the highway"
Assertive conduct: States one's needs, but genuinely considers other perspectives

Aggressive conduct: Strives to control others
Assertive conduct: Strives to listen to and work with others

Aggressive conduct: Considers other's perspectives only when demanded to do so
Assertive conduct: Considers other's perspectives without needing to be asked

Aggressive conduct: Values one's self more than others
Assertive conduct: Values self as an equal to others

Aggressive conduct: Will intimidate or even hurt others to avoid being hurt
Assertive conduct: Tries to hurt no one (including self)

Aggressive conduct: Reaches goals usually on the backs of others
Assertive conduct: Strives to reach goals, and help others reach their goals, too

-->

Assertiveness is an important component of communication. Assertive people express themselves and stand up for their views without disrespecting the views of other people. Assertiveness improves self-esteem and helps one earn the respect of others. 

If you would like to learn how to be more assertive then a series of coaching sessions can help you succeed. You may be a passive person (not expressing your needs) or have a tendency to behave more often aggressive then assertive. In both cases you can learn through some coaching to adjust your communication style and find middle ground.

Process ain’t sexy, but your business is in big trouble without it:

I like to share with you this article from Donald Cooper's Newsletter. Donald speaks internationally on management, marketing and innovations and is the champion of straight talking. Here is his take on the importance of process. If you want to know more about how Donald works you may like to visit www.donaldcooper.com

"Creativity and innovation are ‘hot topics’ right now. They’re all the rage, and

I applaud that. But, in the end, it’s boring, unsexy ‘process’ that actually gets

things done. Even ‘creativity’ is most often a process. Sometimes it’s just

dumb luck…but mostly not.

In fact, most successful companies have developed a disciplined ‘creative

process’ that delivers innovative products, more efficient operations,

consistent quality, employee safety and an amazing, perhaps even tailored,

customer experience.

'Process' is what keeps airplanes from falling out of the sky. It’s what makes

a Big Mac exactly the same in Montreal as it is in Moscow. Process is what

gets cars designed and made and gets a spacecraft launched and safely back

home. Process is what allows a hotel chain to know that you want a nonsmoking

room on a low floor, near the elevator, with a king size bed, foam

pillows and a USA Today at the door. Process is what gets priority luggage

onto the airport baggage carousel before all the other luggage. Okay, so

clearly that’s not the best example.

In fact, everything that happens between ‘intent’ and ’delivery’ is process. As

a business, you can have the greatest intentions in the world for your

customers and staff, for the environment and for your bottom line. But

without clear, effective and well-communicated processes, these wonderful

intentions will be just that…’intentions’.

To quote the late W. E. Deming, the internationally renowned authority on

quality and efficiency, "If you can't describe what you’re doing as a process,

you don't know what you’re doing."

So, exactly what is a process, anyway? Simply put, a process is…

1. An effectively communicated sequence of activities,

2. Supported by the necessary resources,

3. Designed to deliver a consistent, efficient and effective result,

4. To a specific standard.

OK, so it's not so simple. But that's what a process is...and there are no

shortcuts. Re-read the definition above and, while you're at it, rate your

business’ performance, on a scale of 1 to 10, on each of the four elements.

Then, using that info, determine what needs to be done to improve your

processes.

Emmanuel Kelly The X Factor 2011 Auditions Emmanuel Kelly FULL

Leading Without A Title - Robin Sharma

In many ways, the whole idea behind Leading Without a Title is the democratization of leadership. Yes, positions are important to the smooth running of any organization (whether that organization is a business or a community or a family). Having said that, the new model of leadership (leadership 2.0) is all about every single stakeholder showing leadership in the work they do. This is really all about distributed leadership. Every single person who works within a business, for example, owns the responsibility of showing leadership at their craft. Every single teammate is the CEO of their own small business unit called their job.

Tactic #1: If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others. We have no business leading others into greatness if our own personal lives are a train-wreck. Being successful in the game of life precedes great leadership. Face whatever personal issues you’ve been avoiding head on and clean up on all fronts.

Tactic #2: Never make anyone feel as if there isn’t room in the life boat. No matter the mistake, no matter what mile a person is at on their road to mastery, always be ready and willing to throw a life line – lend a hand, offer insight, donate your time, run out for coffee. The winners understand that strengthening capacity at every level, in every person, is the way to win.

Tactic #3: Watch Invictus. Clint Eastwood’s excellent and entertaining reminder of great leadership. Morgan Freeman performs as Nelson Mandela. The film, teaches us how to eloquently execute astonishing acts of forgiveness, compassion and moving upward when circumstances and people hold the potential to yank you into victimhood.

Tactic #4: Stay Strong “secure your oxygen mask first before assisting others.” Do you know where your oxygen comes from? Routine challenging exercise, healthy eating habits, sleeping deeply, and doing what makes me feel alive and excited is my oxygen. It’s what keeps me strong.

Refuse the lifestyle, the habits and the circumstances that weaken you. Great leaders don’t just own their full potential on the floor or in the field; they claim their potential in all domains of their life. You can’t be great in one arena and mediocre in another. Mistrust will sniff you out and turn you in. Make it an immediate goal to get connected with your oxygen supply.

Keep Leading Without A Title.

Do you want Peace or Drama?

I am just re-reading Eckhart Tolle's book "A new Earth" and each time I read it I am in awe of his clarity and profound wisdom. If you have read the book then you will know what I am talking about. If you have not read it yet then I encourage you to do so.  Here is a small excerpt from "A new Earth", something that I am sure most of you can relate to.

Do you want Peace or Drama?  

You want Peace. There is no one who does not want peace. Yet there is something else in you that wants the drama, wants conflict. You may not be able to feel it at this moment. You may have to wait for a situation or even just a thought that triggers a reaction in you: someone accusing you of this or that, not acknowledging you, encroaching on your territory, questioning the way you do things, an argument about money....Can you then feel the enormous surge of force moving through you, the fear, perhaps being masked by anger or hostility? Can you hear your own voice becoming harsh or shrill, or louder and a few octaves lower?

Can you be aware of your mind racing to defend it's position, justify, attack, blame? In other words, can you awaken in that moment of unconsciousness? Can you feel that there is something in you that is at war, something that feels threatened and wants to survive at all cost, that needs the DRAMA in order to assert its identity as the victorious character within the theatrical production?
Can you feel there is something in you that would rather be RIGHT than at PEACE?  

When the EGO is at war, know that it is no more than an illusion that is fighting to survive. That illusion thinks it is you. It is not easy at first to be there as the witnessing Presence, especially when the ego is in survival mode or some emotional pattern from the past has become activated, but once you have had a taste of  it, you will grow in Presence power, and the ego will lose its grip on you.

And so a power comes into life that is far greater than the ego, greater than the mind.
All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it, as awareness and ego are incompatible. 

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

Matt Ridley: When ideas have sex | Video on TED.com

Matt Ridley: When ideas have sex | Video on TED.com

Peace Education - the way forward

On July 2nd and 3rd the Art of Living Foundation is hosting an Unforgettable Peace Festival in Berlin, bringing together 70.000 people from a 150 countries to take part in a historical event with musical and cultural contributions and a youth conference.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I love the idea and I am an Art of Living teacher. I have found their programs and work among the best I have seen.
Their vision of a violent free and stress free society is my vision too and I like to share just some of the events taking place in Berlin with you.

The Art of Living is one of the largest volunteer based NGOs engaged in world-wide peace education and humanitarian projects and they are celebrating their 30 year anniversary this year - www.worldculturefestival.org

Peace education involves the use of teaching tools designed to bring about a more peaceful society and achieve common goals. At its core, peace education emphasizes empowerment and nonviolence and involves building a democratic community, teaching cooperation, developing moral sensitivity, promoting self-esteem, and stimulating critical thinking.

Everyone is invited to participate and support the vision for a more peaceful tomorrow. Young and old will share their ideas of what could be done better. And there will also be a lot of fun and colourful entertainment. Greece will contribute by bringing an Olive branch, an ancient symbol for Peace, from Delphi to the Berlin Olympic Stadium.

Come along on May the 21st and 22nd for a week-end in Delphi and enjoy this beautiful site and a special ceremony with Greek dancers cutting the Olive tree branch. For more details s click this link. 




Beat to the rhythm of a world at peace:

Let the ancient sounds and spirit of Africa pulse through you as you join the rhythmic beat of hundreds of people drumming together for Human Values. Come together and drum to the beat of peace. No experience or musical talent necessary, just a passion for bringing an end to the violence.

The drumming will be led by professionals from South Africa who will lead you through your drumming journey, so no previous drumming or musical experience necessary. The drumming session will last for 10 minutes.

Youth FESTIVAL - Change Through Peace

The World Culture Festival aims to promote inter-cultural dialogue through the exchange of ideas, music, culture and fun. It is a platform for young people from around the world (from age 18-28) to express and showcase social entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and leadership on the issue of peace, intercultural harmony in diversity and peaceful change for the people and the planet.

www.worldculturefestival.org/en/YouthFestival.wzi

The Power of 2

Let me tell you a little bit about my family. I come from a line of strong women with high expectations and powerful opinions. The  thing growing up was that as the only girl surrounded by a grandmother, 2 aunts and my mom I received plenty of nagging but and more importantly I also received plenty of support – when it came to important things and decisions in my life I could do no wrong as far as they were concerned – and even if deep down they had their doubts – they always were supportive.

And so it seemed like a natural path that their ways rubbed off on me. But I did not realize how much until I had grown much older.

Many years ago  a friend of mine invited me to join her on a trip for the week end. In fact we were 4 – 2 guys and 2 girls. The second day of our trip to Wales we decided to go for a long hike across beautiful fields and suddenly the guys saw a mountain peak and decided to climb it – it wasn’t that high, but still from the down where we were it looked a daunting task. The guys went off shouting "see you on top"….my girl friend looked at me shocked ‘I am sorry there is no way that I can hike up that hill” no way ….she felt alone, she felt the power of ONE…..

Some years later, when I was already in Greece I decided to change my life and study shiatsu – sounded easy, but it turned out to be quite a daunting task – 3 years of anatomy, psychology, physiology, energy points and so forth ….and all in Greek and all new, we had to give long exams and one day one of the other girls came to me and she said "I think I will pack it in ….there is no way that I can learn this" – and she felt alone, she felt the power of one

And then there was the little boy from next door – 4 years old and riding his little bike. The day came when the parents decided to take of the support wheels and wanted him to learn riding the bike without them – but he got scared and he turned to me and said "Christiana I don’t want to go back on"….he felt alone he felt the power of one

However, the powerful women in my life had given me the gift of support and love and I had taken that gift and made it my own. Without realizing it at first supporting people came natural to me.

So when my friend said that she could not climb the mountain I was able to look at her and say, “don’t worry ….ignore the peak, lets take it one step at the time and lets see how far we get. I’ll be with you all the way and any time you want to stop we stop.” And you know what? SHE made it all the way to the top. When she realized that she had succeeded she jumped up and down and the only smile bigger then mine was hers. She could not believe that she had done it. – she no longer felt alone – she had felt the power of 2

And when in the shiatsu school my fellow student felt she was not able to continue I said to her “You are a great practitioner – lets help each other with the theory – lets study together and see each other through the difficult times.” And so we did – for the next 2 years we supported each other and were the first students to pass in the required time – we no longer felt alone – we felt the power of 2

And when the little boy said he did not want to get on the bike again I put my arms around him and hugged him tide. I said – “don’t worry, lets do it together – you sit on the bike and I will hold you – you can do it you will see” – and so he did and in time he started to feel more comfortable and eventually I could let go – he no longer felt alone – he had felt the power of 2

So whenever someone feels alone and needs encouragement or support, I will encourage them – and I have always been grateful for the people who have encouraged me.

You need number 2s – I need numbers 2s – we all do

I need number 2s when it’s time to keep going and finish what I started, I need no 2s when I am fearful to take the next step or when I doubt myself.

It’s good to accept help – and it’s good to give.

So I want to challenge you – Look around you next time you see someone who is struggling with something - maybe you decide to become their No 2.

Event of Athens Wing - Womens International Networking Group

Next Event February 5^th Interactive marketing & Social Media’  and Cutting of the Vasilopita   
     

Social Networks and social media have grown enormously last years. But till now most companies don’t use the possibilities offered by the new media. In her speech Avra Lyraki will explain how interactive marketing works and how you can benefit from using social media. Her talk will be followed by the cutting of the Vassilopitta. 
After the break we will discuss ideas and plans for our 2011 program

Dr. Avra Lyraki  holds a PhD in Strategic Corporate Communications and has significant experience in Interactive Marketing and Public relations. She is a well experienced executive seminar instructor at American College of Greece, ALBA, and other associations.

Time: February 5th from 10.30 – 13.00hrs    Doors open at 10.00 and close at 10.40!                             Venue: Πολυχώρος Spring People, Agatharxou 12, 2nd floor – Psirri. (Close to Metro-station Monastiraki)  Click here for map 

Entrance is free for members.   Guest fee is 8 euro. Please confirm your attendance at:  info@athenswing.com 

Or call: 210 7658303 Celeste / 6937865887 Mikela

                                                                  

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on CNN 's Quest for Spirituality

Christmas shopping for Compassion

I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time. But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect. I've said things I wish I could take back and I am not feeling too good about myself. 

I also want to exchange a carton of self righteousness for an equal amount of humility. I hear that it is less expensive and wears well, and while I'm at it I'm going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.


I must remember to try to match my patience with the little I have left. My neighbor is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her. I was told the same department has a repair shop for mending integrity. Mine has become frayed around the edges from too much compromising. If I don't get it refurbished soon, there won't be any left. 

I almost forgot the most important thing of all -- compassion. If I see some-no matter what the color, size or shape -- I'm going to stock up heavily regardless of the price. I have run out of it so many times and I always feel ashamed when it happens. 

I don't know why it has taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items. They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmas time. And I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them. 

Yes, I'm going shopping today and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home! The things I'm looking for have no price-tags. What a joy! 

 

Doing work that Matters - Key Rules

Show up every day!

It's easy to get sidetracked, especially if you are self-employed, self-motivated and can take a break whenever you feel like it. I joined the 'small business, working too my own rules Club 10 years ago and the first rule I implemented was to show up every day. I decided on the time I would start and finish and the amount of hours I would put in.  
Showing up without fail I found to be Key Rule Number 1 for succeeding in any work that you undertake.

Key Rules number 2 and 3 for me are to develop a clear idea of what it is you want to achieve and to think big while taking one step at the time. Many people I observe act for the sake of acting. They seem to feel that as long as they are busy doing that their doing is meaningful. I have found that this attitude usually leads to investing a lot of energy for generating little results.

And key rule number 4 is to be persistent - meaning 'Don't Give UP!'. Whatever happens learn, improve, adjust, re-invent yourself and keep on going. Yes, reflecting is a must. But if you feel that what you are passionate about, what you are doing is IMPORTANT then keep on going.

 

The Psychology of Stress a la Time Therapy

On the surface there are so many different reasons for stress:

Lack of structure, taking too much on board, conflict, confusion, lack of confidence, problems in communication, relationships, self criticism, feeling lack of control, grief, lack of money, lack of work....All these external factors however essentially trigger the same feeling in us and that feeling is - FEAR! .(False-Evidence-Appearing-Real). 

In Essence we stress out for these reasons:

• We perceive that we cannot handle something = Fear
• We perceive something as painful, difficult or dangerous = Fear

Stress in it's nature is the response to concepts of our mind. It is based on our Perception. This is why people's stress responds to the same event can vary greatly from person to person.

How can we become more Stress Free? The key to becoming more STRESS FREE is to find the true source.

And at a first glance we see that the source is FEAR.

And our reaction to fear for thousands of years has been: to Fight or to flight (Aggression or Withdraw).  If you look even further then you will see that the root of Psychological fear is always related to a feeling of disconnect, of not being able to relate to what is happening.

Look at the process of when you are stressed.

Lets say you are at work and you are stressed because you do not agree with the way your boss is handling a certain issue. You disagree. 

How do you feel towards your boss at that moment?

You cannot relate to what he is doing, how he is behaving.

You are against him, you feel separate from him. If you can look beyond the anger then you will see that, deep down, you are simply sad that you cannot relate to him and his actions, that you are unable to connect.

You will see the same pattern when you look at issues in other relationships, including the relationship you have to yourself or life.

Suppose things don’t work the way you want in life. You do not have enough work. You do not have a loving relationship. How do you feel?

You may feel angry or afraid, but deep down you feel SAD. 

You feel sad that life is treating you this way. You feel sad that things are not working out.

Now if this turns into self -pity then you have Depression.

Remember Stress is based on your Perception of something to be dangerous, painful or difficult. This Perception generates Fear. Reacting to the Fear leads to Aggression or the urge to Withdraw. On the other hand STAYING with the Fear by observing it without reacting to it will help you to become aware of the underlying Sadness. The Sadness of not being able to relate/connect. And this is the first step to Compassion.

Aggression – Fear – Sadness - Compassion (=Love)
 In Time Therapy we call it the ‘Feeling Chain’

Once you understand the process of the Feeling Chain and that this process is the same in every person regardless of background, education, or culture, then you are able to address the issue of stress with a new mindset.

Understanding the process of the Feeling Chain can set you FREE!

It’s like learning a new language. You need to learn about the structure, the grammar to truly understand and use it effectively. Just learning the words won’t do it – you need both. The same with Stress; You need to understand the structure, the root. Aggression –Fear – Sadness - Love.

Sounds strange? Just observe it in yourself and you will see the Chain at work.

Deepak Chopra: The Mystery of Consciousness

7 Movies and what they taught me about life and leadership

Movies can be an amazing source of insight and inspiration. They fill our hearts and heads with heroes, stories, songs, and scenes we can draw from. What stories, scenes or heroes have inspired you? Whatever traits you recognize in others also live in You.

Here are 7 movies and what they have taught Me about life and leadership.

1. Star Wars – Keep your ego in check (and carry a big light saber!) Your intuition can serve you well if you master it.

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark – Make every project an adventure.

3. The Lord of the Rings – The best heroes can come from the strangest places (who would have thought to check the Shire?)

4. Rear Window – Use your emotions and intuition as input, then check your facts.

5. The Wizard of Oz – You had it in you all along. You just needed somebody else to bring it out.

6. Slumdog Millionaire – Being Smart, Passionate and Persistant brings results and can change your lot in life.

7. It’s a Wonderful Life – Know your value and what you bring to the table.


Which movies have inspired YOU?

All Talk and No Action? – Turning decisions into commitments

All talk, no action? Good ideas, but no results? Not the results that you are wishing for? A common problem is a lack of clarity and action commitments.

I see a lot of decisions that never turn into results. I know people mean well, but making things happen takes more than just desire. It takes action. The challenge with turning decisions into action, is understanding the work required. If you don’t break your decisions down into effective actions don’t expect results.

How to best tackle these issues? Over the years I have identified a series of steps that have helped many of my coaching clients make the shift.

'Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.' — Tony Robbins

Turning decisions into effective actions requires thoughtful work assignments and action commitments. Whatever you want to change, influence or achieve you will need to clearly identify:

a. The choices available to you
b. Recognize what can be done and what cannot
c. And most importantly commit to Action!

Whatever the issue, the key process is the same. To create a constructive environment for successful decision making make sure you start with the following:

1. Starting the Process:

• Establish the objective - Define what you want to achieve.
• Agree on the process - Know how the final decision will be made, including whether it will be an individual or a team-based decision.
• Make sure you're asking the right question – Spend time asking yourself what is the true issue

2. Generating Good Alternatives = Choices

This step is critical to making an effective decision. The more good options you consider, the more comprehensive your final decision will be.

• When you generate alternatives, you force yourself to dig deeper, and look at the problem from different angles.
• If you use the mindset ‘there must be other solutions out there,' you're more likely to make the best decision possible.
• If you don't have reasonable alternatives, then there's really not much of a decision to make!

3. Generating Ideas = What can be done and what cannot

Brainstorming is probably the most popular method of generating ideas. Ask colleagues, friends or partners to participate and provide input. Keep an open mind and explore all the possible choices and consequences. It helps to write everything down and then take a break if you can to reflect.

4. Choosing the Best Alternative

After you have evaluated the alternatives, the next step is to choose between them. The choice may be obvious. However, if it isn't, then identifying the root of the problem will help you. This strategy involves looking at any problem and asking: 'What is the cause of this problem?' and 'Am I part of the cause or the solution?'

5. Turn decisions into action commitments.

Actions speak louder than words. Knowing what to do is not the same as doing what you know.

• What action has to be taken and who has to take it?
• What does the action have to be so that the people who have to do it can do it? That also includes YOU.
• Get the right people for the actions required. The key is to have the right people doing the right things to get the right results.
• Support the action people. Know what actions need to be taken to be successful and support them.

Keep in mind that Decisions will Not be Effective Without Action Commitments. What looks good on paper or sounds good, may not work when you actually test it. If you see that it doesn’t work then look again.

Those are some of the key steps. And if you feel that a few coaching sessions would be helpful to master the process then send me an email at christiane@christianepohl.com. I would be happy to support and guide you.

With my best wishes for your success!

Buy a Tree, Clean a Beach....get involved

I am very passionate about bringing people together on initiatives to increase awareness for environmental issues and to act. Small acts, big acts, whatever each person can do to contribute.

Here are some of the initiatives I am promoting in case that you are interested to share the ideas in your company or your friends. I talk to companies and bug my friends about what can be done. One of my favorite initiative is the idea to:

Buy a tree!

With the purchase of a small tree, you automatically become a member of Plant-a-Tree. We will plant the tree on your behalf and once this has taken place you will receive an e-mail with the details of the planting (this includes details of action, geographic coordinates, photographs, etc).

Small tree €20

For reasons of economy and efficiency, our members' trees will be planted in groups, in accordance with the design of Plant-a-Tree.

To buy a tree, you can choose one of the payment methods that they advertise on their website http://www.plant-a-tree.gr...and while you are there you may get inspired by some of their other ideas.

I am also a member of Clean Up Greece www.cleanupgreece.org.gr. They are a branch of Clean up the World and are always interested on new sponsors and volunteers.

For 2011 they have produced a beautiful desk top calender. For euro 1000 your company can become a sponsor and received a few hundred calenders to give to clients with the company logo inside.

If you are interested in contributing and would like to know more contact me on christiane@christianepohl.com or if you live outside of Greece then check what your local environmental organizations are doing.

with my best wishes,

Christiane

Thinking outside the Booth

With the growing use of cell phones, pay phone booths are practically
obsolete. So Telekom Austria is converting many of theirs into battery recharging stations for electric cars,scooters and motorbikes. This is brilliant thinking. How might you use your resources to serve the community? How might you turn idle assets into new opportunities?

I loved this one from Donald Copper's research. Donald is the CEO and of Human Marketing and speaks internationally on management, marketing and business innovations. He is an inspiring speaker and I just love the way he thinks. If you are ever looking for a top speaker for your busness or conference then he is the man. For more details www.donaldcooper.com.