by Linda Hurtley

As with any job, there are many challenges but one of the biggest challenges of being an independent planner is not having a steady paycheck or employee benefits of health insurance and PTO.  In the good years, yes, the income flows on a regular basis, but in the lean years it is stressful especially if you don’t have a second income.   Other challenges include learning how to pay your own taxes and the isolation of working at home.   Additionally, sales is your job whether you like it or not and so is accounting; yuck – I hate both!
I have been an independent meeting planner for over 24 years.  It was a great gig while my three kids were little because it gave me the flexibility to work around their school and activity schedules, e.g., I only missed four gymnastics meets in ten years and had the opportunity to plan a couple big meets which was a lot of fun! My husband was supportive of my travel which was essential to maintain the family responsibilities (and insane kid schedule).   Now that the kids are grown, the busy days and travel are much easier. 
The commute to the office is great, especially on a day like today as I write this when the snow is falling and roads are slick.  I get to choose the kind of work I do and who I do it with; in general, I have control of my project choices.  There’s no need to dress up, put on makeup, or fix my hair because my officemate, Monster the Cat, doesn’t care how I look as long as he has a full supply of crunchies and gets a few belly rubs.
My solution for the isolation has been to volunteer with SPIN, attend networking meetings, and schedule business appointments.  To combat the lean times, I take Trip Director (TD) work and contract with industry friends.
All in all, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, how could I give up the benefit of every day being Bring Your Cat to Work Day?

Linda Hurtley is the owner of Linwood Group Meetings.  She has been an independent meeting planner for over 24 years specializing in meetings and membership management for mid-sized associations.  As a benefit of her early years in the hotel industry, Linda excels at leadership, sourcing, and managing vendor partnerships.  She is currently the Regional Director for the Central Region of SPIN.
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Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.

Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.

 

by Kathie Niesen, CMP

In my many years of association management, I always considered my most important role to be a manager of people and a mentor. There is no greater challenge than supervising people and no greater reward than when they display the same principles and integrity that you sought to instill.
 
It doesn’t always work out that way, for one reason or another things can go wrong but when then there are those special employees that do exactly what you had hoped they would.  They learn, absorb and even mimic the best practices they observe in you.
 
Performance reviews, can be painful but take them seriously and ensure that your comments will help them grow in their job and in the organization.  Best honest along the way too, an employee should never be surprised by something in the annual review.
 
And don’t forget those who don’t directly report to you, your knowledge and actions are observed and you can be an example to those who are not your direct reports. Always do what you say.
 
Learn as much as you teach. Everybody has gifts and knowledge that you don’t have. My past employees have taught me countless lessons.
 
I read a post on facebook  yesterday that said, “Treat employees like they make a difference and they will.” So very true.
 
If you are a manager of people relish the experience and strive to set an example of integrity and respect that your employees will want to emulate. If you don’t manage a staff you can still be a mentor to colleagues, friends and those coming up in the industry. It’s a rewarding experience that you won’t forget
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.

Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
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by Linda Nelson, CMP

As a meeting professional, my number one goal is to ensure that your meeting or conference is successful. We have all attended conferences where the fluorescent lighting, the carb loaded food, the uncomfortable chairs, and the boring speakers make us wonder why we even bothered.
 
In order for any meeting to be successful, the participants must be operating at his or her best! Over 20 years of planning meetings, I have seen trends come and go, and I have seen the need for lean, productive, efficient, and effective conferences become a vital part of our industry.
 
At the heart of any successful meeting is the health of the participants. It is not our job to impact the lifestyle of our participants but we can plan a meeting in such a way that we are doing everything to ensure each participant is functioning at their optimum while in attendance at the meeting.
 
I like to think of this as planning Brain Healthy Meetings. These are meetings that are intentionally planned to minimize the factors that often drain our brains at meetings. Research says that the average human can concentrate on something actively for 8 seconds, and that we can keep refocusing our brain for about 20 minutes at a time. In order to get the most out of any meeting or conference, we want to limit those things that cause our brain to function poorly. This brain drain can be caused by sitting for too long, eating unhealthy food, not drinking enough water, and death by powerpoint to name just a few.
Healthy Brains start with what is on the inside. I like to start by offering brain healthy meals and snacks, and plenty of water. Eating healthy isn’t just a preference, scientific research show the connection between what we eat and how well our brains function. According to Dr. Eva Selhub in Harvard Health Publications, “ Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress — the “waste” (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.”
She goes on to explain the science behind Nutritional Psychiatry.
“Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain. Since about 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract, and your gastrointestinal tract is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, or neurons, it makes sense that the inner workings of your digestive system don’t just help you digest food, but also guide your emotions.”
 
I like to replace the typical carb overloaded meals with those that have simple proteins and are more veggie based. You don’t have to change everything. Making small tweaks to your menu can provide a healthier option for those who choose it. We have seen more and more people that are taking advantage of the healthier options. After a recent conference I received this feedback, “thank you for the healthy meal options during lunch and breaks, its much appreciated” Janet Hendley, UNCG, School of Nursing.
Remember: healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Meals can still taste great and provide the slow releasing energy that keeps each of us operating at our best.
 
In an article on the SmartMeetings website, Andrea Sullivan of BrainStrength Systems, a leading researcher in the field, states, “One of the biggest challenges we face in the meetings industry is how to support attendees in remaining alert, energized and in a learning state throughout the day and the conference,” says Sullivan. “Food plays a huge role in this: What we eat greatly influences how we think and how we feel.”
 
Research is still evolving, but Sullivan points out that neuroscientists are now able to identify the effects of some specific foods on brain functioning. That should make devising an attendee-boosting menu a no-brainer. Just as illuminating, it makes clear which foods to avoid.
 
Some suggestions for Brain Healthy Meetings:

Breakfast: Greek yogurt, berries, steal cut oatmeal or whole grain bread with smoked salmon.
Morning break: Smoothies made with veggies and berries; Make your own trail mix, with nuts, berries and some good dark chocolate,
Lunch: Instead of sandwich and chips, think soup and salads. Grilled chicken or glazed salmon with a salad or a healthy selection of vegetables are a good option.
Afternoon break: Fresh fruits, raw nuts. Fresh veggies and hummus. Fruit sushi or apples and peanut butter. If it is hot, consider a fresh fruit Popsicle or ice-lolly.
Dinner: Salads, or a meal that includes a healthy protein, served on a bed of lettuce or greens or whole grain pasta make a satisfying but not a gut overwhelming meal. Don’t skip Dessert. A light sorbet or granita, meringue or pavlova with fresh fruit. Or consider a smaller portion of a traditional dessert.
Choosing what to serve is just as important as what you don’t serve. Avoid the obvious, fried foods, salty foods, and sugary snacks.
“There are two things I feel are most important for groups and planners to understand,” says Sullivan. “The first is the need to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. We do this by serving low-glycemic-index foods while minimizing white flour and sugars—the typical continental breakfast featuring bagels and pastries has got to go. “The second is to minimize salt, which has an immediate effect of constricting circulation—within 30 minutes! This leads to decreased oxygen in the brain, harming our ability to think clearly.”
 
 
Linda Nelson, CMP is the Founder and CEO of To PLAN Ahead LLC and has more than 20 years of experience in event planning conferences and special events. She began her career in the meeting planning industry in England with the Plymouth Visitor and Convention Bureau where she worked as a Tourist and Conference Destination Manager. Since moving to the U.S. 25 years ago, she has continued her meeting planning career and in 1997 earned the designation as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Linda feels very fortunate to have worked with clients such as Hewlett Packard, Agilent, Intuit, Applied Materials and many more. Previously, she worked as a Meeting Planner for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and since forming To Plan Ahead, EPRI has continued to be a loyal client. Linda travels extensively, both nationally and internationally, and has excellent knowledge of the benefits that her international clientele provides. As a member of the Founding Board for the Northeastern Chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International), she served as the Vice President of Communications. In 2008, she was awarded Professional Excellence in the Meeting Industry by the chapter. She is a member of SPIN.
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.

by Sean Schuette

​I graduated from college with a degree in technical theatre with an emphasis in stage management.  A stage manager is often the first person to arrive and the last person to leave during the journey of a theatrical production.  They are responsible for the show’s consistency performance to performance, and are often the lead person in charge, for often the director is onto another project they are working on.  You are responsible for calling in understudies when a performer is sick and ensure all items are in working order before the curtain goes up.  Once underway you call all the cues that make what the audience sees happen before their eyes.  You are key to making it all execute, which is very much like the role of a meeting planner and why I love the work I have been in now for eighteen years.
Since production and theater is something I did as far back as my high school days, it is very much a part of my DNA.  I often found myself in the scene shop helping to construct a set piece for a production, as well as backstage during a performance ensuring scene transitions happened on cue and cast members were in place.  There were some times I was onstage acting yet often was truly at home behind the scenes.  In the meeting industry, we do a lot of pre-work and planning, that when the day of the event happens, it is often like we are lifting the curtain on a production.  It is also the case that is often a post-event emotion felt which is a direct reflection of all the work that went into what attendees experienced and is common in the theatrical world.
I approach events I am working on always through a producer’s lens.  I put myself in the shoes of the attendee and how they are going to experience what they are a part of.  It can be as simple to attending a reception for 100 people to the details of a multi-day conference where you have a room set for 500 and a sizeable stage with many sessions happening over many days.  I credit all I learned over those years in high school and then into college with how I focus and apply those processes to my work as a meeting professional.  It fits me well.
Sean has parlayed his technical theater degree & background into the meeting industry that lets his producer's heart & passion flourish, directly impacting the programs he partners on with groups & clients.  He has enjoyed a 18 year journey of diverse experiences actively leading the planning & execution of events ranging in size from 150 to 16,000 people.  The work is ever evolving & fosters ongoing learning from industry peers, resources, & first-hand encounters in the world of meetings & events.  He has been with SPIN since its start as a LinkedIn group and loves the community and family he finds by being a member.
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
 

by Larissa Schultz, CMP, MHA

The biggest and best form of investment you can make is investing in YOU!
I was reading an article in a magazine the other day and it stated that on average women currently women make 77 cents to a man's dollar. How does that look in real-life? As an example, if a man earns $100,000; based on this average women earn $77,000. There is a long way to go to close that gap.
Now the disparity in pay amongst the sexes is a conversations essential to have - and it is a personal desire of mine that the hospitality industry could lead the way in this societal shift - but what has been found true in many studies in regard to pay and education is the fact - investing in YOU through education*, whether male or female, has true dollar value to it.
* In using the term "education" I mean a continuing learning knowledge base - not limited to just formal higher education but also including training classes, tech college, certification programs, exams as well as on-the-job training.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a chart with 2013 unemployment levels where it was found that those with more education and training showed lower levels of unemployment during the 2013 year. In addition it was found that those who achieved higher education, longer work experience, and more on the job training achieved higher salaries than those with less education and experience.
Companies listen up - studies have also shown investing in your employees' education and training will likely reflect favorably on your company's goals and objectives. In addition, you could increase company loyalty thus decreasing company turnover - both of which has an increased effect on revenue.
To be clear I am not stating that you MUST go to college or earn a higher degree; what I am stating is that by continuing to gain experience, continuing to gain education, new knowledge and learning new process, programs, and skills - pays in dollars and cents.
It may not happen at one time, but the cost for the CMP exam, the cost for that certificate program, that degree program, that educational conference within the industry - those costs for continuing education are worth the investment. Not only to increase your professionalism but to help close the gap on the salary difference.
Invest in yourself. You are valuable.

Larissa J. Schultz, CMP, MHA, is an advocate of continuing to grow through learning and forward momentum! She has been actively involved in the meeting management industry for over 20 years and is the founder/owner of LJS Meeting Strategies based out of the Los Angeles area.  Her background and experience as a meeting planner includes working with corporations and associations planning both domestic and international conferences, meetings and festivals. Larissa is also an adjunct professor at Glendale Community College teaching in the Hospitality and Tourism program. Three things she believes in - laughter, a good glass of wine, and trusting your own instincts.

Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.

Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
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​by Mary Beth Holmes, CMP

There will come a time for each of us when we ask the question “what’s next?”  We live in a world where many senior planners are being encouraged to take early retirement, are looking for a change, or are even considering a leap into entrepreneurship.  Whether the choice has been forced upon you or whether it’s a long-time dream, it may be time to reinvent yourself!  But how do you move ahead into the next phase of your career?  Here are some solid tips to help you take stock of your situation and determine what’s next:
 
Seriously consider what moves you.  You may love this industry but are you still passionate about what you’re doing?  Maybe your focus has changed or you’re looking to change your niche.  What do you really want to be doing?  Identify what moves you NOW and carve out a path to get there.
 
Reconnect with your peers. Engaging with other professionals who truly get what you’re going through will reward you in honest truths and enthusiastic advice.  SPiN is an excellent vehicle for this.  Virtual and in-person groups are amazing tools for frank discussions with people who can be practical sounding boards.  Seek out a new “career BFF” – someone whose own path you admire who isn’t afraid to give you honest feedback and sensible direction.  Some of our fellow planners are doing extraordinary new things!
 
Just do it.  I know that may sound glib or over-used, but it really is the most important step in making any change.  As they say, it is far better to try and fail than to never try at all.
 
Remember this:  as an accomplished senior planner you uniquely have the power and ability to make anything happen.  Use those mad skills to take your career to the next level!
 
Mary Beth is an event specialist with The Really Fabulous Event Co. where the team provides inspired event design, planning and implementation services to corporations and associations that require professional assistance with the details and components of their meetings and events.  You might be surprised to know that Mary Beth is a highly decorated highland dancer and yes, she does have her own sword! Mary Beth is President of the Toronto Branch of SPIN.
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
 
 
 

by Kathie Niesen, CMP

What can I say after my second SPINCon? I am energized, full of new ideas, ready to return to my home office with more confidence, really you ask confidence? Well it gives one confidence to be in the company of your peers and not only feel like you fit it but that you are valued by your colleagues. That’s my experience at both my first and now my second SPINCon.
 
And sure the program was great, the speakers knowledgeable and the keynoters were really awesome but SPINCon is more than sessions and speakers. It is a bonding experience like no other I have ever experienced.
 
I think because of the advanced careers of the attendees, I didn’t say ageJ, there seems to be more respect, more appreciation and we constantly support each other and all our endeavors.
 
You don’t need bonding? Really? Did I mention the sessions were great also? Stuff that is so relevant to advanced planners in our industry. From mind and body sessions, to contracts to a lively discussion on RFP’s. Oh and the evening events, a beach party and a pool party what’s not to like?
 
If you haven’t looked at the program you really should, just download the app to get a sense of the SPINCon experience. I guarantee you will be interested. One of the things I should mention is our sponsor partners who give so much to make it a wonderful experience. There is no exhibit floor, we don’t need it because the interaction with planner and suppliers is natural, unforced and without pressure.
 
So do you want to know how far I have come since my first SPINCon? I started my business, built my website, filed as an LLC, learned how to do email marketing, signed three new clients and all that I can directly attribute to SPIN and especially SPINCon. So if you are a member of SPIN already, great, if you have never attended SPINCon, plan now and set aside the time and the finances, it is an experience that you will treasure.
 
Looking forward to SPINCon number 3!
 
Kathie Niesen, CMP is the Owner of KMN Meetings and Events. She plans meetings of all sizes. Consulting services include instructional design, working with volunteers and faculty development.  She is the SPIN Blog Coordinator and a member of PCMA. You can contact her at [email protected]
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
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​by Eliz Greene

Based on the results of our job stress study (thank you to those who participated), SPIN members are stressed.  That isn’t a surprise, but the top stressors may be.
 
SPIN members are most stressed by pressure of getting everything done.  This result is consistent with the findings for the nearly 1000 people participating in the first phase of the study.  A very small percentage, only 4 members out of the 52 responding, indicated a work-life balance factor (their job negatively affecting personal life) was their personal top stressor.
 
So what does that mean?
 
If we only focus on work-life balance issues, we are trying to solve the wrong problem.
 
We don’t lack balance. We have trouble with busy. 
Sure, stress recovery strategies such as meditation or laughter temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress, but they don’t address the underlying problem: We are just too darned busy!
 
What is the Trouble With Busy? 
It Clouds Priority:
We all are steeped in a swirl of obligations and commitments all screaming for our attention.  With so much in the environment, it is easy to lose track of what is important. 
 
So you should Sort The Swirl: During my closing keynote at SPINCon 2016, I shared an exercise using sticky notes to sort through the swirl to pull out the three things most important.  Taking time to step back and look at all of the things calling for your attention, looking at which bring your energy and which suck your energy away, is eye-opening.  I was thrilled to see some of you crumbling up sticky notes and pitching them away!
 
 
It Masquerades As Success:
As a society, we’ve come to equate busy with successful.  Leisure time has lost value and in some cases taking the time to do something for pure enjoyment is viewed as lazy or indulgent.
 
So you should Focus On The Bubble: When you know what is most important, success becomes defined by your own “bubble of contentment” rather than outside measures. This metaphorical bubble around yourself and two other things should be immune from the swirl of life and stress around it.

Crowds Out Time For Recovery:
No one can withstand high stress levels indefinitely, recovery time is essential. Yet, sometimes the sticky note causing us the most stress can’t be crumpled up and thrown away. 
 
So you should Don An Emotional Hazmat Suit to protect your health from things you cannot control!
 
How are you taking on The Trouble With Busy?
 
Motivational speaker Eliz Greene shatters the myth of work-life balance with groundbreaking research and a killer keynote. She gave the closing keynote at SPINCon 2016 as well as cohosting the SPINCon Live virtual broadcast.  She’s at home in a pair of heels, but can often be found scraping bottom paint off a sailboat or working on a diesel engine.  Find out more at ElizGreene.com and ConferenceTalkShow.com
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
 
 

by Laura Howe, CMP

How many of you can say that you have 2,600 friends?  I can and actually, all you can too!  Being a member of SPIN is more than professional education, it’s a network of senior-level planners all speaking the same language and passionate about the hospitality industry. 
 
Am I saying that you will call these 2,600 people sharing all your secrets?  No, but what I can promise is that our members are dealing with the very same challenges as you.  SPIN has uniquely cultivated communities’ where members can share ideas, seek advice, hire a planner, and learn new ways of doing things.
 
My advice: Get involved! Network! Become an active member!  I’ve been volunteering as the Director of Membership for two years now.  The opportunities and support that I have encountered is awesome.  I’ve met some really great people that I may have otherwise not had access to, received support and first-rate advice when launching my business, was hired to partner with a SPIN member on a job opportunity, and am continuously soaking in the information that I learn from the members of the monthly SPIN Mastermind group I joined.  I owe a lot of my success this past year to SPIN. SPIN provides many ways for you to get involved, take advantage of your instant network.  
Laura Howe, CMP is the Owner of LH Global Events, LLC, an event management company based out of Massachusetts.  Good at wearing multiple hats, Laura also volunteers as SPIN’s Director of Membership.  Contact her at [email protected] and Follow her on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/LHGlobalEvents
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
​
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

​by Elizabeth McCormick

Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Although while in the pursuit of perfection, change is required, the fact is with today’s fast pace of technology, innovation, and business, change is our constant companion.  When I was flying Black Hawk helicopters for the US Army, the missions would change on a daily basis: Air Assault, Command and Control, flying generals and VIPs, and even top secret military intelligence missions (SHHHHHH!).  Then I had a new mission, as a disabled veteran who lost her flight career and had to find a new way; 8 years in Corporate America later, a layoff forced new changes and a new business: motivational speaking.  I’m not a stranger to change, and even today, the audiences, locations and venues change.  Change is the constant.  And in the presence of change, you have a choice to resist or persist!
Here are four NEAT strategic ways to be more resilience: 
Navigate (Set Your Flight Plan) Do you ever go to bed at night wishing you had more day left?
The first thing that you can do each morning, (starting now) is to take a few minutes of each day and contemplate what you need to accomplish for that particular day and how you can achieve them in a positive manner.  We all have some things that get in the way of us achieving what we want to each day, the best thing that we can do is to recognize those behaviors and focus on changing them.  By making this small adjustment in your routine, you will likely be able to accomplish your daily goals and not wishing you had more time in the day.
Evaluate (Don’t Get Stuck) If you feel like your life is stuck in a rut, the good news is it is not a permanent condition.  To overcome this obstacle, take a close look at your current life and take note of what may be contributing to this feeling.  Once you have located the source of this feeling, you should then look at how it is affecting your life.  Armed with knowledge, you will then be able to make the necessary changes to help alleviate this stuck feeling. The key is to shift your awareness.  Any effort made is better than being stuck!
Aviate (Take Action) Participating in a regular exercise routine is also a great way to make a positive change in your life.  Don’t start out running a marathon, but simply starting with a walk around your offices or your neighborhood is a great first step.  Becoming physically active will not only help improve your overall level of health, but it can also improve your mental outlook on life as your blood starts moving faster and your brain receives more oxygen. When you are physically strong, it’s easier to be resilient emotionally when the need arises.
Terminate (Limiting Thinking)  If it doesn’t advance you further, or if it’s out of your control set it free.
We may not be able to control the change around us, but we can focus on that which we CAN do.  When stop the thinking of what was and start focusing on the possibilities of what we can do in the opportunities we have, you might just end up as the one who is changed. 
Through the NEAT Tactics- you can increase your self-awareness in the face of change, you can make a positive impact in your life NOW, leading to a happier and more fulfilling (and NEAT) life later.

A decorated US Army Black Hawk pilot, Elizabeth flew command and control, air assault, top-secret intelligence missions and also transported high-level government VIPs. Now, Elizabeth keeps attendees on the edges of their seats, turning her experiences into lessons that any audience can implement into immediate action. Elizabeth speaks at 100+ engagements per year and is an in-demand Leadership and Sales Motivational Business Success Speaker, bringing a celebrity experience to events. You'd never guess Elizabeth grew up so shy she wouldn't call her own hairdresser for an appointment! Find out more at: www.YourInspirationalSpeaker.com. Elizabeth is the Opening Keynote Speaker at SPINCon 2016

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What really causes stress at work?  Is Work LIfe Balance even possible? How stressed are SPIN members? Complete the survey below and Eliz Greene during her closing keynote at SPINCon
www.surveymonkey.com/r/job-stress-spin ​