Years back I was camping with some friends and we heard all sorts of laughing and splashing a little ways down the river. We decided to check it out and found some young kids climbing up a challenging tree, manipulating a rope swing, then kicking really hard to the side and somehow out before dropping down into the river. One of the little boys, you could tell he was the leader of the pack, said, “When you let go of the rope yell “Get ‘er done!” before you drop in the water.” I just stared for a while in amazement. Needless to say, I’m not a kid anymore and I just kept thinking about everything that could go wrong. I think the forerunner saw that on my face and he simply said, “Lady you can do it. You just have to start.” So I did. And I yelled “Get ‘er done!”
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Practicing Gratitude
grat·i·tude
/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od /
noun
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
(As defined by The Oxford English Dictionary)
We talk a lot about the importance of kindness, no matter the situation, especially when it comes to things like customer service and business practice. But how do we show our appreciation towards those that show us kindness? It’s simple, say thank you and return the favor. Let’s look at how this can impact your business relations inside and out.
Presentation and Preparation
First of all, if you have not read Why My Mom Would Have Been a Good Warehouse Manager, please do so. This will give you a very quick understanding of Helga. Now, a quick story; I make these homemade meatballs that are extremely labor intensive and well worth it. My Mom and I joined a church pot luck event one year and upon arrival, one of the ladies grabbed my meatballs in the crock-pot and immediately put them on a lower shelf as if to say they weren’t good enough to be displayed. So the following Christmas, Helga bought me a beautiful serving dish with a sterno underneath. The card read, “No one will ever poo poo my daughter’s meatballs again.” What does this have to do with presentation and preparation? Let’s take a look at it.
How To Learn From Someone Who Does Not Like You
Have you ever wondered how to deal with someone who doesn’t like you? Have you ever thought maybe, just maybe, you could learn from them? Most likely, no. So this may sound like the strangest or possibly most hypocritical read you will ever come across. All my life I have been happier when I know someone likes me and it always seems easier to get through life that way, I am a true people-pleaser. However, it doesn’t always work out. That is why I wish young people entering their careers would hear this one out. Guess what? Sometimes people will just not like you, period, end of story. You could spend time analyzing it and never know the true reason. So what can you do now?
Getting To Know Kirsten Austin
Hi everyone! Yep, that’s me, Kirsten Austin. For those of you who don’t know, I have been involved in the software business with a focus on manufacturing, distribution and fulfillment for over twenty five years.
Technology and People – What Is the Right “Combo”?
So, being a woman, I do of course have an emotional outlook on business and life. Working in the automation and supply chain industry for several decades has also provided me with an interesting, experienced-based prospective on technology and people. Let’s delve into this a little more.
Our company sells software that works with wireless technology. It eliminates the need for humans to have to hand-key data into a system for inventory control, shipping, materials, operations, etc. This technology comes with a price tag but has definite returns. So the question is when can a human solve an operational problem and when can technology?
Life Lessons Learned from My Ford F150
So let’s just say in 2017 I had the most personally challenging year. (It prompted me to write this blog on how attitude helps). There was one blessing that I will never forget … the kindness of my brother who surprised me with a brand new Ford F150. This generous and selfless act of my brother restored my faith in life and people. Enough about that, let’s talk about the truck and the lessons learned from this.
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Attitude – Let’s Take A Look at This
Everyone has bad days. Recently a string of heartbreaking and unexpected events have taken place. The particulars are private but put it this way, if one more person says “The Lord will give you only what you can bear.”
I’ll probably lose it.
The Day My Daughter’s Rabbit Died –During a Sales Presentation
Let’s face it, being a mother is the most challenging job you will ever have in your life. Many years ago I went from no kids, an apartment, newly married, starting a company to fostering a special needs child (later adopting), buying a house and trying to establish myself in an extremely short amount of time. If I snapped at you back then my apologies.
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Keep It Clean
If you have not read our blog on Why My Mom Would Have Been a Great Warehouse Manager, you may want to review it quickly. As the article points out, I confessed I was a former slob. While growing up it was ingrained in me to keep my room, our house and car clean. Thank goodness this finally paid off.
Now let’s look at some basics of why this is so important.
