Particularly in these times of high unemployment, not only do I get inquiries about business, but I also get questions regarding career change and best strategies for job searches. As part of the coaching process, the job seeker updates their resume, researches the companies and industries they’re interested and goes through, what I call a “Personal Career Inventory.” This inventory includes a career planning assessment which not only uncovers specific personal strengths and weaknesses, but also shares some insight into ideal work environment and communication preferences.

Most recently I was interviewed by Sarah Ruppenthal of the Maui Weekly Read the rest of this entry »

One of the great things about volunteering with the Maui SCORE chapter is that I meet wonderful business owners and people involved in the business community.  As the host of the SCORE monthly radio show, “Akamai Business” (akamai means smart or clever in Hawaiian), I have an opportunity to share these resources to the listening public.

In July, I talked with Bob Sommers of Internet Marketing Association of Hawaii about internet marketing, what it is and how it could help your business. Bob is the host of Recognized Expert Marketing show on Maui and is a full time Internet Marketer and Podcaster. If you’d like to listen to the audio, listen to it at (click on the date July 6, 2009): http://susankimcoaching.com/blog/score-radio-show/

Here are the highlights: Read the rest of this entry »

In a recent business blog post, I talked about using your team for support in getting ideas, gaining a different perspective and creating more options (Three tips to get through the recession). This strategy is not just for business.

At home, solicit the feedback and suggestions from family members. Call everyone together and discuss the current economic situation as well as the current financial status of YOUR family. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes clearing clutter is not just about picking things up and putting them away, it’s about WHERE do things belong?

I used to live in a flat in San Francisco and parking spots were prized possessions. They probably still are! Having a car without a parking spot was such a hassle, that sometimes it would actually determine whether I went out or not - seriously! It influenced my social life. NOT having a parking spot took up time (sometimes driving around for up to an hour to find a parking spot), money (I received my share of parking tickets from not moving it on time), and tested my sanity (talk about parking rage - no explanation needed here!)

Clutter can also influence time, sanity and social life. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you live in an environment full of clutter and want it to change?

Clutter is a battlefield! Or at least it can look and act like one. Clutter can create a set of challenges that affect not only your physical environment, but also your mental well being. Instead of the trenches and the potential landmines blowing up, clutter creates a physical state of turmoil where there are constant obstacles. Have you ever tripped over a toy or spent hours looking for your car keys amidst the mess? And mentally, it creates a state of panic and unrest. Although it may not be quite as life-threatening as a real war zone, clutter creates a different kind of discord - with yourself and the “things” in your life. There is a constant struggle with the idea of what is important, what do you need to keep, what are you willing to throw out?

Who’s the boss? You or the “things” in your life? Read the rest of this entry »

As the curtain falls on the current year,
The dawn is awakening with a newfound cheer.
It’s a new day, a new month AND a new year
A new Life breezes in without any fears.
“The world is your oyster” is what I like to say
So go with the moment, today is YOUR day!
Live, Love and Laugh as often as you can.
Dream and Take Action and follow through with your plans.
Remember to Breathe and take an occasional rest. ..
Wishing You the VERY Best with Joy and Happiness.

Ha’ouli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year!
Susan

Technology used to benefit our self care can make a huge difference in how we organize and plan.

1 1/2 years ago when I changed from carrying a separate cell phone and palm pilot to ONE Palm Treo that served both for me, it was the best thing I could have done! I had always utilized various systems to help me organize - Franklin Covey, Day Planners, the Palm Pilot – but the Palm Treo helped me take it one step further and really helped me be more efficient throughout my week.

The fact that I have all my contacts in one place makes it easier to update/revise and/or access my contact information. It was cumbersome to maintain when I had three separate places for my contacts: my pda, my cell phone AND my contact software on my laptop. Now it’s all in once spot, saving me time, energy and sweat! With the extra time, I do a little more yoga or walk my dog.

TAKE ACTION! CHALLENGE:
Life does not have to be hard work. Instead of working hard to maintain technology, let technology work hard for you.
How can you improve your daily “system” to incorporate technology for you to enhance your life, to “upgrade” life?

Another example would be my coffee maker. I purposely bought a coffee maker with the brew timer. It’s easier for me to set up the coffee the night before and have fresh brewed coffee ready for me in the morning when I wake up! Now I just have to get someone to bring it to me in bed. . .

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Sometimes technology doesn’t serve us, no matter how bright and shiny the object might be. Sometimes we “upgrade” just for the sake of upgrading, which doesn’t always benefit us.

Made me really stop to think about some other things in my life that I do on “automatic” that does not serve me TODAY. For example:

• Membership renewals – some I don’t take full advantage of the membership.
• Cell phone package – I can find a better, more efficient minute plan based on my usage.
• Our recycling bins – we tend to save up more bottles before we drop them off (we don’t have local pick up), and our old system just doesn’t work any more.

It could also be “bigger” things, like financial planning. Usually we just plug in money to our retirement plans and forget about it. This is something that is also on automatic that may need a little “tweaking” TODAY – depending on your lifestyle and financial goals.

TAKE ACTION!
What other things in your life need a little tweaking?
Getting into “automatic” mode can be beneficial when we set up systems to make our lives easier. However, sometimes we get comfortable and continue along the same path, even if it doesn’t necessarily make sense any more. It’s always a good idea to periodically review and revise so that you keep what is relevant to your life TODAY – and discard those things that are not.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

August 26th, 2008
Maui, Hawaii
Maui County Business Resource Center - 808-873-8247

Speaking is an essential business tool, whether you have an audience of 1 or 1,000. When you are in front of a group, you have the opportunity to position yourself as an expert in your field.
Susan Kim will teach you how to capture your audience’s attention and deliver a clear, powerful message to your audience. Learn tools to feel confident and comfortable with your delivery.

Gain confidence, speak your mind and position yourself as the expert!

July 2, 2008 Show:
“Talk Story with SCORE” Where We Support Akamai Business.
Maui’s ONLY monthly radio show that offers an informative half hour of business information and resources in the state of Hawaii focusing on the county of Maui. Hear business advice and shared experiences from local business resources, SCORE counselors, and business owners who have successfully started a business with the help of SCORE.

July 2, 2008
Host: Susan Kim, SCORE counselor and Life Coach/Professional Trainer
Guests: David Fisher of Hawaii Small Business Development Center

Click on “Audio Programs” to hear the previous months’ shows.