General Archives • Page 2 of 4 • Laurie Guest

Real Clients, Real Answers: Face Phone Fear to Connect & Close

Two weeks ago, I talked with a recent program attendee in the technology field, providing amazing solutions to IT customers. He manages a team of people who must get on the phone to close sales. During our exploratory call he said, “I’ve got an issue with some of the team having phone fear. Can you…

Themed Living: My Theme for 2022 — Is it Enough?

Every year about this time I choose a theme for the coming year. I call it theme living, and it’s defined as choosing a word or short phrase to focus on starting January 1 and lasting for the next 365 days. Some years have been fun, like 1998, “The Year of No!” And some years were super challenging, like 2011, “No Soda, No Sass.” (For the record, giving up the…

Yes, I’m Talking to YOU!

This space is usually reserved for a monthly lesson on customer service, where I share my latest insights into helping you and your team deliver exceptional guest experiences every single time. We’ll return to that regularly scheduled programming soon, but first I’m excited to share a career milestone that I recently celebrated at the National Speakers Association annual conference in Las Vegas. This week,…

Be A Brighter Flashlight

I’m launching a new mini-series soon and it’s truly changed the way I’m thinking about things these days. Where did it all begin? It started by building a “brighter flashlight” to find my way through these uncertain times. Sharing some thoughts with you about all this in my latest video message. Be a Brighter Flashlight…

What Does Happiness Look Like?

Most of my August was spent in stillness. Quiet contemplation of life and an escape from the noise of our current world. While I was lounging in an Adirondack chair watching sailboats go by in one my favorite places on earth—Door County, Wisconsin—I was reminded that many people need a tool to breathe and relax. Several…

That Tree: What Can You Go Harvest After the Storm?

Several years ago, I discovered That Tree, and I followed its journey through Mark Hirsch’s beautiful book and photography. Which is why I was devastated to learn that That Tree was felled by the massive storm that swept across the midwest recently. I’d seen it for myself once before, and now my husband and I…

12 Weeks Without Applause: 7 Lessons Learned During the Stay-at-Home Order

Anyone who performs their work in front of others where applause is customary after completion will understand this immediately. We thrive on strangers noticing us. Athletes, actors, entertainers, and speakers are all cut from a similar cloth. We spend tremendous time alone perfecting our craft, followed by the adrenalin rush of performing, and ending with affirmation that we “done good.” Get paid, rinse, and…

Smart Communications: The Complete Series

As the country adjusted to a “new normal” during the public health crisis, it became clear just how important it would be to find a way to stay connected when I couldn’t be out on the road with you. Thanks to the wonders of technology, the Smart Communications series was born. Hundreds of people joined…

A Little Bling Goes a Long Way

Every now and then, I hear from people who attended my keynote presentations. My favorite email this month? Laurie, we LOVED you Wednesday at our corporate event. Everyone is still talking about you and your awesome lessons. Thank you! Diane, Associate Manager Kind words never get old, do they? In appreciation for this glowing comment,…

Three Secrets Successful Event Hosts Need to Know

One of the recent events I spoke at ended with a standing ovation, that’s how good the five-minute speech was on a hot summer day in August. No, it wasn’t the speech I gave. It was the closing address presented by a former student at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The gathering was…