Road Warriors Ignore Road Rage!

by: Cindy Novotny

So you travel a lot…so what!  Any successful person who lives on the road for business knows that they way to make more money is to get out there and see more clients.  So why when the rains of heaven come down when we’re trying to catch a flight, every grown professional loses their mind?  This is the life you’ve chosen to live, just like commuters hitting traffic every morning and every night.  Embrace it, be productive and MOVE ON!

If you haven’t read my first book, “Living with No Balance and Loving It” – here are some tips to keep you calm during the hectic dog days of summer travel – you know you need this!

1. Summer storms are usually worse than winter storms.  The lightning and tornadoes keep planes on the ground.  So, get real with your technology – make sure your mobile office is really set up for travel.  I can’t tell you how many people I have to lend my power cords too and so many other things because they were only expecting to be gone for 1 day of travel.  Are you kidding?  Always be prepared – charge your devices and maybe yourself!

2. Pack smart!  Your business suit is not fun to set around in at the airport – either change before getting to the airport or travel with a change of clothes – it is not fun eating your pizza on the floor of ORD in your Armani suit.

3. Bring entertainment – download those Netflix episodes PRIOR to your travel so they’re all ready to go!

You can always reach out to me for more tips when it comes to travel since I do live on the road and love the smell of jet fuel in the morning!

XO,
Cindy

The Road to Success is Bringing Back Professionalism!

by: Cindy Novotny

Prior to COVID, we got ready for work, dressed for success, and looked forward to the corporate dinner party we were invited to.  Then the world shut down, everyone went into hibernation and chose to wear yoga pants and running shoes every day.  I get that was how we had to cope, but we are coming out of this mess, and it is time to clean up our act for a more successful future.

I am shocked at the sloppiness of professionals in business today.  I walk into meetings where senior executives are presenting, and the ripped jeans, crop tops, Ugg boots and messy ponytails are becoming simply embarrassing.  Not to mention how people look on virtual calls.  The rules are changing and we all need to step it up. 

I am not going to allow anyone on my team to continue with any unprofessional ‘sloppiness’ and neither should you. Prior to COVID, you probably had some dress and etiquette standards in place.  So, what happened?  Just because employers are giving their teams options of working part-time from home and then coming to the office, shouldn’t we go back to professionalism?

Based on the travel I have been doing, I am seeing more business professionals dressed up even on planes.  In fact, the other day a gentleman boarded the flight in a suit and tie – the flight attendant was so excited, she announced to the whole plane – “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a businessman on board.’  There was a round of applause. 

I recently saw an article about the rise in Black Tie events, an increase in tuxedo sales and the comeback of dressing up for events.  Exciting!

The secrets to success are not that secret.  It is about going back to basics, paying attention to those you respect and creating your own professional checklist.

• Market yourself by showing up ready to take on the world

• Check your communication – verbal and written

• Follow up

• Dress for the next promotion

• Write personal notes

• Always be prepared

• Be early to all meetings and events

• Have integrity

Build your self-confidence by deciding to up your game – look in the mirror – would you hire you based on how you look right now?

Success is far beyond just your business attire, but I can assure you that first impressions matter. Take some time and start to re-boot yourself as we all re-enter the office environment. Sloppy is out, classy is

Savoring the Moments by Cindy Novotny

Over the past few weeks, I have talked about how I live my life with no balance, how I manage my time and how I savor ever moment.  So, I thought I would give a few more ideas to how I make it work and how I push through the good times and the tough times.

1. It is summertime and I LOVE summer.  I usually have way more time to play in the sun, spend time at our lake cottage and just ‘chill.’  This year was different.  Making up for 2020 means we all must pitch in and work just a bit more – in fact, double.  I am taking advantage of every moment I have to enjoy my time to dream, write, relax and just spend some quiet time with myself.

2. Over the summer I journal more than I do during the rest of the year.  I bought myself a gift – an Erin Condren journal and planner.  I just love doodling and planning for the rest of the year with a beautiful planner.  Check it out @erincondren.com – you will love it.

3. I have always said that anything is possible, and this year my theme song has been ‘To Dream the Impossible Dream.’  I have played it every day, sang in the shower, and even wrote down the lyrics to keep myself inspired to push on.  I typed them up below and I hope they motivate you as well to dream the impossible dream. 

4. Dreaming is what we all need to do more of and then we can achieve more happiness.

5. Cook outside more over the next few months – there will be more than enough time to be in the kitchen.

6. Reach out to your old friends that you used to ‘hang out’ with at the beach when you were a teenager – share some laughs and the stories only you can share with each other.

7. Have flowers in your house every day.

8. Make it a habit to write everything down that REALLY matters.

9. Eat ice cream every day in the summer – who cares!

10. Most of all, just relax and enjoy the summer months, it will be snowing soon.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
And to run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
And to love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are to weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
Ooh, no matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march, march into hell
For that heavenly cause

And I know
If I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart
Will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
Oh, that one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strong with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable, the unreachable
The unreachable star

Yeah, and I'll always dream
The impossible dream
Yes, and I'll reach
The unreachable star