Be in the moment and turn off autopilot

FUTE TIP 132

My parents visited me the other day. Often we go for lunch or coffee, but it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon so we went for a stroll. As we walked my parents remarked on houses, and fences, and trees…a running commentary on our walk.

I have walked past these houses, fences and trees many times but no longer notice them. Through my parents’ eyes, I looked at them and saw them in a different way.

It made me think. How much in our lives do we no longer notice? I decided to test this idea.

Walking backwards
On the bush track I walk most days I decided to do my circuit in the opposite direction. Do you know what happened? I got lost twice. Seriously! I couldn’t believe it. I missed the start of one section and had to double back.

At one point I was standing looking at the entrances of two tracks and simply couldn’t figure out which one was my track. In fact, I never even knew there were two tracks in that section. Astounding!

I realised that often I’m lost in my thoughts while walking – which is not a bad thing as it’s my time to problem solve and come up with new ideas – but clearly I’m not taking notice of my surroundings either.

Turning off autopilot
How often are we on autopilot?

  • Have you ever driven to work and got to the car park and completely not remembered the drive?
  • Do you constantly check your emails on your phone, even though it states, “Last updated 2 minutes ago”?
  • Are you just so in your routine you rarely do anything spontaneous?

It’s really interesting to consider these questions. Even though I don’t consider that I’m living a life on autopilot, clearly at times I am. Now I’m trying to notice if I’m simply following a routine, and if possible, to snap out of autopilot and be in the moment instead.

What about you? Maybe it’s time to ditch your personal sat nav and think about achieving some new goals…such as stepping into the spotlight.

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Tweetable: It’s time to stop running on autopilot and achieve new goals @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/1TaaU1i

Why copying isn’t cool

FUTE TIP 130

I opened my Facebook feed the other day and saw an image of a sculpture. Instantly I was taken aback as it was identical to one of my own unique pieces. Someone had copied my exact design, and was selling them on her website. I know the person quite well, and was shocked that she had done this.

Of course this has happened before. I’ve seen LinkedIn summaries virtually word for word the same as mine. The same with articles and even strategies I’ve created for clients.

So is copying a form of flattery or should we call the person out? And how can you protect yourself from people copying you?

Is it a compliment?
You’ve heard it before: ‘You should consider it a compliment when someone copies you’. I get this sentiment, but I don’t necessarily agree with it. Sure you can get inspiration, but I think it’s pretty rude to blatantly copy someone else’s idea or work.

Be the real deal
We all have experiences, expertise and passion that we have developed over the years that makes us original. I don’t think anyone can copy the heart and soul of your personal or business brand. For me, I’m constantly innovating and re-strategising; growing and expanding my ideas; and trying new things. No one can copy that.

Focus your energy on you
When I saw that image, the first thing I wanted to do was put a “please explain” comment on the Facebook post. But I held back because I wanted to be calm in my response. If they are a copycat, it will be pretty hard to appeal to their good nature! So pick your battles.

Protect yourself
Do everything you can to protect your ideas and work. If you are having a conversation with anyone about an idea or sensitive business information have them sign a Non-disclosure Agreement. Get trademarks and add copyright symbols to all of your work.

Don’t do it yourself
If you are outsourcing any writing use Copyscape to check for online plagiarism before you publish (as you are responsible). Obtain permission to reproduce photographs and articles and clearly note the copyright owner.

There is so much content available to us now and with the social media “comparison” game this can lead to a compelling environment to take others work and ideas. Find muses and inspiration, but don’t copy.

Be original; be your amazing self.

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Tweetable: Why copying other people’s work and ideas is bad news @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/1NjYEMd

 

Why solitude is good for business (and your life)

Solitude can be good for business (and yourself

Recently I decided to have a holiday on my own. I’m not talking about booking a room at a fancy hotel for a couple of days R&R. I chose to walk about half of the world famous (and gorgeously beautiful) Great Ocean Walk in Victoria on my own.

While I’m a born hiker, I’ve never walked on my own. While some of my friends and family were concerned, I just knew I would be okay. I just knew it.

The thing was. I craved solitude.

Why it was joyful
I loved the solitude because I deliberately chose it. It didn’t have any tinge of loneliness because it was self imposed and intentional which felt positive. It allowed a settling of thoughts and a burst of creativity. It allowed me to simply let ideas and concepts float to the surface.

Walking my own path
I didn’t need to fit in with other’s priorities or needs, just my own. So often in our lives – personal and professional – we can walk on paths that others choose for us – or that circumstances of life chooses for us.

As I was walking all I could hear were my footsteps, the crashing of waves against the massive cliffs and the rustling of gum leaves in the trees. At times, I was joined by butterflies as I walked my path. It truly felt like my path.

Connected but isolated
Even though I was on my own I felt really connected. So incredibly connected to the world around me, to my creativity, to my thoughts and ideas, to my sense of self and to the people who texted me every evening to make sure I was safe.

Seeing the beauty
As I walked I took the time to create ephemeral sculptures. Finding interesting sticks, stones – whatever caught my eye, I created sculptures which I simply left there. This practice represents the transitory nature of our lives, our problems and issues we face. We can create beauty from simple things around us.

My walk was a gift to myself
My limbs were aching, my toenails bruised, and as I finished the last few kilometres I felt like a warrior woman. You know the “hear me roar” kind of feeling. I’m now back at work with renewed ideas energy for myself and my business.

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Tweetable: Why solitude is good for business and yourself @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/20D4Pxp

Let’s ditch the all male panels

I want to shed light on an issue that impacts women stepping into the spotlight.

The all male speaker line up at conferences and panels. Frankly, it annoys the hell out of me.

Considering how many amazing women there are who want to speak – and are experts – there is simply no excuse for an all male line up.

I have questioned organisers and added comments to their social media feed. Often, there is no response or they falsely claim “there are no suitable women to fill any of the speaking slots”.

When women don’t get to speak at conferences and panels it means that not only does the audience get a narrow perspective, women don’t get the public profile building opportunity that comes with being on the stage.

So what can you do about it?

Put your hand up
Proactively pitch yourself as a speaker to event and conference organisers. Don’t wait to be asked, go make it happen. Write your speakers profile including what you can speak about and start sending it out. (Check out mine as an example).

Get some training
I have very publicly talked about how I overcame my fear of public speaking by getting coaching and saying “yes” to as many opportunities as possible. So if you don’t think you know enough, or are not good enough – go find people to help you with your confidence and speaking skills.

Use your networks to link women with speaking opportunities
If you notice opportunities that aren’t right for you, then forward them to women who may be.

Find women speakers
Sounds simple. But if you’re organising a conference or event then ask around for names of great female presenters. Ask other speakers, women’s groups or Google past conferences. They are out there; you just have to find them.

Be an activist
Let organisers know that all male panels aren’t OK. If you see it, call them out. If you are a bloke, and get asked to speak at an all male event or panel, take the Panel Pledge. If you notice any send your photos or screen shots to “All Male Panels” Tumblr.

I look forward to seeing more women sharing their voice with world.

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Tweetable: Where are all the women speakers? @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/24PvJFv

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Catriona Pollard Speaker and Trainer in Social Media

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