upside thinker updated
Leadership Insights from Lisa Marie March 2007
Issue 2, Volume 3

Greetings Friend,

March is Women's History month and a time for me to celebrate being part of the 90 year-old Girl Scout tradition. I received my 10 box cookie delivery yesterday and am enjoying the benefits of supporting a good cause. Mmmm, I love those Thin Mints!

When I think about the month of March, three things automatically come to my mind: 1) great St. Patrick's day memories from my grandparents (who did not have an ounce of Irish in them!), 2) March Madness and the college basketball frenzy that occurs throughout the month, and 3) my Dad's birthday (Happy 59th, Dad!). While they may not seem related, they're all about family.

Lately, there has been much going on in my life that causes me to reminisce. My uncle recently passed away and, while it was painful, a few of my friends comforted me and made me feel blessed to have my very special life. In this month's newsletter, it only seems appropriate to share my family ties since my article is on happiness for the success of others, a trait my mother instilled in me in my Girl Scout days.

May you take the time out of your busy day to remember the good times in your life, identifying what got you this far. May the happiness you have for other's success come back to you 100-fold!

All the best,
Lisa Marie Platske, President
Upside Thinking, Inc.

in this issue
  • Are You Happy for Other's Success?
  • Featured Business with an Upside Attitude
  • Upside Quotation Station
  • Leadership Tales and Trivia Corner
  • Upside Offerings!
  • About Lisa Marie
  • Save the Date!
  • In the News

  • Featured Business with an Upside Attitude
    qplogo

    Becky Whatley, co-owner of Quality Printing in Riverside, California began her career in printing in 1982 when her father opened a franchise print shop a few months after her high school graduation. She was one of her father's first employees and learned the printing business from the ground up, doing typesetting before computers were mainstream.

    When her father retired in 1997, Becky took over the business with her brother and business partner, Steve Whatley. Together they have increased sales and profits by focusing on full color printing and direct mail services and by growing the business into a marketing consultancy firm. In December 2006, they expanded their operation into a larger facility.

    Becky's vision for Quality Printing focuses on supporting small businesses in the Inland Empire by helping owners and managers with marketing and sales. Consulting with each client, she determines their individual needs and goals and then works alongside them to develop the perfect marketing campaign; and with 25 years of experience in printing, a BA in English/Communications from Cal State University San Bernardino, and a near-finished Master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on Non Profit Management, Becky's level of insight, skill, and professionalism is difficult to match.

    Becky's commitment to community is highlighted by her service to the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce and support of many nonprofit organizations in Riverside, and her involvement and professionalism earned her the Printer of the Year award in 2002 from NAQP.

    Becky believes her passion for marketing and for helping businesses gives her an upside attitude. She credits Lisa Marie with opening her eyes to the beauty and power of working with passion and with people who share that passion. Determined to live an "Upside" life, Becky holds Lisa Marie in high regard as both a standard who "sets the bar" and a mentor who "leads the way".

    For more information on working with Becky Whatley to market your business, you may contact her by phone at 951.784.4100 ext 22 or by email at Becky @QualityPrintingOnline.com.

    Do you know an upside thinker who is a successful business professional? If you spot one when you are out in the community, please let us know. We are always looking for those that exhibit an upside thinker attitude. Click here to send us your suggestions or articles for consideration


    Upside Quotation Station
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    "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."

    Alan Keith, Lucas Digital


    Leadership Tales and Trivia Corner
    coffee

    If your feeling like a strong cup of coffee and a good book, try Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments ~ Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World by Kent M. Keith.

    If you're in the mood for popcorn and a movie, try one good year (because the best leaders understand how to be a gracious and grateful when whether they win or lose.)

    And, if you're feeling lucky, answer our March trivia question! Who was the first woman to be nominated for President of the U.S. by a major political party? A prize will be awarded to the 1st person who e-mails the correct answer to us!

    2007 Trivia Winners Circle!
    January - Mary Sharp, Cookie Lee Jewelry
    February - Kevin J. Fleming, Center for Business Excellence Program


    Upside Offerings!
    high five

    Interested in learning more about how to develop your clear leadership vision, increase your sphere of influence/clientele and improve your long-term growth and steady profits in 2007? Call Lisa Marie today to learn more about our Upside Thinking coaching packages!

    Is your company planning a conference or board retreat in 2007? Contact Upside Thinking, Inc. to book Lisa Marie for one of her amazing, motivational seminars for your company today! You won't be disappointed!


    About Lisa Marie
    LMP-Met. Jkt

    As the President and Chief Excellence Officer of Upside Thinking, Inc., Lisa Marie brings enthusiasm and passion to her work every day. Committed to transforming organizations through individual development, Ms. Platske believes lasting success in organizations comes from recognizing that people have intrinsic value and deserve respect, regardless of where they are in the organizational chart. UTI's leadership coaching and training programs teach individuals how to develop their leadership ability, increase their sphere of influence and strengthen their earning potential.


    Save the Date!
    womens growth summit

    2007 International
    Walk the Walk for Financial Freedom
    Women Business Owners
    Virtual Growth Summit
    April 27-29, 2007
    Click here for more information
    Pre-Registration starts Februray 20, 2007


    In the News
    nafe

    In January, Lisa Marie was recognized for her vision, creativity, and service to others by the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) and presented with a Woman of Excellence award.

    In addition Lisa Marie has recently been featured in the San Bernardino Sun, Press Enterprise, TheBizPress.com and the monthly NAWBO newsletter.

    To read the TheBizPress.com article, click here.

    Check out more of Lisa Marie's articles at ezineartilces.com.


    =09


    Are You Happy for Other's Success?
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    In my prior career, I received several excellence in leadership awards for my contributions in various projects from designing and developing curriculum and new hiring practices, to working on a build-out of an existing facility. As I look back, I recall that during one particular heavily attended recognition ceremony, there were quite a few people in the audience who didn't share my feeling of joy and accomplishment. Some didn't applaud when the award was announced, others didn't congratulate me during the reception, and the most disapproving group spent the following days providing me with various "verbal jabs" to remind me that what I had accomplished really wasn't so great after all. The message was pretty clear to me - these individuals were not happy for my success. But it wasn't really about me. These were people who were not happy with anyone's success because they were not happy in their own lives.

    I have become quite interested in this behavior over the years because now that I have an awareness of it, it seems like it permeates every day life. What is the impression of workplace high achievers? They're the bosses' favorites who get all the opportunities and I'm the victim. What is a frequent reaction to excellence in athletic achievement? Steroids, blood doping or other performance enhancing substance abuse. What about the proud accomplishments of a child in school, a play or athletics? Could have done better so we'll just skip the "celebration of success," and focus on working a little harder this time. How about the spouse who accomplishes so much in making the family and marriage healthy and vibrant? Sorry, too busy to notice. And what about friends and strangers who achieve that special goal and would simply like to know that others appreciate the accomplishment? Jealousy and envy abound.

    This unwillingness to be happy for another's success - notice I didn't say "inability" - says much about our self-confidence and maturity. Happiness, success and meaning in our lives are not limited - there is enough to go around. If your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are not oriented to the positive aspects of another's success then you'll spend your life reinforcing limiting barriers in your own life and your time making excuses why someone else accomplished something and you haven't.

    You create your individual life story, determine the quality of the relationships you are involved, and influence the culture that exists in the workplace. Change your thoughts and feelings to the positive perspective of others success - and believe it - and you will increase your ability to achieve the same in your life.

    While I recognize the challenge in breaking the myths and stereotypes in honestly assessing who you are and how you address another's success, know that you can have it all. The power of the upside has helped me to be more, achieve more and, believe more. Continue to ride the upside and I guarantee you will experience outrageous success!

    Did you know?

    The Girl Scout sales force is 2.7 million girls strong. Girl Scouts, now in their 90th season of selling cookies, sell about 200 million boxes of cookies a year, resulting in $700 million in annual sales.

    In 1974, officials of Little League Baseball announced that they would "defer to the changing social climate" and let girls play on their teams.

    Alice Paul (1885-1977) wrote the first version of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923.

    Find out more....
    Quick Links...

    More About the Upside

    Quality Printing

    Upside Living - Lisa Marie's Blog

    NAFE



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