Whistle while you work

I was doing some routine grocery shopping the other day and approached the checkout counter pretty optimistically. I like to make friendly eye contact and strike up a conversation with the people I come in contact with, whether that be in line or with the cashier. You never know whom you’re going to meet!

The thing that got me about this particular trip though was the conversation I had with the cashier. I approached him smiling and asked him how he was doing. Without reservation, he continued to run the items across the scanner, never looking up at me. He proceeded to tell me how many hours were left in his work shift, how much he couldn’t stand the long lines of people and that he couldn’t wait until Sunday when he had off.

This really made me think about how our interactions with others really sets a tone, whether we’re at work or not. I think most of us have worked a job that we really did not care for at one point in our lives or another. I remember stocking shelves, dipping fries in hot grease, working long retail hours over holidays and designing advertisements that put a limit on my creativity. It’s not fun, or easy, working a job that you do not see yourself working at forever.

Here's my personal reminder: Do what you have to do well until you can do what you want to do long term. 

The energy you put off is magnetic, good or bad. This scenario could have gone differently with a mind shift and outlook change. Does he want to be a cashier for the rest of his life? Probably not. Some people do, and that’s fantastic if that helps them to be the best version of themselves. This fella was probably working towards something that he has his heart set on and is doing this in the meantime. He’s doing what he has to do until he can do what he wants to do.

By shifting your emotions around, you can make the very best of each situation. If we have to work alternative jobs to meet our goals, let’s make the best of them! Here are a few ways you can incorporate this into your work life…

1. Make eye contact – when people approach you, acknowledge them by making gentle eye contact. A simple eye connection can speak louder than words. 
2. Smile – The more positive energy you put out there, the more you will receive. Make someone’s day by giving him or her a grin.
3. Listen to your tone – are you talking short and snippy? What do you sound like to people when you answer the phone or greet them in person? Softening your tone and slowing your speed can change an entire conversation. 
4. How are you presenting yourself? - Are you slouched over, sitting with you hand under your chin? Or are you standing tall and confident? Body language is sets a tone just as much as words do.
5. What is your goodbye message? - When you’re finished working with someone, what well wishes, if any, are you sending them away with? Thank them for their time and wish them a great day. Let them know you are sincerely thankful for your time with them.

These are all key communication tools you can use whether you’re working towards a goal or are working the career of your dreams. We’re all entitled to bad days because we’re human. But how we handle those days is what defines our character. It’s the people around us that will help to lift and carry you through those dark times. If you notice someone having a rough day, take a moment to give them something to lift their spirits, a kind smile, gentle word or even a hug sometimes is all it takes to turn someone’s frown upside down.

Most importantly, know that what you do matters. Your goals are important but so is what you are doing at the present moment. Achieving a goal is built on stacking one accomplishment on top of the last. Consider your current situation one of those building blocks. You’re already achieving so much!

Create a kick-ass company culture

When I started Worx in 2007, I was a one-woman show. I never had formal leadership training or knew what it really took to be a "boss," so when I hired my first employee, a new world opened up. It's kind of like parenting - you don't really know what you're doing so you learn as you go. There are books that tell you how to do it "right" but what I've found, in both parenting and being a leader, it depends on your own unique style.

Being a boss is hard work. You're probably the one that everyone turns to for help, answers and guidance. Like leading a flock of birds in the air, you're the one at the front of the line, orchestrating the direction that everyone goes in. No pressure. Being a boss is a lot of fun, too. I love being the person that guides us all to success and can break the silence with an impromptu dance party. The way that the team speaks, acts, listens and performs creates a company's culture. It is the atmosphere you create at work that makes everyone feel a part of one collective mission. It's how you treat your employees, your policies, your atmosphere and your core values.

Providing a kick-ass culture is a priority for me. Why? Because the girls on my team are human beings and they deserve to be treated as such. Each one of them have their own passions, goals and strengths. There are two parts to being happy at work: do something you have a passion for and do it in a place that makes you feel appreciated and loved. My girls are doing their half by pursuing a career that they love. I'm providing the atmosphere that allows them to thrive.

As the Worx team has grown, I have learned a lot about what it takes to grow the atmosphere. Here are a few things that have played a valuable part in our success. Feel free to adopt any that feel right in your gut. Just remember, each workplace is unique - create a space that is authentic to your team.

1. I don't like the word boss. I prefer leader, honestly. I'm not here to boss my gals around. I'm here to lead them to success. Choose a title that suits your leadership style best.
2. We're approachable. We have an open and honest policy. I've created an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing information with each other, whether it's a pat on the back or a difficult conversation that needs to happen. My team comes to me just as easily as I go to them.  
3. Treat them like humans. They have lives, needs and desires. Listening to what is important them lets them feel heard. When they feel heard, they feel appreciated. If someone has a sick kid at home, their mom is calling or they aren't feeling well, I like to encourage them to take care of the things that matter most in their life. I do that in my own life so I created a culture where they can do the same. 
4. Give them time. We work on really heavy deadlines that are demanding, so the days pass by quickly. We've recently worked in "blackout days" which allows everyone to work uninterrupted from phone calls, email or inside input. This gives them time to feel extra accomplished. I also love random "let's leave at 3pm for no reason" and surprise holidays off.
5. Invest in your team. Inspiration plays a huge role in our company culture. That's why you'll find us attending inspirational conferences like Leadercast, developing The Green Couch Project and celebrating each other's milestones. I love to grow their minds! This is something we can each benefit from as an individual and as a team.
6. Share the inside stuff. I am very open about where we are and where we are headed as a company. I'm a huge fan of sharing my deepest desires with the team. I also share when things are rocky and I need patience. By inviting them in, we are collectively working towards the same goal. No one feels left out or on the outside. 
7. Play into their strengths. I love personality tests. We recently did the Gallop's StrengthsFinder test - this told each of us our top 5 strengths. I know who is the best executer, who's the best at relationship building and who's the strategic thinker. While I do challenge them to get out of their comfort zones, I know they are hardwired differently. Honing in on their strengths gives them power and confidence. 
8. Create a balance. It's great to have fun and be open, but make sure to set boundaries. By doing this, you let the team know that you're part of them, but ultimately the leader is responsible for making sure that everyone is accomplishing their tasks and performing to their best ability. You can have fun, but you also have to get stuff done. My team understands that and does not take advantage of it.
9. Cupcakes. When in doubt, give them cupcakes. Know their dietary restrictions and favorite flavors. Sometimes cupcakes are welcomed with a cold beverage from the fridge. It makes everyone smile. Just sayin'.
10. Have fun. We love to celebrate! We work really hard every day to reach the goals we have for ourselves and our clients. We also have some fun along the way. We laugh, watch silly videos on YouTube and make silly impressions of TV personalities. Laughing is an amazing way to break up the day.

I can't say that I've mastered company culture 100%; I'm always looking for ways to improve it. However, I can say that I'm really proud of the progress that we've made towards it. I love that my team talks about their day in a positive and upbeat way to their families at home. I love that they get excited to come back every day and that we're all part of this incredible energy together.

INTERESTING FACT: I polled everyone in the office, asking what makes Worx a kick-ass atmosphere. They all answered separately with the same results. I compared them to the list above and they are the same (except no one came out and said that cupcakes were an awesome perk, but I think it is). This tells me that we are completely aligned with our goals and core values. Share your values with your team - it creates a unified and passionate atmosphere.  

Creating a culture that is unique to you and your team will not only make for happier people, it will give them the atmosphere they need to flourish and succeed for everyone.

-Laura

Celebrating Our Risk Takers

2014 was a pretty incredible year for a lot of businesses. I could list all day why The Worx Girls love what we do. One of our biggest passions is being part of someone else's dream on a daily basis. We work with risk takers, big thinkers and passionate, driven people that are excited about making a difference in their life and the lives of others. We get to ride along in the side cart of their motorcycle and help them visually navigate through the twists and turns of entrepreneurship. We watch their success story unfold as they take the thought that once scared them and turn it into a lifestyle that fulfills them.

In 2014 we were blessed to have branded over 40 new or growing businesses (you can see a few of them above). 40 companies that are following their dreams, boosting our economy, solving problems and creating jobs for others. They took the first step into living the life they want!

In addition, we launched over 15 websites, kicked off The Green Couch Project and expanded our office space (much needed!). It's been a beautifully busy year for The Worx Family!

We're constantly blown away by the innovative and amazing people that knock on our email doors every week. Here are a few that we're especially proud of:

Innovative, Inc. and NOVA Corporation both made the Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies in the US list for 2014.

In addition, Innovative, Inc. has opened a second location in Frederick and continues to grow their dynamic team to serve growing IT needs.

Nova has created 170 new jobs in the past 3 years and was named the 2014 American Indian Business of the Year award.



Food Safety Training Solutions, Inc. has expanded their marketing reach with over 7,000 Facebook likes from 45 countries. Every month they email thousands of viewers from 8 countries to keep them informed on #keepingyourfoodsafe. They are Nationally training the hospitality industry on Food Safety and have worked with some of the countries largest corporations, such as McDonalds, Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.




Nothing makes me happier than to hear a client say, "WOW. You made this real for me. This is something I can now show people instead of just telling them. I can't wait to use it!!" As an entrepreneur, it is easy to get stuck inside your own head. But when you partner with someone that believes in your passion as much as you do, beautiful things can happen.

Are you one of the passionate, big thinkers that we'll get to work with in 2015? I want to see your logo at the top of this page next year because that means you'll have taken the first step to change your life forever. Cheers to 2015 friends.

Cartalk

It is funny; one can call in with car questions; they’ve mastered the punch-line delivery and they know their stuff. On the rare occasion I remember to tune-in, I catch them on the radio, and I make up for my disloyal fandom by following them on Facebook.

 

Rumored to be the winner of NPR’s “Most Likely to be Canceled Show” for 25 years, straight, I’m talking about Cartalk - known as an interactive radio talk show where dynamic brother duo Tom and Ray Magliozzi - the voice and DNA of the show - discuss all that is vehicular and peculiar.

 

More recently I experienced my own version of car talk.

 

What do you get when one stages an event that sticks two introverts in a car, seatbelts them in (remember – click it, or ticket!) and sends them downtown?

 

Well; we encountered a few mechanical difficulties, that even extroverts would be inexperienced with; had some coughing that mimicked barking dogs; came to complete stops around cops; listened to some fist pumping music; outsmarted construction crews, but more importantly we had a breakthrough: We didn’t just small talk, “So how is work?” and we explored more than the weather and what we would be eating for supper.

 

We were introverts who spent a lot of time around people and on the ride to and fro we learned how important it is to surround one’s self with positive people. Because over and over I learn that sometimes my own company is like stale, moldy pizza. The all-American food gone bad; a total mood killer.

But, you know, these truths are always more enlightening when someone points it out while simultaneously a light bulb (or dashboard light) flashes above your head.

 

Ask anyone who has been anywhere. If they have lived a little, it doesn’t take long to learn a lot and this is something you learn fast: Whom you spend time with… You become.

  

Who are you hanging out with? Who have you made plans with this weekend? Tonight? Tomorrow? Heck, do you work commute with, work with or, even, with whom do you putt-putt golf? Because, that’s you*.

*Okay, by You, I mean me. I made plans tonight. I made plans this weekend. Heck, I have co-workers and a boss who give me questionable looks when I open my mouth and start pacing and practicing my lunges mid-day.

And this is not the “In-ten-years-version-you.” No. This is the live edition: unfiltered, streaming up-to-date you.

 

Now, what if those same people are asking those same questions? Are *you the type of person they want to hang around? Do they want to rub shoulders with you? Will that chip on your shoulders fall from yours to theirs?

 

Be a person worth becoming: Exercise kindness, sweetness, morality, ethics, courage, honesty, faithfulness, peacefulness and you will have many strengths. Give them your shoulders, lift them up you will create giants.

What the heck is The Green Couch Project?

A few years ago, my husband and I were walking around a furniture store, not really looking for anything in particular, when I walked around the corner and fell in love. There she sat, the green couch I never knew I needed. It felt as though she was waving at me saying, "Hey Laura! Lets do great things together!"

Rewind to 2007, the year everything started. I guess you could say I had gutsy because at 6 months pregnant, I quit my full time job to develop Worx. My first desk was a couch and a coffee table (as you can see, I have a thing for couches). So then, when I saw the green couch it reminded me of a time that once existed. It took me back to that uneasy and excited moment when I decided to start a business: How many late nights I worked on that couch to create a voice and how passionate I was (and still am) about making a difference in other entrepreneurs' journeys.

It took me back to that moment when I knew I wanted to be in control of my own destiny.

Fast forward to today and a little something we like to call The Green Couch Project©. It's all about authentic risk takers spilling their gutsy. What the heck does that mean? As entrepreneurs we share similar strengths, weaknesses, victories and obstacles. Gutsy means to be bold, courageous, daring and adventurous.

We found 6 risk takers to share their stories and Spill Their Gutsy©. They dug into the depths of their hearts and shared insights on questions like:

• What fires you up?
• Why do you do what you do?
• What do you fear loosing the most?
• What was the moment that made it all worth it?
• What was the moment you almost quit, and why didn't you?

Check out the teaser video here!

The Green Couch Project is all about empowerment. From positive quotes posted on social media everyday, to rich stories about people just like you. We want you to know that you're not alone. You're among a unique group of people that think differently. You have gutsy, and we celebrate that.

So what's next? We've created the promise form (download here) which is your way of committing. Not to us or anyone else, but yourself. And if you choose to, take a snapshot of yourself holding your promise, upload to Instagram or Twitter and tag us in it with #spillyourgutsy. Let's create a community that empowers each other! 

And last but not least, the stories. By the end of March, you'll be able to visit the website to view the full-length stories, videos and pictures of our 6 participants. We'll even give you the tools you need to succeed by building a base brand that stands for who you are, what you do and why it matters.

So stay tuned as we, and so many others, spill our gutsy.

Photo credit to the amazing Anderson Photographs team!

Feel Good Power

Genuine compliments can create such a positive energy. Do you remember the most recent compliment you received? From a loved one or a complete stranger, it just puts a smile on your face and a little extra pep in your step, right? According to psychologytoday.com, just by noticing and focusing on the good qualities in the world around us gives a boost to our mood. It is a type of cognitive training: a training of attention that, also, adds an element of positivity. A compliment may lead to a charming smile or a delightful conversation. Either way, nothing bad will come from a compliment as long as it is genuine.

Learn to appreciate the little things in life, the details. Fall in love with moments. Noticing the under-appreciated details in the world around you will help create a sense of gratitude towards life. Help spread that gratitude to others by noticing, appreciating and complimenting others, from something as simple as a shirt or haircut, to an accomplishment at work or reaching a personal goal.

So the next time you notice something favorable about someone you know or a complete stranger, ask yourself, “would I appreciate if someone complimented me for that?” If so, go for it! What have you got to lose? Nothing! You just gain an opportunity to make someone’s day and your own.

“Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa

A Bulging & Brawny Brain

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: The prequel to the New Year’s ball dropping, it’s the much anticipated revealing of how many urban dictionary words have made it to the big leagues: The Oxford Dictionary.

And, yet, even the picture-perfect new word of the year Selfie doesn’t adjust the wise words of football coach Vince Lombardi, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Oh Vine, what great timing to appear as a Pinterest quote full of sassy wisdom. Just in time to be on a waiting list for our resolution list.

I suppose Lombardi understood and experienced the glorious after effects of an intense, successful workout. When muscles acknowledge that you put in the work and effort.

Try to workout your brain; challenge yourself daily and stretch the boundaries with a curiosity of whom you can grow into. Embrace the new tasks that find their way in your to-do file. Not only does it signify the promise that your employer or your client has newfound trust in your capabilities, but it’s a great way for you to elevate a job into a career you are passionate about. Set yourself time related goals, track your progress on your smart phone and then beat your record.

Just as the 20 curling reps can tone your body, so can reps of mental exercise at work tone your outlook, creating a driven mindset to better yourself and the lives around you.  And so, Vine, we accept the underlying challenge, to workout our mind. We’ll stretch and we’ll push one more paper into a complete file. We’ll stick to our mental exercise regime to buff up, to achieve a bulging and brawny brain. Through this we’ll find glorious success in the repetitions of work.

And who knows, maybe we can capture a flexing Selfie of the moment, too!

Experiences are a More Valuable Currency than Money

With the holiday season in full swing everyone seems to have that extra holiday cheer, right? Everyone is out shopping for stuff. Giving gifts, especially personal ones is great, but eventually most gifts end up unused, used up and thrown away or forgotten. Guess what can’t be taken away, thrown away or taken advantage of? Experiences.

Only you are responsible for how you feel. You can keep that holiday cheer all year long. Do you have a hard time looking on the bright side of things? If so, it’s okay, just know you are capable of transforming that mindset. You are in control of how you feel and what you do.

Little by little, practice enjoying the little (and big) things in life. The most simple, to just smile more. Smiles are contagious; it’s hard to make eye contact with someone who is smiling and not smile back, right? Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. Just the act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and *happiness.

Make yourself filthy rich with memories. There is limitless storage in your brain that you can reference at any time. Your house only has so much room to store that stuff.

Despite how others around you are feeling or acting, be in control of your feelings. Absorb the compliments and precious memories. Deflect the insults or rude comments. It’s not worth hearing and remembering. Remember, “It’s theirs, not yours.”

What steps are you taking to be filthy rich with happiness?

*Learn more about how smiles and happiness literally affects your brain and body here:
 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile