Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Aug 29, 2010 @ 01:17 PM
Lesson #2 (1 through 10) 2010
What good can come from McDonald's? Does anyone YOU KNOW ever win those contests?!
Not that I don't try, but I'm always skeptical. Recently, I went to McDonald's for a quick meal. And no one does it quicker than McDonald's. I know better than to eat those sandwiches but my judgment to get a salad was swayed by the TASTE THE GLORY contest going on this past June/July during the World Cup.
Bought the Big Mac - enjoyed it tremendously (read my previous Part 1 of this blog if you're horrified and repulsed). But truly bought it because of the contest. I've never won anything at McDonald's but my reasoning told me that it didn't mean I couldn't win in the future!
I peeled the little 'Taste the Glory' sticker off and texted the required information. And received the most amazing text back: YOU WON A 32 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV.
Wonderful - but then began the difficulty. I couldn't register on my Blackberry. And when I returned to my office, I again wasn't allowed to register.
I called McDonald's 3 times over 2 weeks - always receiving the promise the technical department would get back to me. It didn't happen. So I decided to test the power of social media.
As painful as it was to turn on a company that had given me one of the best business lessons I've ever received (see part 1) I was furious.
And so I tweeted: @McDonalds we do it all for you? (NOT) -nothing from your support team about my sony TV win.& I thought just the fat content was bad!
A few of those types of messages (find me on Twitter @vhtrabosh) and @ Kty_McD showed up offering to help. She was an intern at McDonald's and said she'd find me someone to solve my problem.
Janice from McDonald's marketing group called. And she walked me through the process. I was told the TV would be shipped in 4-6 weeks.
Two weeks ago, a 32" Sony Flat Screen TV showed up at our home.
So what are the TOP 10 pieces of wisdom from this story (by way of some of their slogans through the years)?
1. 1992: What you get is what you want: Social media can be a powerful tool which can get you results.
2. 1976: You, you're the one: @Kty_McD is a terrific addition to McDonald's.
3. 1990: Food, folks and fun: People do win these contests and you could be the one to win it.
4. 1984: It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's: Eating at McDonald's is not a bad thing - in fact, it's quite tasty and beneficial.
5. 1990: McDonald's - It can happen: Don't give up if at first it appears you can't win - do everything in your power and then choose to walk away if you can’t succeed.
6. 2000: We love to make you smile: Great customer service always makes a difference.
7. 1975: We do it all for you: Interns sometimes have a greater passion than the suits - and we can all learn from dedicated employees, no matter their status in the company.
8. 2003: I'm lovin' it: If you succeed in a tough situation, make sure you share the good news as readily as you did the bad.
9. 1975: We do it all for you: McDonald's is a great company. They've survived through bad press, poor decisions, complicated contests and underlying it all, must have had strong leadership at the top. Every great company goes through tough times - but great companies never stop trying.
10. 2007: Things that make you go 'mmm': McDonald's is a company that I'd like to know more about. I would enjoy coaching leaders in this company.
Never give up on your dreams. Obstacles can be overcome. And be appropriately appreciative of the people that help you along the way.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sat, Mar 27, 2010 @ 05:59 PM
note: I'll be on blogtalk radio with Kisha on Monday April 12th, 11am EST. Click here for more details....but in the meantime, see below...
Given an opportunity, would you choose to change lives? Do you believe it's a function of what you have or what's available to you? Or will you charge ahead because nothing can stop you?
I interviewed Kisha Mays by phone Thursday and left the conversation inspired and determined to support her in her work of empowering women - because I will not miss an opportunity to support another woman who is focused and smart.
Kisha is in her late 20's with the wisdom of a much older woman. Her wisdom is evident in her actions, her focus and her determination to make a HUGE difference in the world.
I would have had the opportunity to meet her in person but the Women Empowering Women Summit she scheduled for March 27th(TODAY) couldn't get legs in Portland. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?? (our loss, as my dearly departed Mother would say......)
With no anger, but some frustration, she and I talked about the fact that her successful summit, which she has held for the last three years in NYC with support and huge success, couldn't find press or anyone to pick it up in the FIRST stop in Portland of a national tour of her great summit.
It wasn't a matter of price $29.95 for the basic ticket up to $79.95 for the VIP Summit Admission. She's well organized and supportive of local charities. (25% of all ticket sales in Portland would have benefited a local charity).
Topics ranging from "What's your WOW Factor" to "How to Get Debt Free and Build Your Financial Wealth", local selection of a Shero and excellent networking opportunities. It looked excellent.
But as we all know, you can't put on these events on a wing and a prayer and your swarthy good looks...(well, at least I can't!!)
We must know when empowerment is available and then support it, even if it's not OUR program.
Look at this great site: http://justfearless.com and ask yourself: how can I become more empowered? If you're in the following cities don't miss YOUR opportunity: SAN DIEGO - OMAHA - KANSAS CITY - CINCINATI - SAN ANTONIO - TULSA - SEATTLE - MINNEAPOLIS - SAVANNAH - INDIANAPOLIS - TAMPA....your opportunity is coming.
Kisha is inspired by her grandmother and mother. Two women who remind her that anything is possible. She overcomes obstacles, sees the vision of what is possible, separates business from personal, seeks balance in her life, takes action, walks her faith and her talk, and knows she is called to greatness.
There is no pride in her journey - but fierce determination and joy that she can change lives.
Opportunity can be found or lost. May this quote by Hazel Lee not be you:
"I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity."
Be a man or a woman who focuses on opportunity. Who steps into their own greatness. And one who is confident enough to surround yourself with women and men who challenge you and make you want to be a better person.
Attend this excellent summit - Be fearless and take the best from an opportunity when it arises.
Follow Kisha Mays on Twitter @KishaMays: become a FAN of Women Empowering Women on Facebook and if you have an opportunity to attend one of the Summits, don't miss it.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 02:23 AM
Do you ever wonder where you'll be five years from now? Wonder what life holds (good and bad) and if you could possibly truly imagine what it will be like?
The first time I was on my way to Rwanda in 2005 I journaled. I knew I'd be doing more as I flew home from that first trip -but never did I imagine that less than five years later I'd begin my 7th trip. I SAID in those first journal entries I knew I could do more. And while more was done, the "I" became a "we".
The time between my Women of Rwanda for World Vision event in May 2005 and my trip three weeks later in June 2005 was a world wind. After our successful event, I met within the week with two women who had heard me speak and asked if I'd consider holding a similar fundraiser when I returned.
"We'll see" I said. And see we did. That June in Rwanda, I was struck by the resilience of a people who had suffered greatly yet often were sincerely grateful for every opportunity presented to them.
The joy I felt, the acceptance and the responsibility to do what I could to help, was never a burden. It was an honor. And in these last five years, my enthusiasm has not wavered. My fierce belief in the strength of the human spirit is not lessened.
And with those two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney (and their spouses who supported them) we dared to dream that we could raise $50,000. And from that dream the Itafari Foundation was born. Now thousands more have joined us. We have raised over $350,000 and changed lives as our lives have changed through this work.
John, my husband has been my greatest supporter - my confidant, my engineer on projects in Rwanda, the voice of reason during my most unreasonable time. My most favorite traveling companion to Rwanda. No one waits more anxiously for me to return -no one more willing to step aside and let me be "Madam Itafari". He truly is the wind beneath my wings. Without him I am a grounded bird - (think platypus!)
My friendships in Rwanda are some of the sweetest of my life. I think it is the depth of character of these friends, our shared passion, their knowledge that I and Itafari are truly about Rwanda and what they want and need.
The women in Rwanda are magnificent. They know they have no time to play small - the stakes are too high -the needs too great. And someday, when their lives are over, while there might be regrets of what they couldn't do, what they did was more than most women in the US that I know could even dream of doing. It is a gift that I never would have dreamed of - that these women would become my friends and that the color of our skin would not be a distraction. And together our shared dreams, fears, doubts, and hopes could create something we never could have imagined creating apart.
The men in Rwanda with whom I work, partner, laugh and share lifelong friendships are equally as impressive. I am amazed at how hard everyone in Rwanda works. And no one with whom I work, from leaders in government to the poorest of microloan recipients is waiting to have someone else make a difference in their lives. They are determined to do it - and to be even a small part of their dreams is humbling and daunting (a good day for a friend and coach!)
The children of Rwanda have made me value my kids and grandkids even more. I see in my grandchildren only possibility. I don't know what they will do in their lives - but I believe they will live with great compassion and purpose.
My sons were forced to endure me and my ideas from the time I met them in 1980. Sometimes I would pack the holiday table with so many clients (from my days as a conservator/guardian for seniors) they would look at me - roll their eyes, and then be incredibly kind because I asked them to be. And my daughter Tara? I couldn't ask for a more loving daughter. We met when she was 17 and I was 23 - can you imagine?! How do you thank people in your life who let you just be you? In my case, it's by loving them every day and never forgetting the gift they gave, and continue to give to me of their support and love.
All of this comes to mind on my 7th journey to Rwanda. This 2nd leg, Newark to Brussels has such context of its greater purpose. I love the adventure of travel. Only anger and unkindness ruffle my feathers. Delays, cramped quarters, solving the impossible, tiredness, etc., are just signs I'm out of my comfort zone. And when did being in my comfort zone ever feel so comfortable to me?
I thank God for this crazy life I lead. I'm not pulled in a thousand directions, but I'm swept along in the directions I choose to go. It's a wonderful life - full of trials and tribulations, exceeded expectations and lost opportunities. Lessons, love and laughter. Works for me.
And from all of that comes a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is about a life well lived - one of success and significance. And each of us get to define what those terms mean in our own lives.
If you know me well, you know I challenge you to keep your eyes on your own paper - to do NOW what you want to do. Build and sail that ship at the same time!!! (Beats sitting on an island waiting for someone to rescue you.)
Less self indulgent reading can be found on the Itafari website - it's good work - join us if you can. But most importantly, run with your dreams. If you need a rudder for the journey, coaching could be for you-I can provide it or give you some referrals. But most importantly, never give up. You matter, your dreams matter, and you can create something that will take your breath away.
Bon Voyage, and safe travels.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 02:30 PM
My work in Rwanda has changed my life. The Itafari Foundation and its work are a
gift and a challenge.
My perspective on
what is possible, the true meaning of the strength of the human spirit, my understanding
of inhumanity and its consequences: these ideas are no longer esoteric. (Though I still know so little). But I also clearly know that if we choose to
step out, before we are “ready”, we can accomplish the extraordinary.
This morning in the New York Times Magazine, the profiles
were the stories of people who died in 2009 who changed the world in one way or
another. I was reading about the passing
of Alison Des Forges in February 2009 as written by Elizabeth Rubin.
In the 1980’s Des Forges joined Africa Watch and was one of the first to warn
of the coming cataclysm in Rwanda. Her
personal friends died in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. While she tried to warn the U.S., the Europeans,
and the U.N., her voice was faint in warning in comparison to the world’s
conversation that the genocide was an African problem. She must have suffered deeply knowing she was
unable to force a world to turn and look upon its rwandan brothers and sisters.
After the genocide she continued her work in Rwanda. When the International Criminal Tribunal for
Rwanda was established, she traveled back and forth to the court in Arusha,
Tanzania to serve as an expert witness and strategist for the prosecutors. A five foot lion of a woman. And one of whom I had not heard except in
context to her book Leave None to Tell
the Story: Genocide in Rwanda –
Human Rights Watch et FIDH – 1999 – ISBN 1-56432-171-1.
Her comments were equally critical of all sides,
including the Rwandan Patriotic Front which overthrew the genocidal leaders and
went on to establish a stronger more peaceful country. Her criticism lead to her twice being refused
entrance into the country. I understand the
reasons by the Rwandan government and yet know that the result of her work has
helped Rwanda in the long run.
The same can be said of the movie Hotel Rwanda. It turned out (sadly) that Paul Rusesabagina was
not the man portrayed in the movie, yet the movie led to a great awareness of
the genocide. The movie allowed all of
us to look back on the horror that was partially created through our lack of
action. And because of that, I have no
criticism of the portrayal at the time.
So I do what I know I must do. Take the best, and leave the rest. Des Forges was not perfect. The movie was unknowingly flawed in its
portrayal of an ordinary man. Yet, we
cannot ignore what comes from extraordinary efforts to change the world.
Instead of dismissing someone or something in its
entirety, we should continue to have conversation. Enlighten those who are in the dark. Thank those who take a lonely stand. Be thoughtful in our approach to what is
foreign to us. And know we must never
give up on what we are most passionate about.
We must never believe that we can’t make a difference. That it’s too hard. That no
one cares.
That no one cares. Impossible in its logic. If you care, that is enough.
I enter 2010 with a renewed sense of what is
possible. 2009 was a very tough
year. I was unable to go to my beloved
Rwanda. Yet our work continued unabated
through the Itafari Foundation. Good and
compassionate people stepped up to make a difference. I am also blessed to call some of some of the
finest people I have ever known my friends, though they live 10,000 miles from
me.
Happy New Year. Be renewed.
Set impossibly high goals – and then work (not hope) to reach them. Can you imagine what the new year can bring? I can.
It will bring the extraordinary – and it will be accomplished by you and
me.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Nov 22, 2009 @ 01:35 PM
Four
soldiers. Three I know well. One I haven’t met, yet. They cover WWII, end of the Korean War,
peacetime for the United States in 1987 and now, the Iraq war.
My father, my
husband, my son, a soldier in Iraq.
Yesterday,
November 21, 2009 would have been the 86th birthday of my father. Yesterday, my
husband went with me to buy items to put in a care box that we would send to
Iraq. Yesterday, I called my son and
apologized for not sending him more care boxes to remind him of how much we
loved and missed him during his three years of service away from home. Yesterday, I baked in earnest and worried
about the tastiest of the cookies I would be sending to a soldier serving in
Iraq that is a stranger to me.
Soldier #1
My father
gloried war. His time in the Army during
WWII was truly the highlight of his life.
He suffered from diabetes in his later years which blinded him. He did an oral history of his entire life
which became a family book. In it, he
devoted 25% of the book to his time growing up in New York, less than 1% to his
family, his children and his marriages of 45+ years, and about 74% to his time
in the service. When he proudly handed
me the book, I began to read it and exclaimed to him, “Are you kidding
me??? A few paragraphs to Mom and your
three children???” Slightly embarrassed
he took it back and added a few more lines.
His life history was more defined by his time in the service than
anything else that ever happened to him.
Soldier #2
In 1957, my
husband enlisted in the Marines. Meeting
him in 1980 gave me a totally different perspective on what it meant to serve
in the armed forces. The few. The proud.
The Marines. While my Dad loved
to talk about being a soldier and killing and patriotism, John’s ability to
serve and the way he discussed it have always been more about the duty and
respect he had for doing his job well, rather than glorifying himself or
war. His life is defined by a lifetime
of experiences, including his military service.
Soldier #3
In 1986 my
son (step) fulfilled his dream to join the Army with the intention of joining
the military police and eventually becoming a police officer. He was at Ft. Benning in Georgia. We missed him like crazy and I had every
intention of sending him boxes and boxes of cookies, favorite foods, silly
remembrances and lots of letters to remind him of how he was loved. And though he was deeply missed and loved by
us, you wouldn’t have known it by my expressions through the U.S. Mail
Service. Some letters, a couple of
boxes, but pathetically less than my most noble of intentions. His military experience shaped his life as
well and began his journey to work in law enforcement.
He called me
once from basic training to talk about a man who came to talk with them. This man wrote a book called “What a Soldier
Gives”. Tim insisted I read this book
and he sent it to me. The story was of
this man’s journey in the army during the height of the Vietnam War. What a soldier gave during the conflict. It was unflinching in its honesty and did not
glorify war. But the dignity of what
this man had given, at great personal cost, was evident. I was so moved, I wrote to the author, told
him the impression he’d made on my son.
And thanked him for his service.
His story and his wisdom stayed with me.
Soldier #4
And so
yesterday I baked cookies for a young man or woman who may not have anyone
sending them anything through the holidays.
My investment club of 20+ years has decided to support some soldiers
through one of the member’s connections.
Her nephew’s company in Iraq has soldiers in it that for whatever
reason, receive very little from family back home. So we’re “adopting” some of them for the
holidays.
We received a
list of items they need – from beef jerky to Tylenol, from socks to Q-tips. And of course goodies. Nothing says home like home baked
goodies!
John and I
were shopping yesterday, and while I was baking I remembered it was my Dad’s
birthday. I called Tim to tell him what
we were doing. And to apologize for not
being there for him in a way that would leave me with no regretful thoughts. He was gracious and happy we were doing
something for another soldier. But I did
tell him he was one of the reasons I felt compelled to help. That he deserved more then when he as a
soldier, and that if I could pay it forward, I needed to.
What a
soldier gives. None of this has to do
with my personal feelings about the conflicts our country is currently involved
in. It’s about remembering someone far
far from home that needs to know they are not alone. That what a soldier gives, is not wasted or
forgotten. And we need to bring them
home alive and well.
If you have
the opportunity, give back. Support
someone you love. Support a stranger in
honor of those you love. And know that what a solider gives can be honored by
what you do – even if their individual service is long past.
With luck and
good packing, our Christmas boxes will arrive intact. The cookies will not have crumbled. And a soldier will feel a little closer to
home.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Oct 18, 2009 @ 02:11 PM
Finding hope and inspiration
on a daily basis can be difficult even for the most optimistic of
entrepreneurs. We will be told no more often than yes in an environment when
it appears easier to focus on the negative rather than the positive in our
economy and society. I recently had an experience that renewed my faith
in my journey – my vision. And it took place in a positive and productive
environment in Henderson NV.
I had the great fortune of
attending CEO Space a week ago. You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of
it. CEO Space is an organization focused
on bringing together individuals who choose to cooperate rather than
compete. Who choose to learn rather than denounce. Who choose to
make a difference in the world through collaboration rather than go it alone.
I went to CEO Space for a
number of reasons: ◊ recharge my battery, i.e., get inspired; ◊ learn new
business ideas and techniques in a supercharged learning environment; ◊ raise
awareness and get financial and intellectual support for the Itafari
Foundation; ◊ expand my network both nationally and internationally; ◊
acquire more speaking engagements; ◊ help others become their best; ◊ recharge
my battery, i.e., get inspired (yes, I mention it twice because I really needed
it!)
I now know my goals were
limited. I did not see the bigger picture of what was possible. Now
I’m seeing that CEO Space provided me with practical tools and contacts that
increased my horizon of what I can accomplish. (While accomplishing all
of the initial goals I identified above).
CEO Space is a supercharged
learning environment – a CEO level educational retreat; a CEO-to-CEO trade
show; a university affiliated program, a place to connect with investors who
will invest in your business or dream. Endorsed by Jack Canfield, Bob
Proctor, Lisa Nichols, Mark Victor Hanson, Les Brown, and over 350 corporate
trainers and major law firms on faculty. And now endorsed by me.
I’m not a big conference
fan. Too many people, too many hidden agendas, too much
competition. But CEO Space did not have this theme. There will
always be people with hidden agendas, but CEO Space does not attract or endorse
such behavior.
The week is comprised of
training described as “super
teaching” which delivers teaching from the best and brightest of
teachers and trainers. It is networking that accomplishes more in an hour
than you’ve accomplished before in a day. It is friendships, business
relationships and partnerships that develop quickly and easily as you learn to
ask for what you really need and are offered tangible ways to get those needs
met.
Once you’re a member of CEO
Space you are a member for life. I can attend any and all of the five
meetings held every year for the rest of my life. And I’ll return for the
inspiration, training, collaboration, partnerships, business and investment
opportunities and renewal for my spirit.
I’ve learned to always begin
a conversation with, “how can I help you today?” And by giving my best, I
receive the same from others. Contact me for more information about how I
can help you. I'd also love to talk with you about CEO Space and your
ability to be more effective, productive and successful.