Bodywork IS a Business Expense

Yep, I consider bodywork- you know, massage, acupuncture, reikki, etc- to be a business expense. I'm not kidding, and I'm not alone in this thought. (of course, check with your accountant first)

Companies know that keeping employees healthy is critical to enjoying increased productivity, limiting absenteeism and reducing burn out. In fact, every dollar spent on wellness yields a minimum of $1.81 in health cost savings.

Ok, so I hear you saying, "but I'm not a huge company." Right, but as a solo entrepreneur you're probably doing all the pieces that create business success. You get tired, frustrated, tense from exerting so much effort. To me, that means your pressures are even greater than employees who, albeit very busy, have the support of a larger organization. Taking care of you, otherwise called 'self-care', actually can help you be more effective in your business.

How did I come to this startling realization? It came to me while I was lying on my tummy on the table of a fabulous acupuncturist, Karen Kirchoff, who has helped me increase my energy, flexibility and relaxation over the past year.

As Karen applied the first few needles my 'monkey mind' shifted from its frantic pace to something close to quiet. It's akin to putting a car into neutral and letting it coast. Ah, nirvana! (By the way, I hate needles, but love acupuncture. I doesn't hurt at all.)

What does this mean to you? Try bodywork today. If you're new, start with a massage or pedicure. If you're more adventurous, try more Thai massage, in which practitioners move your fully clothed body in marvelous ways to release tension.

If you can't do it for yourself, I understand. Do it as a gift to your clients (current and potential) and your family. Once you empty your vessel, you'll be able to serve them even better.

Namaste

Try. Fail. Learn. Relax!

Dina

Three Days- Two Terrific Events

Hi all,

Just a quickie to share some upcoming stuff with you.

Free Discussion with Kenneth Cloke, Master Mediator- 1/29 at 1 p.m. EST

Kristina Haymes was lucky enough to snag an interview with Kenneth Cloke. Ken and I talked about his new book, Crossroad of Conflict, at the ACR conference in October and, well, he's done it again. Don't miss this opportunity to hear him live:

Go here and sign up for our free teleseminar with Master Mediator Kenneth Cloke:

http://www.mediationmarketingtips.com/kencloke.html

Pick up a copy of his new book The Crossroads of Conflict (you won’t get it in time for Monday but it’s worth it regardless). Go to www.janispublications.com. The call will be recorded and posted on Kristina's site.

Business Blog Basics with Andy Wibbels- Weds, 1/31

Andy is a veteran blogger who literally wrote the book, "BlogWild: A Guide for Small Business Blogging. " It's destined for my online Bookshelf.

Directly from Andy: "Just a reminder that Business Blog Basics starts Wednesday. This course is great for people that really have no clue if their business could even use a blog. If you want to dip your toe into the Internet, a blog is a quick, affordable, manageable way to do it. The course is taught by blog designer, Peter Flaschner, and myself and runs 3 weeks."

Learn more about this blogging workshop

If I were you I'd sign up for these gems quick.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!
Dina

Abundance for Everyone

What an abundance of opportunities for Ombuds lately, huh? Well, there's abundance for everyone.

I'm proud and pleased to announce that Alicia Forest of has joined ADRPracticebuilder.com as a panelist in our Circle of Excellence. Alicia is a dynamic coach who not only reminds me of all the potential waiting for me (and you) but also has some very savvy marketing ideas to offer.

Alicia's first article is making it's debut right now in the Circle in the Member's Area.

Titled, "Turn Your Competitors into Collaborators," you'll learn why your competitors are absolutely necessary and how they can help your business grow. Counterintuitive, sure, but isn't that kinda what collaboration is all about? Finding new ways to work together. Members, don't miss this article.

If you're not a member, you've got lots to gain by joining. Learn more here.

Ombuds in the Virtual Red Light District

Ombudsman is definitely an emerging field, but who could have predicted that an Ombuds would be needed in the Red Light district?

Porn sites have long been the topic of discussion. ICM Registry proposed that those types of sites be issued a .XXX domain so that their content could be more easily monitored. Well, seven years later the ICANN (International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has reviewed the proposal.

The ICCAN goes further to ask for additional changes to the registry agreement including:

9. Designate an Ombuds-person to address concerns about enforcement of registry policies and handling of complaints related to registrant non-compliance.

Ombuds are finding their way into the online worlds as well as in more traditional academic or corporate settings. I can't say how thrilled I am about this broadening of how to use the role. You've heard me say it before, 'Ombuds is the jewel in the side of the ADR crown!' Watch out world we're moving up!

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

PS If you're interested in Ombuds work, you'll want to attend my March 29th 10 a.m. teleseminar, "Become an Ombuds." Check the events calendar to learn more.

More Ombuds News

Ombuds are definitely making strides in the news. According to this recent article, the city of Corvalis has decided to put an Ombuds back on payroll.

Sue Roni, a conflict management specialist, is the Ombuds for the city. She handles a range of complaints, including discrimination claims. Sue, who has a pretty impressive background including psychology, ethics and education, serves and educates her community about the role of the Ombuds.

What does this mean to you? The opportunities for the profession are growing. Keep your ears open. Better yet, why not propose something similar in your town?

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

Thanks-3 Keys to Making Money as a Mediator

Remember how I said I wanted this year to be about surrendipity and intention? Thanks for giving me a great big surprise, one I could never have predicted.

Tomorrow I'm hosting my teleseminar, 3 Keys for Making Money as a Mediator (otherwise known as 3 Keys for Unlocking Mediator Income) in conjunction with Julie Denny, who is president of the Greater New York Chapter of ACR. Julie and I expected about 30 or so of her folks to join us to talk about the three marketing actions that can support and grow a mediation practice.

Well, that's where intention and the universe took over...

There are over 350 registrants and the list continues to grow. Amazing.

Colleagues ask me how I did that. Sure, I can take some of the credit. This topic really resonates with mediators and other ADR types. I generally practice what I preach so I used the techniques I know to attract my niche. And, the price is right.

But, the real credit goes to friends and colleagues who reached out with help and encouragement, who spread the word, who registered! Thanks to everyone.

What does this mean to you? Put your intentions into the universe. Say, think, dream about how you want to live your life and then everyday take some step-small or large- to manifest it into reality. You'll get back everything you put in and a whole lot more!

By the way, you're welcome to join us Tuesday at 9 a.m. I plan to send out my last batch of instructions today at 3 p.m. so you have until then to register by email.

Try. Fail. Learn. Be Astonished

Dina

Mediators, Confound Expectations!

Foodies unite! I am a serious foodie wannabe. I love watching cooking shows and thinking about food. Eating it isn't bad either. The other night Anthony Bourdain, the author of Kitchen Confessions, was promo-ing the new season of his travel/cooking show No Reservations and said something, well, profound.

He said he wants to confound the expectations of his viewers. To him that means, each time a show airs he wants the audience to say, "what the heck? Is this No Reservations?" because he's presenting something new, exciting, or a twist on something conventional.

Very interesting, huh. I'm gonna confound expectations with ADRPracticebuilder.com

To me that means that not only will the site offer information about marketing and business development tailored to our needs as ADR types but there will be a real connection on a personal level in the discussion group and throughout the site. I enjoy making surprise calls to members (I've already made a few to coaching clients) and really look forward to hearing
what members want and need.

So, that's my commitment. I want to confound your expectations.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

Take this Idea Please! Interoperability Facilitator

Lolling in bed this morning listening to NPR I heard a new word: interoperability.

It's a fancy word that means to coordinate communications between services or agencies, and Virginia is the first state to have it's own coordinater, Chris Essid. His job is to ensure that in an emergency all the agencies or services that are needed can talk to each other. For example, the police and EMS workers talk to the fireman, etc. A good idea surely, but why make it sound so complex? (that's fodder for another post, I suppose).

Chris says that getting agencies to agree on a common language is important, but hard to achieve. For example, the 10-4 system (remember CB-ers saying '10-4 goood buddy') has gone from a uniform system to one that's unique to each locale. 10-54 might mean alcohol situation in one agency and livestock in the road to another. You see the problem.

That got me thinking...these folks need facilitators to come in and help them create a framework for thinking and a new language even before they can have an Interoperatiblity Coordinator.

What does this mean to you? Facilitators and mediators, think about how you can use your skills to create more preparedness. You might offer facilitation services to towns and cities trying to improve their preparedness. How about creating a class to teach facilitation skills to those who want to be Interoperability Coordinators?

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

Introducing ADRPracticebuilder.com

Wish you had help marketing your mediation practice?

If you're ready, then we're here to help. The ADRPracticebuilder.com is a nurturing community for mediators in private practice who want to be richly rewarded in heart, mind and wallet!

Within the Members area, you'll find a comprehensive source of in-depth information about marketing in a mediation or ADR practice including:

Monthly Member Only Calls so you get your questions answered or be inspired

Convenient Teleseminars so you can build your marketing muscles

Downloadable How To Guides, articles, and audio so you save time and money

A Friendly Discussion Forum so you are supported as you grow

The Breakthrough Calls- live, mini-clinics with Dina so you stay focused

Advice from our Circle of Excellence Panel on sales, writing & tech matters

For a membership of just $22.00 per month, after an initial joining fee of $28, you get 24/7 access to the website and all it's ideas,tools and suggestions. There's simply not another resource like this available to mediators.


Watching your budget? Save more with a quarterly membership for $57.

Why Join Now? You'll immediately receive access to everything you need for growing your practice --whether you're new to the field or an established mediator. Haven't you waiting struggled alone long enough?

You can make mediation your day join and we can help!

Use this Secure online order form


Want to subscribe by phone? Call me at 617 553-0423

GOT QUESTIONS? I love questions. Feel free to use our speedy contact form.

Hope to see you in the Members Area soon!

The New ADRPracticebuilder.com Launches Tomorrow!

ADRPracticebuilder.com, newly designed, launches as a membership site tomorrow, January 5, 2007. I can hardly believe it.

I want to give a big shout out to my team, Ericka, Tom, Tim and Valerie. Without their support and encouragement, I doubt ADRPB would be the premier marketing site for mediators that it is today.

I also want to send a thanks to the Circle of Excellence panelists who bring such practical and thoughtful insights to the site. Each one represents a point of view that I believe is essential not only to building a great mediation practice, but to enjoying it as well.

My family deserves a boatload of gratitude as well. What newlywed wants to spend his first year of marriage dealing with a woman obsessed with changing the demand for alternative dispute resolution? Yet, my Peter has been nothing but supportive, even when it mean ordering me to come to bed at some ridiculous hour in the morning. Kaitie and Jared Lynch may consider themselves ' entrepreneur orphans' but hopefully they see from my actions that it's quite possible to create a life beyond your wildest dreams.

Last but not least, thank you, my dear readers. You inspired it all from the start. It breaks my heart to realize that some very skillful mediators, facilitators, trainers, Ombuds leave the field each year. Now, more than ever we need every type of peacemaker we have to deal with a troubled world. The site is filled with tools to help you serve others while caring for yourself and your family.

Drop by the site tomorrow and let me know what you think. ADRPracticebuilder.com is for you.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina

Magically Solve Your Niches Problems

You don't have to be pychic or the Amazing Kreskin to magically solve the concerns of your niche market. You can do that easily with a bit of research.

How? By reading year end reports and letters. Most associations or groups have newsletters that contain letters from their leaders or presidents that reflect on the past year and float some goals for the new one. Non-profit organizations typically do an annual report that contains some interesting information.

Case in point. At one time I was interested in administrative assistants, a very underserved population in my opinion. I checked their website and discovered in a annual report that included a member survey that one of their goals for the coming year was to increase their skill at managing interpersonal disputes. Bingo! I contacted them, referenced the report and went on to speak at one of their events. You, my fellow mediators, can do the same.

So, read a few year end reports or newsletters. You'll enrich your knowledge of your niche (always a good thing) and marketing opportunitites will appear like magic!

If you've already worked this type of magic, definitely let us know by leaving a comment.

Try. Fail. Learn. Grow!

Dina