#PositiveThurs - Week 22

Hot Topic: Klout Scores

Klout announced a new scoring system today: "A More Accurate, Transparent Klout Score".

Admittedly, when I looked at my new 'accurate' Klout score, I just about cried. I dropped from a healthy 61 down 10 points. First thing I did was take to twitter and see what people were saying:


As you can see, there are mixed feelings. I mean, @IAmTimBaker is right - We are not our Klout scores. However, a lot of people have worked hard to get to where they are. I know there are a few 'camps' of opinions about Klout. Personally, I reside in the "I love Klout" camp, but just on the border of the "I'm obsessed with my Klout Score" camp.

I may be a little disappointed, but it just means that I have that much more room to improve. That's the way I'm going to look at it!

What do you think of the changes? Did your Klout Score drop?
I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

#PositiveThurs - Week 21

Smiles are infectious!

Every morning when I'm walking to work I see the same people. Among them are the gas station attendant, the man walking his dog, the woman who power walks past me and the old man who is always walking up the hill.

When I first moved to the area, whenever I passed the old man on the hill we'd slightly smile at each other. The polite kind of smile which means that you won't bump into the other person. We progressed to a bigger smile and head nod. One morning, I was in a particularly good mood and I said "Good morning!" in my chipper cheery 'You'd hate me if you're not a morning person' voice. His smile got SO big! Ever since, we both always say Good Morning as we pass by. 

Photo Credit:
DisabilityNow.org.uk

I've started getting up a little earlier and didn't see him for a couple of mornings. I was actually a little sad because I enjoy our short exchange. The next time I saw him he was on the other side of the road. I guess he must cross the street further up the hill. DILEMMA: Do I still smile? Will he be able to see me smiling since it's getting to be so dark in the morning? Do I just ignore him now that we're not on the same side of the road?

My decision? I waved. Yep, you read that right. I waved. You know, the kind of wave like you know the person. He stopped, turned to me and with a giant smile he waved back while yelling "Good Morning!" MY smile was so big. Now, every morning, we wave to each other and yell "Good Morning" over top the traffic.

Today, I felt my heart fill up a little. Corny, I know... but I actually felt it.
If a wave and smile can have that effect, think of how easy it would be for you to positively affect others

My elementary school principal used to say "Smiles are infectious, so go out and spread some!"
What are you waiting for?

Facebook: How do YOU use it?

When I use a tool in one way, I sometimes forget that the way it is used is as unique as the person using it. I've recently had a few discussions with friends and acquaintances about Facebook. Here are a few uses that have come up in conversation.

Staying "In The Know"

I had lunch with a couple of high school friends this weekend and one thing they said stuck out. "Facebook makes the idea of a 10 year reunion pointless." While I would still love to see everyone in the flesh for a reunion, they make a good point. Facebook is a great way for staying informed on what your friends are doing. Same is true for a reunion, finding out what your friends have been up to. For my generation, it would be strange to see one of my fellow graduates not on Facebook.

Games/Entertainment
There are those that have a Facebook account, but the only thing that seems to bring them back there are their Farms, their Restaurants and Monopoly. You won't see any updates from them unless they need your help to unlock the next level!

                                      Business Page
One of my favorite uses of Facebook that I've seen recently has been by Tourism Nanaimo. They ran the "Amazing Nanaimo Getaways". It was a great way for people to see the things that Nanaimo has to offer and to bring some new people to the city. The only thing I didn't like about this contest was that I didn't win!

Daily Ritual

Yep, there are those people for which Facebook isn't an option. They log on every morning, noon and night. They don't live without it and it's their source for the news. They love to tell you exactly what they're doing and they are active on commenting and liking your posts.

There are so many different ways that Facebook is used. I actually don't fall into any of these categories. Do you?

#PositiveThurs - Week 20

3 Free Ways To Keep Your Employees Happy

We all know that businesses are struggling. This isn’t breaking news, we’ve been in this boat for a while now. You don’t need to hide it. It’s time to come out of the shadows and embrace it. This is your current reality and until you accept that, you won’t make it better.


I am a millennial. I have a lot of the traits of a millennial, but because my parents are baby boomers they have instilled a lot of their work ethics in me as well. While I work hard to achieve the best in everything I do, if I’m being honest, a good – genuine - pat on the back or thank you will make me bend over backwards for you. I’m passionate. Whatever company I work for, I’m in - 100%. I want them to succeed and will do whatever it takes to do so. It’s an easy equation: If my employer succeeds – I succeed. Do I have to clean the dishes in the break room? Done. Do I have to dust the shelves? Done. Do I have to teach myself a new skill? I’m there.


These are all things that as a leader or management is important to know about your employees. How to get the most out of your talent while still keeping them happy will be your golden ticket.
Here are 3 suggestions to keep your employees happy, without spending a dime.

Ask for their input/feedback. These are the people that work in your trenches every day. Maybe they have an idea that will help increase sales or productivity. The more they feel that they are a part of the solution, the more they will want to help you achieve it.

Give them praise. Be sure that your employees know that you see that they are working hard for you. Make sure what you say is genuine and if you can, do it in the moment.

Keep them in the loop. I can’t stress this one enough. Is the company not doing as well as last year? Let them know. It’s not anything to be embarrassed about. They will be more understanding about the increase in workflow and more willing to go above and beyond for you.

As an employer, what are you doing to keep your employees happy?
As an employee, what is something your employer is doing/could do to keep you happy?