"Blocked" Call....An Unexpected Turn of Events

The call came up as "Blocked" on caller I.D.

"It's going to be a solicitor" I thought to myself as I begrudgingly answered "Good morning, this is Nora, how can I help?"

It wasn't a solicitor.

It was, in fact, the complete OPPOSITE of a solicitor.

The caller explained he was aware I was offering classes that had been pre-approved by HRCI credit......and that I was giving away a free seat to someone who is currently unemployed for every 5 registrants.

"Yes", I confirmed, "that is correct"

I was unsure where he going to lead the conversation ---- request to be entered into the drawing for the guest pass? Register himself? Something else?

"I'm not available for the sesssion April 29th", he stated.

Hmmm...I wondered....why is he calling about it then?

"I'd like to help out"

In an unexected turn.... he stated he wanted to purchase two seats for the April 29th session. He is purchasing them not for himself but for two to-be-determined SPHRs.....possibly for you.

My caller (who wishes to remain anonymous) is purchasing two seats for the April 29th session "Building a Leadership Development Program From the Inside Out" being held in Denver. (The session has been pre-approved by HRCI for 5.75 Strategic Credits.)

The seats will be given away Monday to two Human Resource/Training/Organizational Development Professionals.

To be entered to win one of these two seats...

Send an email with your contact information no later than noon on Monday.

I'm very excited and will now answer "Blocked" calls with much more enthusiasm!!!

Looking forward to hearing from you and working with you next week!

May all your Endeavors be Insightful and all your "BLOCKED" calls Positive,

Nora A Burns, SPHR

www.insightfulendeavors.com

www.twitter.com/noraburns

www.twitter.com/phrsphr

Nora A Burns, SPHR is founder of Insightful Endeavors International, Inc a Denver, CO based firm specializing in team and leadership development. She is an member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). When she's not traveling to assist clients in building innovative teams to drive bottom-line results she resides in Denver, CO with Bella, the insanely cute labradoodle and Bella's sidekick Baxter.

My Name Is Nora.....and I'm a Twitter Addict

It's official.  While I am late on the scene, having joined the Twitter craze less than 48 hours ago, I am already hooked.  

No, I'm not addicted to knowing who is going to the grocery store, the coffee shop and the bathroom (Seriously people --- note item #4 below).  I'm addicted to the knowledge sharing.  

A curious person by nature, I'm finding Twitter to be the equivalent of a 7-shot espresso.  This morning, compliments of Twitter-ers (ites, ies?), I learned:

• Emotional Intelligence DOES affect SAT scores!
  
• You can find the blogs of many big companies all in one place.
  
• Blogging moms rule the world (simply search Mom and Motrin to see what I mean!)
  
• Obama will likely have to give up his Blackberry when he takes office! (I can't even fathom doing this)
  

....and so much more. 

People have information -- and they want to share it.  Twitter provides another opportunity for us to do just that --- in REAL TIME. 

Quick tips from one Twitter Rookie to another:

1. Content vs Fluff Solution : It's all about who you choose to follow.  Find interesting people and follow them -- and look at who THEY are following since interesting people tent to follow interesting people. 
2. If you use Mac....set up TwitterDeck to organize your twittering. 
3. iPhone users visit the App Store and find "Twitterrific".
4. Assume your boss, clients, professors, friends, family, etc will find you on Twitter.
   

Follow me on Twitter.......I promise not to tell you when I am on my way to the bathroom...well, except maybe on April Fools Day. 

Wishing you the best in all your endeavors, 

Nora A Burns, SPHR

www.insightfulendeavors.com

Nora A Burns, SPHR is founder of Insightful Endeavors International (IEI), Inc.  A native of Wisconsin with 20 years experiences in Learning & Organizational Development, Nora currently resides in Denver, CO with her insanely cute Labradoodle Bella and Bella's sidekick Baxter.  

IEI specializes in building innovative, sustainable teams to drive bottom-line results.  We pride ourselves on being a top-tier resource for leadership development, team development and assisting organizations in finding innovative solutions.  

Remarkable People

Last month I had the distinct honor of meeting Desmond Tutu. The evening was remarkable in itself and made all that more special by the fact that I shared it with my mom (standing between Demond Tutu and I in the photo).

I wish you could have been there…..we were at the VIP reception after the Archbishop’s talk…..the room was filled with excited chatter, the clinking of glasses and the laugher of friends. Reverend Tutu was mingling with guests. I had spoken with him earlier in the evening before his talk and now I had the absolute delight of introducing him to my mom. Upon completing the introduction I stepped back and drank in the moment. My mom (from rural Wisconsin) was shaking hands and chatting with Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Desmond Tutu from South Africa. A moment which will live forever in my memory ---- as I type this I can almost hear their respective laughs milling together. I wish you could have heard it …….

The paths of remarkable people cross each day --- in this case it was my mom and Desmond Tutu. Both people I admire --- with more differences than similarities --- and both remarkable in their own way.

The world is filled with remarkable people……some, like Desmond Tutu, have Nobel Peace Prizes….many more, like my mom, do not. Are you appreciating the remarkable people in your life?

More on the messages Desmond Tutu shared in future posts. I’m confident I will be sharing stories of the evening in workshops and keynotes for many years to come!

Wishing you the very best with all your endeavors,

Nora A Burns


Nora A. Burns, SPHR is Founder and President of Insightful Endeavors International, (IEI), Inc. A native of Wisconsin with 20 years experience in Learning & Organizational Development, Nora currently resides in Denver, CO with her insanely cute Labradoodle Bella and Bella's sidekick Baxter.

IEI specializes in building innovative, sustainable teams to drive bottom-line results.



Photo Note: Left to right.... Me - Nora Burns, My Mom - Ruth Burns, Desmond Tutu, My Friend - Penny Paster