Although I’ve been posting on this blog for almost two months now, I’m only now getting ready for MY BIG LAUNCH.  Yes, that’s right . . . I’ve been secretly writing away, learning, practicing, and really just figuring out how this whole blogging thing is going to work for me.

"Shortcut" by Wagman_30 / Fabio Montalto

Yesterday I met with my blogging guru (aka Social Media Specialist), Beth Hayden, for my second blogging tutorial.  She’s made this so fun!  What you may not know is that I am technophobic and oh-so-tech-challenged!  And, still . . . she has made this not only do-able but actually FUN!

Today, as I’m reflecting on this whole process, I realized that Beth Hayden is a shortcut for me! (Remember last month when I wrote about Scott G. Halford’s book, Be a Shortcut: The Secret Fast Track to Business Success here, here and here?)

Here’s my thinking . . . . Beth has repeatedly solved problems for me and answered questions for me as I zipped along my learning curve.  Obviously, she is an expert in the field of social media — but an expert who is always ready to learn something new.  She’s well connected with other professionals and recognizes that her relationships are assets that she takes care of and also benefits from.  She is generous and collaborative in her work — never hesitating to share the credit and the business.

So here’s the funny thing that I just figured out . . . . I don’t think Beth even knows that she’s a shortcut!  She gets that she is more knowledgeable than most of us about social media.  And, she believes that she is a professional woman providing good service at a fair price.  But, I’m not so sure that she knows that she’s a shortcut for me and many other professionals.

And, that’s got me wondering . . . are there shortcuts in your life who don’t even know that they make your life easier?  If so, you have a perfect opportunity for you to say “thank you” and point it out.  If you know of a shortcut that you are going to thank today, drop me a line tell us why.  A little public recognition can go a long way when giving cuddos to your shortcuts!

Tags: Relationships, Shortcuts

I’ve just finished reading Scott G. Halford’s new book, Be a Shortcut:  The Secret Fast Track to Business Success.

"Path in the Woods" by ann j p

Here are the last 5 characteristics of being a shortcut that Scott details.

1. Shortcuts help others. They don’t bother to offer excuses and explanations for not helping.
2. Shortcuts are aware of their own triggers and emotional baggage and do not allow it to contaminate their relationships.
3. Shortcuts are assertive and don’t play games.  They address potential problems early on and do not get tripped up by bad feelings.
4. Shortcuts know that they don’t know everything.  However, they do know lots of different people so that shortcuts can get their jobs done.
5. Shortcuts are aware of the negative aspects of stress on their own performance and willingly use their networks for support and assistance.

So now I’m asking you . . . . Based on these 16 identifiers, how am I and All Things Private Practice measuring up as a shortcut for you and your business today?

Tags: Relationships, Shortcuts

I’m still reading Be a Shortcut: The Secret Fast Track To Business Success by Scott G. Halford.  Here are five more identifying characteristics that I’ve found:

"Hobbity" by Rakka

1. Shortcuts are resourceful and often rely on their relationship assets.
2. Shortcuts collaborate and negotiate rather than compete.
3. Shortcuts know that their networks wither without time, attention and care.
4. Shortcuts seek out new challenges.
5. Shortcuts are involved in continuous learning and take responsibility for their own personal and professional growth.  They do not rely on external motivation to learn new information or to develop new skills.

I live in a state that, I’m embarrassed to say, doesn’t require continuing education for the licensed professionals in the health care fields.  Because of that, I’m particularly aware how this last one – taking responsibility for continuous learning – really does set you apart as a shortcut.

Those of us who take the initiative to continue our education on a consistent basis really are the ones that develop a reputation as having a depth of knowledge in our respective fields.  We really are the ones that become the shortcuts.

Have you found an area yet that you can work on to build your reputation as a shortcut?

Tags: Continuous Learning, Health Care, Network, Reputation, Shortcuts