I think about creating value all the time. I mean ALL the time. It didn't used to be that way. The status quo was that I worked hard toward project goals, got my paycheck every two weeks, had my weekends off to do as I liked, and waited to see what the percentage raise was going to be. Anyone identify with this?

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In today's difficult global economy many companies are facing the prospect of corporate layoffs. Following a workplace violence shooting in Santa Clara last Friday, we have had many requests for information on how companies can better prepare for Reductions In Force ( RIF 's), how to recognize the Warning Signs for Violence, & ways to minimize Workplace Violence.

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I know you are probably banging your head and asking, why do I need to be doing anything special to get visibility other than doing my job? Don’t we wish that was the case. I was raised like so many women today and was told if you work hard and do a good job you will naturally get the promotion and the raise. Well guess what? I tried that and it didn’t work. I had that college girl mindset, get a good grade and the grade will speak for itself.

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Create a Top 20 List. This list can be made of: Companies you would like to work for and respect; Companies that are geographically desirable; Companies that you have identified an opening that fits your background; and Companies that can leverage your skill set.

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For many years, the "c" word struck fear in the hearts of many of us; My sense is we have become so used to people getting cancer that we have become numb to the fact that it is a clear and present danger to our health. So, in my quest to encourage you to stay vigilant and safeguard your own health and the health of the people you care about, here are some good reasons to incorporate beans into your diet/recipes at least twice per week!

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I want to include a variety of tips and information in my healthy choices blog that can help you make healthier choices without sacrificing the joy of eating delicious satisfying food. In fact, I am going to share in this column my very favorite Vegan and EASY recipe that is so delicious that whenever I make it, everyone wants it again and again and again.

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In the last article, I discussed the advantages of goal setting and suggested a three-tiered approach. Tier One is the "doing" level of goal setting and deals with the "what" of our goals. This is the level we are most familiar with and operate in most of our lives.

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The New Year is an ideal time for deciding where we want to focus our new aspirations. I love the automatic structure the calendar year provides in terms of a time line for reviewing our progress. Perhaps you're already familiar with the Yale study (although some say it never took place), which reported that the 1953 graduating class at Yale was interviewed and only 3% had written specific goals for their futures. Twenty years later, that same 3% was found to have a higher net worth than the other 97% combined.

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Many women are business owners and very focused on planting seeds and nurturing the crops. But what happens when it is time to harvest? This is the first in a series articles dedicated to the woman who has successfully grown her business to the point that it is salable, and has reached the personal and professional conclusion that now is the time to prepare for that sale.

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In the previous column I discussed the career imperative of thinking strategically about any outside activities and boards to engage in. Corporate citizenship is one of many ways to build your skills, brand, visibility and network. With so very many worthy organizations that are desperate for your time and talent, you need to define a set of criteria when considering investing your time outside of work.

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We all have multiple identities - not just objective personal and professional roles we fulfill (wife, husband, friend, corporate vice president, entrepreneur, business owner, homemaker, artist, engineer, etc.) - but very personal emotion-infused identities that define how we view ourselves, how we show up in the world, and how others see us.

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How do successful people achieve results? They are intentional about what they do. They know what they want and they go after it. Successful people set goals and develop plans to achieve their goals. They also take action on their goals. How can you go about setting goals? Before setting goals, revisit your Personal Vision for your life. Your personal vision helps clarify what's truly important to you, and provides focus and direction. Review your personal vision, and truly connect with your values. Visualize yourself actually living your mission.

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So here I am, watching the beautiful snow fall and closing out 2009. Of course, I always do my New Year's resolutions. As a family, we share ours and, of course, support each other in achieving the goals. So for 2010, with all of you as my Social media family, I invite you to join me sitting at the fireplace for my Social media resolutions for this New Year.

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Over the years, I've learned that giving back is the key to moving forward. Many corporations around the globe have also taken this belief to heart by giving to non-profits, charities and causes, especially during this time of year. I'd like to highlight one cause that is in dire need of our serious attention and help not just now, but 365 days a year: the environment.

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What do you want to see when you look back at your own life? Within 3 minutes on the news last week, I listened to a review of Eunice Shriver's extraordinary contributions and service to our country - and an announcement that Michael Vick was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles. The contrast was stunning - I was so inspired listening to all that Eunice Shriver had done; then I wondered how many people will attend Philadelphia Eagles games and, at the same time, try to tell us how much they love dogs.

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Remember when women weren’t allowed to vote? Of course you don’t, neither does your mother. But a hundred years ago, Susan B. Anthony was one woman who was fighting for that right ... and won.

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