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Links to more info on Kim's web site: Contact Kim: kimratz@aol.com Subscribe to my free, E-mail Me and write "subscribe" in the subject line; you can "un-subscribe" any time. July is National All Rights Reserved |
For leaders and meeting planners Beginning my final year before retirement in 2023 ... This was NOT what I envisioned when I made my plans to retire in 2023 and wrap up a 30-year speaking career. One of the biggest WIIFMs (Whats In It For Me?) for me as a speaker has been being invited to travel to different cities and work with people who work in PreK-12 and other helping professions. COVID certainly put a dent in that! I had to learn very quickly how to pivot to virtual presentations so I was still able to share my message and trainings with groups remotely. I've also been acutely aware of the trade-offs that go with this change; I missed being able to intereact in-person with interesting individuals I would normally be able to talk to before and after a presentation, and the interesting conversations we would have about the joys and challenges they experience in their work, and how to keep working toward their goals. As well as enjoying the travel to get there and experience a new community. Instead we've been focusing on how challenging it's been riding this COVID roller coaster, a global pandemic in it's third year and all the uncertainty we must continue to wrestle with. While for the most part people have been pretty successful at how they've adapted and worked to keep schools and workplaces open for business, we're also mindful of what has not gone as well as needed, and the many setbacks and losses that have occured. I'm deeply saddened by all the deaths and illnesses caused by this virus, and the many businesses and organizations that had to significantly downsize or even close because their operations couldn't be sustained. There's an alarming increase in depression, aggression, and suicide in people of all ages. And I'm concerned about all the kids who lost precious time and content because they weren't in school and missed out on the interaction and developmental opportunities they normally would have. Bottom line: This pandemic has been hard on EVERYBODY! Yet I remain hopeful that we will continue to make progress and learn how to live with this latest virus, as well as innovate to find new ways to do our various jobs well, meet peoples needs, and gather again safely. As I begin my 29th and final year before retirement I continue my resolve to share keynotes, workshops and conversations that remind you that you have skills, strengths and abilities that enable you to do amazing things when you face adversity -- if you set your mind to it. Whether it's in-person or on-line, my goal continues to be to support and encourage you to continue to strive to do your best in your important life roles and goals, especially in times of change and challenge like today! In addition to sharing some serious skills to help you succeed even more in your important life roles and goals, my keynotes and workshops include stories and original songs to keep it fun and engaging. Each presentation is customized to ensure you and your team find ways to improve your:
And yes, these programs are all available as virtual presentations so they can be shared while you are unable to gather people safely. Here's my promise to every customer since I started in 1994: You must be at least satisfied with my services or you don't pay my fee, only travel expenses. I'm proud to be able to state that 100% of my 500+ customers have paid me since 1994, and it's my plan to sustain that record until I fully retire in 2023. And for added clarity during this "pandemic pause" - - - If you book one of my presentations for your team and you later need to cancel your event for a legitimate reason, I don't require a deposit or prepayment and I don't charge a cancellation fee so there is no cost to you. This is part of my "customer satisfaction promise." We have been privileged to have Kim provide two workshops (virtually) for our staff and look forward to many more! Kim can provide a thought-provoking positive workshop addressing difficult topics in a positive and professional manner. Our first workshop was held when staff returned to onsite work after working remotely for several months. He provided positive steps, and thought provoking discussions which resulted in a positive outlook when returning to the site. Staff feedback was that they would have liked to have him in person, and they could have listened to him all day! Staff took the activities and incorporated them into their daily routines. In his second workshop, "Playing Nice in the Sandbox," he gave us all the opportunity to look at our communication style, our strengths, and areas we could work on. This new skill gave us the opportunity to interact with our peers, parents, family members and understand what they need when communicating and how to manage our own morale. When you book a workshop with Kim, you book not just a presentation, but a self-improvement experience which makes you want to be a better person! Enjoy your time with Kim; we certainly do. - Meg Saunders, Vice President of Children's Services, OCEAN Inc., Toms River, NJ Kim Ratz, Speaker-Trainer-Troubadour-Author |
