Kathryn Fialkowski: Future Forward

House Cleaning Means Migration from TypePad to WordPress

In 2009 I was a TypePad user. It was great when I was just starting out. With TypePad, I got started in a matter of minutes. The support was terrific too. Whenever I had a question there was a timely reply. Then, as with so many things, I grew up and TypePad moved on and we grew apart. It’s a common story but nonetheless a sad one. Perhaps the saddest part is that now I have to begin my site migration and that could be a pretty heavy thing.

Consider this end of year housekeeping. While I am refining my site, I have created three distinct sites for three different audiences. This will be so much better than the 2009 plan: cramming everything into my one site (wasn’t it overwhelming?).

• For individuals who are insterested in hiring a consultant, please visit my new consulting site: www.collaborate-with-kate.com
• For event planners and speaker’s bureaus, please visit my professional speaker’s site: www.speak-with-kate.homestead.com
• For free advice (anyone who knows me knows I can’t help but give advice) you can still visit: www.kathrynfialkowski.com. Eventually the kathrynfialkowski.com site will be redirected from TypePad to WordPress. And a little later (around the end of Q1) this TypePad site will become defunct. Don’t worry, I’ll give users plenty of warning. I'll be porting my favorite articles to the new site.

From a usability perspective, users should be happy in the long run. But, in the short run, we’re all going to have to go through change. I guess I should apologize. But if you’ve been following my writings and ramblings for any period of time you know that I believe change is just like breathing: natural, necessary, unavoidable, and when you feel like you’re suffocating–delightful.

I have to say, I am excited. I love new beginnings. The new notebook at the beginning of a school year. The new passport sans stamps. Anything can happen. And if 2009 is any indication, 2010 is sure to be a ride. Hop on!

Happy Holidays from Kate Fialkowski

Hello and Happy Holidays

My first annual holiday newsletter has made it to the virtual press. If you haven't already read it, I would, in particular, recommend the personal story in the left had column in which I introduce my brother David.

David and I are the two youngest of originally 11 children. (Imagine that! And that was before the time when having so many children meant your own TV show!) David is an individual with special needs.  

At this time of year we celebrate our lives and history together. I have learned so much from David, and the learning continues each year.

I give thanks for all that we both have: we are both gifted with fine friends, family, our homes, and our health.

From our house to yours, Happy Holidays.

Kate Fialkowski

Giving Thanks, Pass It On!

It takes a village to run a business. Tis the season, as they say, to start to close the year and assess things. With this sentiment, a special post of "thanks"

It's been an interesting year at Fialkowski Executive Advisors. I've had the pleasure of working with several different types of companies and organizations. It has been fulfilling and I have been blessed to meet wonderful people and organizations of the highest standards. I have started working with my alma mater, BGSU, and met amazing and dedicated students. All of this gives me great hope about the future of our country.

I have had to acknowledge a personal shortfall this year. On technical aptitude, something I always felt I had in abundance! Well, I fell behind the curve in the last few years and this year has been a time of "catching up" on technology: linkedin, twitter, facebook, web, etc etc. All I can say is don't let it happen to you! It's a lot of effort to come from behind and catch up. Staying current is so much easier!

THANK YOU

Many thanks to those customers and other organizations I've had the priviledge of working with. Thank you for the opportunity to build relationship with you as individuals. I have learned a great deal from each of you. Thank you, too, for your engaging my services and and your continuing support of independent consulting.

Manythanks to those individuals who've really been a terrific support over the last year. Each individual has given their time, their expertise, their contacts, themselves. I feel priviledged to have such a strong network and such strong friendships. Thank you. (I'd like to call out a few by  name as many have their own businesses/sites I hope you'll link to)

• JRessegue. Thank you for your timely edits of my monthly newsletter. Quality, friendly, wity, and wise.
• MSmallwood. Thank you for your commentary on my marketing profile sheets. A sensitivity to audience, perspective, and content.
• RKates. Thank you for your help and support on my videos (short take, long take, out take). Advice and council on various other independents and support services.
• SVitale. Thank you for your kindness, gentleness, and sensitivity in the photo shoot with my brother with Special Needs. Personality not poses--its what she does. My new head shot will be up shortly and you'll be able to see for yourself.
• DRunta. Thank you for your IT support and helping me maximize my old machine and making the recommendations for upgrading to my new machine
• BMcMillen. Thank you for your hands-on advice and troubleshooting of the system, the new airport express set-up, and the new computer recommendations.
• RMedaugh and Ke'Lita Sherod. Thank you for your questions and observations. Thank you for helping a relationship grow.
• TCohen. Thank you for your encouragement and sharing your own "idependent story." Todd lives the "sales culture"

Additionally, many thanks to family and friends who have provided support, interest, ears, and shoulders.

There are many people who are not listed here who've provided support, advice, laughter, over the last year. Thanks to you all. It has been a wonderful and transformational year here at Fialkowski Executive Advisors. I am full of gratitude for what has been given and shared.

PASS IT ON

This was my way of  giving thanks. I hope you'll do your own... of all the seasonal contagions, gratitude is a great thing to pass on. :-)

Blended Feed: New Future Forward Articles

You may have read the article about my migration from TypePad to WordPress. As part of the migration, some of the articles are going to appear in both locations as I start to transition over. This will give duplicates in the feed. Sorry for that. The "Future Forward 2.0" is the new site--check it out!