It is never easy to do something that you have never done or only done a few times. My great assistant, Jasmine Freeman, has experienced a big stretch this past week and I am proud of her.

Due to popular demand, Jasmine is coming out from behind the desk so admins everywhere can get to know her. This week, Jasmine was professionally videotaped. She put in about 6 grueling hours of taping to produce 5 short videos that you will get to see very soon.

Jasmine has always stepped out and has never backed away from new opportunities presented to her. But this was a big task I presented to her and I only gave her 1 week's notice. Even someone like me who has 19 years' experience as a professional speaker knows it can take 4 - 7 takes to get a videotaped just the way you want it to be. This gets pretty exhausting after saying the same message over and over and delivering new messages.

The good news of all of this is that Jasmine is developing her self-presentation skills. She just started Toastmasters not too long ago so I told her this was a great experience in:
* learning to put your thoughts together in a way that flows and makes sense
* maintaining composure when feeling a little nervous
* having to focus and "be in a zone" after a hectic morning at the office

I know this new stretch will benefit Jasmine in her future. So next time your executive presents you with a challenge, new task, or opportunity, say "Yes. I will give it a try!"

Joan Burge
 

Hello! This is Jasmine. I just wanted to add a little note to Joan's message here. It was a great time video taping last week and I really got to learn a lot through the process. I am glad this opportunity was given to me and I thank all of you for that as well.

You never know when these newly acquired skills might come in handy. In fact, last Thursday after my last day of taping, I had a networking event. At this big networking event I was pulled aside by a council member to be on camera doing a brief interview with a local Vegas channel. Had I not just spent part of my day in front of a camera I probably would have shyed away from this chance or tried it with little confidence - I'm happy to say I jumped right in and really enjoyed the experience. I can't wait to share my introduction videos with you next week.

Thanks again,

Jasmine Freeman