Handlery Union Square is a smaller, privately owned hotel steps from Union Square, across from the side entrance of the Westin State Francis, on a street that is home to a couple of professional theaters. They are very business friendly and provide all of the tools and services that a traveling business person needs and expects. They only have two meeting rooms, of 450 square feet and another just over 1000 square feet, so they are suitable for a small to medium meeting or seminar.
Their location is hard to beat, and being next door to the huge Westin St. Francis has its advantages. Step across the street and you'll find a great coffee shop in the Westin lobby, out front there is always a line of cabs ready to go, alongside the trolley line. The terminus is just a couple of blocks down the hill towards Market street. Across the street is Union Square, home to the city's best shopping.
Walk across to the far side of the Square and grab a coffee and bite to eat at the outdoor cafe. Very Italian! Upstairs in the Macy building, besides all of the great shopping, their restaurant overlooking the square is famous for their burgers.
The Handlery is great for the business traveler because they take your comfort personally. They are not so large that you are caught in the crush, and yet their central location provides all of the advantages that a big city offers.
351 Geary St. San Francisco CA 94102 www.handlery.com (415) 781-7800
The Hilton on O'Farrell is one of San Francisco's largest hotels with 1906 guest rooms and suites. It has fifty suites plus large and small venues. While it is not far from the Moscone complex, it is such a large hotel with 134,000 square feet of meeting space, that most events will be staged onsite, or in cooperation with other nearby hotels. It is a medium to expensive venue.
Starting in late 2011 they are doing a major renovation of their rooms and venues that is projected to take six months. Because they are so large they can work on half the rooms in two stages and still have considerable capacity. This is a hotel for the largest events. They have an amazing array of spaces that can handle multiple large events simultaneously. Their largest meeting room is 29,637 square feet.
They are located at the corner of O'Farrell and Mission one block off of Market Street. This is a BIG CITY location so there are coffee shops, car rental centers, and nearby parking. This is in the heart of the biggest tourist and convention center so the restaurants and stores lack the intimacy found in other parts of the city.
Everything in this hotel is extra large scale so while the staff is very professional, don't expect the personal service you will find at the smaller hotels. The building is built around a parking garage, so in some parts you can drive up to your floor. This is the only hotel in the city with this configuration. Don't miss the top floor restaurant. The views out towards the Golden Gate are wonderful.
Immediately next door, like a Yin to their Yang, is the very classy Nikko Hotel with its great Anzu fusion restaurant and the RRAZZ Room nightclub, very cool.
This side of Union Square is quite commercial, most of the best restaurants are in the hotels that dominate the area. There is no sense of neighborhood here, which considering the number of buses the area has to accommodate, is not surprising. Union Square is just to the northeast and the Westfield Mall is due south, however immediately to the southwest is the edge of the Tenderloin district and Civic Center, which is an area that serves the homeless. So know the best routes.
333 O'Farrell St. San Francisco CA 94102 www.sanfrancisco.hilton.com (415) 771-1400
Hyatt Fishermans Wharf Hotel
Hyatt Lobby San Francisco
The Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf is the best and largest event venue on Fisherman's Wharf, with sixteen event rooms, 19,000 square feet of event space, including a great Ball Room with Skylight, and another 6000 plus of pre-event space that can be used for banquets. It includes the sunny Knuckles Restaurant and the Enoteca Musto wine bar. Of course, finding good restaurants near the Wharf is incredibly easy.
Even though it is located in a big tourist area, this is a good business hotel with a great room desk and ergonomic chair, Wi-Fi throughout the venue and complimentary transportation to the Financial District and a 24 hour business center. Being a tourist hotel, it also includes a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and the hotel is steps from the Trolley Terminus.
The reports back from our clients who have used the hotel has been very good. Be aware, in the summer time this is a very busy hotel and the lobby can get a little crazy. Also, the concierge desk at one end of the lobby is run by one of the local tour companies, so while they while they will point you to tourist venues, favoring their own, for real concierge duties you have to depend on the front desk.
A nice feature of the hotel is that it is contains four stories above the ground and one partially below, and with three hundred plus very comfortable rooms, it is an easy hotel to navigate. There are numerous other hotels walking distance, so if you are staging an event and need more rooms they are available, except during the high season when this area is awash with tourists.
555 N. Point St. San Francisco CA 94133 www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com (415) 563-1234
Part of the Napa Valley Wine Tour Apps. This charming little B&B is a comfy collection of Victorian buildings with a GREAT LOCATION! Next to the lovely town green, and the French Laundry's vegetable garden, and steps from all the best restaurants and shopping.
This is possibly the most historic spot in California and this corner is where it all comes together. Part of the Sonoma Wine Tour Apps from www.AmicisTours.com
Creating Self Confidence From Prosperity Lessons
Often when we're working with clients we'll realizethat their underlying challenge is their confidence, orlack thereof! We've learned to recognize this by theirresponses to our solutions. When we hear things like"Oh, I can't move that. I can't change that. My husband (orwife) won't let me do that.", that's a pretty strong clue.
We can offer them the best Feng Shui tricks in theworld, but unless they have confidence in their ability tocreate positive change, it's just a bunch of talk on theclients consultation tape.We're not going to discuss herewhat knocks the stuffing out of a person's sense of personalworth. Instead we're going to focus on what you cando in your own environment, to put you firmly and consistentlyin your power.First thing, command the door!
Stop sitting with your back to busy entrances like a quivering rabbit waiting tobe pounced on by a wolf. Being able to see the door comfortablyfrom where you're sitting, standing or lying downhelps you feel confident and in charge. Arrive early andtake the best seat. Move your chair around to the other sideof the table. Change seats if you don't like the one you'vegot. If need be, position yourself to see the entrancethrough a mirror or reflective surface.
The desks of the Presidents and CEO's of successfulcompanies face directly at the door. These peopleexude confidence and their positioning shows that whatevercomes into their life, they'll deal with it straightaway and confidently.Sit like a CEO! People who are administrators oftensit sideways to the door and the minions huddle in theircubicles like scared bunnies with their necks exposed.Body language tells all, so what are you telling yourself andthe world by which seat you choose?Of course the question arises, "I can't move my deskand I'm one of those trembling bunnies, what can I do?"Simple, invest in a mirror and a tiger striped jacket.
Place the mirror so that you can see the entrance to your spacewhen you're sitting at your desk. Now, the first thing people will see, when they come in your space, is your eyes lookingat them. That's gives them pause. Next, hang your tigerstripes on the back of your chair. Now, when the wolvescome around, they'll see your eyes and your stripes. You'vejust dramatically changed the dynamic at work. Everythingin that situation says that you're no one to mess with.
There's a side benefit to having that mirror by yourcomputer, you'll make less typos and go home with moreenergy and less neck pain. Since you can see over yourshoulder, you're not twisting around and taking your fingersoff the keyboard every time someone pokes theirnose into your space. We often see a 30% increase in personaleffectiveness and productivity for the price of a littlemirror.
That alone does a lot for your self-confidence andyou probably look great in animal prints.By the way, comfortably seeing the door means nothaving to twist or turn your head or use the corners ofyour eyes to see the entrance. If you can only see the doorwith your peripheral vision, that entranceway is continuallysaying "Boo!"
The next trick for boosting selfconfidenceis a bit of Euro Bagua programming. The EuroBagua is the diagram that shows us which part of the roomrelates to which part of your life. When you walk into themain door to any room, what you have in the middle of theleft-hand wall shows how you're reinforcing your self imagewith your design choices.
It's helpful to remember that your interior designnormally supports who you were, more than who youwant to be. Walk around your home and see what youhave on the floor and walls in that left-hand section. It willgive you a good idea of what your home design is tellingyou about yourself.Once you locate and analyze that spot, it's time tokick your self-image into a higher gear. Choose pictures ofstrong, healthy, dynamic people and hang them up in themiddle of the left-hand wall in every room that you can.Don't put any transitory images there.
Pictures of cut flowersand fruit all say "easy come easy go",while a picture ofa redwood forest says "I possess sustaining grace, beautyand power." Now that's some good self-talk.When you hang pictures, place them at your heartheight. This increases the vitality of the heart chakra. Ifthere's a window there, place the picture to the right of itand hang something dynamic in the window itself, somered stained glass works great. This increases your Mars energyand boosts your self-assuredness.Align this Side of the Euro Bagua with the Main Doorway WallFinally, whenever possible, face your chair or deskin the direction of the Sunrise. This is especially great foranyone in sales. The eastern horizon is about new beginnings,supreme confidence and boundless possibilities.Facing that direction infuses you with a spirit of optimism.It brings out your natural confidence so that those boundlesspossibilities become yours.
For meeting planners there are a number of good conference venues near downtown Sonoma, but more importantly, it is a popular daytrip from San Francisco for a group. From the Golden Gate it is 30 minutes to the first wineries and 15 minutes more brings you to the historic plaza.
1: Overview, Welcome to Los Carneros & the Sonoma Plaza
Part of Wine Country’s great success is its proximity to San Francisco, a
‘destination’ city. The most convenient wineries to SF are those in Los Carneros.
From the Golden Gate to the fi rst wineries is a 30 minute ride. Carneros means
sheep or ram, named because of its good grazing land; the region has cool winds
that come off the bay.
It is cool enough that Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and related
varietals thrive here. These are the classic Champagne grapes and European companies
own numerous vineyards here.
Despite their high volume of visitors, the wineries are hospitable and informative.
Carneros produces great food wines, bright, crisp, and with good acid
and structure and moderate alcohol. Both Viansa and Jacuzzi also feature Italian
varietals and reflect that style. Cline offers a wide variety including wonderful,
full-bodied Zin. Cline is the original site of the 21st Franciscan Mission, before
it was moved to the Plaza and they have a Mission museum featuring exquisite
models, as well as an exotic bird collection.
Gloria Ferrer serves well-regarded
sparkling wines on a lovely patio with great views and classic Catalan architecture.
Schug’s charming German style winery is tucked against the hills with views of
Carneros and is well-known for their quality Chard and Pinot Noir.
Watch for large tour buses as Viansa and Cline are popular charter destinations.
Both are great wineries and Viansa has a deli, views and delicious gift
shop, but if they look packed, the other wineries are just minutes away. Jacuzzi
also houses the Olive Press where you can also taste fl avored oils so it’s a nice
stop for a mix of tasters and shoppers.
If you forgot breakfast and have a mixed
group, stop at Cornerstone, a collection of three tasting rooms, galleries, shops,
a café market and designer gardens. Robledo, Larson and Homewood are
more casual, but you’ll likely meet the families or the winemaker. Larson is great
when traveling with kids as it is as much a ranch as a winery.
Buena Vista is where modern California winemaking began in the
1800s. An amazing place! The winery is in Sonoma Valley but the vineyards are
mostly in Carneros. Sebastiani has been making wine continuously since 1906
and within their gracious visitor center; they have the valley’s best gift shop. They
are big vineyard owners so their wines are varied, well-made and a great deal.
Ravenswood, perched on a hill, is famous for their Cab and Zin. Bartholomew
Park is a great place for a picnic. On the Plaza are numerous tasting rooms to
enjoy (map page 34). Hanzell (appointment), with its stunning views is for collectors
who appreciate great Chard and Pinot Noir. Nicholson Ranch, is a good
landmark where Napa Road meets Highway 121 on the way the Napa Valley. It has
nice views. They make Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Note: From when this map was first produced seven new tasting rooms have open near the plaza.
The Cubicle Culture
The other day I was at a meeting of the National Speakers Association in the San Francisco area and someone came up and asked me what I spoke about. When I explained that ergonomic and ErgoDynamics were my topics the word Dynamic morphed back into nomic in their mind. Why, because she had worked for many years in Human Resources and ergonomics is a big topic there, anytime the work Ergo came up, it became ergonomics in her mind.
This was smart lady, a doctorate in education, many years in the corporate world, but obviously not a student of classic Greek. Ergon means work and nomic means natural laws. Dynamic means energy and movement. ErgoDynamic is interpersonal ergonomics, but it is not a common term, so I wasn't surprised when she wasn't familiar with the concept.
When I explained that the approach had to do with team positioning she started getting an idea of the significance of what we do, but she was working at a disadvantage. Why? Because she had entered the corporate work world in the early 1980's at a time when cubicles were carpeting the land! For a Boomer like myself who grew up in a family business that is hard to imagine.
I remember being in our factory office when I was barely tall enough to see the top of the desk, looking at the big, old mechanical calculator, with rows of buttons and a crank in the side. In the front entrance all of the desks faced the door and were commanded by ladies with clout. They controlled the production schedule and the cash and when you walked in you knew they were in charge. People didn't hide in cubicles.
Work place design has a history, even when it is as organic as putting the desks where they will fit. Like our laws, many of the concepts come down from the Romans. Julius Caesar didn't have a computer, but he did have a mobile desk. With our quickly changing work places and communications technology it is increasingly important for each individual, for each manager to understand the language of work space design.
They don't have to be perfectly fluent, but they need to understand enough to recognize the messages that their positioning is sending to their bodies, their minds and their souls. Then they can create themes that help them to live and work to their highest potential.
Our business combines seminars in the San Francisco area, team building programs in Napa, and Travel Apps for mobile phones. So, our interests are varied and cross over often. That makes our Blog eclectic, but interesting. It also combines articles and videos because while we are authors, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, how many words is a video worth?
This hotel, restaurant and spa is located in downtown Yountville in the Napa valley steps from all of the best places to eat and shopping. It is a Platinum Leeds Hotel that is made out of reclaimed materials. It is rustic and elegant and very comfortable with very nice event spaces. This is part of the Napa Valley Wine Tour App & The San Francisco Business Travelers App from www.amicistours.com
For the traveling business person a good night's sleep on the road can be a problem. Between the stress of the upcoming meetings and the strange bed a little help getting that jaw to relax and nerves to calm is useful. 5HTP is a precursor to tryptophane and a wonderfu, natural relaxant. This video talks about how to use it.
Le Garage is a great restaurant on the docks of Sausalito a stones toss from the boats, casual style with great food and a wonderful staff. Located off of the beaten path off Liberty Ship Way to the north of the tourist areas. A favorite of ours and a great place to come for either a casual business lunch or a personal get together. Part of the San Francisco Business Travelers Smart Phone App from www.AmicisTours.com
Cavallo Point is a world class destination hotel that also handles both luxury travel and corporate events well. The combination of original Fort Baker buildings and the newer luxury suites, the fantastic restaurant and the stunning location makes this hard to beat. This video is part of the San Francisco Business Travelers App from www.AmicisTours.com
The Power of Show and Tell
There are many things that are best learned through demonstration, sports, dance, and all kinds of physical work. For instance, it doesn’t matter how much you explain the particular skills necessary to ride a bicycle, until you see it done up close and personal you’re not going to feel at all comfortable taking a shot at it yourself.
Then, once you are in the saddle your body needs some time to lock in the correct combination of movement, balance and perception. Once it’s programmed into the muscles, riding a bicycle is such a satisfyingly fluid motion that your body rarely forgets it. But, it all starts with the demonstration.
I always assume that Show and Tell was everyone’s favorite part of school, but then I realize that not everyone likes public speaking. In fact, standing in front of a bunch of people and giving a speech is typically ranked as one of the three scariest activities people fear. Yet many of us were happy to stand up in front of our elementary school classes and show off whatever we carried in that day.
There is something about having a prop to work with that makes us feel safer, more complete. It has to do with how much of our brain we use for remembering words and how much we use to remember objects. Here is an example; can you remember what desk you sat at in first grade? Probably! Do you remember what your teacher said the first day, or for that matter anytime in that year? Probably not!
What is that? Because the part of the brain that remembers objects and positioning is ten times larger than the part that is used for remembering words and names! Why else would it be so hard to remember names without repeated exposure?
There is a technique to help you remember names where you imagine writing the person’s name on their forehead when you meet them. It would work best if you could actually draw their name on their forehead, because it would lock the physical motion into your nervous system. If you can really imagine writing the name on their forehead, complete with reaching out your arm, moving your hand and finishing with a flourish at the end, it will work better for you.
That is why great athletes visualize their motions many times in preparation for performing them. The mental pathways work best when the track is made clear by directing your attention along them. Just like a stable horse will follow a well beaten path even with an inexperienced rider in the saddle.
The way we position ourselves is something we do automatically, based on how we are taught, and how our nervous system guides us based on ancient programming. Good management of your team, or yourself, includes consciously choosing empowered positions; strategic arrangements and effective motions that promote your talents and cooperation.
That kind of physical positioning has to be demonstrated in three dimensions to be understood, so it can be retained in the parts of the brain that manage the physical world. As much as you verbally explain the dynamics at work when you position a team, it is when you see and feel how the arrangement works that it makes sense. And when the dynamics make sense, you remember them.
That’s the value of ‘Show and Tell’; it reaches deeply into the subconscious brain and the connection to objects makes us feel safer and more confident. That’s why our Dream Desk Seminars use moving furniture and lots of props, because we are addressing the larger part of the brain that manages three dimensions, using the alphabet it understands, objects.
To contact us about a speaking date please use this form. We are based in San Francisco and Napa, California and do most of our speaking in those areas, however we do speak in the New York/Philadelphia area for a period of time each year and travel for speaking when it is associated with consulting. You can also call us at 707-235-2648, or email us at Lahni@spaceandtime.com
For meeting planners coming to the San Francisco area, especially to the North Bay, Napa and Sonoma, our sites are a great resource for deciding where to bring your group and finding the best meeting spaces. We like meeting planners to think of the team at Amicis Seminars and Amicis Tours as their friends in San Francisco.
Contact us at 707-235-2648 when you need guidance in planning your trip and finding speakers for your events. You can email us at lahni@spaceandtime.com
Amicis Seminars & Amicis Tours are members of the San Francisco Travel Association.
Amicis Seminars Call 707-235-2648 Drs. Ralph & Lahni de Amicis
