If You Are Just Going Through the Motions, Take Off the Mask!

I thought about this when attending one of his concerts. He clearly loves what he is doing, sliding across the stage and boyishly interacting with individuals in the audience.

There is no "rote" repetition but rather a performer full of enthusiasm, exercising an uninhibited ability "to be who he is." He demonstrates the benefits of operating from "Effortless Energy" and we can all get there if we drop the masks, get in touch with our authentic selves, and live from that truth everyday.

When spending time with Byron Katie, I learned three things which have really helped me to get out of the facade and in touch with my authentic self. By using them and adapting them, I've found more meaning and pleasure when conducting my daily tasks and I encourage you to do the same:

1) Speak openly and honestly about who you really are. Allow answers to come to you and really feel them with no pressure or preconceived ideas about what might be more acceptable to the outside world. You'll be surprised how others agree, relate or have been there themselves.

2) Express your truth. That includes having the integrity to say "no." Each time you say "yes" when you mean "no," you come out of your authentic self and deplete your energy. Be clear about saying "no" so there is no confusion as to your position or intent. Katie says that a "no" to others is a "yes" to yourself and, ultimately, to the other person.

3) Stay out of judgment. I have always known that, as soon as I judge others, it takes me out of a happy state of being. That's because it is all a projection. Whatever we think of others is really what we think of ourselves. When we judge, we get out of the flow and block our "Effortless Energy."

Each of us has a unique gift...something we were put on earth to do. It may not be a large concert performer like Michael Buble but, when we are in that flow, we have more vitality. Our authenticity provides "Effortless Energy" and it's there to be had, if we are open to it. Are you going through the motions when you could take off the mask and feel more alive?

After a highly successful career in business, including 26 years with PotashCorp where she was Senior Vice-President, Betty-Ann retired in 2007, the same year that she was named to Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame?. She now works as a speaker, author and mentor and is committed to using her personal and professional experiences to inspire and empower other women. A firm believer in the value women bring to organizations, Betty-Ann explores changing perceptions of male and female roles including candid observations about what she calls "Good Gender Physics" on her blog at http://www.stillettochick.com/. She helps both men and women understand the primary energy of their gender but also accept and appreciate the strengths of their opposite.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Betty_Ann_Heggie

Tools To Run Your Business Help You Succeed

Starting a business can be overwhelming, but with the right tools you could be on your way to success. There are all sorts of places that offer freebies and include free business letter samples and business cards. With the internet abundant in sites that provide necessary tools for success, there should be no problem getting started on the right foot.

Definitely get those free business cards and start handing them out to everyone. This is one of the most powerful tools you can have when starting an enterprise. The more people who know who you are and what you have, the more your business will become recognizable. Even people you already know should have your card, if not several of them to share with everyone they know. You don't know who they might run into. For instance, my friend gave me her business card and it turned out that someone I saw in my yoga class told me that she needed to learn how to set up a blog for her site. It is much easier to give someone a business card then to start looking for a pen and a random piece of paper tot jot down information. Plus, it is easy for a scrap of paper to get misplaced.

When you are trying to make new contacts and find prospects, giving away something is an excellent tool. This can be a free consult, a 7 day trial at a gym or a booklet related to one's industry. For instance, a massage therapist can give away a free fifteen minute session or a handout on how to reduce stress between appointments. People appreciate getting something that is free and does not have a sales pitch. You can also give free talks in the community in order to let people become familiar with your services. For instance, a chiropractor can speak about dealing with an old neck injury. Other types of free offers is a special where you buy one item or service and get second one at no cost. For instance, a new restaurant can offer a kids meal for free with purchase of an adult meal.

Be creative when you think about ways to get the word out to the community and also think about offering an online newsletter to stay in touch with customers.

You Need a Sloggo

When was the last time you were at a networking event, or a business lunch, a seminar or an exhibition? It's inevitable that someone will have asked you - "And what do you do?" The question is; how did you answer?

Perhaps you said - "I'm in the printing business." Or "I'm the sales manager for a software company." Or "I'm a Biodiversity Action Plan Co-ordinator." (I saw this job advertised in the local paper, and haven't a clue what it means!)

If you're saying anything similar to this, then I want you to stop forthwith! It's boring, it stops the conversation dead in its tracks, and it does nothing to help your business.

You need a 'Sloggo' - an 'Elevator Speech' - 'A Sixteen Second Sizzler!' Call it what you will, but it needs to be a brief description of what you do, and who you do it for.

There must be a benefit

It needs to be a benefit statement that offers value to your customer or client. It needs to be short and punchy (10-20 seconds) and encourage the other person to say - "Tell me more!"

You can have different Sloggos depending on whom you're speaking to. It's also something you would say when you call a prospective customer on the phone or leave a voice message. It should be on your outgoing voice mail messages, business cards, brochures, letterheads, website and email signature.

And just in case you haven't worked it out yet; Sloggo is a combination of Slogan and Logo. It is not to be confused with Sloggi, the underwear people, unless your Sloggo turns out to be 'pants!'

Practise, practise

Write out your Sloggo and practise until you're comfortable with it, and it becomes part of you. It's also important not to be glib or smart and it needs to come across with enthusiasm and energy. Try to associate what you do with good feelings, and appeal to the emotions.

However; once you have gained the other person's interest, your goal is to find out about them and what their needs are. Only then can you 'tailor' what you say to suit the other person. Remember; they are not interested in all the wonderful things you do, they are only interested in 'what's in it for them.'

Examples

I like the interior decorator who says - "We are in the three bares business; we deal with bare walls, bare floors and bare ceilings!"

Or the insurance broker who says - "I buy insurance!" and when questioned he replies with - "I buy the best insurance to meet the needs of my clients"

And of course mine is - "I help clients motivate their customers, motivate their staff and motivate themselves!"

I'm sure you can do a lot better than that; so go to it!

Alan Fairweather, 'The Motivation Doctor,' is an International Speaker, Best Selling Author and Sales Growth Expert. For the past seventeen years, he's been developing the talents of Managers, Sales and Customer Service people, and turning them into consistent top performers.

He is the author of two books:
'How to be a Motivational Manager' A down-to-earth guide for managers and team leaders.
'How to Manage Difficult People' Proven strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour at work.

To receive your free newsletter and free eBooks, visit:
http://www.themotivationdoctor.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Fairweather

Getting Rich Over Time Or Overnight

My grandma used to say "anything worth having is worth working for." I have to agree with grandma. However we are at a time when so many people are looking for a get rich magic potion that will fall out of the sky all while not putting in the work and getting their jersey dirty. Getting rich takes time and effort unless you have that rich uncle or a winning lottery ticket.

Robert Kiyosaki defines the law of compensation as returns are minimal in spite of massive effort at the start, yet returns can be massive with minimal effort over time. Those who are in the trenches realize that if you press relentlessly in pursuit of your dreams and goals, you will be rewarded for the fruits of your labor.

Now this will require patience. There will be disappointments and days you feel like throwing the towel in. You may even question yourself, is this worth it. The person who wins the race is the one that keeps going in spite of the naysayers, in spite of not being able to see the finish line. They have a don't stop won't stop mentality.

I am reminded of reading Jordan Adlers' story in his book, Beach Money. Jordan tells the story of not making a penny in network marketing until his twelfth marketing company. Today, Jordan makes a seven figure income and is richly rewarded for not giving up. Wow, now that is what I call relentless. The question is do you have what it takes while in the building phase you have yielded a small amount of money or perhaps none. Most people won't, they decide it's not worth the time.

Think of the magic of compounding interest. It all starts with one penny. Then like magic, you are compensated with extra money BUT it all started with one penny. Building a house requires one brick at a time. Brick by brick and then one day, you have your dream home BUT it all started with one brick.

First lesson, find your passion and then GET STARTED. Next, get training, a great coach, a mastermind group, and add personal development to your plan. Last, never ever, ever give up on yourself and your dreams in spite of the circumstances and regardless of the situation.

Till next time.....Live on purpose and make it happen,