Archive for Success Articles
Author Dorit Sasson Shares About New Projects in the Works
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Dorit Sasson
It is with great pleasure that I host fellow author Dorit Sasson, on the last day of her virtual book tour.
I met Dorit in the Working Writer’s Club and was struck by her passion for helping others especially teachers. That passion is apparent in her current project, Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.
Today, we learn what’s next Read More→
What Message will You Share to Inspire Others this New Year?
Posted by: | Comments3 Keys to Successful Talks that Sell You and Your Services – Don’t Make these Mistakes
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Okay, I’ve ranted (albeit nicely) about this before but I’m compelled to do it again.
Why?
Because I just witnessed it again…that’s why.
What am I talking about? Small business owners who give talks at networking events to showcase their talents but fail to grab the audience’s attention.
Maybe this is my movement…helping entrepreneurs become powerful, effective speakers so they can serve more people!
Many small biz owners tell me they are fine speaking one-to-one with others during networking events…and that’s a great skill to have. But imagine how much more effective they could be speaking to their ideal market …one-to-many?
Certainly would leverage what they tell me they do well.
Certainly would increase their reach.
Certainly would increase their public profile.
Certainly would get them more clients.
So why isn’t this happening? Read More→
Reinvention Intervention – Is It Time to Begin Again?
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Crafting a Talk that Connects You to Your Audience and Sells with Ease
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I was invited to listen to a speaker recently who was promoting a one day program around sales, success, internet marketing and the like.
The speaker was energetic, had the requisite handouts and sales forms and gave some valuable information that made the audience think. We were asked to look at the tools we were using and assess whether or not we were up-to-date with our phone technology so we could contact anyone at any time.
Now, I love getting the opportunity to listen to seasoned pros do their thing. It helps me get better or at least reminds to do things I know to do but maybe I’ve forgotten to do.
But, I was left flat. Let me tell you why.
As much as our speaker stressed the importance of staying on top of technology the content of the speech was really old.
The exercises were tired, the name-dropping included the deceased and I swear, if I hear “the girl scout story” one more time I’m going to tear out what’s left of my hair. (Honestly, when was the last time you had a Girl Scout come to your door?)
All I’m asking is for is that your talk provides some value, shows me your a credible person, and that you make an honest connection with me through a story that is authentically your own–not someone else’s.
Yes, there is a way to craft a talk that you feel good about, that honors your audience’s intelligence, shows your vulnerability and still allows you to makes an offer your audience will love.
That’s why I created the Say It to Sell It Now! System.
If you want to learn a bit more about what you need to begin crafting your “personal keynote” then check out these Free videos:
Say It to Sell It Now/ Free Video Tutorials!
And if you are in the Orlando, FL area on August 20 then you’ll want to join me for this power packed one day Say It to Sell It Now! Seminar.
Say It to Sell It Now! One Day Seminar
Is Your Speech Just Talk?
Posted by: | CommentsLately, I’ve been stepping up my local networking sometimes attending business connections groups two or three times a day.
Which means I’ve heard many speakers give their talks over the last few weeks.
Some speakers do an excellent job, some okay and some…well, I applaud their courage.
This week, unfortunately, I heard one of those…not so fabulous talks. The speaker was confident, knew his stuff and was clearly enthusiastic about his services.
The problem? I didn’t learn anything of value…anything worth taking a note about.
And, I wasn’t the only that felt that way.
In fact, I’m often quite generous and forgiving because I know how difficult it can be to construct a talk that has value, honors your audience and naturally leads into an offer I might (or might not) be interested in.
Unsolicited comments from my table mates voiced their disappointment in this speakers presentation. One leaned in and whispered, “He needs help.” The person on my left said, ” I stopped listening five minutes ag0.”
What a shame! A real lost opportunity for the business owner who gave the talk.
Are you giving real value when you speak?
Here’s a few questions to ask yourself before you get before a group.
1.) Is the information I’m giving just general knowledge for this particular group?
2.) Will I give them a new perspective on something they might already know?
3.) Will my audience relate to my information and be able to implement it quickly?
4.) Did I create a system or a formula that really drills down into a problem so my audience walks away feeling that got real value?
5.) Am I generous in providing real answers to issues my audience experiences?
6.) Will I be making an offer that relates to my topic and serves the group I’m speaking to?
7.) Does my intro honor the audience for taking the time to listen to you?
These are not all the questions you need to ask but they are a jumping off place.
If the above mentioned speaker had asked himself even questions 1 through 3 he might have changed his talk enough so my table mates and I commented on his brilliance rather than his boorishness!
Need more help constructing your talk?
Check out these Free tutorials I’m doing. Here’s the link:
http://sayittosellitnow.com/free-training/
If you’re in Orlando, FL on August 20th then join me for the Say It to Sell It Now! Live Seminar.
Work-Life Balance? Are you Kidding Me?
Posted by: | CommentsEvery time I hear this term it makes my teeth hurt. What the heck does work-life balance mean anyway?
My work life and and life-life is all the same, BUT it doesn’t mean I allow others to intrude in my life willy-nilly. If that’s the issue you’re dealing with then you don’t need “work-life balance” you need a back-bone!
Seriously, if you choose to work for a person or organization where you know you’re giving your life away, frankly, I have no sympathy for you. But, if your understanding of privacy parameters at work doesn’t include “contact me during my nephew’s bris” then speak up. Have the conversation to confirm your understanding of when you are available and when you aren’t.
Now, if you work for yourself then you are in control even when you think you aren’t. But..but…but…yeah, yeah, I can hear it now. If I don’t take my customer’s call then I’ll miss their business. Really? Really? If that’s what you believe then that’s what you’ll get…customer’s that take you for granted and don’t see your value. You control this to the extent that you value yourself.
Think about it. If you set the example for the type of life you want to live then that’s the client you’ll attract. I bet if you think back to the last customer that canceled on you…it was the one that wanted to be “the exception to the rule.” You know, the one that always asked for an extra discount even after you’ve given them a special accommodation. It’s the client that seems to always have an excuse, or runs late, or calls you at all hours.
Grow a backbone. It will change your life. I know I’m going to hear comments on this one.
If you still aren’t sure what your life or life purpose is, well that’s a whole other story, but if that’s the case join me for Reinvention Intervention: 5 Really Simple and Smart Steps to Relaunch Your Life teleseminar course. Starts March 15.
“I Want to Change My Life but I Don’t Know Where to Begin!”
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever thought, “I want to change my life, but I don’t know where to begin?” You are not alone. Whether you’re stuck in your business, stuck in a life transition, confused about the next step you need to take to move forward or just undecided about your life path, rest assured others feel the same way. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can change…if you’re willing to change.
But changing yourself doesn’t have to mean you have to do it alone. But, you need to know where to begin.
Knowing where to begin means knowing what you love, not just what you are good at doing.
Step1. Get moving. No kidding. Get out of your seat , move your legs and arms, do some jumping jacks, take a hula hoop for a twirl or get out and take a brisk walk. Get your blood moving and your mind chatter quieted. Do it. This alone will shift your outlook.
Step 2. Don’t sit. While you’re still standing up from your jumping jacks, grab a writing utensil and start scribbling. Anything goes. No judging. This isn’t about art it’s about triggering your talents. Talents, passions and dreams that may have been buried, or that you have been denying or suppressing (maybe because someone pushed you in another direction in your life.) Write it all down. Whatever comes up. Answer these questions. What do I love doing? What makes me lose track of time? What did I love to do as a kid?
Step 3. Notice what’s coming up. All of it. Was it running around the playground as a kid, or digging for bugs, or reading anything you could get your hands on, or dancing, ball playing, writing…really pay attention. Some of you know and some of you have buried your passions so deep it will take a bit more work. But get started now. Write now!
Step 4. If money were no object what would you do? Avoid making sweeping declarations such as, ” I want to own a spa.” Dig deeper and ask yourself what you would love about owning a spa–is it managing day-to-day operations, or promotion, or handing customers and problems OR do you hear yourself saying things like, “I love the zen feeling?’ Because if it is the latter, my guess is that you want to GO to a spa but not own one. See what I’m getting at?
Step 5. Even if you can’t be the thing you wanted to be as a kid, like a ballerina or pro ball player, do a bit of mind-mapping to see if there is a way to be involved in that passion. What’s mind mapping? It’s a way to get your brain firing on all cylinders. Grab a large piece of paper and some color markers. Put a circle in the middle of the paper with your idea or thought….now draw lines out from that circle and jot down any ideas that come up. Think circular rather than linear…in-other-words, let it flow without judgment.
Start with this work. That’s where you begin. Have fun. It’s a process but it shouldn’t be drudgery.
Need more help. Then schedule a FREE Breakthrough Session and let me show you to bust through those challenging beliefs. This session will help not just entrepreneurs but anyone who needs some coaching to move ahead. It’s Free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
You stopped here because you want the pain to stop, you want to sleep at night, you want to move ahead.
You can change and I can help. Schedule your Breakthrough Session now. Take the next step now!
Best Year Yet! – Part One by Sheri McConnell
Posted by: | Commentsby Sheri McConnell on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:50pm
Success often comes to those that take a series of some times very easy steps… what can make the journey difficult is when you look too far in front of you and get overwhelmed or paralyzed. Sound familiar? Here are 5 of the 10 steps that I find really powerful for my clients. Note that some of them require physical work and may take more time but are easy mentally. While others can happen in a mere moment and can be much harder because they require a mental shift.
Remove clutter for clarity. If you start here first and organize parts of your life, you will be far more productive. Bring in a 3rd party if needed and clear away the old life to make room for the new.
Two – Buy Simple Planning Tools
My favorite CEO planning tools are a giant Write On Wipe Off Board (my idea of being in Nerd heaven) and large Post-it Notes. Both are for planning new ways to work the M’s. Marketing, Money, and Mindsets. I use these tools to work on my own business and my clients’ businesses. For a wall sized board option, try this large inexpensive board you can get at Office Depot.
Three – Plan Now to Step Up and Step In
Here is my method for planning… note I have 4 kids, two weenie dogs, and a team to manage. Having so much on my plate has forced me to cut through to the highest ROI strategies. This method is all you need to get going and get in the trenches, don’t over think everything. People just want to take some steps with you and accomplish small successes one at a time. Get your brilliance out there so they can get started and let them grow while you grow.
Plan what to do next in your business using this method:
* Pick a theme for the next six months or for the year. Mine this year is: Speaking at Events, last year it was: Do More PR on TV and Radio) I have always found that when I am focused on one theme and take small steps toward that theme, the universe listens because I am very clear. When I am confused, the universe has absolutely no idea what to give me.
* Loosely map out the big projects and events for the year. I do this across the bottom of my big Write On Wipe Off Board. The open months tell me where I have room for the new creations!
* Now, move and take the next 3 steps in front of you. Speed is money, delegate and choose steps with a higher ROI, and you get to higher profits a lot quicker. Need help, hire a mentor or coach to help you sift through your decisions so you can learn how to do this on your own.
Four – Know the Three Things That Most Often Get in The Way of Your Dreams
Over the years, I have found that the following three areas are the most common areas that hold us back. I give them to you today as a gift so that your blind spots can be illuminated.
* Indecisiveness – Decisions are always forward movement even if they end up being the wrong decisions.
* Slow Speed – Repeat after me. “I am liquid, I am not rigid and I flow with my business eroding away all obstacles.”
* Faith In Yourself – This is the number one reason we don’t make decisions and move to slow. You have to believe it before you can achieve it. The best coach in the world can not help you believe. This happens within you.
Five – Commit to Achieve and then Recommit
Once you have developed faith in yourself and in your own abilities (and there is no other way to do this but to dive into the trenches and do it), then you only need to commit to achieve each goal you set. Once we have faith in ourselves, business becomes a rinse n repeat process… aka, a behavior of you committing and recommitting over and over again.
Join us again next week for steps Six – Ten.
Sheri McConnell is the CEO of the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning (formerly the National Assn of Women Writers-2001). You can visit Sheri, access her free article archive, and grab lots of free stuff at http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, their four children, a weenie dog, and three hermit crabs.
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