Does your financial life seem chaotic and crazy? When it's time to pay your bills, do you know exactly where you put them? I'm wondering how you are simplifying your financial life. Are you spending more on a monthly basis than you're actually making? Do you have several bank accounts that you need to keep track of each month?
Financial success is not only about paying attention to where you spend your money and diligently saving, but it's also about taking other action steps and creating systems that simplify and make your financial life easier.
Keeping your financial life simple takes away the clutter (in your work space and in your mind), helps you think more clearly so you can make better financial decisions, and gives you financial peace. There are many ways to simplify your financial life. Here are 5 ways I recommend you get started:
1. Get control of your spending.
Start buying only what you need -- see how much you have saved by the end of the month, and put that amount into a savings account. Reward yourself for your hard work -- maybe with your favorite dessert or lunch with a friend. Be mindful not to spend all your savings on the reward! Gradually, work on creating a monthly spending plan that you'll feel good about and commit to each and every month. You see, planning your spending each month is actually easier than just winging it and then wondering, worrying or hoping you'll have enough money at the end of the month for all your expenses.
2. Pay your bills on time and automate.
Paying bills in a timely manner is important for several reasons -- peace of mind, a good credit score, and because it's your responsibility! If you're unable to pay your bills on time because of cash flow issues, you'll need to take a really close look at your spending. You'll either need to decrease your spending or increase your income to get into
balance at month-end.
To simplify paying your bills, automate them. It'll save you lots of time -- time you can spend doing the things you really love. Sign up with your bank; it's typically a free service. If it isn't free at your bank, find a bank that offers this service at no charge.
3. Manage your mail and paperwork.
a. First, sort your mail into several piles -- bills to be paid, junk, and other items that need attention.
b. Place your bills in a separate area designated only for unpaid bills -- you can find different organizers at your local office supply store.
c. Schedule paying your bills every week -- write on your calendar what day during the week you'll pay your bills. Putting it on your calendar, just like you would an appointment, gives it the same importance, so you'll be less likely to skip over it. As for the junk mail, immediately toss it in the trash!
4. Eliminate unnecessary checking and savings accounts.
Close all accounts except two -- one checking and one savings account. I've seen clients who have several accounts -- typically small balances in each account with no real designated purpose. Keep the number of your accounts to only what is necessary. The more accounts you have, the more work it is for you to keep track of account balance requirements and potential fees if you drop below the minimum limits.
5. Cut up those credit cards.
How many do you have? Why do you have so many? I recently worked with a client who had a total of 12 credit cards. Fortunately, most of them had $0 balances. She had opened them initially for different reasons and along the way had lost sight of why she really needed them -- because she really didn't! Even though she hadn't accumulated debt on these cards, having them, weighed her down.
We worked through the list and, one by one, she closed them all except two that she wanted to keep. Initially, she resisted doing this task, but once she got started, she realized what a relief it was to get rid of the clutter. This was an important part in simplifying her financial life. It was so much less for her to keep track of and have to think about.
Simplifying your financial life will help keep you on financial track and help you to reach your financial goals. I hope you'll implement these action steps and begin living a more simple and easy financial life. If you do, you'll be on your way to financial peace!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED LATELY?
We live in the information age and what you know and who you
know are the twin paths to success. I believe that, and yet
I'm constantly amazed at how little responsibility people
take for up-grading their skills.
Recently, I learned that the garage where I have my car
repaired requires their employees to spend more hours (and
more dollars) per year on continuing education than most
states require for doctors, lawyers, or other professionals.
Think about that the next time you take your car in for
repairs--or the next time you talk with your physician!
I try to "practice what I preach" and this week I'm flying
across the country to spend 4 days with friends and
colleagues to learn more about doing business online. We'll
look at best practices for serving more customers and doing
it better, smarter, faster and easier. We'll have plenty of
time for networking and fun, but the key is that we are
committed to building our businesses by working smarter and
providing better service to our customers.
Periodically I hear frightening accounts of how few books
the average person reads, or how few classes they take after
they leave school. I remember hearing a friend say that if
her employer wanted her to get more education, "they’ll have
to pay me for it." What a tragic attitude!
Increasingly the keys to success are being able to do more,
quicker and better than your competition, and most of the
time that means KNOWING more than the next person. It means
knowing more about language and culture, knowing more about
your industry and having better contacts. It means knowing
HOW to learn, and using that knowledge to your advantage.
As Brian Tracy has said, read the books. Attend the
seminars. Take the classes and expand your world. Jim Rohn
put it this way: "Work harder on yourself than you do on
your job."
To "work less and earn more" you’ve got to know more than
your competitors. This week, sign up for at least one
seminar. Check a book out of the library. Sow the seeds for
your future.
know are the twin paths to success. I believe that, and yet
I'm constantly amazed at how little responsibility people
take for up-grading their skills.
Recently, I learned that the garage where I have my car
repaired requires their employees to spend more hours (and
more dollars) per year on continuing education than most
states require for doctors, lawyers, or other professionals.
Think about that the next time you take your car in for
repairs--or the next time you talk with your physician!
I try to "practice what I preach" and this week I'm flying
across the country to spend 4 days with friends and
colleagues to learn more about doing business online. We'll
look at best practices for serving more customers and doing
it better, smarter, faster and easier. We'll have plenty of
time for networking and fun, but the key is that we are
committed to building our businesses by working smarter and
providing better service to our customers.
Periodically I hear frightening accounts of how few books
the average person reads, or how few classes they take after
they leave school. I remember hearing a friend say that if
her employer wanted her to get more education, "they’ll have
to pay me for it." What a tragic attitude!
Increasingly the keys to success are being able to do more,
quicker and better than your competition, and most of the
time that means KNOWING more than the next person. It means
knowing more about language and culture, knowing more about
your industry and having better contacts. It means knowing
HOW to learn, and using that knowledge to your advantage.
As Brian Tracy has said, read the books. Attend the
seminars. Take the classes and expand your world. Jim Rohn
put it this way: "Work harder on yourself than you do on
your job."
To "work less and earn more" you’ve got to know more than
your competitors. This week, sign up for at least one
seminar. Check a book out of the library. Sow the seeds for
your future.
Monday, September 26, 2011
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED LATELY?
We live in the information age and what you know and who you
know are the twin paths to success. I believe that, and yet
I'm constantly amazed at how little responsibility people
take for up-grading their skills.
Recently, I learned that the garage where I have my car
repaired requires their employees to spend more hours (and
more dollars) per year on continuing education than most
states require for doctors, lawyers, or other professionals.
Think about that the next time you take your car in for
repairs--or the next time you talk with your physician!
I try to "practice what I preach" and this week I'm flying
across the country to spend 4 days with friends and
colleagues to learn more about doing business online. We'll
look at best practices for serving more customers and doing
it better, smarter, faster and easier. We'll have plenty of
time for networking and fun, but the key is that we are
committed to building our businesses by working smarter and
providing better service to our customers.
Periodically I hear frightening accounts of how few books
the average person reads, or how few classes they take after
they leave school. I remember hearing a friend say that if
her employer wanted her to get more education, "they’ll have
to pay me for it." What a tragic attitude!
Increasingly the keys to success are being able to do more,
quicker and better than your competition, and most of the
time that means KNOWING more than the next person. It means
knowing more about language and culture, knowing more about
your industry and having better contacts. It means knowing
HOW to learn, and using that knowledge to your advantage.
As Brian Tracy has said, read the books. Attend the
seminars. Take the classes and expand your world. Jim Rohn
put it this way: "Work harder on yourself than you do on
your job."
To "work less and earn more" you’ve got to know more than
your competitors. This week, sign up for at least one
seminar. Check a book out of the library. Sow the seeds for
your future.
Quotes of the Week
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
to improve the world." -- Anne Frank
"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a
sundial in the shade?" -- Ben Franklin
"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney
"When you're going through hell, keep going!" -- Winston Churchill
know are the twin paths to success. I believe that, and yet
I'm constantly amazed at how little responsibility people
take for up-grading their skills.
Recently, I learned that the garage where I have my car
repaired requires their employees to spend more hours (and
more dollars) per year on continuing education than most
states require for doctors, lawyers, or other professionals.
Think about that the next time you take your car in for
repairs--or the next time you talk with your physician!
I try to "practice what I preach" and this week I'm flying
across the country to spend 4 days with friends and
colleagues to learn more about doing business online. We'll
look at best practices for serving more customers and doing
it better, smarter, faster and easier. We'll have plenty of
time for networking and fun, but the key is that we are
committed to building our businesses by working smarter and
providing better service to our customers.
Periodically I hear frightening accounts of how few books
the average person reads, or how few classes they take after
they leave school. I remember hearing a friend say that if
her employer wanted her to get more education, "they’ll have
to pay me for it." What a tragic attitude!
Increasingly the keys to success are being able to do more,
quicker and better than your competition, and most of the
time that means KNOWING more than the next person. It means
knowing more about language and culture, knowing more about
your industry and having better contacts. It means knowing
HOW to learn, and using that knowledge to your advantage.
As Brian Tracy has said, read the books. Attend the
seminars. Take the classes and expand your world. Jim Rohn
put it this way: "Work harder on yourself than you do on
your job."
To "work less and earn more" you’ve got to know more than
your competitors. This week, sign up for at least one
seminar. Check a book out of the library. Sow the seeds for
your future.
Quotes of the Week
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
to improve the world." -- Anne Frank
"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a
sundial in the shade?" -- Ben Franklin
"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney
"When you're going through hell, keep going!" -- Winston Churchill
Friday, September 23, 2011
HOW TO SELL YOURSELF TO AN EMPLOYER
If there were strict rules about how your credentials must be presented, then the same people (those with great credentials) would always get the good jobs, and the others (those with less than great credentials) would be forever stuck in bad jobs.
Self-marketing is what makes the difference. Your resume and cover letter give you an opportunity to level the playing field. The worst thing you can do is to take someone else's resume and simply fill in the blanks with your information. Not only that, it's bound to backfire on you! Your friend might have a 3.9 GPA and therefore doesn't need to flesh out his/her work experience quite so much. A colleague might have been promoted to a high-ranking position and therefore doesn't need to do as much selling of his/her experience. You need to view your resume and cover letter as an opportunity to show what you DO have that your competitors DO NOT.
Learn How to Think Like an Employer
The best way to get a good idea of what makes an effective resume and cover letter is to be on the other side of the hiring process. When you are in the position of hiring someone, you will see firsthand what employers like and dislike in applicants.
If you are beginning a job search, try to put yourself in either a real hiring situation (for instance, volunteer to participate in interviewing/screening candidates at your current job) or a virtual hiring process in which you should try to imagine a scenario in which you would need to hire someone. Think of your ideal intern, colleague, or manager. Jot down a brief job description. Then think of what you would want to see in that person's resume and cover letter.
You will find that there are a few key qualities you are looking for in your employee. Say those things are: (1) a degree from a reputable school in a particular subject; (2) strong organizational skills; (3) experience in a particular part of your industry; and (4) evidence of strong writing skills. If you find candidates with these credentials, you will look more closely at their resumes. If they have few or none of these qualities, you will toss their resumes.
After basic credentials have been met, you will consider "other" factors. Read through resumes wherever samples are offered (this site, online, career services offices), and find some that strike you as impressive. Once you have compiled a few, start to look for common themes. What language is used? What is/is not included? How is the material presented? What catches your attention?
Then look at the cover letters. Did you read them or did you go straight to the resume? Which letters did you find appealing? Were they short? Long? Aggressive? Laid back? Make a pile of the ones you like most, and see what they have in common.
This process will help give you proper perspective. You may realize after analyzing the resumes of others that some of the items in your own resume are not of any relevance, while other aspects should be given more prominence. Developing the mind of an employer is a critical first step in creating a masterpiece of a resume.
Learn How to Think Like a Salesperson
Once you have put yourself into the mindset of an employer, it is time to step into the shoes of a salesperson. Many people balk at the concept of "self-marketing." But it is not as scary or as unflattering as it may seem. In fact, it is expected that you will "brag" about yourself in a resume and cover letter. If not you, how will they know how perfect you are for the job?
Every day we are bombarded with marketing in many forms: television and print ads, people on the street handing out fliers for restaurants, billboards, radio spots, etc. Spend a few days paying close attention to the marketing that surrounds you. Which pitches do you ignore, and which ones do you pay attention to? Why? What are the concepts involved?
Just as you'll notice with the hiring exercise, a few key things will probably emerge. You'll see that certain pitches capture and hold your attention better than others-namely, those that market to your particular need. The aim of a marketing campaign is threefold: (1) to capture a person's attention; (2) to hold the person's attention, and (3) to convince the person that he/she needs what you have to offer.
A lot of people get caught up in number one and neglect numbers two and three. Capturing someone's attention is the easiest part. Of course, people wearing jumbo hot dog uniforms on the street are going to stand out. But are they going to make you actually purchase a hot dog or just make you point and laugh?
Your primary objective should be to develop an effective "pitch" that will mirror the needs of the employer. Pretend you are an employer thinking, "I could really use a competent assistant who has experience in construction environments, writes effective memoranda, and deals well with frustrated callers." If a letter comes across your desk that meets those qualifications exactly, you're going to think the person is perfect for your company.
Of course, another aspect of effective marketing is convincing someone that they need what you have to offer, even if they do not know it yet. Have you ever watched a particularly tempting food commercial and suddenly had an immense craving for that food? That ad did exactly what it was supposed to do. You probably were not even hungry before you saw this commercial, but suddenly you are racing to your car with nothing but drumsticks on your mind.
This type of marketing is most effective when you are approaching employers in an unsolicited fashion. Maybe you are an expert in a certain field or want to provide a certain service on a contract basis. If so, your marketing materials need to convince an employer your services are valuable and illustrate how you can add value. Here is an example of how that can be achieved:
"Dear Hiring Manager,
In today's economic climate, many companies needing additional manpower are unable to take on a full-time market researcher. If your firm is in this situation, I can provide a solution."
The first two sentences of this letter attempt to identify a need and offer a solution. Or consider the following:
"Could your company use a proven salesperson with the ability to increase your bottom line?"
What employer would not want to say yes to such a question?
This all boils down to a phrase you will see often in these articles: know your audience. An effective resume and cover letter takes account of an employer's needs. If you are responding to a job vacancy or posting, think of it as the employer asking, "Is there anyone out there who can help me?" You want your resume and cover letter to provide the solution. If, on the other hand, you are writing to employers on an unsolicited basis, do some research and brainstorming to figure out what you offer that would be appealing to an employer. By proactively stating how you can be of service, you will have a better chance of creating a need for your role.
Self-marketing is what makes the difference. Your resume and cover letter give you an opportunity to level the playing field. The worst thing you can do is to take someone else's resume and simply fill in the blanks with your information. Not only that, it's bound to backfire on you! Your friend might have a 3.9 GPA and therefore doesn't need to flesh out his/her work experience quite so much. A colleague might have been promoted to a high-ranking position and therefore doesn't need to do as much selling of his/her experience. You need to view your resume and cover letter as an opportunity to show what you DO have that your competitors DO NOT.
Learn How to Think Like an Employer
The best way to get a good idea of what makes an effective resume and cover letter is to be on the other side of the hiring process. When you are in the position of hiring someone, you will see firsthand what employers like and dislike in applicants.
If you are beginning a job search, try to put yourself in either a real hiring situation (for instance, volunteer to participate in interviewing/screening candidates at your current job) or a virtual hiring process in which you should try to imagine a scenario in which you would need to hire someone. Think of your ideal intern, colleague, or manager. Jot down a brief job description. Then think of what you would want to see in that person's resume and cover letter.
You will find that there are a few key qualities you are looking for in your employee. Say those things are: (1) a degree from a reputable school in a particular subject; (2) strong organizational skills; (3) experience in a particular part of your industry; and (4) evidence of strong writing skills. If you find candidates with these credentials, you will look more closely at their resumes. If they have few or none of these qualities, you will toss their resumes.
After basic credentials have been met, you will consider "other" factors. Read through resumes wherever samples are offered (this site, online, career services offices), and find some that strike you as impressive. Once you have compiled a few, start to look for common themes. What language is used? What is/is not included? How is the material presented? What catches your attention?
Then look at the cover letters. Did you read them or did you go straight to the resume? Which letters did you find appealing? Were they short? Long? Aggressive? Laid back? Make a pile of the ones you like most, and see what they have in common.
This process will help give you proper perspective. You may realize after analyzing the resumes of others that some of the items in your own resume are not of any relevance, while other aspects should be given more prominence. Developing the mind of an employer is a critical first step in creating a masterpiece of a resume.
Learn How to Think Like a Salesperson
Once you have put yourself into the mindset of an employer, it is time to step into the shoes of a salesperson. Many people balk at the concept of "self-marketing." But it is not as scary or as unflattering as it may seem. In fact, it is expected that you will "brag" about yourself in a resume and cover letter. If not you, how will they know how perfect you are for the job?
Every day we are bombarded with marketing in many forms: television and print ads, people on the street handing out fliers for restaurants, billboards, radio spots, etc. Spend a few days paying close attention to the marketing that surrounds you. Which pitches do you ignore, and which ones do you pay attention to? Why? What are the concepts involved?
Just as you'll notice with the hiring exercise, a few key things will probably emerge. You'll see that certain pitches capture and hold your attention better than others-namely, those that market to your particular need. The aim of a marketing campaign is threefold: (1) to capture a person's attention; (2) to hold the person's attention, and (3) to convince the person that he/she needs what you have to offer.
A lot of people get caught up in number one and neglect numbers two and three. Capturing someone's attention is the easiest part. Of course, people wearing jumbo hot dog uniforms on the street are going to stand out. But are they going to make you actually purchase a hot dog or just make you point and laugh?
Your primary objective should be to develop an effective "pitch" that will mirror the needs of the employer. Pretend you are an employer thinking, "I could really use a competent assistant who has experience in construction environments, writes effective memoranda, and deals well with frustrated callers." If a letter comes across your desk that meets those qualifications exactly, you're going to think the person is perfect for your company.
Of course, another aspect of effective marketing is convincing someone that they need what you have to offer, even if they do not know it yet. Have you ever watched a particularly tempting food commercial and suddenly had an immense craving for that food? That ad did exactly what it was supposed to do. You probably were not even hungry before you saw this commercial, but suddenly you are racing to your car with nothing but drumsticks on your mind.
This type of marketing is most effective when you are approaching employers in an unsolicited fashion. Maybe you are an expert in a certain field or want to provide a certain service on a contract basis. If so, your marketing materials need to convince an employer your services are valuable and illustrate how you can add value. Here is an example of how that can be achieved:
"Dear Hiring Manager,
In today's economic climate, many companies needing additional manpower are unable to take on a full-time market researcher. If your firm is in this situation, I can provide a solution."
The first two sentences of this letter attempt to identify a need and offer a solution. Or consider the following:
"Could your company use a proven salesperson with the ability to increase your bottom line?"
What employer would not want to say yes to such a question?
This all boils down to a phrase you will see often in these articles: know your audience. An effective resume and cover letter takes account of an employer's needs. If you are responding to a job vacancy or posting, think of it as the employer asking, "Is there anyone out there who can help me?" You want your resume and cover letter to provide the solution. If, on the other hand, you are writing to employers on an unsolicited basis, do some research and brainstorming to figure out what you offer that would be appealing to an employer. By proactively stating how you can be of service, you will have a better chance of creating a need for your role.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
CLARITY OF PURPOSE OF BUSINESS
People often stumble over the question of their "purpose" in
life, but in business there can be no question. There is
absolutely no room for confusion on this issue. The purpose
of any business is precisely this: to serve a well-satisfied
customer.
Sure, you want to make a profit. Of course, you want to
serve your customer in ways that are convenient, satisfying
and (obviously) legal and moral. But the bottom line is
always the same, to serve a customer.
So the first and primary question for any business is: What
exactly do you do FOR your customers?
Some restaurants provide meals that are fast or inexpensive,
that have particular ethnic or nutritional styles, or that
are conveniently located. No restaurant can be all things to
all people, but every restaurant has one main purpose.
McDonald's provides predictability and speed. The Four
Seasons provides elegance and memories. Ruth's Chris
provides fancy steaks. Dominoes delivers pizza in 30
minutes or less.
Recently in North America, we can see this in the cell phone
industry. AT&T emphasizes "more bars" and fewer dropped
calls. That’s how they serve their customers and set
themselves apart from other providers. Verizon, on the other
hand, has emphasized their “network” and service.
Your business has only one primary purpose. When you are
clear about that, and communicate it in every message you
send, your business, and your profits, will grow.
life, but in business there can be no question. There is
absolutely no room for confusion on this issue. The purpose
of any business is precisely this: to serve a well-satisfied
customer.
Sure, you want to make a profit. Of course, you want to
serve your customer in ways that are convenient, satisfying
and (obviously) legal and moral. But the bottom line is
always the same, to serve a customer.
So the first and primary question for any business is: What
exactly do you do FOR your customers?
Some restaurants provide meals that are fast or inexpensive,
that have particular ethnic or nutritional styles, or that
are conveniently located. No restaurant can be all things to
all people, but every restaurant has one main purpose.
McDonald's provides predictability and speed. The Four
Seasons provides elegance and memories. Ruth's Chris
provides fancy steaks. Dominoes delivers pizza in 30
minutes or less.
Recently in North America, we can see this in the cell phone
industry. AT&T emphasizes "more bars" and fewer dropped
calls. That’s how they serve their customers and set
themselves apart from other providers. Verizon, on the other
hand, has emphasized their “network” and service.
Your business has only one primary purpose. When you are
clear about that, and communicate it in every message you
send, your business, and your profits, will grow.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
3 MYTHS THAT STIFLE MOST MEETINGS
Why do some meetings work...but many die a dismal death? Get the low-down right here on the 3 big myths that kill most meetings--and learn the truth that will set you free.
If you're fed up with meetings where you don't get anything done, it's a valuable question to answer. Imagine what could happen when meetings actually work, instead of being accepted as "a complete waste of time!"
As it turns out, there are four commonly held myths that form the root cause of many tired and tedious meetings. Grab a pen. Take some notes. You'll have a prescription for healthy, interactive and highly productive meetings.
Myth 1: Logic Rules
Logical thinking and precise reasoning are a crucial power in business meetings. In fact, a clear logical structure saves time, reduces uncertainty and helps everyone stay on track.
But. There's a 'big but' in the equation. Logic alone is not the ruling guide for a successful meeting. It must be balanced with creativity, emotion and passion.
If you've had it with boring meetings, it could be that you and the meeting planners are relying to heavily on a purely logical progression.
Truth: Passion Convinces
In meetings, emotion and passion are driving forces. If your audience is all a buzz with important news affecting your industry, start there. Don't go step-by-step with the agenda you built last month. Go with the passion and the buzz of the moment.
Once everyone is onboard with the hot topics, you'll have a much easier time steering into the other logical items that deserve critical attention.
Myth 2: Evidence Trumps Rapport
Whether you are planning a client meeting, prospect pitch or briefing your superiors, evidence is extremely important. After all, you want to gain credibility and provide tangible evidence.
Evidence is a whole lot more important than waving your hands in the air and jumping up and down. But there's a crack in this myth. All the evidence in the world won't help you win over a group if you haven't built rapport. That's why it's very useful to balance 'evidence' based presenting with building rapport and trust.
Truth: Rapport Convinces
Funny thing, right? If you build rapport, relate human to human, and are authentic, people listen. Crazy busy decision makers and smart leaders are looking for more than just facts and figures.
Of course, you need to back up theory and friendliness with solid evidence. But when you build rapport first, then people are much more open to listen to what you have to say.
Hint: try this at work--and at home. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what happens when you build rapport first, and then provide evidence.
Myth 3: Precise Words Are Critical
Precision is the home zone for most corporate business people. Precise words. Precise punctuation. Precise spelling. Precise layout. More than once HR directors have been known to hit the ceiling over the use of a wrong word or faulty comma.
But are precise words going to really create highly productive meetings? You'd think that with all the attention to precision, this would be the single most important key to unlock creativity and effectiveness. But it's just not true.
Truth: Simplicity Convinces
The fact is that a few simple words--and pictures are more convincing than all the perfectly chosen words in a corporate report. Precision in words often leads to a lot of words. But few people these days have the attention or bandwidth to wade through 300 slides.
Instead, people want to see a few slides with simple words and simple to understand pictures. We are in the era of 'less is more.'
No question, precision helps. Just don't fall victim to believing that more precise words will get more decisions, more deals or more productive movement. Simplicity is radically more convincing.
If you are spending all day in meetings, take a few moments to adjust your choices. Look at your agenda. Consider your story. Plan your presentations so everyone understands--instantly. Are you ready to transform your business meetings with powerful presentations? With a small investment in planning for passion, rapport and simplicity, you'll reap huge rewards in productivity.
If you're fed up with meetings where you don't get anything done, it's a valuable question to answer. Imagine what could happen when meetings actually work, instead of being accepted as "a complete waste of time!"
As it turns out, there are four commonly held myths that form the root cause of many tired and tedious meetings. Grab a pen. Take some notes. You'll have a prescription for healthy, interactive and highly productive meetings.
Myth 1: Logic Rules
Logical thinking and precise reasoning are a crucial power in business meetings. In fact, a clear logical structure saves time, reduces uncertainty and helps everyone stay on track.
But. There's a 'big but' in the equation. Logic alone is not the ruling guide for a successful meeting. It must be balanced with creativity, emotion and passion.
If you've had it with boring meetings, it could be that you and the meeting planners are relying to heavily on a purely logical progression.
Truth: Passion Convinces
In meetings, emotion and passion are driving forces. If your audience is all a buzz with important news affecting your industry, start there. Don't go step-by-step with the agenda you built last month. Go with the passion and the buzz of the moment.
Once everyone is onboard with the hot topics, you'll have a much easier time steering into the other logical items that deserve critical attention.
Myth 2: Evidence Trumps Rapport
Whether you are planning a client meeting, prospect pitch or briefing your superiors, evidence is extremely important. After all, you want to gain credibility and provide tangible evidence.
Evidence is a whole lot more important than waving your hands in the air and jumping up and down. But there's a crack in this myth. All the evidence in the world won't help you win over a group if you haven't built rapport. That's why it's very useful to balance 'evidence' based presenting with building rapport and trust.
Truth: Rapport Convinces
Funny thing, right? If you build rapport, relate human to human, and are authentic, people listen. Crazy busy decision makers and smart leaders are looking for more than just facts and figures.
Of course, you need to back up theory and friendliness with solid evidence. But when you build rapport first, then people are much more open to listen to what you have to say.
Hint: try this at work--and at home. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what happens when you build rapport first, and then provide evidence.
Myth 3: Precise Words Are Critical
Precision is the home zone for most corporate business people. Precise words. Precise punctuation. Precise spelling. Precise layout. More than once HR directors have been known to hit the ceiling over the use of a wrong word or faulty comma.
But are precise words going to really create highly productive meetings? You'd think that with all the attention to precision, this would be the single most important key to unlock creativity and effectiveness. But it's just not true.
Truth: Simplicity Convinces
The fact is that a few simple words--and pictures are more convincing than all the perfectly chosen words in a corporate report. Precision in words often leads to a lot of words. But few people these days have the attention or bandwidth to wade through 300 slides.
Instead, people want to see a few slides with simple words and simple to understand pictures. We are in the era of 'less is more.'
No question, precision helps. Just don't fall victim to believing that more precise words will get more decisions, more deals or more productive movement. Simplicity is radically more convincing.
If you are spending all day in meetings, take a few moments to adjust your choices. Look at your agenda. Consider your story. Plan your presentations so everyone understands--instantly. Are you ready to transform your business meetings with powerful presentations? With a small investment in planning for passion, rapport and simplicity, you'll reap huge rewards in productivity.
Friday, September 16, 2011
THE BIG SEVEN: IMPORTANT ASPECT OF BUSINESS
Starting up a new business is a big decision. Perhaps, you have done it before and have some idea of what is entailed or maybe it is all brand new. Either way, anyone considering the start up of a new business should consider the seven aspects of business. Even if you are not new to the situation, it is a good idea to remind yourself of these factors.
1 - The Market
Your market is key to the success or failure of your business. Whether it is geographic or economic, consider all aspects of your market. Is there an existing market? If so, does it compete with your area of expertise? Will your market produce an adequate profit for you to run your business and live on?
2 - The Management
No matter how small or large the business, there will always have to be someone to manage the operations. If you have partners, consider where the delegated responsibilities will lie. What management model will be used? Do each person's skill set match their set of responsibilities?
3 - Your Clients
This is not the same as identifying your market. Here you will consider how each specific customer will be able to acquire your product or service. Will your target market be drawn in by your offering? How will you meet increased customer demand? How will you handle client services?
4 - Your Money
The first thing to consider is startup capital. If you do not already have the funds, realistically consider how and where you will get the money. How much will you need? Why do you need that much? What do you need it for? What items can be vetoed if you do not acquire enough money, but that will not hinder the start up?
5 - Your Location
Where will you conduct your business? Depending on what the nature of your business is, would it be possible to run it from home? What equipment or supplies will be needed? How will the choices impact your need for financial assistance?
6 - The Legalities
No matter what kind of business you want to start up, there will be some sort of license required. What is entailed in gaining the proper licenses or certifications? How much will it cost? What specialized training will we need? What kind of insurance will you need to properly protect yourself?
7 - The Ownership
What kind of ownership will the business be under? Will you be sole proprietor or will you have partners? If you are going solo will you be able to handle all the aspects of running a business? Have you adequately educated yourself on running a business? Will you need to hire experts for certain activities such as accounting or legal work?
Keep in mind the Big Seven are meant to generate realistic thought about all aspects of starting up and running a business. More gathering of information is necessary before delving in head first. So, the next step is drawing up a formal business plan. There are many online templates for business plans, but we will go over the main components here.
Begin by describing your business. Write your description as if the reader has never heard of you or your product. Detail things like your corporate structure, your product lines, your workforce, your physical location, even your equipment. Next, discuss how you plan to market your product or service. Describe your product, who will buy it and why. If you are replacing and existing market, tell the reader why your idea is better. Discuss how you will respond to increased demand. Operational planning is next. Show how the day to day tasks will take place, where, when and by whom. If you will need a workforce, include your human resource plans here. Finances are next. Give an honest account of your startup capital, how you plan to spend it and how you plan to replace it. Outline your price points and how you determined them. Touch on why you think your market will be willing to pay your price. Next, risk analysis. Consider all the risks involved in running a business, and in running YOUR business. What risks does the market hold? Who is your competition and how will you respond to them? What is your plan of action when a crisis arises?
By now, you should have a solid grasp of all the details of your company. Completing the above five sections of your business plan is a great lead-in to writing your executive summary. Plus, it is probably the most important part of your business plan because it will give the reader a good overview of your proposed business. Do not include any technical language in the summary, or a series of financial figures. Summarize all five sections you have completed and offer a conclusion on the potential success of the business. Some business plans include one, five, seven and nine year projections for their venture. This may be a good idea if your product is particularly new or unusual. It is an especially good idea if you plan to use your business plan as part of a request for financial assistance. Position the executive summary at the front of your business plan, just after the table of contents. Having it easily accessible will be appreciated by your readers.
You have gone over the Big Seven aspects of starting a business, drawn up a solid business plan and still you find yourself seeing a successful business opportunity. Congratulations! You are now on your way to being an entrepreneur.
1 - The Market
Your market is key to the success or failure of your business. Whether it is geographic or economic, consider all aspects of your market. Is there an existing market? If so, does it compete with your area of expertise? Will your market produce an adequate profit for you to run your business and live on?
2 - The Management
No matter how small or large the business, there will always have to be someone to manage the operations. If you have partners, consider where the delegated responsibilities will lie. What management model will be used? Do each person's skill set match their set of responsibilities?
3 - Your Clients
This is not the same as identifying your market. Here you will consider how each specific customer will be able to acquire your product or service. Will your target market be drawn in by your offering? How will you meet increased customer demand? How will you handle client services?
4 - Your Money
The first thing to consider is startup capital. If you do not already have the funds, realistically consider how and where you will get the money. How much will you need? Why do you need that much? What do you need it for? What items can be vetoed if you do not acquire enough money, but that will not hinder the start up?
5 - Your Location
Where will you conduct your business? Depending on what the nature of your business is, would it be possible to run it from home? What equipment or supplies will be needed? How will the choices impact your need for financial assistance?
6 - The Legalities
No matter what kind of business you want to start up, there will be some sort of license required. What is entailed in gaining the proper licenses or certifications? How much will it cost? What specialized training will we need? What kind of insurance will you need to properly protect yourself?
7 - The Ownership
What kind of ownership will the business be under? Will you be sole proprietor or will you have partners? If you are going solo will you be able to handle all the aspects of running a business? Have you adequately educated yourself on running a business? Will you need to hire experts for certain activities such as accounting or legal work?
Keep in mind the Big Seven are meant to generate realistic thought about all aspects of starting up and running a business. More gathering of information is necessary before delving in head first. So, the next step is drawing up a formal business plan. There are many online templates for business plans, but we will go over the main components here.
Begin by describing your business. Write your description as if the reader has never heard of you or your product. Detail things like your corporate structure, your product lines, your workforce, your physical location, even your equipment. Next, discuss how you plan to market your product or service. Describe your product, who will buy it and why. If you are replacing and existing market, tell the reader why your idea is better. Discuss how you will respond to increased demand. Operational planning is next. Show how the day to day tasks will take place, where, when and by whom. If you will need a workforce, include your human resource plans here. Finances are next. Give an honest account of your startup capital, how you plan to spend it and how you plan to replace it. Outline your price points and how you determined them. Touch on why you think your market will be willing to pay your price. Next, risk analysis. Consider all the risks involved in running a business, and in running YOUR business. What risks does the market hold? Who is your competition and how will you respond to them? What is your plan of action when a crisis arises?
By now, you should have a solid grasp of all the details of your company. Completing the above five sections of your business plan is a great lead-in to writing your executive summary. Plus, it is probably the most important part of your business plan because it will give the reader a good overview of your proposed business. Do not include any technical language in the summary, or a series of financial figures. Summarize all five sections you have completed and offer a conclusion on the potential success of the business. Some business plans include one, five, seven and nine year projections for their venture. This may be a good idea if your product is particularly new or unusual. It is an especially good idea if you plan to use your business plan as part of a request for financial assistance. Position the executive summary at the front of your business plan, just after the table of contents. Having it easily accessible will be appreciated by your readers.
You have gone over the Big Seven aspects of starting a business, drawn up a solid business plan and still you find yourself seeing a successful business opportunity. Congratulations! You are now on your way to being an entrepreneur.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
3 MYTHS THAT STIFLES MOST MEETINGS
Why do some meetings work...but many die a dismal death? Get the low-down right here on the 3 big myths that kill most meetings--and learn the truth that will set you free.
If you're fed up with meetings where you don't get anything done, it's a valuable question to answer. Imagine what could happen when meetings actually work, instead of being accepted as "a complete waste of time!"
As it turns out, there are four commonly held myths that form the root cause of many tired and tedious meetings. Grab a pen. Take some notes. You'll have a prescription for healthy, interactive and highly productive meetings.
Myth 1: Logic Rules
Logical thinking and precise reasoning are a crucial power in business meetings. In fact, a clear logical structure saves time, reduces uncertainty and helps everyone stay on track.
But. There's a 'big but' in the equation. Logic alone is not the ruling guide for a successful meeting. It must be balanced with creativity, emotion and passion.
If you've had it with boring meetings, it could be that you and the meeting planners are relying to heavily on a purely logical progression.
Truth: Passion Convinces
In meetings, emotion and passion are driving forces. If your audience is all a buzz with important news affecting your industry, start there. Don't go step-by-step with the agenda you built last month. Go with the passion and the buzz of the moment.
Once everyone is onboard with the hot topics, you'll have a much easier time steering into the other logical items that deserve critical attention.
Myth 2: Evidence Trumps Rapport
Whether you are planning a client meeting, prospect pitch or briefing your superiors, evidence is extremely important. After all, you want to gain credibility and provide tangible evidence.
Evidence is a whole lot more important than waving your hands in the air and jumping up and down. But there's a crack in this myth. All the evidence in the world won't help you win over a group if you haven't built rapport. That's why it's very useful to balance 'evidence' based presenting with building rapport and trust.
Truth: Rapport Convinces
Funny thing, right? If you build rapport, relate human to human, and are authentic, people listen. Crazy busy decision makers and smart leaders are looking for more than just facts and figures.
Of course, you need to back up theory and friendliness with solid evidence. But when you build rapport first, then people are much more open to listen to what you have to say.
Hint: try this at work--and at home. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what happens when you build rapport first, and then provide evidence.
Myth 3: Precise Words Are Critical
Precision is the home zone for most corporate business people. Precise words. Precise punctuation. Precise spelling. Precise layout. More than once HR directors have been known to hit the ceiling over the use of a wrong word or faulty comma.
But are precise words going to really create highly productive meetings? You'd think that with all the attention to precision, this would be the single most important key to unlock creativity and effectiveness. But it's just not true.
Truth: Simplicity Convinces
The fact is that a few simple words--and pictures are more convincing than all the perfectly chosen words in a corporate report. Precision in words often leads to a lot of words. But few people these days have the attention or bandwidth to wade through 300 slides.
Instead, people want to see a few slides with simple words and simple to understand pictures. We are in the era of 'less is more.'
No question, precision helps. Just don't fall victim to believing that more precise words will get more decisions, more deals or more productive movement. Simplicity is radically more convincing.
If you are spending all day in meetings, take a few moments to adjust your choices. Look at your agenda. Consider your story. Plan your presentations so everyone understands--instantly. Are you ready to transform your business meetings with powerful presentations? With a small investment in planning for passion, rapport and simplicity, you'll reap huge rewards in productivity.
If you're fed up with meetings where you don't get anything done, it's a valuable question to answer. Imagine what could happen when meetings actually work, instead of being accepted as "a complete waste of time!"
As it turns out, there are four commonly held myths that form the root cause of many tired and tedious meetings. Grab a pen. Take some notes. You'll have a prescription for healthy, interactive and highly productive meetings.
Myth 1: Logic Rules
Logical thinking and precise reasoning are a crucial power in business meetings. In fact, a clear logical structure saves time, reduces uncertainty and helps everyone stay on track.
But. There's a 'big but' in the equation. Logic alone is not the ruling guide for a successful meeting. It must be balanced with creativity, emotion and passion.
If you've had it with boring meetings, it could be that you and the meeting planners are relying to heavily on a purely logical progression.
Truth: Passion Convinces
In meetings, emotion and passion are driving forces. If your audience is all a buzz with important news affecting your industry, start there. Don't go step-by-step with the agenda you built last month. Go with the passion and the buzz of the moment.
Once everyone is onboard with the hot topics, you'll have a much easier time steering into the other logical items that deserve critical attention.
Myth 2: Evidence Trumps Rapport
Whether you are planning a client meeting, prospect pitch or briefing your superiors, evidence is extremely important. After all, you want to gain credibility and provide tangible evidence.
Evidence is a whole lot more important than waving your hands in the air and jumping up and down. But there's a crack in this myth. All the evidence in the world won't help you win over a group if you haven't built rapport. That's why it's very useful to balance 'evidence' based presenting with building rapport and trust.
Truth: Rapport Convinces
Funny thing, right? If you build rapport, relate human to human, and are authentic, people listen. Crazy busy decision makers and smart leaders are looking for more than just facts and figures.
Of course, you need to back up theory and friendliness with solid evidence. But when you build rapport first, then people are much more open to listen to what you have to say.
Hint: try this at work--and at home. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what happens when you build rapport first, and then provide evidence.
Myth 3: Precise Words Are Critical
Precision is the home zone for most corporate business people. Precise words. Precise punctuation. Precise spelling. Precise layout. More than once HR directors have been known to hit the ceiling over the use of a wrong word or faulty comma.
But are precise words going to really create highly productive meetings? You'd think that with all the attention to precision, this would be the single most important key to unlock creativity and effectiveness. But it's just not true.
Truth: Simplicity Convinces
The fact is that a few simple words--and pictures are more convincing than all the perfectly chosen words in a corporate report. Precision in words often leads to a lot of words. But few people these days have the attention or bandwidth to wade through 300 slides.
Instead, people want to see a few slides with simple words and simple to understand pictures. We are in the era of 'less is more.'
No question, precision helps. Just don't fall victim to believing that more precise words will get more decisions, more deals or more productive movement. Simplicity is radically more convincing.
If you are spending all day in meetings, take a few moments to adjust your choices. Look at your agenda. Consider your story. Plan your presentations so everyone understands--instantly. Are you ready to transform your business meetings with powerful presentations? With a small investment in planning for passion, rapport and simplicity, you'll reap huge rewards in productivity.
Monday, September 12, 2011
BIG IDEA
It's been said that no power on earth can withstand an idea
whose time has come. More directly, in terms of business,
it's critical to understand that all success is the result
of a new and better idea.
Henry Kaiser was one of America's most successful
industrialists. He built hundreds of ships in record time
during World War II and worked with Howard Hughes to build
the "Spruce Goose." Throughout his life, he reportedly spent
an hour a day "just thinking" or "sitting for ideas." He
knew the value of a new idea!
All business is the result of an idea. Your local dry
cleaning shop began as someone's idea that they could do it.
They imagined it, they took action and turned it into
reality.
Bill Gates began with an idea for a computer system that he
could license to many companies and eventually,
revolutionize our world. Disc brakes (on your car), the re-
usable space shuttle and cell phones all began as someone's
idea for a better, cheaper, faster way to get things done.
Too often in business, we get swamped with our daily tasks.
We get bogged down in the thousand-and-one things we "have"
to do, and forget to think bigger. We forget to "sit for
ideas."
Today more than ever one idea can change your industry, your
business, and your personal future. Thousands of people are
using their expertise on eBay, writing and publishing
eBooks, or using their creativity to write music, solve
problems, start businesses and serve customers.
Never in history have we had more freedom to innovate, try
our ideas and get instant feedback. And yet, often we are
"too busy" and forget the value of good, clear thinking. One
of the values of coaching is that it gives clients a
specific, scheduled time to step back, gain perspective, and
get feedback on their best ideas. Give yourself the gift of
time to think!
Quotes of the Week
"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney
"People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be."
-- Harvey Mackay"
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"It only takes one person to change your life - you."
-- Ruth Casey
whose time has come. More directly, in terms of business,
it's critical to understand that all success is the result
of a new and better idea.
Henry Kaiser was one of America's most successful
industrialists. He built hundreds of ships in record time
during World War II and worked with Howard Hughes to build
the "Spruce Goose." Throughout his life, he reportedly spent
an hour a day "just thinking" or "sitting for ideas." He
knew the value of a new idea!
All business is the result of an idea. Your local dry
cleaning shop began as someone's idea that they could do it.
They imagined it, they took action and turned it into
reality.
Bill Gates began with an idea for a computer system that he
could license to many companies and eventually,
revolutionize our world. Disc brakes (on your car), the re-
usable space shuttle and cell phones all began as someone's
idea for a better, cheaper, faster way to get things done.
Too often in business, we get swamped with our daily tasks.
We get bogged down in the thousand-and-one things we "have"
to do, and forget to think bigger. We forget to "sit for
ideas."
Today more than ever one idea can change your industry, your
business, and your personal future. Thousands of people are
using their expertise on eBay, writing and publishing
eBooks, or using their creativity to write music, solve
problems, start businesses and serve customers.
Never in history have we had more freedom to innovate, try
our ideas and get instant feedback. And yet, often we are
"too busy" and forget the value of good, clear thinking. One
of the values of coaching is that it gives clients a
specific, scheduled time to step back, gain perspective, and
get feedback on their best ideas. Give yourself the gift of
time to think!
Quotes of the Week
"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney
"People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be."
-- Harvey Mackay"
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"It only takes one person to change your life - you."
-- Ruth Casey
Friday, September 9, 2011
THE NO-SALE SALES MEETING
It’s important to continue a conversation after a sale is made for a number of reasons: To make sure the product or service is meeting (or exceeding) expectations; another is to provide your client new information about trends that could affect his business. Remember, you want to establish and maintain your position as a trusted advisor. Unlike a sales meeting, the objective is to continue the conversation without the goal of making a sale, but to provide value with current clients and stay on top of opportunities in the whole account over time.
That value needs to be stated as a Valid Business Reason for the client to agree to meet.
Avoid this:
“Hey Mike, I’ll be in the neighborhood Tuesday next week. Let’s catch up on stuff. How about lunch?”
Try this:
“Mike – hi! You told me how important it is to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the coffee industry. Would you be available for lunch in two weeks so we can catch up on a number of new initiatives that Starbucks is taking? We think there are opportunities there for your company that might be worth exploring.”
There may not be an immediate sale for you in that meeting but the information and expert insights you share with your client will most likely contribute in establishing a long-term relationship and in securing repeat business.
That value needs to be stated as a Valid Business Reason for the client to agree to meet.
Avoid this:
“Hey Mike, I’ll be in the neighborhood Tuesday next week. Let’s catch up on stuff. How about lunch?”
Try this:
“Mike – hi! You told me how important it is to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the coffee industry. Would you be available for lunch in two weeks so we can catch up on a number of new initiatives that Starbucks is taking? We think there are opportunities there for your company that might be worth exploring.”
There may not be an immediate sale for you in that meeting but the information and expert insights you share with your client will most likely contribute in establishing a long-term relationship and in securing repeat business.
Monday, September 5, 2011
REALITY NEVER LIES
I recently listened to an old recording of Laura Berman
Fortgang's speech to the International Coach Federation's
convention in Chicago several years ago. In her
presentation, she talked about the fact that reality never
lies.
While her focus was on coaching, I immediately connected her
words to the fact that in business, our sales, productivity,
profits and customer satisfaction are precisely accurate
measures of the service we provide.
From the dawn of history, human beings have searched for
bargains. We love great products at bargain prices. We love
getting the goods or services we need, at a fair price,
delivered on time, and hopefully, with an extra "bonus." In
the words of the old saying, "build a better mousetrap, and
the world will beat a path to your door."
Because of this, your bank account is an accurate reflection
of the value the world places on your products and services.
The facts and numbers do not lie. They may contain a message
you don't like, or one with which you disagree, but they do
not lie.
To increase your sales and profits, you must increase the
value of your services. Cutting costs or raising prices may
temporarily increase profits and give the illusion that
things are "better," but illusions never last.
The key to the growth of your enterprise is providing more
value, to more people, and preferably at a lower price.
Fortunately, this is not difficult. "Value" can be many
things, from faster delivery, to larger quantities, to more
pleasing colors. The opportunity to innovate, add value, and
increase sales is endless.
Reality does not lie. Study the numbers, notice where you
can increase value to your customer, and adjust accordingly.
Your financial future depends upon it.
Fortgang's speech to the International Coach Federation's
convention in Chicago several years ago. In her
presentation, she talked about the fact that reality never
lies.
While her focus was on coaching, I immediately connected her
words to the fact that in business, our sales, productivity,
profits and customer satisfaction are precisely accurate
measures of the service we provide.
From the dawn of history, human beings have searched for
bargains. We love great products at bargain prices. We love
getting the goods or services we need, at a fair price,
delivered on time, and hopefully, with an extra "bonus." In
the words of the old saying, "build a better mousetrap, and
the world will beat a path to your door."
Because of this, your bank account is an accurate reflection
of the value the world places on your products and services.
The facts and numbers do not lie. They may contain a message
you don't like, or one with which you disagree, but they do
not lie.
To increase your sales and profits, you must increase the
value of your services. Cutting costs or raising prices may
temporarily increase profits and give the illusion that
things are "better," but illusions never last.
The key to the growth of your enterprise is providing more
value, to more people, and preferably at a lower price.
Fortunately, this is not difficult. "Value" can be many
things, from faster delivery, to larger quantities, to more
pleasing colors. The opportunity to innovate, add value, and
increase sales is endless.
Reality does not lie. Study the numbers, notice where you
can increase value to your customer, and adjust accordingly.
Your financial future depends upon it.
Friday, September 2, 2011
UNHAPPINESS AT WORK - RESOLVING THE THREE CAUSES BEHIND JOB DISATISFACTION
It's time to tell yourself the truth.
Is your unhappiness in the workplace due to others or you?
The good news is, if the reason behind your unhappiness is self-based, you can do something about it.
There are only three things to ask yourself in order to find career happiness. Let me show you what those are:
1. Am I in the wrong job for my personality?
2. Am I in the wrong job for my skills?
3. Does my career match my values?
PERSONALITY
For Jackie, whose personality was laid back and easy going, she made a big mistake when she went to work as a University Personnel Dispatcher. Labeled "The Worst Job I Ever Had," Jackie says the immense stress of being told that other people's lives rested in her hands, along with working all three shifts each week caused her physical health to plummet and she soon landed in the hospital.
There is no question that prolonged stress causes physical health problems. For Jackie, her biggest stress came from a personality trying to change to fit the job. This was a total mismatch from the get-go and proof that none of us can afford to choose work which does not fit our personality.
SKILLS
Greg was desperate to find a job so that he could adequately support his young family. Much like today, he was looking for work during a recession. Back in the early 1970's it seemed the entire United States was out of work. For the first six months of 2008 statistics show we are once again in a slow motion slide into recession around the world. Desperate times make desperate decisions, unless we have a plan.
Perhaps we can learn from Greg's dilemma. At the time he was so anxious to find work that he asked his father-in-law for a roofing job. Greg's skills include those of being a hard worker, but the problem was, he was extremely skilled at office work.
The recession found him living in the California "projects" where there were beatings, shootings and gangs. He knew this was no place to raise a family. And so, after months of being out of work, he took the first job that was offered to him. He asked himself, "What do I know about roofing?" He would go home at night covered in grime with his skin scratched from head to toe, too worn out to even kiss the baby.
Greg gave it his best effort and continued to grind out his daily work, but the price was too high to pay. The money was good, but he began to see a deterioration in his self esteem and his home life. Hoping to get out of the "projects" and keep his marriage intact, he was at a loss as to where to go or what to do next. As a result, he did nothing and lost his income, his marriage and his home. Many people around the world are in this same predicament.
What could Greg have done to avert a personal disaster? Several things.
• He could have sought the advice of a career counselor
• He could have made a list of his three best skills (they turned out to be hard working, ideas-oriented and details-oriented) and gone job searching for a career looking for an employer with those same skill needs.
Instead, he became mired in hopelessness and lost everything dear to him. Clearly, career unhappiness is associated with mismatched skills to the job. Greg later went on to a long term career in warehouse tracking, where he was able to use his best three skills.
VALUES
During the early 1980's Carrie was on State aid and hated it. She kept looking for work and was finally hired by a new vacuum cleaner store in town. During one of her training sessions the trainer bragged about his best friend in the business who was SO successful. He told his students that his friend would scour the newspaper for new births in the area and then run out to the home of the new parents with a vacuum cleaner admonishing the happy couple, "Look how dirty your house is, and with a new baby in the home."
Carrie heard the story and left the company in the middle of the training sessions, never to return.
To Carrie, her most important value in life and career was honesty.
To the vacuum cleaner company, Carrie believed their most important value was sales and money.
Once again, this was a total mismatch of values.
Later, Carrie went on to finish college and began work at a newspaper where she advanced from office manager to an assistant editor. She said of her new company, "This industry incorporated the skills I had been trained in, met my need for working with the public and because a newspaper can be sued for libel if they don't print the truth, my value for honesty was met."
To resolve your unhappiness with your company or career choice, just follow the outline listed above and you will be find more meaningful work. Holding yourself accountable for your unhappiness at work is the first step toward resolving that dissatisfaction.
Is your unhappiness in the workplace due to others or you?
The good news is, if the reason behind your unhappiness is self-based, you can do something about it.
There are only three things to ask yourself in order to find career happiness. Let me show you what those are:
1. Am I in the wrong job for my personality?
2. Am I in the wrong job for my skills?
3. Does my career match my values?
PERSONALITY
For Jackie, whose personality was laid back and easy going, she made a big mistake when she went to work as a University Personnel Dispatcher. Labeled "The Worst Job I Ever Had," Jackie says the immense stress of being told that other people's lives rested in her hands, along with working all three shifts each week caused her physical health to plummet and she soon landed in the hospital.
There is no question that prolonged stress causes physical health problems. For Jackie, her biggest stress came from a personality trying to change to fit the job. This was a total mismatch from the get-go and proof that none of us can afford to choose work which does not fit our personality.
SKILLS
Greg was desperate to find a job so that he could adequately support his young family. Much like today, he was looking for work during a recession. Back in the early 1970's it seemed the entire United States was out of work. For the first six months of 2008 statistics show we are once again in a slow motion slide into recession around the world. Desperate times make desperate decisions, unless we have a plan.
Perhaps we can learn from Greg's dilemma. At the time he was so anxious to find work that he asked his father-in-law for a roofing job. Greg's skills include those of being a hard worker, but the problem was, he was extremely skilled at office work.
The recession found him living in the California "projects" where there were beatings, shootings and gangs. He knew this was no place to raise a family. And so, after months of being out of work, he took the first job that was offered to him. He asked himself, "What do I know about roofing?" He would go home at night covered in grime with his skin scratched from head to toe, too worn out to even kiss the baby.
Greg gave it his best effort and continued to grind out his daily work, but the price was too high to pay. The money was good, but he began to see a deterioration in his self esteem and his home life. Hoping to get out of the "projects" and keep his marriage intact, he was at a loss as to where to go or what to do next. As a result, he did nothing and lost his income, his marriage and his home. Many people around the world are in this same predicament.
What could Greg have done to avert a personal disaster? Several things.
• He could have sought the advice of a career counselor
• He could have made a list of his three best skills (they turned out to be hard working, ideas-oriented and details-oriented) and gone job searching for a career looking for an employer with those same skill needs.
Instead, he became mired in hopelessness and lost everything dear to him. Clearly, career unhappiness is associated with mismatched skills to the job. Greg later went on to a long term career in warehouse tracking, where he was able to use his best three skills.
VALUES
During the early 1980's Carrie was on State aid and hated it. She kept looking for work and was finally hired by a new vacuum cleaner store in town. During one of her training sessions the trainer bragged about his best friend in the business who was SO successful. He told his students that his friend would scour the newspaper for new births in the area and then run out to the home of the new parents with a vacuum cleaner admonishing the happy couple, "Look how dirty your house is, and with a new baby in the home."
Carrie heard the story and left the company in the middle of the training sessions, never to return.
To Carrie, her most important value in life and career was honesty.
To the vacuum cleaner company, Carrie believed their most important value was sales and money.
Once again, this was a total mismatch of values.
Later, Carrie went on to finish college and began work at a newspaper where she advanced from office manager to an assistant editor. She said of her new company, "This industry incorporated the skills I had been trained in, met my need for working with the public and because a newspaper can be sued for libel if they don't print the truth, my value for honesty was met."
To resolve your unhappiness with your company or career choice, just follow the outline listed above and you will be find more meaningful work. Holding yourself accountable for your unhappiness at work is the first step toward resolving that dissatisfaction.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
FINANCIAL ALCHEMY: CREATE A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY
Your current financial situation is a direct reflection of your inner relationship with Money. If you don't like your finances, something needs to change in your relationship. This is where Alchemy comes in.
Alchemy is the art of transformation. With roots in ancient Egypt and classical Greece, Alchemy comes from a time when there was no distinction between science and magic. The mysteries of matter and consciousness were inextricably linked (as they are again, in today's quantum physics). These ancient studies gave birth to modern medicine, psychology, chemistry, and even Sir Isaac Newton's work on gravity.
The ultimate pursuit of Alchemy was the "Philosophers' Stone," a substance believed to turn worthless metals into gold. While Alchemists through the ages slaved in the laboratory, their metalwork concealed a spiritual process, a Philosophers' Stone which had to be kept hidden from the Church: this was the process of inner transformation. Two principles are involved here: 1) turning lead into gold was an outer demonstration of inner transformation, and 2) the seed of the solution (the gold) was hidden in the problem (the lead).
I invite you to use this chapter to discover your own Philosophers' Stone--your key to wealth and inner transformation--hidden in your relationship with Money.
Before we proceed, let's review some guidelines I adapted from Alchemist tradition:
Rule #1: As it is above, so it is below.What shows up in your head is going to show up in your life. This chapter will be using fundamental Relationship Coaching skills to help you transform your relationship with money from a dead seed into a flowering garden. A seed comes to life as a living, thriving, fruit-flowering plant...in the right environment. So, too, your own prosperity. Your potential for financial abundance is there, waiting for the necessary environment within you. Your relationship with money is like the soil that feeds or starves your economic growth. As long as you have hidden beliefs that cause you to unconsciously repel money, perhaps "protect" yourself from wealth, your garden will not grow.
Rule #2: There is no scarcity.
A wealthy client once explained to me how he had overcome poverty. "The amount of money out there in play every day is limitless, beyond our comprehension. Money is everywhere," he explained. And it's available in proportion to "how big your funnel is to take it in". He had learned to tap into the Source. This relationship supported him.
Rule #3: Consciousness gives you choice.
I assert even a small change in your relationship consciousness can have a huge impact on your material life. You get what you choose, but first you need to know what you're choosing.
How do I know this? I experienced this transformation myself.
If you want to improve your financial situation, you must first uncover the negative beliefs that shaped your relationship with Money. Get out some paper and respond to these questions. (Writing creates clarity and speeds your change.)
• What negative things have you heard about money?
• What are some of the negative ways money has shown up in your life and in the lives of those around you?
• What beliefs get between you and prosperity?
• Dig deeper and deeper. You may hit several blank spots before you find the deepest beliefs that have truly driven your relationship with money.
Give Money personhood in relationship to you. If these darkest experiences of money were a person, what would your version of this Money "person" be like?
Make Money real. Who is this Money villain? Is it male or female? Tall or short? How is Money dressed? How do you feel about this Money?
How does Money feel about you?
Can you imagine that they way you relate to this Money villain could be impacting the way money is showing up in your life?
End that relationship, baby!
Create a new relationship with Money. What kind of Money person could you open your heart to? Is this a person who lights you up--who you'd want a relationship with even if he weren't Money?
Negotiate with this new Money:
What does your new Money want from you to make this relationship better? What action are you going to take to demonstrate to Money that you take his request seriously? Make this new relationship real.
Money is like any other relationship; it comes where it's invited and appreciated. It rarely comes when it is chased. It can be your partner if you listen to it. The more you care for this relationship, the more money you will attract.
Here are three final tips:
1) Appreciate money! When a penny shows up on the sidewalk, thank Money for the gift. Don't worry about denomination; appreciate everything. Think of how good you feel when you are valued for even a small gesture. It's the same for Money. Every time you practice receiving and appreciating, you train the universe to send you more. Show the universe what you value.
2) By now your capacity to receive is growing. You'll notice other stuff creeps in to limit the flow through your funnel to abundance. This stuff may look like clutter, broken appliances, old e-mails, toxic people, time wasters or other energy drains. Clean house! Make space for what you want by having the courage to release what you don't want. You teach the universe how you want to be treated with every choice you make. And nothing gets the universe's attention like saying "No." It's your quickest ticket to miracles.
3) The most important place to make space for what you want is in your head. Clean out fear and pessimism. Plant love and trust instead. Your thoughts are your seeds, and you can grow flowers or weeds. What do you choose to grow?
Alchemy is the art of transformation. With roots in ancient Egypt and classical Greece, Alchemy comes from a time when there was no distinction between science and magic. The mysteries of matter and consciousness were inextricably linked (as they are again, in today's quantum physics). These ancient studies gave birth to modern medicine, psychology, chemistry, and even Sir Isaac Newton's work on gravity.
The ultimate pursuit of Alchemy was the "Philosophers' Stone," a substance believed to turn worthless metals into gold. While Alchemists through the ages slaved in the laboratory, their metalwork concealed a spiritual process, a Philosophers' Stone which had to be kept hidden from the Church: this was the process of inner transformation. Two principles are involved here: 1) turning lead into gold was an outer demonstration of inner transformation, and 2) the seed of the solution (the gold) was hidden in the problem (the lead).
I invite you to use this chapter to discover your own Philosophers' Stone--your key to wealth and inner transformation--hidden in your relationship with Money.
Before we proceed, let's review some guidelines I adapted from Alchemist tradition:
Rule #1: As it is above, so it is below.What shows up in your head is going to show up in your life. This chapter will be using fundamental Relationship Coaching skills to help you transform your relationship with money from a dead seed into a flowering garden. A seed comes to life as a living, thriving, fruit-flowering plant...in the right environment. So, too, your own prosperity. Your potential for financial abundance is there, waiting for the necessary environment within you. Your relationship with money is like the soil that feeds or starves your economic growth. As long as you have hidden beliefs that cause you to unconsciously repel money, perhaps "protect" yourself from wealth, your garden will not grow.
Rule #2: There is no scarcity.
A wealthy client once explained to me how he had overcome poverty. "The amount of money out there in play every day is limitless, beyond our comprehension. Money is everywhere," he explained. And it's available in proportion to "how big your funnel is to take it in". He had learned to tap into the Source. This relationship supported him.
Rule #3: Consciousness gives you choice.
I assert even a small change in your relationship consciousness can have a huge impact on your material life. You get what you choose, but first you need to know what you're choosing.
How do I know this? I experienced this transformation myself.
If you want to improve your financial situation, you must first uncover the negative beliefs that shaped your relationship with Money. Get out some paper and respond to these questions. (Writing creates clarity and speeds your change.)
• What negative things have you heard about money?
• What are some of the negative ways money has shown up in your life and in the lives of those around you?
• What beliefs get between you and prosperity?
• Dig deeper and deeper. You may hit several blank spots before you find the deepest beliefs that have truly driven your relationship with money.
Give Money personhood in relationship to you. If these darkest experiences of money were a person, what would your version of this Money "person" be like?
Make Money real. Who is this Money villain? Is it male or female? Tall or short? How is Money dressed? How do you feel about this Money?
How does Money feel about you?
Can you imagine that they way you relate to this Money villain could be impacting the way money is showing up in your life?
End that relationship, baby!
Create a new relationship with Money. What kind of Money person could you open your heart to? Is this a person who lights you up--who you'd want a relationship with even if he weren't Money?
Negotiate with this new Money:
What does your new Money want from you to make this relationship better? What action are you going to take to demonstrate to Money that you take his request seriously? Make this new relationship real.
Money is like any other relationship; it comes where it's invited and appreciated. It rarely comes when it is chased. It can be your partner if you listen to it. The more you care for this relationship, the more money you will attract.
Here are three final tips:
1) Appreciate money! When a penny shows up on the sidewalk, thank Money for the gift. Don't worry about denomination; appreciate everything. Think of how good you feel when you are valued for even a small gesture. It's the same for Money. Every time you practice receiving and appreciating, you train the universe to send you more. Show the universe what you value.
2) By now your capacity to receive is growing. You'll notice other stuff creeps in to limit the flow through your funnel to abundance. This stuff may look like clutter, broken appliances, old e-mails, toxic people, time wasters or other energy drains. Clean house! Make space for what you want by having the courage to release what you don't want. You teach the universe how you want to be treated with every choice you make. And nothing gets the universe's attention like saying "No." It's your quickest ticket to miracles.
3) The most important place to make space for what you want is in your head. Clean out fear and pessimism. Plant love and trust instead. Your thoughts are your seeds, and you can grow flowers or weeds. What do you choose to grow?
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