My Friday Story
Why Not You?
By Steve Maraboli
Copyright & used with permission
Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?
Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?
Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?
Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?
Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?
Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?
Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?
Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?
Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?
Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?
Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?
Today is a new day!
Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?
About the Author:
Steve Maraboli is a renowned speaker,coach, and the author of numerous highly acclaimed and successful works including, "Dare to Be", "Why Not You?", "Today is a New Day", "A Life of Freedom", and so many more that have been published and posted globally. You can learn more about Steve at www.stevemaraboli.com
Friday, March 17, 2006
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
My Anti-Business-Card Approach to Self-Promotion
It's not your customer's job to remember you. It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don't have the chance to forget you."
- Patricia Fripp
My Anti-Business-Card Approach to Self-Promotion
By Bob Bly
Michael Masterson has often pointed out in ETR how much of the conventional wisdom you read about business and entrepreneurship is pure nonsense. Much of this pap, as Michael has noted, is produced by misguided consultants, ignorant marketing advisors, and business journalists who have never run a successful business in their lives.
Take, for example, the nonsensical advice given on the subject of business cards.
One writer suggests giving everyone TWO business cards instead of one ... the logic being that the recipient will then have an extra card to pass on. Yet, you never hear a Steve Jobs or Donald Trump say, "Yes, I built a billion-dollar business. And I used the 'hand out two cards instead of one strategy' to do it, too."
We're also told how to transform a business card from its conventional form (name, company, and contact information only) to a powerful "billboard" by adding unconventional elements such as a strong positioning statement, a list of services, and clever graphics or slogans.
But the truth is, spending any significant effort worrying or thinking about business cards ... or strategizing their use ... is an absolute waste of time. That's because most people who receive your business card throw it away without a second glance.
(In fact, most of the self-made millionaires I know don't even have business cards. Or, if they have them, they don't carry them.)
In the "good old days," before the PC, most people actually had Rolodexes into which they would copy the information on your business card or insert the card itself. But now, your prospects keep their "Rolodexes" in Outlook or some other computer application.
Yes, I know that there are devices that scan business cards and import them into your PC database. But their use is far from widespread. Do you use one? Have you seen one on a prospect's desk lately?
That's what I thought.
So... what should you put on your business card? And how do you get it into people's hands so they pay attention and file it for future reference? My answer may surprise you:
1. Don't worry about what you put on your business card. It doesn't matter.
2. Don't carry business cards or hand them out to people.
Instead, do the following ...
When a prospect asks you, "Do you have a business card?" say, "I don't have any on me. But give me yours, and I will put one of mine in the mail to you."
Then, in conversation, qualify the prospect and find out his needs. When you get back to your office, send him the appropriate catalog, brochure, or other relevant literature on your products or services. Enclose one of your business cards with these marketing materials - fulfilling the promise you made to send it.
But what if your prospect does not carry a business card? (As I said, many busy people don't.) In that case, have him write his contact information on a piece of paper. (You should always carry paper and pen for this purpose.)
You see, if you readily give your card to the prospect, you eliminate the need for him to give you his contact information ... which means you have not captured a lead and have no way of following up. But by strategically withholding a business card, you almost "force" the prospect to give you his contact information. (Almost no one will refuse you.)
So you can capture him in your database ... follow up to qualify him further ... and convert him into a buyer. Result: Instead of swapping little pieces of paper (business cards), you convert contacts into sales and revenue.
But there's one extra step I left out...
After you get the prospect's business card or contact information written on a piece of paper, say, "We also publish a monthly online newsletter on ... . Would you like a free subscription?"
When he says "yes" (and most will), you can now communicate with him, virtually at no cost, as often as you like - both with your monthly online newsletter and with e-mail marketing messages sent to your newsletter subscriber list.
You can send the e-mail marketing messages because, as subscribers, they have "opted in." They know you ... have agreed to receive e-mail from you ... and so it's perfectly legal to send promotional e-mails to them.
Of course, to use this strategy, you must actually publish an e-newsletter related to your product, service, or area of expertise. If you're not sure how to do it, you'll find my "formula" in Message
Monday, March 06, 2006
The Power of Positive Habits
"The Power of Positive Habits"
By Dan Robey
Did you know that habits are incredibly powerful tools for personal growth and success?
Let me ask you a question. When is the last time you made a conscious decision to add a new habit to your life? If you are like most people you probably answered...never!
The reason for this is that most people only think of habits as something bad.
If you ask ten people on the street what the word habit means, nine out of ten will tell you that a habit is a negative action that people do over and over again, like smoking, or procrastinating, or eating too much. But the truth is that positive habits hold the keys to success in virtually everything you do. What are positive habits you ask.
A positive habit is simply a habit that produces positive benefits, actions and attitudes. Why is there such great power in positive habits to effect change? Because habits, by their very nature, are automatic, and after a period of time they can also become permanent. This is a very powerful combination.
So how do we go about adding new positive habits to our life? It's really quite easy. You simply begin repeating an action, attitude or thought process every day for at least 21 days. Research has shown that an action that is repeated for a minimum of 21 days is likely to become a permanent habit.
Remember that positive habits have positive benefits and you will reap those benefits for as long as you maintain that habit.
So now that we know what positive habits are, and how to acquire them, let's look at some simple positive habits for success.
Positive Habit #1 - Make it a habit to set goals
Did you know that the most successful people all share the common positive habit of goal setting? A study was done to determine the importance of goal setting. College students who had gone on to achieve great success in business were asked to list their habits. The students who had made a habit of setting goals were in the top 3% of earnings in the population! It is almost impossible to overestimate the value of goal-setting as a positive habit.
Goal setting is simple, yet 97% of the population never do it. By making goal setting a positive habit, you can start placing yourself in the top 3% of the population of successful people.
Here are some simple steps to help you start making goal setting a positive habit:
Step 1 Define your goals, write them down, and be very specific; capture your goals on paper. It is amazing how many people never take the time to write down exactly what it is they want in life. Remember, you can't hit a target if you don't have one.
Step 2 Determine what the time line is for reaching your goals; set specific deadlines for each goal.
Step 3 Identify any obstacles that may stand in your way, list them, and state how you plan to overcome them.
Step 4 Make a list of the people and/or organizations who will help you reach your goals.
Positive Habits #2 Be More Productive With the 4-D Habit
Many of us are stressed out by the negative effects of work overload in our careers. The 4-D habit is a very simple positive habit that will help you to prevent work overload. Every time you are faced with a new task to perform, apply the 4 D's as listed below. You will find that your workload will be reduced as you apply this screening and decision making tool to each task you are confronted with. Decide on the most appropriate choice - and take action.
Do It Now - take immediate action, do the task right away, don't procrastinate.
Dump It Now - make a quick decision and dump the task.
Delegate It - give the task to someone else. This is a very critical aspect of time management. Your time is valuable; make it a habit to work on tasks that you do best and delegate the tasks that can be performed by someone else.
Defer the Task - make an immediate decision to postpone the task to a later time. Make sure to schedule a time to complete it.
Positive Habit #3 Create and repeat positive attitude phrases
A positive attitude is perhaps the most important ingredient to success and a surefire way to maintain a positive attitude is to make it a habit to repeat positive attitude phrases. Choose or create a positive attitude phrase and repeat it aloud many times each day. In a few days you will
Grab a copy of Dan Robey's Interview with Randy Gilbert and Keep those Habits Growing:
Chuck BartokConsultant-Horse Barns-Gardener
Tel: 1-530-798-0245
By Dan Robey
Did you know that habits are incredibly powerful tools for personal growth and success?
Let me ask you a question. When is the last time you made a conscious decision to add a new habit to your life? If you are like most people you probably answered...never!
The reason for this is that most people only think of habits as something bad.
If you ask ten people on the street what the word habit means, nine out of ten will tell you that a habit is a negative action that people do over and over again, like smoking, or procrastinating, or eating too much. But the truth is that positive habits hold the keys to success in virtually everything you do. What are positive habits you ask.
A positive habit is simply a habit that produces positive benefits, actions and attitudes. Why is there such great power in positive habits to effect change? Because habits, by their very nature, are automatic, and after a period of time they can also become permanent. This is a very powerful combination.
So how do we go about adding new positive habits to our life? It's really quite easy. You simply begin repeating an action, attitude or thought process every day for at least 21 days. Research has shown that an action that is repeated for a minimum of 21 days is likely to become a permanent habit.
Remember that positive habits have positive benefits and you will reap those benefits for as long as you maintain that habit.
So now that we know what positive habits are, and how to acquire them, let's look at some simple positive habits for success.
Positive Habit #1 - Make it a habit to set goals
Did you know that the most successful people all share the common positive habit of goal setting? A study was done to determine the importance of goal setting. College students who had gone on to achieve great success in business were asked to list their habits. The students who had made a habit of setting goals were in the top 3% of earnings in the population! It is almost impossible to overestimate the value of goal-setting as a positive habit.
Goal setting is simple, yet 97% of the population never do it. By making goal setting a positive habit, you can start placing yourself in the top 3% of the population of successful people.
Here are some simple steps to help you start making goal setting a positive habit:
Step 1 Define your goals, write them down, and be very specific; capture your goals on paper. It is amazing how many people never take the time to write down exactly what it is they want in life. Remember, you can't hit a target if you don't have one.
Step 2 Determine what the time line is for reaching your goals; set specific deadlines for each goal.
Step 3 Identify any obstacles that may stand in your way, list them, and state how you plan to overcome them.
Step 4 Make a list of the people and/or organizations who will help you reach your goals.
Positive Habits #2 Be More Productive With the 4-D Habit
Many of us are stressed out by the negative effects of work overload in our careers. The 4-D habit is a very simple positive habit that will help you to prevent work overload. Every time you are faced with a new task to perform, apply the 4 D's as listed below. You will find that your workload will be reduced as you apply this screening and decision making tool to each task you are confronted with. Decide on the most appropriate choice - and take action.
Do It Now - take immediate action, do the task right away, don't procrastinate.
Dump It Now - make a quick decision and dump the task.
Delegate It - give the task to someone else. This is a very critical aspect of time management. Your time is valuable; make it a habit to work on tasks that you do best and delegate the tasks that can be performed by someone else.
Defer the Task - make an immediate decision to postpone the task to a later time. Make sure to schedule a time to complete it.
Positive Habit #3 Create and repeat positive attitude phrases
A positive attitude is perhaps the most important ingredient to success and a surefire way to maintain a positive attitude is to make it a habit to repeat positive attitude phrases. Choose or create a positive attitude phrase and repeat it aloud many times each day. In a few days you will
Grab a copy of Dan Robey's Interview with Randy Gilbert and Keep those Habits Growing:
Chuck BartokConsultant-Horse Barns-GardenerTel: 1-530-798-0245
Contact Me 
Blog: You Can Build It Making Friends Affirmations
Saturday, March 04, 2006
5 Winning Strategies for MLM Success
5 Winning Strategies For MLM Success By: Allyn Cutts Copyright Š 2005 Cutts Group, llc 5 Winning Strategies For MLM Success
1 Find Your Niche Sure you want everyone to benefit from the opportunity for freedom you have to offer, but face it... not everyone has an interest in extracting themselves from their comfort zone. Successful MLM marketers are willing to step out on a limb, and to change themselves. No, it’s not for everyone. Who are the people most likely to be ripe for a change? Identify your prospects, and target your marketing strategies toward them. Don’t waste time and energy casting your pearls before the swine. Invest where it counts.
2. Invest In Low Cost Leads Bigger isn’t always better, though we tend to think so! Small ads, postcards, and other low cost advertising methods are powerful advertising agents. They’re small, too the point and effective... generating a higher than average percentage of inquiries. Leads are crucial to MLM success. You don’t necessarily have to make the sale with the advertisments. Making contact is just as important. Your advertisement may simply direct them to your Website where you gather the contact information you need.
3.Stir up Desire Most people have dreams tucked away deep inside. Many have lain dormant for many years. You never know who it is that will respond to your advertising campaign, but you can be sure that it’ll take an emotional connection to spark them to action. Emotional advertising is effective because it puts people in the seat of the purchaser, or in this case the MLM marketer. They get to feel the bonuses and freedom of financial success. They can experience the joy of being their own boss, with a few cleverly written words.
4. Call To Action The best time to encourage a prospect to make a commitment is NOW. Immediate action is they key to claiming the sale or signing up a new member. Think about it... when procrastination takes part in the picture... nothing much gets accomplished. Sure, they’re going to get around to it someday, but usually someday never gets here.
5. Follow UP What happens when a prospect doesn’t bite the first time you put the bait in front of them? Well, that’s pretty much up to you. They can sit around and eventually forget all about the offer you dangled in front of them. Or... you can keep a line of contact open that constantly reminds them of the opportunity that is just waiting for them to snatch up. Implement follow ups and you’ll increase your success rate by 50 percent. Check back every month for a while, then every 6 months. A lot can happen in life during a six month period. You never know just what changes might spur them into doing something else with their life... you want to be there for them at that perfect time
Who is Allyn Cutts, and why should you care? Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers. Allyn is a marketing and sales fanatic, providing measurable marketing solutions that drive huge results for small-to mid-size business clients. Allyn works personally with clients to design and deliver off-line and on-line direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at www.AllynCutts.com and you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays.
1 Find Your Niche Sure you want everyone to benefit from the opportunity for freedom you have to offer, but face it... not everyone has an interest in extracting themselves from their comfort zone. Successful MLM marketers are willing to step out on a limb, and to change themselves. No, it’s not for everyone. Who are the people most likely to be ripe for a change? Identify your prospects, and target your marketing strategies toward them. Don’t waste time and energy casting your pearls before the swine. Invest where it counts.
2. Invest In Low Cost Leads Bigger isn’t always better, though we tend to think so! Small ads, postcards, and other low cost advertising methods are powerful advertising agents. They’re small, too the point and effective... generating a higher than average percentage of inquiries. Leads are crucial to MLM success. You don’t necessarily have to make the sale with the advertisments. Making contact is just as important. Your advertisement may simply direct them to your Website where you gather the contact information you need.
3.Stir up Desire Most people have dreams tucked away deep inside. Many have lain dormant for many years. You never know who it is that will respond to your advertising campaign, but you can be sure that it’ll take an emotional connection to spark them to action. Emotional advertising is effective because it puts people in the seat of the purchaser, or in this case the MLM marketer. They get to feel the bonuses and freedom of financial success. They can experience the joy of being their own boss, with a few cleverly written words.
4. Call To Action The best time to encourage a prospect to make a commitment is NOW. Immediate action is they key to claiming the sale or signing up a new member. Think about it... when procrastination takes part in the picture... nothing much gets accomplished. Sure, they’re going to get around to it someday, but usually someday never gets here.
5. Follow UP What happens when a prospect doesn’t bite the first time you put the bait in front of them? Well, that’s pretty much up to you. They can sit around and eventually forget all about the offer you dangled in front of them. Or... you can keep a line of contact open that constantly reminds them of the opportunity that is just waiting for them to snatch up. Implement follow ups and you’ll increase your success rate by 50 percent. Check back every month for a while, then every 6 months. A lot can happen in life during a six month period. You never know just what changes might spur them into doing something else with their life... you want to be there for them at that perfect time
Who is Allyn Cutts, and why should you care? Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers. Allyn is a marketing and sales fanatic, providing measurable marketing solutions that drive huge results for small-to mid-size business clients. Allyn works personally with clients to design and deliver off-line and on-line direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at www.AllynCutts.com and you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Friday Story from My Daily Insights
My Friday Story
Stress Management
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to
hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
Stress Management
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to
hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.
Life is short. Enjoy it!"
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
- Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
- Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
- Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
- Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
- Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
- Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
- The second mouse gets the cheese.
- When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
- Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
- You may be only one person in the world to some people, but to one person, you may be the world.
- We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull.
- Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
- A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome day
For more information and free downloads on Motivation
visit: My Daily Insights
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