A great article published by National Post yesterday.  www.NationalPost.com, “Being Up-beat is Good for Business”. 

A jolt to remember the basics.  Like “people enjoy doing business with people who enjoy doing business” (Robin Sharma, “Greatness Guide”).  

Chances are that whatever is going on in your inside is showing up on your outside. In your smile (or not), disposition and bottom line.   

“We reap what we sow”.  Fill your thinking with powerful, affirming, loving thoughts and you will light your world.  And au contraire thoughts will extinguish the flame.  The choice is ours.

First let me say that everyone does need some kind of target to aim form.  Something that energizes and uplifts them.  The only problem is that up to 99% of the way people set goals actually stand in the way of them getting the results they want.

Let me explain.

Goals are future oriented.  So every time your brain focuses on a goal, it’s actually reinforcing the fact that you haven’t reached it.  Brain-psychology.

When I was first introduced to goal-setting (many years ago now), I was taught to set SMART goals.  Make them specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely.  And then finally last year I clued in that this is all wrong!  While I’m setting these finely articulated goals, I’m always thinking about wanting something for the future.  In fact my brain keeps letting me know, “You’re not living your goal.  You don’t have it.”

So what’s the solution? 

Focus on your beliefs, rather than your goals.  Create a new condition by building a vivid picture in your imagination of how things are when you experience the condition.  It’s paramount that you create the future condition (what you want) inside you (in your mind and in your heart) before you are in a position to manifest it.

Once you create the future condition like it’s already happening in the present (granted, it takes practice - then again, most great things do) you will find that you are finally able to free yourself from old belief patterns and develop new ones - beliefs that are aligned with what you want.  

Sounds confusing?  Try this exercise.

1.  Imagine WHAT it is you really truly want.  For example, more cash flow, more clients, more freedom .. a boat, car ..  Close your eyes and SEE it.  What it looks like, how it feels, how it makes you feel.  Fill in every detail imaginable.  You might notice a warm feeling in your body as you get excited by knowing that what you want is just in arms reach.    

2.  Ask yourself, “Why do I want it?”  John Assaraf says, “When the WHAT and WHY are BIG enough, the HOW will appear”.  Don’t focus on HOW you will get it.  Just focus on what you want and why you want it.  Period.

3.  Ask yourself, “What new beliefs do I need to make it happen?”  Many times its our own beliefs that stand in our way of having what we desire.  It often comes disguised in the form of the “IF ONLY”  game.  That is, “If only there wasn’t a recession …”; “If only I had finished my degree …”; “If only I had a better car …”; “If only I had more money …”; “If only I had a partner …”  …

4. Take responsibility.  Write down the new beliefs you need inside to get what you want on the outside. 

5. Be patient.  Now that you’ve planted the seeds of new beliefs, you need to nurture them EVERY day.  Give yourself time to let them become part of your skin.    But don’t get caught in the “No Rush” syndrome.  Think of your belief seeds being planted in the Spring.  You need to harvest the fruit in the Fall.  That’s about 3 months.  

As you practice this new method, you will find it much quicker to get what you want.  Whether higher sales or a new Mercedes - it happens with the right belief systems in place. 

Give it a whirl.  Stop spinning with goal setting.  Focus on beliefs and your world will be changed forever.

Today I kicked off the first of my hot Sizzling Summer Radio Series with Change Expert and Author, ARIANE DE BONVOISIN.

Over the next 3 weeks, I am interviewing three of the finest strategists who will show you how to walk the line - with grace, confidence and know-how.

Today’s show was about tuning us into how to embrace and leverage change, vs fear or avoid it. There is no point to fighting change.  Kicking and screaming does NOT help.

In her book, “The First 30 Days, Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier”, Ariane teaches us the 9 foundational principals that make someone good at change, in comparison to resisting it. Think of how you can embrace and apply change to your business to get it to where you want it to be.

Principle 1: People who successfully navigate change have positive beliefs.

Principle 2: People who successfully navigate change know that change always brings something positive into their lives.

Principle 3: People who successfully navigate change know they are resilient, strong, and capable of getting through anything.

Principle 4: People who succesfully navigate change know that every challenging emotion they feel is not going to stop them and will GUIDE them to positive emotions that help them feel better.

Principle 5: People who successfully navigate change know that the quicker they accept the change, the less pain and hardship they will feel.

Principle 6: People who successfully navigate change know that the quicker they accept the change, use empowering questions and words, think better thoughts, and express their feelings.

Principle 7: People who successfully navigate change know they are connected to something bigger than themselves.

Principle 8: People who succesfully navigate change are not alone; they surround themselves with people who can help, who have the RIGHT beliefs and skills. They create an environment that supports their change.

Principle 9: People who succesfully navigate change take ACTION. They have a plan. They know to to take care of themselves.

There are 6 negative emotions or CHANGE DEMONS that stall us. Beware of: Fear, doubt, impatience, blame, guilt and shame.

What’s your Change GPS telling you? Be honest with you. Where are you now? Where do you want to get to? What kind of business are you experiencing now? And What do you really want to experience?

Get honest about where you are, who your with - and then become focused and determined to get what you want and need - No Matter What! Create boundaries and stick to them!

CHANGE IS ABOUT TRUTH! The sooner you embrace the truth, the sooner you and those around you - can move forward with change that in the end will serve you and others around you. We always benefit from the outcomes that change brings.

For more detail and practical tips on how to manage and leverage change, check out Ariane’s book here: The First 30 Days: Your Guide To Making Any Change Easier

Have you been looking in the mirror and practicing your 30-second commercial? 

You know what I’m talking about.  Someone asks you, “so what do you do?” and you generate their interest by telling them what you do in an enticing way, hopefully garnishing their interest long enough that they want to know more.  It goes like this:

“So what do you do?”

“You know how people struggle with money?  (and they nod yes)  Well I help them find money they don’t know they have”.

They never mention that they are an accountant.

Or … people are taught to rhyme off their value proposition.  It’s usually a paragraph that requires time to memorize so it has some ping to it.  The only problem is, the person they say it to has to decipher what they say.  You almost want to ask say, “Ok.  Now tell me what you really do for a living”.  

A few weeks ago I was at an event where the speaker was leading a workshop on “How to Network”.  When they started to teach people the importance of an “Elevator Speech”, they said:  “Let me give you an example.  Here’s mine”.  And he proceeded to read us his paragraph.   Need I say more?  If it worked, why couldn’t he just “say it”.  Why the piece of paper?  

The “30-Second Commercial” concept was rooted in the corporate environment, directed at people who had ambitions to climb the ladder.  In event they should run into an executive, like the President, in the elevator - they were groomed to know what to say to grab the executive’s attention in 30 seconds.  Generally speaking that’s how long they would have in the elevator with the person of interest.

With the advent of the Entrepreneurial Renaissance, business people were taught to do the same thing but in the networking arena.  

I don’t know about you, but I can sniff these speeches out a mile a way.  They don’t entice.  They only intrigue me in terms of how creative people can be, telling me what they do without actually naming or claiming what they do.  Elevator pitches sound contrived, fake and don’t help build genuine authentic relationships.  Well, not usually.  

Here’s my suggestion.  Do yourself a favor.  Ditch the 30-second elevator pitch.  Reinvest the time it would take you to write it, memorize it, practice it, botch it, re-write it, memorize it, practice it … and still feel uncomfortable with it … and replace it:  

When someone asks you, “so what do you do?”  Tell them.  “I’m an Accountant”.  “I’m a Lawyer”.  “I’m a Car Salesman”.  “I’m a Career Consultant”.  “I’m a Software Developer”.  “I’m a Construction Contractor”.  “I’m an Internet Marketer”.  “I’m a Web Designer”.  etc.

Likely the person your speaking with will say something like, “Really?  How long have you been doing that? ” or something similar. 

This is what you can practice:  Be yourself and how to engage others in real conversation.  That means sharing something about what you do and who you are - and then reciprocating by being genuinely interested in what they do and who they are.

That’s it.  Nothing complicated.  Let the best of who you are shine.  And show interest in the other person.   

Meeting people is not about selling yourself to anybody.  Give people a chance to know you first.  Build relationship.  Believe me, if they are interested in what you have to offer, or know someone who possibly is, the conversation will direct itself accordingly.

Trust in yourself.  The 30-Second Elevator Pitch is an outdated antiquated form of communication in today’s Entrepreneurial Renaissance.

There’s something about a new year that rings joy in the heart.  Maybe its the opportunities we anticipate in coming months as we clink glasses.  A new beginning where anything is possible.  New optimism that lights the path.

Eager anticipation of better things ahead is one thing.  Making them happen is another.  One way to jumpstart your success is to create a one-page plan that crystallizes what you want for yourself.   Clarity, focus, will, support and a written plan are 5 ingredients to making things happen.

One page is all it takes.  Just like any business plan, start with a bold vision.  Be honest with yourself.  What is it you really want in 2010?  Give it heart to make it come alive.  Then state your bravado.  What do you stand for?  Be bold.  Be genius. 

Follow through with your Annual Objectives.  What are you aiming to achieve?  The end result.  3-5 maximum.  Any more and you might find yourself become scattered and living in overwhelm.  Don’t be disconcerted.  Once you attain your goals, you can set new ones.

Then follow through with well documented Strategies (how your going to attain your objectives) and your  weekly or daily, Actions. Remember the law of attraction includes the word “action”.  No movement, no gain.

Remember life happens in moments.  So does achievement.  Success is NOT by accident!

Wishing you a joyous, abundant, peaceful, healthy, spectacular .. fireworks! kind of 2010. 

One of my favorite books is “you squared” by Price Pritchett.  Its all about how to make quantum leap strategies for breakthrough performance. It’s about achieving more in less time, with a fraction of effort you’re likely used to giving.

One of my favorites in the book:

“Quantum leaps won’t happen if you’re living life with a lukewarm heart.  Passion is a very important part of the process.  It fires the soul and fills the spirit, energizing your heart and mind for the quantum leap to a higher plane of performance.  Passion also keeps you going when you’re hit with problems and uncertainty.”

You need an inner drive to push forward beyond wishes.  Tap into the power of purpose that stirs your heart.  “Only an emotional move holds the power to carry you the distance from you to you squared”.

Tip:  Think about something you really care about - anything.  Something remarkable and precious enough to light your fire.  Let this serve as your anchor in reaching new heights     

How many times have you missed getting the account, the client, the job, the business deal - because there was something missing?  Something that some-one else had that you apparently didn’t - or didn’t know about!

According to my expert guest on today’s radio show, author Frances Cole Jones, it all comes down to the WOW Factor.  That something that cements your edge and attracts your success in today’s marketplace.

In her book, “The WOW Factor:  The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today’s Business World” you can learn those habits, pieces of information and practical things to do to create your winning position.

During our show, I created my own definition of the WOW Factor.  I think it’s comprised of 5 components:

1. Your personal joie de vive

2. Professional distinction

3. Personable character (evident in what you say and do; how you walk and talk)

4. Ingenuity with dashes of creativity

5. Someone else saying, “wow” when conversing with you

Mind your P’s and Q’s even in an online social environment.  Allow your business to be an extension of who you are.  Everyone has the ability to create WOW!  Give it a whirl.  Define it.  Own it.

Don’t “ugly up!”  Put your shine on before you step onto the pavement.

No Marketing. No Business.

Here’s the straight talk.  If you’re an entrepreneur or small business, you’ve got to stand up and get noticed.  In a positive way.  

You can have the logo.  The brand.  The best products or services.  But if you can’t be found, you won’t stay in business very long.

On today’s radio show, I brought in expert DEMOS FLOURI who specializes in knowing how to build marketing plans that count.  From building the vision to integrating that vision into an online plan, Demos is your masterful expert. 

A few tips he shares on today’s show.

- Do the basics first.  What’s your passion? specialty?  What’s your message? Who do you serve?    

- People buy from people.  Building relationships is a first priority!

- Every proprietor or business owner simply must have a website.  Its necessary.  Period. Subsequently you can swim further into the social mediums.

- There are three key online social media networks you need to participate in:  Facebook, Twitter and Ecademy.  Caution:  Ecademy is only for the serious net-workers and collaborators.

- Don’t try to build everything at once.  Start small and build one at a time.  

- Research.  Ask colleagues and experts.  Collaborate on your business and marketing plan.

- Benchmark and quantify outcomes.  Build the numbers.  Build more of what works. 

- Simpler is usually better.

- Sales is about selling your actual product or service.  Marketing is about creating an awareness of who you are and what your business is about. 

- You need to be found!  it’s essential.  Great tips and know how:  www.FindMeMarketing.com

Tune in and hear the straight-talk with Demos.  Calling in from the UK.  Our global expert.

Note:  PENNY POWER just launched her new book !  “Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me”!  It takes you in the heart of the online business world.  Whether you are a multinational or an owner-manager, developing your online brand in the right way is key to making the most of the new business environment. 

©PeopleCoach, Inc., 2009 

I was so taken with my guest today, Patricia Varley.

She is much more than her bio.  Yes she’s an international speaker, trainer, workshop and retreat facilitator, business and personal coach, “Woman of Achievement” award-winner, degree’d but she’s also …

Heart-centered.  Authentic.  Inspiring.  Practical.  Swimmingly informational.  A master in who she is from the inside out.  Professionally and personally.

Pause.

Listen to our conversation today and let Patricia propel you forward.  Here are just a few excerpts:

“Would you rather be right or in relationship?” - she’s right.  Win / Lose only creates separation. 

“Where-ever we go, there we are” - so you may as well reclaim your-self and express it authentically in work, at home, in life.  Go ahead.  Break out of your cocoon and be the butterfly you are intended to be.

“Know when to step back and when to step up” - Be open to learning, growth and guidance in the right situations.  And have the courage to emerge as a leader when appropriate.

“Life from the inside out” - Reconnect all aspects of your inner core.  Be about less ego and more essence.  Grab onto your own holistic model of being, and show up fully present for every situation.  

Give yourself a lift.  There is great joy found in connectedness and liberation. 

I encourage you to connect to Patricia.  Like i said, there is so much more!

web:  http://www.PatriciaVarley.com ; email:  patricia@PatriciaVarley.com ; phone: 1 800 529 0063

psst …  find out how you can “Walk on the Leading Edge”.  Patricia is facilitating a special retreat for leaders.  Find out more here: http://www.EdgeWalker.org.  Its sure to be a not-to-miss event!

Want to know how you can re-design your business - your career - your life - so that you never ever again have to experience those Sunday night blues?  Do you want to replace hitting the snooze button on life with energy and vitality?  

If you do, you want to listen to my heart to heart conversation with incredible, masterful, author Marina Spence, Make Every Day a FRIDAY!  The joy of connecting who you are with what you do.   Marina shares TOP strategies that will help you find work that fills and fires you up.  Want to hear?  Just go to my BlogTalkRadio.com/Biz-Juice/

So what’s the first step?  Gain a new perspective on your day. 

Re-discover those very things (or people) that fill you up.  Find ways to integrate them in each new day.   Ask yourself, “What makes my soul sing?” .. or skip a beat? 

Something came to your mind straight away.  What was it?  Don’t judge it.  Instead take notice of it.  Honor it. Write it down. 

I promise this.  Whatever it was that surfaced for you is exactly what you need MORE of.  All you need to do is apply some creativity to find ways to apply it - through your work - workplace - play.

You don’t have to do it all at once.  Go slowly.  Walk at the pace of the tortoise, not the hare. 

Tune into your heart.  It will make you feel a whole lot better since the heart is liberating, the center of love, compassion and beauty.  Its how you ignite energy and strengthen soul.  In comparision, thoughts can quickly tire and deplete.  Just think about how you feel when your coming from a heart-space versus head-space.  See what I mean? 

Don’t think Marina’s book is just for women !  The fact is i read it and can attest to the fact that it crosses ALL boundaries, equally applicable to both genders, all demographics and cultures …

Marina shares a ”stress-free” system for embracing change.  She explains how “hating your job is a gift” and what you’ll find once you unwrap the bow.

Stop judging what you should or should not be doing - and allow yourself the joy and freedom of connecting who you are and what you want in your daily routines.  Better yet, try breaking your routines and see how that alone can help you shift to a more optimistic perspective.     

Elevate!  Here’s my challenge to you.  Find 1 thing (anything!) that can move you from depleted to energized and then find 3 ways to incorporate into your every day.  You know you want to !  

Make every day feel like a Friday (or Saturday).  Life’s just too short to have it any other way.

Read the book!  Its fast become my #1 recommend for all career-changers.   http://www.MakeEveryDayAFriday.com  . 

Bonus:  Click here to collect your 10 Caffeine-Free Ways to Boost Your Energy at Work.  http://www.PinkEdge.com

©PeopleCoach, Inc., 2009