Speak for Success Ezine
Helping You Speak and Be Heard
December 2008
In This Issue  

For Your Company  

New Programs in San Diego  

FAQs  

Making a Difference For Women Survivors of Domestic Violence  

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Greetings!

In 2001, I was laid off for the 4th time in my career. I had worked at my last job for six and half years which was my longest employment to date. What I soon realized after being laid off was that I had met the goal that I had set when I was hired by the training firm.

My goal was to develop the skills to be an effective trainer. Not only did I develop those skills, I acquired others--in sales, account management, logistics, and content development. I realized that I had the skills and experience to start my own training company, so I did.

I look back on my career and see that three out of the four times I was laid off, something better came next. You, a friend, or a family member may be going through a similar experience right now. It may look and feel scary. A friend reminded me recently that we learn our biggest lessons in life from the tough times, and I agree.

Right now my brother is in the hospital with a serious illness. It has brought our family together to support and comfort him. We are saying "I love you" more than ever before. We are realizing how important we are to each other.

I hope that during this holiday season you will say "I love you" to those important people in your life. In the grand scheme of things there's really nothing more important than those words.

With love,

Dana Bristol-Smith

My Favorite Inspirational Books
 
By Dana Bristol-Smith

I love giving books as gifts over the holidays. I'd like to share some of the books that have inspired me. The book titles are linked to Amazon.com to help you with some holiday shopping.

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay
The dedication from Louise reads: May this offering help you find the place within where you know your own self-worth, the part of you that is pure love and self-acceptance.

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff and it's all small stuff
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Timeless wisdom and great advice in short 1-2 page writings. My favorites include Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out (not always easy!), and Will This Matter a Year from Now?

Eat Mangoes Naked.. Finding Pleasure Everywhere and Dancing with the Pits!
by Sark
Anything by Sark is joyful, honest and clever. All books are printed to look like she wrote them with colored markers and are fun to read.

Journey Through Heartsongs
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek, 11 year-old author and peacemaker.
Mattie's poignant poems about life and mortality will bring tears to your eyes and hope to your heart.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Go on a journey of self-discovery with Elizabeth who travels to India, Italy and Indonesia.

The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Atwood
Find out what you are truly passionate about through simple exercises. This book can have a profound effect on your life.

The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources
by Lynne Twist
This is a must read for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world. It will change the way that you think about money.


NEW Fearless Speaking Lunchtime Program in San Diego
 

Would you like to speak with presence and power in front of any group?

Imagine standing in front of your audience, feeling absolutely at ease and enjoying their rapt attention. Whether you suffer from stage fright or just want to speak with more spontaneity and impact, you can master the capacity to connect with your listeners.

You will learn and practice this at Fearless Speaking. Next session is Thursday, December 18th from 11:30 - 1:00 pm in our San Diego office. For more information click here. To register online click here.



We help you speak and be heard by providing training in:

Presentation Skills
Are your leaders and key people presenting themselves with confidence and credibility? Are they making the right impression with your clients? Let us help polish the presentation skills of your people who are in the spotlight.

Business Writing
Are your employees writing reports and e-mail that enhance your company's professional image? We can help your employees write for success.


Dana Bristol-Smith, President and Founder
Speak for Success

Phone: 760.726.5272
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