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Greetings!
School has started and there's a renewed focus on
work. Kids are excited about school and parents are
glad to get back to the routine that the school schedule
provides.
I find it interesting that we celebrate Labor Day at the
conclusion of the summer holiday period - we
celebrate working after working less and just before
working more. No wonder the rest of the world thinks
our priorities are reversed.
Wherever your priorities lie, enjoy your opportunities!
False Memories, NLP and True Success
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Our memories are, at times, vivid. Yet, we know
that different people can remember the same event in
totally different ways. A conversation with your relatives
about a past family holiday should prove that
theory.
Recent research has shown that it is possible to
create false memories. The researchers worked with
their subjects to focus on a pleasant family holiday
and began to suggest that something nice had
happened that was in keeping with the activities that
day. The more they discussed it with the subject, the
more real it became for the subject. The subject
began to add details to "fill out" the memory. It became
part of the larger story. But, in fact, it was a fabrication,
a false memory.
We know from our experience that our memories
combine the sensory inputs - sight, smell, taste, touch
and sound - with the emotional reaction we
had at the time. It's one memory in context.
Recognizing this, it's possible to "dissect" those
memories and begin to understand how those
memories can affect our current behavior and state of
mind. That's psychotherapy.
Neuro-linguistic
programming (NLP) was developed in the 1970's
to improve personal performance. NLP takes the
approach that, with training, you can change the way
you react to those sensory inputs and the resulting
emotions. What's more, you can program yourself to
create desirable emotional states using verbal and
physical "keys" to enter those states. Deep meditation,
for example, often begins by chanting a
mantra.
As a coach, I am often working with people to help
them develop a different perspective about what's
possible in their current situation, a different mindset.
A simple example is answering the phone. Try this
exercise: Have a mirror handy and, before answering
the phone, look at yourself in the mirror and smile. The
act of smiling will change your demeanor and the way
you answer. Did you ever wonder how some of those
people in call centers could be so pleasant?
Let's take it a step farther. Say you are dreading a
meeting. Try imagining a similar situation in which you
were successful. Focus on the emotional feeling of
success. Now, add an inconspicuous gesture,
perhaps a step forward or reaching out. Next, add a
word that reflects that emotion, something that you
could say quietly, like "rewards". Put those together
and practice until you can return to that emotional state
by making the movement and saying the key word.
Many great athletes use similar techniques to focus
their performance and, more importantly, block out
negative thoughts.
So, does it really matter where the memories come
from when you are basking in the warm glow of
success?
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Focus on Sales
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Why is it called "Sales and Marketing" when
without the marketing there would probably be no
sales?
One of my clients asked: "What is the
difference between sales and marketing?" I think it's
simple. Marketing is getting the attention of your
potential customers. Sales is getting their money.
Marketing comes first. If it's done properly, you won't
be selling, you'll be delivering your products or
services and collecting what's due. Simple, not easy,
simple.
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Networking Tips
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I usually write about face to face interactions, but
networking also involves electronic interaction. We are
all members of networking groups, but how many of
those groups have taken the opportunity to let others
know about the members of their group? Most
chambers do, many associations do.
The BNI
chapter I belong to created our own website to allow
our members to "network" with others who might be
interested in knowing more about our members.
Would that work for your networking groups?
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$189 for a full day Strategic Mindset Workshop?
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On October 9 we will be offering the full day first
quarter Strategic
Mindset Workshop at a special introductory price of
just $189. Not only does the money-back guarantee
still apply, but the fee includes continental breakfast,
lunch, and a full hour of individual coaching as a
follow-up to help you implement your plans.
Seating is limited to the first 20
people who register, so reserve your seat now by
calling
Dave Ferguson at (847) 968-2468. You will
leave this
workshop with a clearer definition of your goals and a
better understanding of what you need to do to achieve
them or we will refund your money. It's a risk free
opportunity to change your business and change your
life.
Learn More About Our Coaching Programs
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