Developing Your Leadership Skills

Keywords: Skill, Leader, Leadership

More Details about http://www.cosmiccoachingcentre.com here.
Summary:

By Cecile Peterkin

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Leadership = Influence. It is the art or process of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and enthusiastically. As human beings we all influence someone: parent to child, teacher to student, friend to friend, employer to employee, and coach to athlete. If you stop to think about it, the list is endless. Since we are all capable of influencing others, we all have the potential to be leaders.

A leader is not necessarily the person at the head of the table or the one with the title. The next time you are in a meeting or a social function, see how quickly you can tell who the real leader is: it is the person others naturally watch, listen to, gravitate towards, and follow.

Leadership is more than a position. Leadership is a skill. Because we all have areas in which we excel, from time to time we are all thrust into leadership roles. While these opportunities may seem uncomfortable at first, ask yourself a few important questions. Which skills do I have that are being called upon? What do I have to offer? Then, take the opportunity to use these skills to move the situation forward.

Leadership takes time and experience to develop. Take advantage of these opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

cecile@cosmiccoachingcentre.com
Author's URL: http://www.cosmiccoachingcentre.com
Cecile Peterkin is a Certified Career, Life Coach and Speaker. Feeling stuck in middle management or mid career? Claim your FR-EE Assessment and complimentary career guidance coaching session at http://www.CosmicCoachingCentre.com/careercoach.html

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The Buyer's Point of View

Keywords: business, sales, marketing, psychology
More Details about http://www.vmmg.net here.
Summary: In order to make the sale, you must understand the mindset of the buyer. When it comes to large capital expenditures there are number of emotions that are driving the buyer’s decision.
By Bryan Brandenburg

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In order to make the sale, you must understand the mindset of the buyer. When it comes to large capital expenditures there are number of emotions that are driving the buyer’s decision. The more you’re in tune with these emotions, the more consciously you can address them during the process and minimize their negative impact on closing the sale.

Insecurity The buyer often has a sense of insecurity when making a decision, especially one that involves spending their own or their company’s capital. Not only does the buyer need to make a good choice, but they need to minimize the risk of losses from a bad choice.

All and all the buyer feels tremendous pressure to make the right decision. A bad decision could not only cost them money, but could even cost the decision maker their job. Do your best to address these insecurities even if the buyer doesn’t articulate them. Make the buyer feel safe with you and your company.

Risk The buyer will be evaluating risk during the buying process. Good business and personal finance is about managing risk. Try to ascertain what risks the buyer believes there are with the product or service or your company specifically or in general. Be sure to address these concerns throughout your communications.

Impatience If the problem is urgent there usually is a feeling of impatience with the buyer. There is an inherent stress factor as the buyer feels pressure to make the decision quickly, yet is experiencing the resistance to rush into a bad decision.

You can create an assurance with the buyer that you’ll be able to move quickly once the decision is made. Try and ascertain the issues the buyer needs to understand before being comfortable making a decision. Then create certainty around those issues.

Worry Prudent decision makers worry, regardless of the confidence they show on the outside. If it's with a business, it's the buyer's job and responsibility to worry about the details of their decisions. Find out what their big worries are and make them into small ones.

Exposure The buyer will be evaluating their exposure throughout the buying process. Depending on the type of product or service, the extent and range of exposure will vary. Put yourself in the buyer’s mind and business to examine the exposure. Help the buyer troubleshoot exposure scenarios to reduce or eliminate them. Money back guarantees go a long way to reducing a buyer's exposure.

Ignorance Seldom will you get a customer that’s as technically proficient in the details of the product or service as you are. You’re the expert so there is often an intimidation factor based on the customer’s insecurities around their technical ignorance.

Do your best to educate the customer; communicate in language free of jargon, provide simple analogies, educational resources, answer their questions and work with them UNTIL they understand the issues at hand. Don't try and close until the customer is comfortable with all key aspects of the purchase.

Skepticism There is a natural and programmed skepticism when buyers are dealing with sellers. Almost everybody has been misled by a salesman in their life.

The way to overcome skepticism is by building a relationship with the customer before you ever start to sell. Work to understand the customer, the company and the problems that are in discussion. Create a friendly rapport and gain their trust.

Probe the customer to discover any elements of skepticism. Don’t ask why they might be concerned, wary, or skeptical with you or your company. Focus on why they might be uncomfortable with your products or company in general.

Resistance Resistance is a trained reaction developed over many experiences with sales people. If there was no resistance, the customer would be buying everything that people were selling and would be out of business or broke. The best way to address resistance in a customer is not to push against it, until it has softened. The resistance is an adversarial position, so you must become their partner and trusted advisor. Give the general solutions to their problem with no expectations of reimbursement. Brainstorm and demonstrate that you have their best interests at heart and the resistance will soften and go away.
b.brandenburg@vmmg.net
Author's URL: http://bryanbrandenburg.blog.com

Bryan Brandenburg has published 7 books as well as a number of articles both in print and on the internet. He has published almost 40 software programs both for consumers and business. More information and articles can be found at www.vmmg.net

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How To Get A Visa/MasterCard With No Credit Check

Keywords: credit card
More Details about http://www.ReliefLoans.com here.
Summary: Creditors approve credit to those people who most closely match the right profile. They arrive at those conclusions by assigning point values to various items of information that are included either on your credit application or in a credit report.

By Elizabeth Holly

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SHAPING YOUR APPLICATION TO FIT THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Creditors approve credit to those people who most closely match the right profile. They arrive at those conclusions by assigning point values to various items of information that are included either on your credit application or in a credit report.

Credit card companies like credit scoring systems because as a large volume creditor, they can replace trained credit personnel with a relatively few employees who can quickly total number columns and determine is an applicant's point values add up to the right score.

Scoring, of course, is done for one reason. A creditor just wants to know that the odds are high he will get his money back. Scoring systems are fine for those people who fit right into the right profile, but what about those who don't but could pay off their monthly obligations just as easily and reliably as the next person? If you are one of those people who just doesn't "fit the mold," you'll simply have to make a few adjustments in your application so that you fit the scoring profile of what a creditor is looking for in a final total.

HOW CREDITORS RATE AN APPLICATION

The first thing you should know is that every system is different. That in itself can work to your advantage. You could be rejected by one company's scoring system and approved by another. One creditor's system will give you many points for a good answer, and totally ignore a question that gives a negative answer. Another creditor can simply reverse the process.

Keeping in mind that creditors use different scoring systems, we will list only the most important questions and briefly review how a response can affect your total score. The following categories are listed from the highest to lowest awarded each response.

RESIDENCE- The longer you have lived in one place the better. Stability is given high points.

HOME OWNERSHIP- The best possible housing situation is to own your own house, even if it is mortgaged. The worst is: renting an unfurnished apartment, living with your parents, living in a trailer or motel.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION- Scoring systems are adjusted for differences in geographic locations. For examples, home ownership may not score high in an area where there is a high incidence of credit problems, reoccurring employee/employer differences, low income, etc.

EMPLOYMENT-The longer you have been on the job the better.

OCCUPATION-Occupations can be divided into many categories with a high to low score within each category for different occupations. Sometimes an employer is scored, instead of the occupation of the applicant.

AGE-Older is not considered better until you pass age 40. Under 25 to the end of the 30's receive the lowest scores. The rational is that people under 25 haven't proven they are a good credit risk. People in their 30's are still raising a family, buying a home, and tied down with enormous expenses. This is also the time most people declare bankruptcy.

INCOME- The higher your income the more points you will receive.

TELEPHONE-Having a telephone is an indication of stability. Give yourself more points.

AGE OF AUTOMOBILE- No auto is a low score, but the newer the vehicle the higher the score.

DEPENDENTS- One to three indicates responsibility and stability. After three, points drop rapidly.

CITIZENSHIP STATUS- Non-citizens receive negative points.

BANK ACCOUNTS- You receive high points if you have a checking and savings account.

CREDIT REFERENCES

IN-HOUSE RECORDS- A good payment record will earn you more points.

CREDIT CARDS- The more major credit cards you have the better.

BANK LOAN- A current bank loan will increase your score.

FINANCE COMPANY LOANS- You will receive negative points for each finance company loan.

TWO POWERFUL STRATEGIES THAT CAN GET YOUR APPLICATION APPROVED

Credit checks are requested by banks, lenders, and other creditors to see if there are negative items in your file. The more negative items you have, the less your chances of credit will be. As we have seen, creditors look for stability and reliability in an applicant. A steady source of income will receive a high score, but even more important than an income amount is a creditors belief and perception that you are both willing and able to pay back a debt.

In other words, even if you fail to pass certain criteria or formulas, your application can still be approved on another level that will get you the credit you want no matter what a scoring system profile says.

Extending credit to customers is the way the creditors make money. If you convince them you are a good risk they will give you what you want. Basically, there are two ways you can achieve that goal.

1) You can bypass the normal scoring methods that are used by impressing the person your application that you are sincere, reliable, stable, and have the ability to make monthly payments on a loan or credit card account.

2) You can tailor your answers to the applications questions and in that manner fir into the right scoring mold of what a good credit risk is, according to the formula they are using.

That doesn't mean you should lie on your application. It simply means you should be aware that being compatible with certain stereotypes will work in your favor. remember, a creditor can still verify the information you list in an application. Still, many people the truth to put themselves in a favorable position. For example:

1) Some applicants will list their parent's, a friend's or a relative's address as their own residence and indicate they have lived there for years, knowing it probably won't be checked.

2) Provided an applicant has a friend or employer who will go along with the, he can list a position and salary they don't really receive. Then when the creditor calls to verify employment the friend will support what the application has claimed to be true.

3) Another way applicants instantly increase their salary is to set up their own corporation. After issuing themselves private stock with an inflated value, they list the stock as part of their salary.

MORE HOT TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN STACK THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR

1) If you don't have a telephone get one installed. The alternative is to make arrangement with the telephone company and a friend or relative, to have your name listed with their phone.

2) If you have more than one job, list the one that provides you with the greatest income.

3) Add your income from all sources and place the total in your gross income listing. Be prepared to submit a supplement to your application if they want to verify your income with your employer.

4) Many banks will have a list of "good" and "bad" reasons for borrowing money. Unless you are applying for a secured loan, you don't have to spend the money for the reason specified. Good reasons include home improvement, education, loan to establish credit, medical treatment for you or your family, and secured loans for a home, car, boat, and other properties.

"Bad" reasons include loans that create another obligation such as that created when you borrow money for a down payment and then have two payments to make; money to pay fine or penalty; money to consolidate debts, unless you are doing it to get a lower interest rates; an unnecessary luxury item; money to finance politics; and money that you loan to someone else. Use a little common sense in determining what type of loan a creditor may consider bad.

5) Banks use dependent figures to determine what your living costs are. If you have more than two dependents you should indicate how they earn their own way or supporting.

6) If you don't own your own home, counteract this by showing how stable you are. For example, even though you have only rented in a new location for a relatively short time, you lived at your last residence for many years. You moved to improve yourself in some way.

7) Even job changes can be counteracted if each change increased your salary and improved your position.

8) Don't ever let a creditor guess as to whether or not you can afford the extra obligation you are asking for. Make it obvious by the amount of your income. If you have more income sources than just your salary, include those amounts.

ALWAYS BE PERSISTENT AND NEVER GIVE UP!

If you complete an application and are still rejected the very first thing you should do is be persistent and never give up. There are many reasons why a person may be turned down for credit, but whatever the reason, you have a legal right to ask the creditor what their reason was.By knowing what some of the main reasons are for denying credit you can put yourself in a position whereby you can make necessary adjustments and avoid negative effects in advance. If you are turned down, you can then of course concentrate on those points when you reapply.

When you are dealing with creditors you will know who is the cooperative sort, and who is not. If an unsecured loan does not appear imminent, turn the conversation to a secured loan. Then all you do is deposit an amount into savings account to serve as collateral for the amount of credit you want to secure. In some cases the creditor may take personal property as security. If you go to the creditor and it's clear he has no imagination to deal, go to another who is willing.

CONSIDER ASKING SOMEONE YOU KNOW TO CO-SIGN

A co-signer is someone who generally has better credit than the person he is co-signing for. He is also the person a creditor will go after first in the event you do not pay off your debt. Why? Because they know that co-signers don't want their credit ratings ruined and will quickly settle the obligation.

If you are trying to establish or rebuild credit, co-signers can help you achieve that goal. Naturally you wouldn't need a co-signer every time you apply for credit. After paying off one obligation with a co-signer, it should be much easier to acquire more credit on your own.Co-signers are usually friends or relatives. When you find someone willing to help they should be offered some compensation agreeable to both of you. Your application for credit will be approved primarily on the strength of your co-signer's credit.

HOW TO GET A VISA OR MASTERCARD

The tips and techniques described in this report are meant to increase the odds for anyone who is absolutely certain they cannot get a Visa/Mastercard through normal channels. You should make every attempt to clean up your credit report by removing negative items and replacing them with positive items. If you have no credit at all, open an account at a local department store. After a few months apply for your bankcard. If you are rejected, find out why and correct the problem. If that doesn't work, cultivate a relationship with your banker. Open other accounts that are easier to obtain. Increase your income. Buy a home. Make yourself a better credit risk on your credit report. Ask a friend or relative to co-sign. After paying off that debt, reapply on your own. Or, the fastest and easiest way to open a Visa or Mastercard account in your own mane, is through a secured account.

SECURED CREDIT CARDS

Secured Visa and Mastercard bank cards are issued by savings and loan association throughout the U.S. The lender will ask you to open a savings account. The funds placed into the savings account are frozen as long as there is an outstanding balance on the credit card. The savings account acts as security against non-payment of charges made against the credit card. Then, in the event a cardholder doesn't pay, funds from the frozen account can be used to pay off the debt. This method completely reduces any risk to the lender.

Requirements are often lowered by lending institutions that have this program. So if you couldn't obtain a card through your regular bank, chances are you will receive one through a secured credit card program without a credit check.

Author's URL: http://www.ElizabethHolly.com
Elizabeth Holly lives in the South and writes for women about fashion, fitness, frolic and focus. Visit her at http://www.elizabethholly.com.

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Are Your Kids Listening?

Keywords: listening skills, interpersonal relationships, language skills, communication
More Details about http://www.characterbuilding.net here.
Summary: Helps parents communicate better with their children. New books gives parents and children an opportunity and purpose to talk about real life moral and ethical issues

By Lee Jackson

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Reading and interacting with your children helps to improve their listening and communication skills. Listening, the most important skill in establishing interpersonal relationships, is one of the least taught language skills.

Businesses consistently rank listening among the top five skills they expect new employees to possess. Just as good verbal skills are important in any setting, being a good listener is the other half of any effective two-way communication.

Good listening is a skill that can easily be practiced in the home. Parents and children will become better listeners and communicators through the use of the following techniques:

* establish good eye contact * create an interest in the topic * establish a purpose for the communication * interrupt only to ask questions about what is being said * provide verbal/nonverbal feedback * share listening and speaking roles * really focus on what the person is saying and anticipate/evaluate the statements made

In his book, Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures, Dr. Robert Bohlken, Ph.D., lets the Mukies provide the basis for an easy exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas. These noble, yet strong and compassionate characters learn why listening and communicating with others is vital. The book gives parents and children an opportunity and purpose to talk about real life moral and ethical issues.

To get a free report titled, "Ten Techniques in Guiding Children's Behavior", send an e-mail to imagesun@asde.net and place the words "Ten Techniques" in the subject line.

Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures is available online at http://www.characterbuilding.net or directly from Snaptail Press, Division of Images Unlimited Publishing, P.O. Box 305, Maryville, MO 64468. $14.95 each plus shipping (Mo residents add 7.475 % tax).

imagesun@asde.net
Author's URL: http://www.imagesunlimitedpub.com
Over 20 years in the publishing business. Publisher of books for cooks, apple lovers, parents and children.

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Fair Debt Collection

Keywords: debt collection, debt collertors
More Details about http://www.ReliefLoans.com here.
Summary: If you fall behind in repaying your creditors, or an error is made on your accounts, you may be contacted by a "debt collector."

By Elizabeth Holly

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If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan, or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in repaying your creditors, or an error is made on your accounts, you may be contacted by a "debt collector."

You should know that in either situation the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly by prohibiting certain methods of debt collection. Of course, the law does not forgive any legitimate debt you owe.

This brochure provides answers to commonly asked questions to help you understand your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

What debts are covered?

Personal, family, and household debts are covered under the Act. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care, or for charge accounts.

Who is a debt collector?

A debt collector is any person, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others. Under a 1986 amendment to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, this includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.

How may a debt collector contact you?

A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or FAX. However, a debt collector may not contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree. A debt collector also may not contact you at work if the collector knows that your employer disapproves.

Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you?

You may stop a collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collection agency telling them to stop. Once the agency receives your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact. Another exception is that the agency may notify you if the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action.

May a debt collector contact any person other than you concerning your debt?

If you have an attorney, the debt collector may not contact anyone other than your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, a collector may contact other people, but only to find out where you live and work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting such permissible third parties more than once. In most cases, the collector is not permitted to tell anyone other than you and your attorney that you owe money.

What is the debt collector required to tell you about the debt?

Within five days after you are first contacted, the collector must send you a written notice telling you the amount of money you owe; the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money; and what action to take if you believe you do not owe the money.

May a debt collector continue to contact you if you believe you do not owe money?

A collector may not contact you if, within 30 days after you are first contacted, you send the collection agency a letter stating you do not owe money. However, a collector can renew collection activities if you are sent proof of the debt, such as a copy of a bill for the amount owed.

What types of debt collection practices are prohibited?

Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse any person. For example, debt collectors may not:

- use threats of violence or harm against the person, property, or reputation;

- publish a list of consumers who refuse to pay their debts (except to a credit bureau);

- use obscene or profane language;

- repeatedly use the telephone to annoy someone;

- telephone people without identifying themselves;

- advertise your debt.

False statements. Debt collectors may not use any false statements when collecting a debt. For example, debt collectors may not:

- falsely imply that they are attorneys or government representatives;

- falsely imply that you have committed a crime;

- falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit bureau;

- misrepresent the amount of your debt;

- misrepresent the involvement of an attorney in collecting a debt;

- indicate that papers being sent to you are legal forms when they are not;

- indicate that papers being sent to you are not legal forms when they are.

Debt collectors also may not state that:

- you will be arrested if you do not pay your debt;

- they will seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so;

- actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against you, which legally may not be taken, or which they do not intend to take.

Debt collectors may not:

- give false credit information about you to anyone;

- send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency when it is not;

- use a false name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices in attempting to collect a debt. For example, collectors may not:

- collect any amount greater than your debt, unless allowed by law;

- deposit a post-dated check prematurely;

- make you accept collect calls or pay for telegrams;

- take or threaten to take your property unless this can be done legally;

- contact you by postcard.

What control do you have over payment of debts?

If you owe more than one debt, any payment you make must be applied to the debt you indicate. A debt collector may not apply a payment to any debt you believe you do not owe.

What can you do if you believe a debt collector violated the law?

You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date you believe the law was violated. If you win, you may recover money for the damages you suffered. Court costs and attorney's fees also can be recovered. A group of people also may sue a debt collector and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector's net worth, whichever is less.

Where can you report a debt collector for an alleged violation of the law?

Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Many states also have their own debt collection laws and your Attorney General's office can help you determine your rights.

If you have questions about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or your rights under the Act, write: Correspondence Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. Although the FTC generally cannot intervene in individual disputes, the information you provide may indicate a pattern of possible law violations requiring action by the Commission.

Author's URL: http://www.ElizabethHolly.com
Elizabeth Holly lives in the South and writes for women about fashion, fitness, frolic and focus. Visit her at http://www.elizabethholly.com.

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What You Must Do Now If You Want to Have a Lot of Friends in Your Old Age!

Keywords: friends, friendship, loneliness, aging, old age, older, relationships, social life, lonely, avoid,
More Details about http://www.royanereal.com here.
Summary: Many people try to save some money for their old age, but many of us neglect this most important invesment. If we don't start making this investment now, no amount of money will make us happy!

By Royane Real

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When I was twenty-two, I was befriended by a woman named Doris who was thirty years older than I was.

Although Doris was then a fifty-two year old woman, she did not feel it was inappropriate to befriend me. She did not operate with the social belief that she should choose her friends only from people her own age. We became very close friends and remained so until her death at the age of eight-two.

When Doris turned seventy-five, she was already widowed. The week she turned seventy-five, Doris threw two birthday parties for herself, one on a Wednesday night, and one on Saturday. Over thirty different people attended each party. I was the only person invited to both. In all, about seventy of Doris¡¯ friends came that week to celebrate her birthday. On both nights many people stayed until past one in the morning.

As I looked around the room at both parties that week in amazement, I noticed that the people attending her birthday parties were of all ages. They included toddlers, teens, middle-aged people, and the elderly.

Doris had never restricted herself to making friends only within her own age group. She had always made it a point to befriend people of all ages. Consequently, she did not suffer the same social fate so many elderly people face when their circle of same-age friends starts to dwindle from sickness and death. I hoped that when I was the same age as Doris that I would be able to have as many friends and acquaintances gathered to help celebrate my birthday.

I didn¡¯t know any other people her age who could throw two birthday parties in one week, and have seventy people show up. I wondered how Doris had made so many friends.

She had never been wealthy, but over the years Doris and her husband had made a practice of opening their hearts and their home to many people. They not only befriended a lot of people and maintained those friendships over the years, but they also befriended the children of their friends, and stayed friends with the younger generation.

I noticed that whenever I brought some of my own friends with me to visit Doris, she never treated my friends as expendable people that she would never see again. She was gracious and kind and interested in all of them. Her caring about each human being was always apparent. When we finished our visit, Doris would often extend an invitation to the friends I had brought to come and visit her again, and many of them did so.

When she issued invitations Doris never seemed as if she were inviting people because she was lonely or desperate for company. Her invitations were always genuinely joyful. She loved meeting people and wanted to see them again.

As Doris neared the end of her life, she became very ill and very poor. Yet, she never lacked for love and support from the many friends she had kept making throughout her whole life.

I learned something important that week at Doris¡¯ two birthday parties. I realized that we make a big mistake if we tell young and middle-aged people to invest their money for their old age, but neglect to tell them that it is at least as important to invest in relationships with other people.

We make a mistake if we don¡¯t tell people that it is just as important to invest kindness in the people we meet, and invest our interest in them. There are other kinds of investment accounts besides those that are held by banks. A big bank account won¡¯t make up for loneliness in your old age.

I decided that if I wanted to have as many friends as Doris did, I would have to keep making friends and keep maintaining friendships my whole life. I would have to make friends with people of all ages, including those much younger and much older than me.

Older people confront unique challenges in trying to maintain a satisfying social life. Many people find it difficult to make new friends as they get older.

As people age they often face social, health and monetary challenges. Older people may become less physically mobile. They often have less money to spend on recreation and entertainment. Older people are also more likely to suffer from depression. They may be physically frail and afraid to go out at night. Even if they remain healthy themselves, aging people experience the deaths of long time friends and spouses, resulting in a shrinking circle of social and emotional support.

In the modern western world, older people are often treated as if their usefulness is finished, and as if what they have to say is not really relevant to the young. A lot of older people are shocked to discover when they retire at the age of sixty or sixty-five, that the friendships they thought had developed at work do not survive the retirement party.

In many modern societies, older people are socially marginalized, and left to socialize solely with each other. People in North America are much more segregated along age lines than people in some other parts of the world. In North America, teenagers tend to socialize with other teenagers, and older people are expected to make friends with other older people.

No matter where you live, or what your age, you do not need to follow your local society¡¯s dictates about what age your friends should be. You do not need to restrict yourself to making friends only with your own age group.

If you are concerned that you may be lonely in your later years, the time to start doing something about it is now, no matter what your current age might be. As you grow older, make sure you stay living in the present, not in the past.

In your conversations with others, don¡¯t be fixated on who you used to be, or on your current ailments. Be willing to make many social approaches to others, no matter what the outcome. Stay interested in the current world, stay optimistic, and keep a youthful, open mind.

info@royanereal.com

Author's URL: http://www.royanereal.com

Royane Real is the author of several excellent downloadable ebooks including "How to Be Smarter" and "Your Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends and Keeping Friends" available at her website at http://www.royanereal.com

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5 Simple Steps To Internet Business Success...

Keywords: internet business, internet marketing, internet home business, webiste traffic, work at home,
More Details about http://www.gurutrafficsecrets.com here.
Summary: Many people dream of owning a successful internet business,however very few people ever succeed. ere's a simple 5 step plan, I set for myself...

By Munya Chinongoza

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Many people dream of owning a successful internet business, however very few people ever succeed.

Why is that? My answer is simply, many people get into the internet business, without any planning at all. They just jump into it and hope that after placing a few free ads here and there they will eventually start earning that most coverted six figure monthly or even better yearly income.

For example, let's say you decided to drive from New York to Los Angelos for the first time ever, without a road map.

How many times do you think, you will get lost?

How many times do you think, you will become frustuated?

Definetely more times, than if you had a map to guide you to take the right routes, at exactely the right time.

That is exactely why it is very important, you set a simple plan to follow inorder for you to achieve the success you dream of with your own internet business.

Here's a simple 5 step plan, I set for myself...

1) Build your list

No matter what you sell, you should always build your own opt in list, right from the get go, this is your most

- Give away something free (report ebook etc) - Promote an affiliate program through your own page for example my webiste http://AmazingCashStrategies.com

2) Have your own product to sell

With your own product, you can develop your own affiliate program and be able to recruit your own team of affiliates.

- Create your own product or service - Or you can buy rights to a very good product.

3) Learn how to get "good quality traffic".

No traffic = No sales. You need to learn strategies & techniques to drive t.argeted free traffic to your site.

- I recommend - http://www.GuruTrafficSecrets.com - 14 top internet marketers show you how to do this.

4) Create a backend system, to sell to your customers

Your customers, already have trust in you. It is much easier to get them to buy from you again and again.

- Always give them a special discount, - keep them happy they usually keep buying.

5) Build strong relationships with other Netpreneurs

Especially those that have made it it big "the gurus", in your particular "niche". They can help you succeed.

- Get on their lists, reply to their comments & suggestions & very soon they will start to recognize your email when it pops up in their inboxes.

There it is, you are welcome to adopt my paln for yourself. I like simplicity, so I hope this is simple enough for you.

Don't wait any longer, plan your steps to success today and really get started on achieving your ultimate dream.

I WILL SEE YOU AT THE TOP!!! - Exactely Where you belong...

Author's URL:
============================================================== Munya Chinongoza is the author of "Guru Traffic Secrets Vol.1" He recently interviewed 14 top internet marketers "gurus" and asked them to reveal how they drive unlimited targeted traffic to their websites everyday, usually with little or no effort at all on their part: http://www.GuruTrafficSecrets.com

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How to Harvest Your Sweetest Dreams This Spring.

Keywords: dreams, passion, obstacles, tools, resources, community, fire, support, harvest, sweet
More Details about http://www.yourlifeyourway.com here.
Summary: Collecting, Cooking and Crystalizing Dreams: Lessons from a Maple Sugar Farmer.

By Nancy Bishop

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The sweet smell of Spring is in the air. Breathe deeply.

The days are getting longer now and the sun sits higher in the sky. The sugar maples stretch after a long cold winter. Soon their sweet sap will run and the fires will be lit at maple sugarhouses for all night boiling vigils. The fires must be continually stoked, babied and carefully tended. Dreams are cooking. You can see the evidence as white smoke billows out from the rooftops of maple sugarhouses and sweet steam rises filling the air. The farmer's dream is to boil the sap collected from the maple tree into maple syrup in a span of 4 to 6 weeks.

If you ever visit a sugarhouse during boiling season you will find a happy crew of farmers, neighbors and friends talking about the past winter and making predictions for this year's maple season. People support one another during the long boiling time while the dream is cooking. Making maple syrup is not a venture "to go alone" as the process is demanding. Temperatures have to be watched, the fires can't go out and every year the season depends on just the right weather conditions.

The farmer's job is to be ready with lines tapped into the sugar maples, enough wood to keep the evaporator boiling the sap and good company with people who share their passion. In the end, the farmer's dream of making maple syrup will coming pouring down on our pancakes and waffles.

We can learn a lot from the maple sugar farmer about cooking dreams. Like the farmer, if we are going to realize our dreams, we must make them a priority. We need to stay focused by keeping our attention on the end result; the maple syrup. Always share the boil time with other passionate dreamers. It makes the eventual obstacles and distractions easier to overcome and passion is contagious. Most of all be flexible; the weather isn't always predictable.

Just as the farmer has modernized the process of collecting and boiling sap to be more efficient, we may need to upgrade and look for additional tools and resources to make our dreams a reality.

Remember some dreams, like maple syrup, come with an expiration date. If we don't do something about them they will eventually evaporate in the bucket.

Author's URL: http://www.yourlifeyourway.com
Nancy Bishop is a Life Coach, Writer and Speaker. She coaches women at midlife who are ready to make a transition into more authentic living. For more information, or, to subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, visit her website at www.yourlifeyourway.com.

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Crisis Management Tips

Keywords: Crisis Management
By Colin Ong Tau Shien
More Details about http://www.mrmc.com.sg here.
Summary: This article provide good tips about crisis management

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The term crisis management has different connotations. In this article, I will try to provide pointers that can be used in most situations:

Is It A Crisis In The First Place?:

This question is important to ask, as there are many situations that go wrong because the right person to handle it is not around. You may be in charge of a project until your supervisor comes back and are unable to contact him during a crisis. You have to make your own decisions in his absence and your action is dependent on the level of authority given.

The Big Picture:

It is not easy to handle a crisis if you are not aware of the all the facts. If your role is a leader, you have to be detached from the emotional side of the crisis and rationally take stock of how to move on. Again, this is not as easy as it sounds as you may have long-time colleagues who are involved in this crisis.

The Relevant Team:

It is important to be able to meet up with the relevant team to discuss about the situation. This is to ensure that the team is able to analyse and make a united stand about handling this crisis. This team should also comprise of the authorities, if the crisis is serious.

The Timeline:

You must construct a timeline and ensure that each process scenario is highlighted. This practice will be a check to prevent your team from spending too much time in one aspect of handling the crisis.

Procedural Manual:

Is there an organizational situational manual that you can use for this situation? Are you able to recollect the tips that were given to you when you participated in a mock drill?

External Experts:

You should get external experts to access the situation if the crisis is totally unanticipated. However, you must have had a close-door meeting with your inner circle. This is essential, as you do not want to unnecessarily reveal confidential information to external parties.

Speaking To The Media:

It is important to prepare a press kit-which provides a full detailed report about the crisis. If you are comfortable to conduct a press interview, you have to ensure that you have the full details first.

Your Communication Style:

You have to ensure that your communication style is in sync with the crisis. Remember to be forthcoming with reliable information and try not to speculate. This will also ensure that the victims’ immediate families do not overly worry. It will also not help if you come across as very emotional in the media as you want to communicate that your organization has everything under control.

Beyond Your Control:

If the crisis involves the loss of lives, it is not unthinkable that your credibility and organisation’s reputation is put into question. Assuming that the crisis was beyond your organisation’s control, you have to stick to your best judgement and not be led into a debate that may open your organisation to possible legal action.
colin@mrmc.com.sg
Author's URL: http://www.mrmc.com.sg
Colin Ong TS is the Managing Director of MR=MC Consulting (http://www.mrmc.com.sg).

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How to Position Yourself as an Expert

Keywords: position yourself, expert, freelance, consulting
More Details about http://www.freelancewritingsuccess.com here.
Summary: Whatever kind of freelance or consulting work you do, one of the fastest ways to get yourself known and respected as an expert is to start writing articles.

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Whatever kind of freelance or consulting work you do, one of the best ways to attract top clients is to position yourself clearly as an expert in your field.

And yes, you first have to be an expert. You don't have to be the world's leading expert, but you do need to know what you're talking about, and in real depth.

To become a credible expert it first helps if you choose your niche carefully.

If your niche is too broad - like 'all consumer electronics' - you'll find it hard to position yourself as a true expert.

If your niche is too narrow - like 'Sony PlayStation' - you'll find it hard to make a living.

Niches like 'computer games' or 'home entertainment' are perfect. It won't take you a lifetime to become an expert in either field, and there are plenty of prospective clients to choose from.

Of course, it will help enormously if you choose a niche in an area that genuinely interests you.

>> Got expertise? Here's the next step...

One of the fastest ways to get the word out is to get your name in print. In other words, write articles.

It's the strangest thing...but as soon as someone sees your name in print, your 'expert' status automatically jumps up several notches.

Publish your articles on your own web site. And make it known that other site editors can reprint your articles on their own sites and in their newsletters. Get the word out through a blog and by participating in discussion groups.

And, of course, every article should include a short bio and link back to your own site.

>> What's better than having your articles online?

The next step is to get your articles printed in real print publications, on paper. Again, strangely, an article on paper earns you more expert points than an article on the web.

Best of all, if your niche is, for instance, home renovation products and services, get an article printed in one of the trade magazines that serves that industry.

Now you're getting in front of hundreds or even thousands of prospective clients. It's not an ad. It's better than an ad. You're presenting yourself as a true expert, with the implicit endorsement of the editor of the publication.

>> Accept those invitations to speak

Once your name has appeared as the author of a sufficient number of useful, expert articles, you'll start getting invitations to speak. If they don't come your way, start looking for them.

You can start out small, speaking to local business groups and marketing associations. If all goes well, you'll soon find yourself with opportunities to speak to much larger groups at industry conferences.

And yes, being a speaker earns you major expert points.

>> Time to write a book?

Nothing brings you expert status faster than being the author of a book. Do you know enough on your subject to write a book? It may take a little time before you're ready. But the more articles you write and the more times you speak, the deeper your knowledge will grow.

In addition, articles and speaking engagements generate feedback from your readers and listeners. And the more feedback you get, the better you will know what it is people really want and need to know.

If you can get published and distributed by a major publishing house, so much the better. If not, self-publish. You'll need to do a lot of promoting to get the sales, but you can earn more money from each book sold and still confirm your status as an expert in your field.

>> Concluding thoughts

After a while you'll find yourself writing articles, speaking at public and corporate events and signing copies of your book or books at every opportunity.

At that point you will have truly earned your stripes as an expert and will find yourself with a very impressive list of clients and prospects.

Start writing!

nick@freelancewritingsuccess.com
Author's URL: http://www.freelancewritingsuccess.com
Nick Usborne is a freelance writer, author, speaker and advocate of good writing. For more articles and resources on making money as a freelance writer, visit his site at www.FreelanceWritingSuccess.com

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Why MS Outlook is THE Mail Management System

Keywords: email, e-mail, messenging system, management, time management, setting appointments, calendar, tasks

More Details about www.lblairenterprises.com here.

Summary: How to put tools in place to deal with all the “traffic” and communications you’re going to generate. You’ll need to keep track of your daily tasks, phone appointments, in person appointments, and e-mails that require your response.

By Lyn Blai

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Planning is the essence of effective management.

So...I hear your'e starting your new freelance business. Are you thinking BIG... imagining your business booming? It won't start out that way, but now is the time to plan ahead.

To manage a thriving business, you'll need to put tools in place to deal with all the traffic and communications you're going to generate. You'll need to keep track of your daily tasks, phone appointments, in person appointments and e-mails that require your response. You'll need to prioritize, listing tasks in order of importance and time requirements. Efficient management of your business comes down to planning. There is only one mail system that gives you the tools to do this--MS OUTLOOK!

Yes folks, MS OUTLOOK is not just about e-mails...it's about organizing your days and weeks--setting up a schedule that balances self-marketing with production-- whether your business is copywriting, graphics design, resume writing or travel writing.

MS OUTLOOK has a mutlitude of features that help you organize. In the last issue you learned how to set up a Database and build a Distribution List. In this issue of Freebird, you'll learn how to keep track or appointments.

Here are the steps for scheduling an appointment:

Make a Calendar Shortcut in MS Outlook

1. On the left side of the program, there's a column, called the Outlook bar. At the top of the column it says "Outlook Shortcuts". Point the cursor on the background of the column. Right click and a pop up window will open.
2. Select the Outlook Bar Shortcut. Another window will pop up offering you choices. Select the "calendar" icon with Calendar written beside it.
3. Click OK.
   You have created a shortcut for your calendar. If you look in the Outlook bar (the column entitled "Outlook Shortcuts"), your shortcut will appear as a calendar icon with "Calendar"
   written underneath it.
4. Click on the Calendar icon.
   Suppose you need to call a client on April 20^that 10:00 a.m.

Schedule An Appointment

1. On the File menu point to New and click.
2. An appointment card (with "Untitled-Appointment" written across the top) will open.
3. In the white entry area beside "Subject:" type in the name of your client, i.e. Peter Williams.
4. Below where it says "Start time:" there is a white entry area with an arrow to the side of it. Click on the arrow. (A calendar will appear.)
5. Click on the date, in this case April 20.
6. Suppose you want to be reminded at 9:30 a.m. about your 10:00 a.m. appointment. Next to the date entry, there is another white entry box with a time entered in it.
   Click on the arrow to the side of the box and select 9:30 a.m.
7. In the area below, next to "End time:" you'll see that April 20 ^th automatically appears as the date and that 10:00 a.m. appears in the box beside it. The dates and time in theses boxes are also adjustable.
8. Look beneath "End time". There is a bell with a small white box beside it. "Reminder" is written on the other side of the box. Click in the small white box and a check mark will appear in it.
9. To the right of "Reminder" is a larger white box with an arrow to the right side. Click on the arrow and set the minutes for how often you would like to be reminded. The default time is every 15 minutes.
10. To the right, beside the reminder minutes, there is an icon of a speaker or megaphone. Click on it and a pop-up box will open. You'll see play this sound with a small white box beside it.
11. Click the small white box;a check mark will appear in the box. Click OK and close the pop-up box. When the appointment remeinder window pops open, your computer will also make a sound.
12. In the large white box, which fills ost of the appointment card, you can type in any improtant notes for your appointment.
13. Click on Save and close.
    MS OUTLOOK will remind you about the appointment and your appointment information will be at hand. Now ou're one step closer to getting organized!
    

lblairenterprises@earthlink.net

Author's URL: www.lblairenterprises.com

Lyn Blair is a copywriter and graphics designer in the Los Angeles area. She is Assistant Editor of Freebird-zine and also contributes articles. She has published articles in Gotoarticles.com. She recently launched her freelance business and web site at: www.lblairenterprises.com Contact Lyn at: lblairenterprises@earthlink.net

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Survival Kit for the Holidays: Grace, Gratitude and Random Acts of Kindness

Keywords: Inspiration, Self-Help, Natural Health, Positive thinking
More Details about www.new-body-news.com here.
Summary: If you're like me, the holidays always have a way of sneaking in...

By Laura Turner

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If you're like me, the holidays always have a way of sneaking in. And - like an unexpected visitor who shows up the week I haven’t cleaned my home - I’m caught in a frenzy, desperate to scrape up the tumbleweeds of cat fur and make the place look presentable. For me at least, it’s easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and Thanksgiving. Time is short and usually so is patience. So this year, all this got me to thinking: How can one neutralize the stress and get more enjoyment from the holidays true intention? Read on for this girl’s remedies.
Finding Grace: When meditating on the true meaning of this season, three ideas came to my mind: grace, gratitude and random acts of kindness. At first I wasn’t sure why. Grace? I mean, how could I afford this? It’s been a rough year full of deadlines, long hours and a whole lot of doing. Who’s got time for grace? And therein is the answer: so often the business of life far overshadows its true excitement; the thrill of living in the moment, the anticipation of events yet to come. How to get back to this state of childlike wonder?

My #1 RX: Motivational Tapes When I’m feeling frazzled there’s nothing that gets me centered faster than hearing the voice of my favorite authors. And over the years I’ve built an extensive collection of tapes just for this purpose. This can work for you, too. I think you’ll find when you need a portal to peace and guidance,it’s almost instantaneous. Feel free to try some of my favorites:

Dr. Wayne Dyer – There Is A Spiritual Solution To Every Problem Neale Donald Walsch: Conversations with God, Book One Iyanala Vanzant: Live! Audio: Piece of Mind (all available from your favorite bookstore or Amazon.com)

How do motivational tapes work? In my assessment, they provide comfort. They calm the mind and center the emotions. Then, when the stress of modern-day life comes along, the mind draws forth the inspirational words into the consciousness like a helpful data base. Moreover, I believe this exercise, when practiced consistently, can provoke a state of grace.

Need grace this holiday season? I invite you to use my method. In doing so here’s what evolves:

Gratitude: The reward for seeking grace? Gratitude. What is gratitude? I would say it's an instrument of faith. Here's an example. Often during stressful times, I ask for guidance: During a vulnerable moment this holiday season, I received an angry email from a critical reader (calling me unmentionable names). And so I ask: "Please help me understand and make peace with this."

In the act of asking and placing faith in the universe I soon received the answer: forgive. And for me, this process of grace and forgiveness is solidified in gratitude. Gratitude gives me the faith to (as one of my favorite authors Thoreau once quoted) "move confidently in the direction of ones dreams."

Therefore, when I am grateful for what I have and trust that I am moving in my own particular direction (regardless of what others - perhaps having a rough and stressful day tell me), I find my truest treasure: joy.

An Exercise In Gratitude: Each day (especially during this time of year) I've committed to taking a long look around myself. In doing so, I find everything I can to be grateful for: a kind and loving family, my health, my passion for writing. Soon I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what I have been given and every ounce of negativity has fallen away.

With this, I say “Thank You!” aloud, in praise of the gift I have received. When I have taken the time to do this (which often involves sitting down with pen and paper in hand) I continue to be offered more in the way of positive experience.

Now I invite you to try this exercise for yourself. Ask: What do I have to be grateful for right now? Take the time to notice, make a list and say "Thank You!" I truly believe if one continues offering positive statements forward to the universe: the pathway to beautiful joyful experience is opened. We are then in a state of co-creation.

Random Acts of Kindness: The completion to the circle comes when we have reached some measure of emotional and spiritual equilibrium. When I have reached this place of balance with my (or what I perceive to be) problems and stress, I have followed what Philosopher Joseph Campbell calls "bliss." Are we ever truly in bliss? Well, this is real life after all. However, when I've taken the time to become more grateful and accepting of where I am right now there is a way I can continue to expand my gratitude. How?

By sharing it. I've noticed, if I continue to give away what I have in earnest, it expands. Therefore, If I choose to create more joy in my life, I can do so by causing another to feel joy. How? Here's my favorite way: random acts of kindness. Perhaps I may sound certifiable to some. But, I invite you to try this exercise for yourself. Need some ideas to spread the love? Here's my method.

Usually I begin by asking myself "How is it I may serve?" Can I give a few extra dollars to charity in this holiday season? Can I send a card and a short message to someone who I haven't seen in awhile? Can I send flowers to my mom "just because?"

If you look around, it is not hard to find ways to share a loving thought or message. For a small amount of time, effort and money it's easy to cause an earthquake of joy. Furthermore, In these times of war and fear, every moment and thought of joy and love counts.

In Closure: When I become stressed-out and unfocused, I always try to remind myself: it's all in the attitude. If I think it’s raining outside, dark, cold, and lifeless, this is the life I create. Yet, if I face my obstacles with grace, love and gratitude, I create more of that. By giving love and kindness - there's just that much more to go around.
VioletProsePubs@aol.com

Author's URL: http://www.new-body-news.com

Laura M. Turner, M.S. CHHP is the Sr. Editor Of The New Body News And Wellness Letter The Online Magazine Healthy People Read! Subscribe today and receive her FREE Special Report & complimentary Weight Loss eBook! http://www.new-body-news.com

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Choice and Change

Keywords: personal development,self-help,how-to,how to,clyde,dennis,motivation
More Details about http://www.auctioneerreviews.com/ here.
Summary: Two things are always happening. You're always making choices, and these choices are always changing your world.

By Clyde Lee Dennis

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OK, so here we are. We've switched the calendars out and made our resolutions. Now it's time to set about the process of making those changes we've resolved to make. You haven't forgotten already have you?

I heard you say this year I'm going to... stop smoking, exercise more, take a few night classes, start saving for retirement, eat healthier, cut my alcohol intake by 50%, get more rest and on and on and on. Choices to change. I applaud you for living consciously enough to even realize that some changes might be good.

Unfortunately there are those who don't dare think that on any given day, we can in any way we choose change anything or everything about ourselves and thus our lives. It seems we've somehow been coerced into believing major portions of the course of our lives are set in stone and are therefore unchangeable.

This of course could not be further from the truth.

On any day we wish we can open a new book for reading or start writing a new and exciting chapter of our own, in our own. We can stretch ourselves to meet new challenges, or we can choose to shrink away from them. At will we can turn old friends new again, and new friends old. We can move up, or we can move on. The choices that we can and must make are essentially endless.

What we must not loose sight of is that these things are in fact CHOICES. And even more importantly we must realize it's through these choices that our history is being continually written.

We also of course have the choice and option of exercising our choice not to choose. I call this the choice of mediocrity. This tag because not to choose is still a choice made. It's just allowing the choice to be made for you rather than by you. A very mediocre way to live. It's choosing to pretend to be alive rather than going ahead and doing it. I can't imagine though why someone would CHOOSE mediocrity. I Guess it's a comfort thing? I mean what the heck, we're here anyway. May as well do the thing. Right?

Anyway, not to get sidetracked...

If things aren't the way you want them to be the first thing you must do is choose to do something different from what you're currently doing. My personal philosophy on this one is if things aren't working, ANY other course of action is better. Figuring it's already not working so I can't break it. It's already broken.

We have both the ability and the responsibility to make conscious decisions and choices. What I'm suggesting is that you resolve to be the driver in your life rather than a passenger. You wouldn't set the cruise control on your car and just let it take you where ever it ends up would you? Don't do it with your life.

We must not allow errors in judgment to be repeated every day. If you want things to be different at some point you must resolve to do some things differently. After all, What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same things you've always done expecting to get different results. It's up to you to make the choices that bring the things you want into your life. Whether it be peace, love, happiness or whatever. You must realize there are definite things you can do to bring these things to you.

Two things are always happening. You're always making choices, and these choices are always changing your world. The question is-- Are you going to allow the things that change today in your life to be random events, or are you going to exercise your freedom to choose your changes? Either way, one thing is for sure...

A change is certainly going to come.

Have a nice week.

Live some. Love some. Learn some. Everyday.

C...

Author's URL: http://www.auctioneerreviews.com/

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Top 10 Ways to Change Your Life by Changing Your Memes

Keywords: life, purpose, self help, improvement, change, trends, inspirational
More Details about http://edge-book.com here.
Summary: Memes. funny word, big concept. Memes are essentially the building blocks for how we move through life.

By Bea Fields

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Memes. funny word, big concept. Memes are essentially the building blocks for how we move through life. From "Where's the beef" to "Nice guys finish last", they are made up of ideas, behaviors, styles or usages that spread from person to person within a culture. They form the boundaries and limits we use to operate in the world. When we were infants, we soaked them up like a sponge and learned how to survive. As we grew older, we began to question them as well as gather evidence to support those that had already taken root, often subconsciously.
Sometimes these memes helped us reach our dreams, sometimes not. Through awareness and conscious choice, our memes can support and energize us to reach our goals and create a new reality--one of our own choosing. So roll up your sleeves and let's do some spring cleaning on those memes . . .

1)Name the Memes Around You

In your lifetime, you have been surrounded by countless memes. Your family history, culture, friends, television, music, the part of the world you live in, the time period in which you grew up all play a part in the way you view the world. As you become more in tune to these messages, you will be able to identify the ones that support you and eliminate those that don't.

Exercise: Consider the following areas and the cultural beliefs that relate to them:

1. Money 2. Success 3. Relationships 4. World politics 5. Aging

2) Clarify What's Influencing You

Were there certain beliefs in your family that you picked up? Did work have to be hard? Was it selfish to ask for what you want rather than go along to get along? Were there certain things that were just not done? The key shift is taking control and using your own thoughts, beliefs, and ideas to invent a new way of being that becomes a bi-product of your thinking propelling you forward to grow and evolve reducing the struggle.

Exercise: Ask yourself the question "Is this belief, idea, concept, or thought working for my life purpose?"

This sounds simple, but it can actually be quite challenging. We all have ideas, beliefs, and thoughts (all memes) which work for our lives and those which don't. This question should also be asked as you are interacting with your memetic environment. Are the books, websites, journals, movies, and conversations you are having pulling you forward or causing a block in your energy or zapping you of your reserves?

3) Dust Off Your Dreams and Evaluate Your Strengths

What are your strengths? What comes easy or naturally to you? Find out what your strengths are, and apply these each and every day to your life. By getting clear on your life purpose and by examining your thoughts several times each day, it is possible to begin choosing memes which pull you forward.

Exercise: Make a list of things you were "driven to do" but you didn't because of a belief.

Did you want to "major in interior design," "invest in a certain stock," or "date or marry a particular person?" Make a list of everything you have wanted to do in the past but didn't, and then ask yourself "What were the reasons that you did not act on what you really wanted to do in life?"

4)Map Out Your "Superhighways"

Each of us takes in information in a variety of ways, however some ways are our preferred paths. For example, some people enjoy getting ideas from friends and family, some are moved by visual images, music or lyrics, and still others have to experience life to form their own conclusions. By identifying and using your "superhighways" you can enhance and speed up the process of creating a supportive belief system.

Exercise: Discover your learning style and work with it.

Do some investigation into your learning style and take note of the trends you discover about yourself. Do you prefer to listen to books on tape rather than read? You may be an auditory learner. You learn by listening. If you like to learn by graphs, charts, or from presentations, you may be a visual learner who learns by watching. If however, you learn by hands on experience, you might be kinesthetic and learn best by doing.

5) Eliminate Clutter Holding You Back

Waste and clutter crowd your thinking, and the visual image can create negative thinking, such as "I am overwhelmed" or "Things are broken" or "My house is messy." The subconscious will take this thought and will translate it into "I am broken, overwhelmed, and messy."

Exercise: Spend about 10 minutes writing down everything that is on your mind.

This could be a "to do list", set of random thoughts, energies, or emotions. The goal is to get what is in your mind out and on paper. A "brain dump" is a great way to clear the mind of clutter and crowded thinking. The clearing process can shift your thinking in a heartbeat. 6) Get Creative and Broaden Your Horizons

• Study an evolutionary trend, a culture different than your own, or a new territory worth entering.
• Investigate a new topic or idea that interests you--read magazines, interview people in the field, find a group to join
• Focus on the 15 frameworks. They can open a dialogue to new options, and new ways of thinking. (http://www.coachville.com/15frame.html)
• Exaggerate or Minimize - If you take a problem, and you blow it up...really exaggerate the problem and make it bigger than it really is, what happens to your thinking? It normally becomes wildly creative. On the same note, when you make something much smaller, the creativity soars as well, because you are shifting your thinking into a mode which is either larger or smaller than is normal for you.

Exercise: Put yourself in a new physical environment.

We can be creatures of habit, doing the same things over and over again. If you always sit in the back of the room, try sitting in the front, left, or right. You can even sit in a different chair around your table at mealtimes or in your living room. You can walk instead of drive, try a new restaurant or route to work, etc. The new perspective will sharpen your ability to be open to new concepts.

7) Design Failsafe Structures

A failsafe structure is a structure or system which makes all environments stronger than you are. Failsafe means that the system or structure is not subject to changes in your mood or in what is going on in your life. Examples of failsafe structures include are

• a strong, stable Coach
• stimulating artwork, pictures, and photographs access to solid resources (online, library, magazines)
• structures for self care (weekly massages)
• mastermind groups
• music you enjoy waking up to
• ongoing skills training
• pets who greet you with happiness, excitement, and lots of kisses

Exercise: Identify 5-10 people you know and ask them to be on your team.

No one does it alone. Next to each person's name write down their strengths. When you ask them to be on your team, mention their strength, "Bob, I have noticed you are a fantastic speaker, would you be willing to be on my team and help me improve my speaking skills." Most people will be flattered that you asked, but if Bob turns you down, thank him for his time and ask someone else. In time, you will have assembled a team of people who can provide you with quick solutions to your challenges and stretch your thinking.

8) Be in Your Purpose

Find your purpose and put yourself squarely in the middle of it. Get to know people who are outstanding in your field, what are their beliefs, what drives them, what ideas do they have about success? Try those on, how do they fit for you? Study your topic or find a group. Instead of saying, "I can't", ask yourself, "How can I?". Surround yourself with real success and unlimited possibility, then your meme's will begin to shift and line up with your goals.

Exercise: Interview 25 people in your area of interest.

However you define success chose people who have attained it and ask curious questions. Some questions you might ask are:

• "How/why did you get started?"
• "What is the most exciting/challenging part of your day?"
• "If you knew now what you didn't know then, what would you do differently?"
• "What are you most proud of?"
• "What is success to you?"

Look for trends and differences in the answers to these questions. Then ask yourself "Which answers work for my life?" You may be surprised at what you find. And, you might even add some members to you team (See tip Number 7 above).

9) Pay Attention to Inklings and Other Guidance Tools

An inkling is a subtle sense of something, even with no evidence to back it up. As you begin to trust your inklings more often, you will find that your thinking shifts and you will become more trusting of your own abilities to make smart choices. Creativity and momentum are also increased. While we don't recommend that you act impulsively on something that is going to cost you financially or in a way which harms you, we do recommend that you go with your impulses in areas such as creative writing, drawing, playing music, or in talking to a stranger "just because you want to."

Exercise: Spend time each day in the alpha state. Research has found that the ideal state for learning is when the brain is in a relaxed, but aware state. Techniques for moving into the alpha state are varied. Some examples are meditation, yoga, swimming, deep breathing exercises, and guided visualization.

10) Realize That "Soakage" is Inevitable Even though we carefully try to choose our memes, renegade beliefs will occasionally get in or resurface, we will always be a work in progress. Don't beat yourself up but do the necessary things to maximize success. Below are a few suggestions:

• Stop watching television (or at least...be very, very selective about what you watch.)
• Immerse yourself in thoughts and literature which relate to your goal.
• State your intention for what you see is possible for your day and make a verbal commitment to achieving just that. You hit the ground running, and you are in charge of your entire day...not waiting for others to call forth your best.
• Observe nature - your thinking can become MUCH bigger and can reach far beyond where you are today.
• Teach or lead others in a new way of thinking
• Hold an "integrity day" to help people complete mundane tasks, such as cleaning their office.

Exercise: Create a "Vision Board" and reinvent this one time each month.

One time each month, take the time to post pictures of what you want your life to look like, be like, and feel like on a poster board or bulletin board. Once these pictures are in place, do one thing in order to move you closer to the direction of your vision. A personal vision can orient you in the direction of the future. The more you focus on pictures and goals of what you want and where you are going in life, the more your vision will be pulled in your direction.

This article was co-authored by Kris Knopp and Bea Fields. Kris Knopp is an empowerment coach, who inspires women to step up and into their full potential in life, to see bigger possibilities, think beyond the ordinary and lay claim to the exhilarating life they are made for. Visit Kris at www.devliberatelifecoaching.com or email Kris@deliberatelifecoaching.com. Bea Fields is an Executive Coach, the Visionary Leader for the Personal Environments Community with CoachVille and the Owner of Five Star Leader Coaching and training

bea@beafields.com
Author's URL: http://edge-book.com
This article was authored by Bea Fields. Fields is an Executive Coach, Speaker and Author and the President of Bea Fields Companies, Inc. and the Founder of Five Star Leader Coaching and Training. She specializes in Leadership and Team Coaching for high growth companies, non-profit organizations and medium-sized businesses. Fields is the co-author of Millennial Leaders: Success Stories From Today's Most Brilliant Generation Y Leaders and EDGE: A Leadership Story.

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