Moving Away from Negative Influences

Having coached hundreds of folks – a common roadblock I see are people that unknowingly surround themselves with negative influence.  Negative influence can mean many things.  The negative influences I’m referring to are basically the people who have decided who you are and what you’re capable of doing based on what they perceive of you.  They are the judges who contribute in no other way but give their point of view which is generally discouraging.  When you have a dream in your heart – be very aware of who you choose to surround yourself with.  Who are the people in your life right now that have already pre-judged you and will continue to judge you?  They may be colleagues, friends and even family members.  Unless they have a stake in your dream, ie: they are helping you with start up capital or they are a partner in your business - the brutal truth is you need to limit your exposure to their negativity.  Negativity attracts negativity and that is why so many new entrepreneurs cannot get past their own mindset.  Now, I’m not saying go out there and cut off those people in your life – absolutely not.  Just have a heightened awareness of how much time you may be spending with negative influencers and recognize the source of where their judgments come from.  No one can tell you what you are capable of achieving.  Only you can decide that.  Stay true to your dreams and resonate with those people who support you mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Get Ready, Get Inspired! - GD

THE DETAILS FOR A LASTING IMPRESSION

With the fierce competition in today’s job market, I was recently asked by a coaching student for advice on how to best approach the tables at job fairs.  It's natural for many folks to get a bit nervous at these types of events and actually that’s a good thing because it keeps us all on our tippy toes! The trick is to take that same nervous energy and harness it into positive action.  It’s not a hard task to accomplish this conversion to positive action – it just needs to be kept on the forefront of your mind.

Here are some quick tips for a great first impression at job fairs and other business events:

1. Always start with a warm smile. Don't worry about how others receive you. In fact if you should come across any negativity (which most likely you won't at these events) just offer your brightest smile.  A genuine smile comes from a source of abundance, an initial love for one self and exudes self confidence. Negativity attracts negativity so your positive approach and warm smile will attract the like. 

2. In your mind be familiar with your "30 second elevator speech" to share with others when you meet them. So for instance when I meet folks and they ask me what I do- I don't say the "title" of what I am. I familiarize them with the services I provide. So for instance instead of saying I am an author, coach and speaker, I say: "I help folks find their sweet spot." "Well, what do you mean by that?"- they would ask, and then I get into the details: "Well, through my coaching, writing and keynotes- I offer inspiration for folks to achieve their maximum potential, their sweet spot where they can achieve their dreams and find their fulfillment."

See the difference? The standard answer "Author, Coach and Speaker" is typical and won't be as memorable and discussion provoking. This subtle yet more impactful approach talks about the services you offer instead of what you are. 

And what if you don't know what your services are? Think about your ideal job and what you do best- whatever it may be. So for instance if you'd like to be an executive assistant and you have excellent organizational skills - your 30 second elevator speech may be: "Well, I support and organize fast track executives in their continued career growth, I am their right hand and go to person."

If you were a wedding cake baker, you'd say: "I provide memorable desserts for special occasions. I keep Brides and Grooms happy with beautifully decorated and delicious custom cakes."

Taking this approach will stand you out from the masses that just announce their job title instead of the services.

3. Lastly, always address these folks by their names and thank them for their time when you leave their tables. In job fairs and other business events - there are so many people that are in such a mad rush to get around to meet everyone - they don't necessarily address these details.  And remember - it’s all in the details that make a lasting impression!  Get Ready, Get Inspired! - GD

No More "Thens"

With my coaching I see it all the time: people not taking any steps towards implementing their dreams.  Whether it’s related to their business or personal endeavors – here is a gentle nudge for these folks:  this is it.   You only have today, now, the present, this moment.  The tomorrows and yesterdays are illusions of the mind – they are past memories or hopeful futures, there is only the present time and until you accept this you will always be living in the past or living in the “then”.  The “thens” is a time frame that is based on something else happening prior. We’ve all been there at one point or another, the problem is when people chose to forever, permanently reside in the “then”. 

“After my big promotion, then I’ll treat myself to that vacation in Europe.” 

“After the kids are all grown up, then I’ll go back to school.”

“Once work isn’t so busy- then I’ll take time off with the family.”

No more “thens”.  Do it now.  Life is too precious to be squandered away with minimal fulfillment or joy.  Do it now for no one but yourself.  Do it now because you deserve it. 

Get Ready, Get Inspired!  -GD