Posts in Life strategies

Why do some things have to be so complicated?

By Sharon · June 30, 2010 · Life strategies · No Comments »

It was o-dark thirty. I needed to make my flight and there I was, standing with my arm outstretched trying to find hot water. The “H” handle was refusing to send hot water!  Maybe they are mislabeled? Nope, the “C” handle was exactly what it said it was, even though I really, really wished it had been mislabeled.

Why do things have to be so complicated – all I wanted was a little hot water shower.  Showers with two knobs, others one, some have a stopper, or a spout while others have a lever the must be turned, pulled out, pushed in, flipped, then there was this one….  Try as I might, fiddling, twisting one off and the other on, waiting with my arm reaching into the cold water, yet nothing worked. I finally figured out that you have to turn a ring on the bottom of the tub spout to get the shower, never did get hot water.

So it truly was a cold shower the other morning. Why am I telling this crazy tale? Standing there naked, muttering aloud about the confounded faucet just capped a week where it was my lesson to learn we sure over-complicate our lives.

Assignment to self: Simple really is better. My personal KISS is Keep it simple, Sharon. What is your idea for keeping it simple? Share with me in the comments section below.

Speaking of simple, my website for the book is up – WooHoo! Not that the techie part was simple, but Adam makes it look simple. Great Job Adam!  The simple part is we are adding resources and video tips daily to create a one-stop resource for quality communication, both verbal and nonverbal.  We are continuing to create neat stuff for you and are looking for even more.  If you have any tips or ideas your would like to share, drop me a note.   http://www.whatyourbodysays.com.

Also, wanted you to know about my friend Shel Horowitz’s new book Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green. I met Shel few months ago when he was a guest on our radio show, Beyond Lip Service. Just a few of Shel's principles I found engaging were:

• Nice guys don't finish last–they finish first
• Being a Green, eco-friendly business is *more* profitable
• Customers, suppliers, and even competitors can do a whole lot of your marketing for you

For Shel, core principles like these above aren't just something you have to do because it's the right thing, or simply to stay out of jail. They are actually the cornerstones of success–and many well-known companies prove him right every day, showing that you can make a profit and still hold your head up high. Shel impressed me so much during our interview, I wanted to help him spread the word when his latest book came out.

Please visit http://guerrillamarketinggoesgreen.com to purchase this book. There Shel has links to your choice of retailer, with prices starting at $14.93 (list price is $21.95). No matter where you buy the book (local bookstore, your favorite online retailer, or directly from Shel–which gives you the option of an autographed copy), consider registering your purchase on his bonus page and see why the book went to press with more than 50 endorsements, including such marketing legends as Mark Joyner, Fern Reiss, Chris Brogan, and Michael Port–not to mention Green gurus like Joel Makower and Jacquelyn Ottman and Stephen M.R. Covey (author of The Speed of Trust) wrote the foreword. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Have a great day whatever your adventure
Sharon

 

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Clean Language is a great tool for helping people to understand themselves

By Sharon · February 6, 2010 · Communications, Life strategies · No Comments »

Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing – and then meeting in person – Marian Way, who came all the way from England to teach a class on 'Clean Language' with my good friend Bev Martin. And I've just learned that she's returning in May this year and that she and Bev are offering a free teleseminar this coming Thursday to give people a chance to find out about this amazing, holistic coaching / therapeutic tool – and to 'meet' Marian in advance of the training itself.

Clean Language is a great tool for helping people to understand themselves, and in doing so, you get to understand them. And the idea is brilliantly simple: rather than 'interpreting' what a person has said and asking questions that (often unintentionally) lead them down your own line of thought, a clean question accurately reflects the other person's words and is as open as possible. This has many effects – the person hears their own words and can question whether that is what they meant to say; they feel understood and respected; and they are given maximum choice about how to respond. Their answer's not constrained by the assumptions of the questioner. The clean questions were devised by psychotherapist David Grove and there are only about thirty altogether, 9 of which are used 80% of the time. Most of the questions are everyday questions (e.g. Is there anything else about that … ? and What kind of … is that?) so Clean Language is not restricted to coaching and therapy – it's is used by parents, teachers, business managers, health practitioners… anyone who helps other people to think more clearly. And many people use it to help themselves to think more clearly, too…
 
Marian says: “You know something deep inside you but can’t put it into words? The solution to a problem. An idea for a business. The right decision. The best way to motivate your staff. The problem is, there are so many aspects to it, so it goes round and round in your mind. You focus on one aspect, it seems that a solution is close, then oh no, you remember another thing and the solution / decision / idea seems just as out of reach as ever. If only you could take some time to really think it through, get to the bottom of it all… you decide to spend some time mulling it over – but it’s too hard, and you’re easily distracted, or you notice you’re putting your own barriers in place. I am keen to show as many people as possible how Clean Language helps people to access their own inner wisdom to a degree they had not attained before. I seek to do this by helping coaches, teachers, trainers and other leaders in the community to learn how to use the method."
 
The free introductory seminar, which will give you more information about Clean Language and how it works, and which will include a short live demonstration with an audience member, is this Thursday at 12.30pm PST. I'm planning to be on the call, and if you would like to join me, you can read more and sign up at: http://www.apricotisland.com/introductory-teleseminar/

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Can I do “it” for 24 hours?

By Sharon · December 3, 2009 · General, Life strategies · No Comments »

Today’s rant: Would you want to do "it" if you could?

I had a friend say the other day they have been trying to go through just 24 hours without making a judgment. He said he had not been successful. I told him he had to define judgment… before he could have success at it and maybe that not making a judgment over the course of a day is not truly doable.

That got me to thinking is it doable and if it is, do I want to do it? I looked up the definition of judgment and found—the ability to make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely. Since the word opinion is in the judgment definition I looked it up too— a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. Curious, with the above as a framework, why does common usage define judgment as a negative?

I suppose, if others are of the mindset that judgment and opinion must be negative to discuss, then one just has to come to terms with the fact that it is their own insecurities and not whether I or others have shortcomings or not.

Judgment or Opinion — Criticism or Evaluation

I can free myself of the need to be part of negative judgments. Yet, sorry, guys, I know this isn’t “PC” but for me, I’ll fine having judgments. I’ll always have an opinion and I’m comfortable with the fact that I don’t want to be judgment free.

I can acknowledge the right for others to behave however one chooses (we won’t go into all the judgments/opinions of legal, safe, sane…) AND know that acknowledgment is not the same as acceptance.

Share your thoughts on can you or even do you want to…. 

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Are you mis-using your imagination?

By Sharon · November 3, 2009 · Life strategies · No Comments »

bT*xJmx*PTEyNTcyNzg4NDg3OTQmcHQ9MTI1NzI3ODg1MjczMSZwPTQ1MDk3MiZkPSZnPTEmbz**MTVkM2RjMjY*ZmY*NDIyYTA2OTNjY2VhYTM2OTQ4ZA== Are you mis using your imagination?

Beyond Lip Service welcomes Melissa Zollo! Her communication secret is one many share — to listen — yet Melissa, has her own unique way of understanding how we listen. Listen moment to moment, stripping away preconceived ideas of what we should hear and what we should respond with.
Her dynamic methods teach us to understand our accepted beliefs as error-patterns, once understood at the conscious level we can give full attention to educating ourselves in ways and beliefs that would better serve us.

Surrender that belief – use your inner resources to master your feelings. Break free, your destiny is not controlled by your thoughts. This is a misuse of our imagination.
Listen in on our interview, leanr more about harnessing the power if your imagination and Melissa Zollo, imagist, (imagination and law of attraction specialist), is the author of Discover the Power of Imagination – Melissa’s Secrets on the Law of Vibration CD program, and How to Unleash the Power Within and Attract Money audio programs.

After a serious and debilitating accident in 1992, she survived and rebuilt her life using the Power of her Imagination and Spiritual Principles. If one is thinking of using their Imagination creatively and wants to put the Law of Attraction into motion for successful results, then Melissa Zollo is the person who will help you achieve your goal. Melissa has a tremendous ability to inspire people and motivate them to rise up in consciousness, and attract results. Her clients call her the “how to lady”.

Currently Melissa is working on a 4 part ebook series — How to IMAGINATE & ATTRACT MONEY NOW. Sign up for her FREE daily tips and newsletter available at http://www.PresentMemory.com

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Is it forgetting or believing….

By Sharon · October 30, 2009 · Life strategies · No Comments »

A friend sent me this, I enjoyed reading it. I wish I knew who wrote it, it did not come attributed and a quick google search did not turn up a consistent author, I wanted to share it anyhow…

It sent another wake-up message from the universe that has been a consistent theme in my life this last month. You might laugh and recognize the theme…. I suggest that it is not so much forgetting as it is believing in the first place… I’m posting this for all my friends and readers of this blog — Thank you for being you; I appreciate you in my life more than you will ever know.

Have a great day whatever your adventure

Sharon

 

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don’t take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, if there is one flaw in women,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR OWN WORTH.

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If only I could see a way… what are your blind spots?

By Sharon · October 8, 2009 · Life strategies · No Comments »

So… let me replay a recent snip of a conversation…

Have you seen the marketing of ‘X’ company?” (That concept) looks like it could be adaptable and transferable to your market…”

“But, I don’t do what he does…”

“Yes, I know, it’s about ‘the how’ of the delivery not the ‘what,’ let’s look at the structure; it could be a way to speak with your market that is new and relevant.”

“I’m not resisting you, but as I said I don’t do what he does….”  

Here’s the thing:

Let’s be honest, we all have “blind spots” – things that we do day in and day out without really thinking about how it could be done smarter, quicker, faster, better….

As the label “blind spots” suggests these are actions, behaviors and beliefs that are not working to get us what we say we want and yet we can’t (or won’t) see for our selves they are not working. Most of the time our blind spots are all to obvious to others – isn’t that the old saying – can’t see the forest for all the trees….

Do friends, family or co-workers mention or tease you about the same thing over and over… Example…. I have a dear friend, no matter how many latest loves she introduces me to, it’s the same man, different body (syndrome)…. I ask myself “So why is she expecting different results?”

Come on folks, let’s get over ourselves. What are those things we continue to do — day in and day out — because that is “how it is done.” Or what about the ones we refuse to see or don’t see?  I think back to a couple of my own that I refused to see… my reply was “You just don’t understand.” Funny thing was friends understood all too well, if I had only entertained the notion that there was another way to look at it.

If you’re having the same problems and frustrations over and over in your business (or your love life) then what’s important is NOT the beliefs about the messed up economy or the competition, or there are no good men or women left….

What’s important is you getting to the bottom of YOUR PART in these situations that are keeping you from creating what you want!  (hint: YOUR BLIND SPOTS.)   STOP and really take a look at what isn’t working, than try something else.

Share your comments please

Have a great day whatever your adventure

To Success! To Life!

 Sharon

p.s. I have a favor to ask, if you enjoy the ramblings and rants of Best Impressions would you encourage others to join?  I am trying to grow our community and the best way is to ask those that know and like you to ask their friends… hopefully they hang out with like-minded people right?  Ways to join the community are right there on the right hand side of my blog —– that’s right see the twitter, facebook and Book Yourself Solid e course???

p.s. Our Radio Show Beyond Lip Service welcomes Pat Mussieux.  Pat is Founder of the company “Steps2Happiness”, and Creator of the “Steps2Happiness Home Study System”. She specializes in helping female baby-boomers add more happiness into their daily lives by way of teaching mindset and goal-setting techniques. (www.steps2happiness.com) ARE YOU ATTRACTING ENOUGH HAPPINESS INTO YOUR LIFE?

Join me this Tuesday 1:00 PM Eastern/10AM Pacific for Beyond Lip Service at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beyondlipservice

Isn’t it time to make the right impression online too?

Twitter, Facebook, Google, HTML, SEO… confused yet? With so much technology available today it can be overwhelming for you and your customers. We focus on website makeovers that make your website more profitable and simple to use. Let us show you how easy it can be by signing up for our free website makeover introduction. Your success is, our success.

Join in Sharon’s Social Media Mastermind Call every Monday at 10am Pacific. run over to my contact me page if you would like to join us and l’ll send you all the great details!

 

 

 

 

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The Uncommon Path

By Sharon · July 8, 2009 · Life strategies, Podcasts · No Comments »

bT*xJmx*PTEyNDcwOTE1MDY*MTgmcHQ9MTI*NzA5MTUxMzQ2OCZwPTQ1MDk3MiZkPSZnPTEmdD*mbz**MTVkM2RjMjY*ZmY*NDIyYTA2OTNjY2VhYTM2OTQ4ZA== The Uncommon Path

I welcomed Mick Quinn to Beyond Lip Service. Listen in to this interesting interview. I think I uttered the phrase, I didn’t know that tell me more a half dozen times…  What a great talk. So many insights into why we do what we do. The "I" in "I am thinking" ego and how so many can become stuck in that separation.  Mick’s new book "The Uncommon Path" offer clarity and challenges us to be bold. Right up Beyond Lip Service’s alley! Be Bold is part of our tagline…

When I wrote "Life’s Short Live Passionately," I explored the self-containing role of the ego. Mick takes the understanding of ego and challenges us to express your full potential, and the awareness to live with authenticity, to get comfortable with the "struggle." Many times we see ourselves apart and stuck in a cycle of conditioning. In the short time we had, Mick offered one suggestion for getting unstuck, the practice of mediation – just sitting still. Get The Uncommon Path to learn more about Awakening to your authentic joy.

Mick was born in Ireland and was the founder and CEO of several multimillion-dollar companies in New York City from 1994-2001. His work is regularly quoted and featured in many publications, including CNN Living, The Washington Times, ADD Magazine, Body & Mind Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. His latest book, The Uncommon Path is a compelling guide to uncovering and growing beyond concealed conditioning on the road to awakening our full potential. Clearly exposing the kaleidoscope of metaphysical distractions orchestrated by the ego that keep us well clear of an authentic path. Learn more about Mick at www.mickquinn.com and the book at www.theuncommonpath.com

"I highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to let go of his or her suffering and achieve authentic joy."
~Gary Renard: bestselling author of The Disappearance of the Universe

Bo Beyond Lip Service… Focus on taking Action in your life. Go beyond just giving lip service to what you want to do! Every Tuesday at 10am Pacific join Sharon Sayler as we go beyond lip service.

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