As I mentioned in my last post, I’m spending the New Year in Normandy at a Chateau. Some of you have asked to see, so below is a picture of the south side of the Chateau, off in the far background to the right, is the Seine River.

This Chateau has seen hundreds of years of history. Some more recent history (in terms of the Chateau) is the 4 center columns still have bullets holes from when the German SS took over the Chateau and the Scots came over the hill and drove them all to their deaths into the Seine River at the liberation of France or so the story goes….. They’ve repaired many of the mortar and bullet holes, but wanted to leave a few for the sake of the "history" of the place.

As I always say enjoy the adventure. 

Two great opportunities I’ve discovered this adventure…. Recommendations

I had no idea I would be spending New Year’s Eve with cookbook and lifestyle author Jane Webster at her home the Chateau de Bosgouet and a group of her friends. I’m glad I jumped at the opportunity! Ms. Webster is a charming host. She prepared a marvelous multi-course dinner for a "small" gathering. I put small in quotes, for me, I would have been overwhelmed with the number of dinner guests, but Jane made it look flawless. The dinner was fantastic.

As well as being a charming host, amazing cook and an accomplished author, Jane runs an unique culinary school / home stay experience known as "The French Table" from the Chateau de Bosgouet. I spoke with several at the party that had attended The French Table and it sounds absolutely thrilling. It now goes on my "To Do Soon" list.  More about Jane, her books and cookery school can be found at http://sharonsayler.com/FrenchTable

Another fabulous find is (tea) Thé Des Imressionnistes. I found it at the delightful "thé" (tea) shop Mariage Freres.  I admit, I can be a tea snob, but I just can’t get enough of this one. The scents alone in this shop are worth a trip, but if you can’t make it to the shop(s), do check out their site http://www.mariagefreres.com/ if you are or know a tea snob.

Enjoy your adventure wherever it may take you.

To Success! To Life!

Sharon

Wow, can you believe it?

I know it’s hard for me to believe that the Holidays are here and 2011 is almost over!

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for making 2011 one amazing ride – What Your Body Says (and how to master the message) hit the bookstores a little over one year ago.  The book has been published in 5 languages since it’s release and it is now being used as suggested reading in Universities around the world.

I can hardly believe it but I was even recently voted one of the 50 Authors You Should Be Reading in 2011. I’ve traveled around the world lecturing; coaching and consulting for those that want to fast-track their business for success by learning to communicate to get the results they want and make the kind of money they know they deserve.

If you are not getting the results you want consider…
Is your body language is sending unconscious self-sabotaging messages?

But back to why I wanted to offer a Holiday Special:

When I wrote What Your Body Says (and how to master the message) I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives in a positive way. I knew from my own experience tiny little changes to body language will change your world.

I’ve herd from many of you how it has helped you develop new, deeper relationships and be understood the first time….

Now, I know, it’s making a REAL difference in people’s lives – it’s just really cool! So as a thank you for everyone here’s what I’ve dreamed up, go to this special link,

http://sharonsayler.com/2011-holiday/

and invest in one book at the Holiday Special Price of $10 + S&H and receive another copy FREE*.

I know it sounds NUTS giving away my book, and maybe it is… I can only do it for a limited time – if you want to get it in time for the Holidays – so hurry, pop over to

http://sharonsayler.com/2011-holiday/

and grab them right now.

Just imagine a FR*EE* copy to give to someone or some place, a school, maybe even library that could really use it.

I’m happy to personalize both copies too if you like at no additional charge to make it a truly special gift!

To personalize buy the books then forward me the email with the receipt and tell me specifically how you want them personalized.

Have a great day whatever your adventures

To Success! To Life!
Enjoy the Adventure
Sharon
Author of What Your Body Says (and how to master the message)

*(Just cover S&H [$4.95] on the second copy.)

• Does leading your team make you think that herding jello would be easier?
• Maybe you knew you wanted to be a transformational leader but now the only thing being transformed is your blood pressure.
• Worse yet, maybe you aren’t "really the leader" so what can you do other than sit there and sizzle….

I know, I hear you, I’ve been there too. Over the years I’ve both been on teams, lead teams and facilitated many a meeting and the one thing I can count on coming up time and again is personality conflicts. These conflicts are not outright fist-to-cuffs, yet personality conflicts produce a simmering and stewing underneath the surface.  They start small, often between just two members, then slowly infects the entire team.  If left untreated it can lead the entire team to become so dysfunctional that all progress grinds to a halt.

Sure we can say, "Let’s all be ‘adult’ about this," but what does that really mean?  In my work, I’ve called those people who can see all sides and bring divergent personalities together a liaison. While  some people are innate liaisons I know liaison skills can be learned. 

While modeling for others and coaching team members to develop liaison skills, I’m always looking for ways to further the participant’s understanding of the exact skills and behaviors a person needs to be a liaison. Now, I’ve found it, thanks to Les McKeown’s new book The Synergist.

Often the greatest variable in success are the people involved in the process. In The Synergist, Les builds upon the groundbreaking work of his last book Predictable Success and goes into detail about how any individual can lead a group to success with or without the formal title. 

The Synergist breaks down the three main personality styles we often have to work with, how they work (or don’t work) together and how we can become (and help others become) that person that provides the synergy to propel our team forward, transcend our baseline behaviors and quickly, precisely and powerfully become a leader of leaders whether you have the corner office or not.

If you work with others and want to quickly become the go-to person, I highly recommend you buy The Synergist.

Enjoy the adventure
Sharon

Note: I meet Les in 2010 when we were both speaking at Book Breakthrough NYC. That photo to the left is Les and I together at that event. I wanted you to know while I did get an advance copy of The Synergist, I have no connection, financial or otherwise (other than I like the guy and his work) with Les or his books. I just like to share knowledge that I find relevant, helpful and easy to implement. I like Les’ books a lot and highly recommend them – pre-order The Synergist today.

I received an advance copy of a new professional development and business book written by my friend Laura Goodrich. 

As Forbes.com just said of her book…"A must read, for leaders who want what it takes to accomplish positive change.  Discouraged leaders who tend to default to natural negativity, find themselves suddenly capitalizing on their brain’s amazing ability to change itself into positive personal and professional mental makeovers."

Seeing Red Cars—Driving Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization to a Positive Future.

Purchase your copy on the release day, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, through www.seeingredcarsbook.com (Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders) when Laura is donating 50% of her opening-day royalties to the Make a Wish® Foundation of Minnesota.
 

One way to build trust and credibility is by establishing yourself as a category authority – a well-known, well-liked expert in your field. It will have a powerful effect on the success of your business and can be incredibly rewarding. But, where to begin —— learn to connect with candor and rapport to build trust and credibility.  How to do it?  Learn the power of Likeability.

In this rapidly changing world of unpredictable economic, social and political change, it’s “what” you know and with “who” you know that’s important + do they like you…

“Like me,” you might ask, what does that have to do with it?  A lot. The emotional response someone has weighs heavily on a decision to buy.  It is called the Likeability Factor. 

Author Tim Sanders of a book by the same name asserts there are 4 factors that increase your “L-factor.” They are friendliness, relevance, empathy and realness. I disagree with his definitions and don’t believe he takes the concept far enough. Why not listen in today and find out if you agree with Tim or me. Or maybe a combination of both of us.

So, how likeable are you? Not sure? Take this quick survey (now, be honest…)

   1. Do you enjoy being with and in service to others?

   2. Do others invite you and want to spend time with you?

   3. Are you a good listener and provide positive feedback?

   4. Do people ask for your advice and / or confide in you?

   5. Do you show appreciation, gratitude and compliment others?

   6. Do you smile often and look on the bright side of things?

   7. Is your glass half-full?

Were you able to truly answer yes to these questions? Yup, I know we all have our moments, but overall can you answer yes? Then if you are not hallucinating about yourself, you are probable a likeable person. Just to keep you “honest” pay attention to what others are saying and more often than not, unspoken, i,e,. nonverbal

If you can take away one concept today please consider this:     

"You will win more friends by developing a sincere interest them than you will ever win by trying to get people interested in you."  — paraphrased from the late Dale Carnegie and his classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People.

If you want to learn more about likeability the call is at 12:00 EDT.  To register, go to http://tinyurl.com/nv4phm.  Call-in information will be sent you after you confirm your registration. 

Have a great day whatever your adventure

To Success! to Life!

Sharon

   Download today’s call strategy sheet.
 

Reference Books to learn more:

Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders

I had given Dave a pre-release copy of Michael Port’s latest book "The Think Big Manifesto" for his recent plane trip… he found the "Manifesto" inspiring and returned the favor with an inspiring book for my trip. I began reading "1001" on the flight to Philly, I love how this book turns a phrase even when it is not an epigram. Elbert defines epigram as "a condensed nugget of wisdom and wit, flavored with a surprise…" How cool is that definition?

I will be tweeting many of them soon, but two of my favorites from Elbert are:

—"Do unto others as though you were the other."

—"You are what you think, and not what you think you are."

Elbert was Dave’s great uncle. He was quite an ad man, PR guy and writer in his day until his death on the S.S. Lusitania on May 7, 1915. Thanks, Dave… you do know how I love a gifted wordsmith.

Another favorite is, "An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all."  I might add "or big or bold" after dangerous. "An idea that is not dangerous or big or bold is unworthy of being called an idea at all."

As I was reading that epigram, I thought of why I was headed to Philly… I’m here with Michael Port, because today, he just released his 4th and absolutely best book by far: "The Think Big Manifesto: Think You Can’t Change Your Life (and the World)? Think Again."

Big, bold ideas that create action are needed today.

Since I met Michael several years ago, I have heard about his passion to write this book. With his "Book Yourself Solid" series and now "The Think Big Manifesto" he has challenged me to think bigger about who I am and what I offer the world. His passion is now out in print and it’s inspiring, compelling and challenging!

LINK
www.thinkbigmanifesto.com

Once you read it, let me know what you think? What are the bigger, bolder things you will offer the world?  Signing off than with this epigram from Elbert about taking action: "An ounce of performance is worth a pound of preachment."

Have a great day whatever your adventure
To success! To life!
Sharon
http://twitter.com/ssayler
http://twitter.com/beyondlipsvc