Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy

November 5, 2012 By

I’ve walked this boardwalk *countless* times. Well, what was a boardwalk.

Every single board of this 2-mile NJ landmark was ripped from its foundation by the force of Sandy and tossed lie a rag doll into the ocean.

Of course, this is mild compared to what has happened in other areas of my beloved NJ…and my beloved NYC. I am grateful that I get to sit, right now, in Starbucks, siphoning wi-fi so that I can experience a taste of civilization. I have been without power for 7 days and am staying–if you can believe it–with my ex, in a house currently alive because of a generator. We have no phone, internet or cable, and yesterday, I sat for 2 hours in line for gasoline–much shorter due to the new “even/odd” license plate rules. [Read more...]

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Stay or Go?

August 28, 2012 By

Spend 6 minutes to see if you should stay (or get) subscribed to me and my work, or if you should move on. This is an important decision because if you choose to stay, it could change your future in very important ways. Watch now! [Read more...]

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Determining Your Target Market: 6 Ways You’ve Probably Not Considered–Part 4

August 17, 2012 By

In this 6-part series, I’m offering tools to help you determine the market that is best for who you are, what you do, and that will actually buy you. I can’t possibly underestimate the importance of a niche-market or underestimate the difficulty in getting this right for most coaches, consultants, practitioners and speakers. This is Part 4 in the series. Be sure to read the previous posts for all of the tools, then blend them together for your Perfect Buyer mix.

#4. With Whom Do You Have the Most Credibility?

You must go where you are seen as valid and valuable. Many clients come to me and don’t consider this at all, let alone thoughtfully. Here are some questions to help you:

    1. Where do you have solid contacts? Do you have them from your previous career? From your PTA days? From your church? This is one of the very first questions I ask, in large part because you do not want to make business any harder than it needs to be! Go where you have contacts, but also, go there because where others know you, you have credibility.

    2. What have you experienced and conquered? Yesterday, my advice was, “be your market.” If you have gone through something that your market has gone through, as well, you have instant credibility. Downsizing; divorce; teen motherhood, etc. In determining your market, look for the experiences you’ve had because your success journey will be wanted by the market going through the same thing–and they will buy you because you are credible.

    3. Who would resonate most with your beliefs? Like-minds find each other credible. If you say something that causes others to fervently nod their head in agreement, you have credibility with them–even if you lack experience in what you do. Even if it is a market in which you have interest, but no contacts. If you believe in something they do, you are one of the tribe. I always delve deeply into my clients’ beliefs, and eventually have them include them in their marketing because inspirational marketing works for this very reason–you are powerfully credible with those who share your philosophies.

By now, you must be getting ideas. Who is a strong contender for your target market?

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Unsure of Your Purpose? 8 Questions to Reveal An Answer…

June 15, 2012 By

I was asked by a colleague, Jill Berquist, to be on her weekly community call and speak to “those in transition” about Inspired Leadership. Now, I’m used to speaking to entrepreneurs—and visionary ones, at that—so I had to take a few moments to consider what I could say to folks who aren’t sure where their feet will land next. They want some sort of direction.

What I wanted them to understand, first and foremost, is that they have it in them to lead. They’ve been around the block a time or two and have amassed a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. My job was to help them see that there is a natural leadership role waiting for them. I ended up taking them through a series of questions that I believe will help anyone—an established entrepreneur, or you, if you’re not sure yet of your purpose in the world.

But first, we need to define “leader”—which everyone and his mother has done for the last sixty years. But here’s my definition—and note the four distinct parts: A leader 1) has something to say 2) that is unique, 3) relevant—and has 4) direction for people, a clear sense of the destination that would be most helpful for them.

An inspired leader has something to say that inspires others to a destination that has them aspire to something greater.

If that seems daunting–and I thought perhaps it would seem so to the audience on this call–it isn’t at all and I wanted them to know that immediately. So I told them that the fact is, all of us have opinions about what is most helpful for others. We all have a “destination” we believe is most helpful for others to get to. It’s just a fact. Even those of us who believe in “live and let live” and don’t like to put forward opinions…have an opinion about that, and probably believe that philosophy is a very helpful destination for everyone!

So, I had the attendees look at the idea of leadership and purpose with the following questions. Are you ready to take yourself through them?

  1. What area of life do you feel you have an opinion about? You have knowledge and wisdom because of some experience in it? The 6 areas of life are:
    1. Romantic relationships
    2. Health and wellness
    3. Parenting/Family
    4. Finance
    5. Career
    6. Mental/Spiritual Potential

  2. Now, in just 1 sentence: What is the most amazing or critical thing you learned about that area when you were going through your experience of it?

  3. What was the pain you had PRIOR to that realization?
    What feelings did you have that hurt?
  1. How did you get out of that pain?
  1. Imagine having about twelve people with the same pain in a room with you. Answer this in one very succinct sentence: What opinion would you offer them about how to alleviate the pain? (One sentence.)
  1. If you could alleviate this pain for thousands, would this satisfy you profoundly?
    1. If not, what is missing?
  1. If “yes,”—What would you encourage them to aspire to? What “destination” (intangible, perhaps) would you inspire them to reach for?
  1. What vision comes to mind for the way that you would lead them there?

Of course, as I said, as a leader, you will have something unique to say (and relevant.) We’ve covered the “relevant” piece in these questions. Now, the final question—the BIG one—is what could you say to them that is provocative and fresh…new to the ears?

Good weekend thinking, don’t you think?

(BTW, that’s the work I do. You may always email me to find out more!)

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Celebrating 10 Years In Business This Month!!

October 1, 2011 By
It was October 2001. After nearly nine months of rigorous study and practice, I charged out of the iPEC Coaching school in New Jersey, where I’d just earned my ICF-accredited certification, and was ready to change the world. After all, two years before, I’d left my marriage to do just that (that’s another story) and I figured it was about time I followed through. Never mind that I had no idea how to run a business. My father had been a minister, my mother a psychotherapist and the very cornerstones of any successful business—selling and marketing—had never been skills they’d needed, and in fact, they had quite openly disparaged them. While it has become a cliché now, I was one of those who truly believed that all it took to be good in business was being good at what I did. And I was great at coaching. So, it wasn’t much of a leap, I figured, to assume I’d be great in business. Are you laughing? I wish someone had laughed at me and set me straight back then, but I didn’t have any entrepreneurial friends or family members, so they stepped into the poppy field with me and off we marched into my fantasy. I soon woke up. With a start. As I’ve said, I had no idea how to sell—but it was all much worse than just that. I didn’t want to sell. Like, fiercely. I honestly would have rather starved—and if it hadn’t been for my ex-husband, I probably would have. Sales people were desperate, sleazy, manipulative. And since I wasn’t any of those, I was not going to risk my reputation and become them. Lesson 1. I had no target market. If you’ve been a student or client of mine, you’re openly gaping right now—but I assure you, it’s true: I wanted to be a generalist coach. After all, Marianne Williamson and Wayne Dyer didn’t have narrow markets: they spoke to the whole world and so would I. Lesson 2. Then there was the clarity thing. It was bad enough that the world didn’t really know what a “coach” was outside of sports–and while making the analogy helped, still, furrowed brows dominated the faces of those to whom I tried to describe this new profession. And since I was a generalist, I had very little compelling to say about what I did. Lesson 3. There’s more to the story–not trying to tease, but too long for a post. Go get the rest PLUS the 75 lessons I learned the hard way: http://inspiredleadershiptraining.com/10Years/report/
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Leaders of Change: The Future of Entrepreneurship

February 19, 2011 By
In my last post, I cracked the moral whip, taking a zero-tolerance stance on “how-to experts” who earn a living sharing their expertise, without ever learning the expertise of teaching. I made it clear that I find doing so irresponsible and glaringly out of alignment with their professed intention of wanting to help others. No one is being helped by an expert who doesn’t know how to successfully transfer knowledge. And I ruffled a few (not many, but a few) feathers, clearly hitting a nerve. So, let’s leave morality behind and get practical. Teaching power- fully is the difference between a message sticking, and a message evaporating into thin air. Teaching effectively is the difference between your viewers, readers or listeners taking the action you want them to, and slipping away into oblivion. Teaching well is the difference between their buying on the spot, and procrastinating. Contributing, and making excuses. Participating full-on, and sitting on the bench. Telling others about you, and remaining silent. If you got triggered by my wrist-slapping the other day, you can certainly agree with the common sense fact that teaching well is good for your reputation, your business and your intention to stimulate action. But I believe there is a critical purpose to teaching effectively that is greater than the moral value and the benefits to your business—and it has to do with the historic times we find ourselves in, and what they mean for the future of entrepreneurs. Have you noticed the once-incomprehensible changes that are happening on the planet right now? Upheavals of almost every kind abound, and with them come growing fear and uncertainty. And whether you realize it or not, your role as a business owner is changing, too. Where once, you were in service to your individual markets—now, you’re in service to the planet. Your role as entrepreneur is being upgraded to “leader of change.” I met an 85-year-old woman the other night who was terribly excited about the GET ON YOUR FEET2011 movement I’ve launched, and she added a new word to my lexicon: world-citizen. In these times, we are being called to world-citizenship as businesses. Which means we will be called forward to lead–on platforms we’ve never stood on before. And we must be worthy of that leadership. We must communicate so potently and effectively, that our words of insight get through, and move people to change with these changing times. It is essential that we not waste a breath speaking, unless it impacts. As a leader of change, everything we convey must count. And that is the most important reason to teach with powerful effectiveness. Not just because it’s morally responsible (which it is), or because it will make you more money (which it will)—but because you are here to achieve something and become a part of something bigger than you, and its success is imperative. The “new world” we are so quickly inhabiting will require powerful new leaders with new-paradigm qualifications. Teaching with excellence will be just one. On Thursday, February 24 at 4pm EST, I am doing something I have never done. (You’ve heard that one before, right?) I’m serious, though. For years, I’ve taught a revolutionary public speaking training based on brain research in memory and learning. Secrets of Impact and Influence has been an enduring and highly acclaimed signature program—that I only give live. Outside that training, I have never so much as whispered to any- one the secrets I teach there—and all of my attendees have been sworn to the same code of honor.  But on Feb. 24, I am opening up the Secrets of Impact & Influence manual and teaching page 13: The 10 “Don’t-Bother -Teaching-Without-These” Factors of Deep and Rapid Learning. And because I’ll be using all 10 factors, The Inspired Speakers teleclass is going to be unlike ANY free call (or paid call!) you have EVER experienced. If you’re an expert, you cannot miss this. If you’re an entrepreneur, this is your future: leaders of change must know this information. So go now, read all about it and sign up!
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A Rant About Today’s Experts

February 16, 2011 By
I just returned from a meeting with the principal of my daughter’s high school. Great guy. Just love him because he is student-centered, not teacher-centered. At one point, we got to talking about the poor teaching that occurs across the board in our district (despite its being one of the most affluent in the state) and he asked me for any insights I had. He didn’t know that I teach adults how to use brain-based learning in their presentations and seminars, so he was surprised, to say the least, when I rattled off many things these teachers are not doing that they should. Things that are brain-antagonistic. These are trained teachers who do not know how to maximize learning. These are professionals who are paid, yet do not know how to maximize learning. And I have a problem with that. I have an extreme problem with state-trained teachers of our children not knowing how to teach. But I have just as big a beef about ANY professional getting paid to ”transfer knowledge” without knowing how to teach. How to get clients/students to learn. At least trained teachers go through a system that supposedly prepares them to educate our kids. They at least get some guidance on effective teaching practices. But what business professional does? Virtually none. Meanwhile, they proclaim they can teach you how to write a book in thirty days; how to save on your taxes; how to get media publicity; how to optimize your website; how to make love with your husband; how to talk to your teen; how to meditate; how to lose weight; how to write a proposal; how to use XYZ software; how to market your business, etc. etc. My ire really gets up here and I say, how dare you! You have never learned how to teach, how can you POSSIBLY think you can?? Do you know how intuitive teaching is? How much of an art it is? How you must score extremely high on empathy tests to teach well? It does not come naturally to most of the population. Just because you know how to do something does NOT MEAN YOU CAN TEACH IT. And shame on you for taking money from vulnerable, unsuspecting customers when you have not learned (and then practiced!) how to maximize learning. For this very reason, it is appalling that that the information industry is a trillion-dollar industry. There is no excuse for trained teachers, who get paid, not to know how to tap the brains of our students. Equally so, if you are getting paid to teach anything–via the internet (especially), or in books or information products (especially!), or in live seminars— then learn how to teach first! And student beware! If you are about to learn from a million- aire, STOP! Ask them what they know about learning. I took a course from a billionaire that was so bad, I could barely contain myself. She made a lot of money off of that training—but it was a deplorable effort and she did not deliver results. But she led everyone to believe that she could teach them “how,” just because she had been successful. After witnessing too many of these accounts, as well as the insane proliferation of on-line study programs, I am going back to the basics and again centering all of my programs around teaching best-teaching skills–which translate to best leadership skills. If you’re leading, you MUST know how to effectively convey your message. If you are on this planet to make real change for the planet, you must transfer your knowledge effectively. And it just won’t happen if you don’t know how to teach! Specifically, to the brain. So, if that describes you—a conveyor of information, a leader of change, then stay close. You don’t want to miss out on the direction I’m going and the brand new programs I’m offering.
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How Brain-Antagonistic Is Your Website?

January 26, 2011 By
Let’s review terms, so we’re all on the same page. “Brain-Sticky” Communications are compelling, memorable, original–and persuade people to act. “Brain-Antagonistic” Communications literally antagonize the brain’s ability to process naturally. These are communications that are boring, confusing–and perhaps surprisingly–too intellectual. Are you surprised that most web-pages are Brain-Antagonistic? Didn’t think so. But I bet you’d be surprised to find that on your own site, your value is not at all conveyed . Or it’s communicated much too far down the page. Do you know why customers need you? Don’t talk about yourself–talk about THEIR needs–and say it immediately. Another Brain-Antagonistic website mistake is the use of generalities rather than specifics. Your prospect’s brain is seeking precision and instant clarity. Do not say things like, “I help women have more energy.” Far too general. What would they be doing if they had more energy? Working out an extra 20 minutes? Then say that. Rambling is another much-too-common Brain-Antagonistic blunder. Get to the point. Write concisely. If you can’t manage this (you’ll know if this is a trouble spot for you if you tend to ramble in your spoken communication)–get a professional copywriter! I am happy to share names I know. (I don’t do copy writing any more). Most service professionals use vague, broad terms on their web pages, when the brain is starving for concrete words that form pictures. “We evaluate your website communications” is vague and broad. “We evaluate your website against the following 7 criteria…” is concrete. Maybe your very worst offense is that you’re saying nothing new. The brain attends automatically to what is novel. Are you sharing your expertise in intriguing new ways? Or are you saying what everyone else is saying? I am willing to bet that you are NOT unique enough, and so cannot convey your worth in an intriguing way. If you’re game, I can check out your site and tell you instantly. Most likely–this happens constantly–one of the main culprits of your looking and sounding like everyone else is your use of cliche words. Words that are over-used carry no meaning to the brain. Examples: “authentic,” “stress relief,” “success,” “get to the next level.” GET CREATIVE! Pull out a thesaurus–or again, get a professional copy- writer. And finally, chances are strong that you make no persuasive argument on your site–or a very weak one. Prospects are instantly skeptical and suspicious. If you cannot persuade them that your product or service is required for them right now, your website has failed to do it’s job. Your business has failed to do its job. First, you must HAVE an argument, then you must prove it. Do you? Here are the 7 Criteria of a Brain-Sticky website (possible only if the business itself is Brain-Sticky): Your value is conveyed 1) immediately; 2) intriguingly; 3) specifically; 4) concretely, 5) concisely; 6) freshly and 7) persuasively. Would you like to see if your site passes the Brain-Sticky Litmus test? For one week only–Jan. 26-Feb 2--I am opening my schedule for “1-hour 1-Shots.” In a break-neck speed, action-packed hour, I will examine your site against these 7 criteria–and provide countless suggestions–all at a 50%+ discount off my private hourly fee. This is unprecedented. And if your site meets all 7 criteria, I’ll refund your money back and congratulate you. Why? Because if your site meets the Brain-Sticky Litmus Test, then your business does. And that’s really what I’m checking for. I use the website as a tool to determine the health of your business identity. So, click here to get the details.  Don’t wait because it’s just for this one week. Listen here to 2 excerpts from a web evaluation I did a few months back. Hit the “back” arrow button to return here. WebsiteEvalSample1.mp3 webeval2 Jan 26 – Feb 2 only. Read the details and get not just your SITE, but your entire business identity, up to Brain-Sticky speed! Click here now.
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2011: The Year to GET ON YOUR FEET and BE UNSTOPPABLE!

December 22, 2010 By
Do you feel changes in the air? Do you envision yourself a part of accelerating those changes? Do you have a message, a fire in your belly… …That you’ve been holding back? Are you DONE with hiding out? DONE with your own excuses? Your silence? Are you ready to RISE UP and be heard? Ready to make things happen? And wake up the world? Then 2011 is your year. 2011 is OUR year. 2011 is the year “inspired leaders” around the world get on their feet, share their voice, and make things happen! But to do it, we’re going to need to get a little crazy. Our goals will be irrational. Our time-lines will be illogical. Our actions will break all boundaries of common sense. But we will be unstoppable. We will defy gravity. And in the end, we will have activated new levels of awareness. Broken limitations in ourselves and others. Developed new leaders for a new world. In just one year, we will create world-wide transformation. Sound unreasonable? It is. We are going to be “unreasonable”—breaking the bounds of “reason”; doing the unexpected; creating the impossible. But we’ll do it because we’ll do it together. GET ON YOUR FEET 2011 is the movement dedicated to getting visionaries for world change out of hiding, out of smallness, and on their feet, delivering the messages they have been destined to share. On December 2, 2010 at 4:20 a.m. I was awakened with the words GET ON YOUR FEET emblazoned on my mind… then Gloria Estafan’s song wafted through…and I knew instantly what it was saying: “It’s time to get the world on its feet–out of limitation and hiding—and the Inspired Leaders must first get on their feet to make it happen!” The next morning, I Googled the lyrics to Estafan’s song. They confirmed my understanding.  Here is some of it: I Think It’s True That We’ve All Been Through Some Nasty Weather Let’s Understand That We’re Here To Handle Things Together You Gotta Keep Looking Onto Tomorrow There’s So Much In Life That’s Meant For You Get On Your Feet Get Up And Make It Happen Get On Your Feet Stand Up And Take Some Action Get On Your Feet Don’t Stop Before It’s Over Get On Your Feet The Weight Is Off Your Shoulder Get Up And Make It Happen Stand Up Stand Up Stand Up And Take Some Action Are you ready to stand up and take some action? I am gathering a core team to work with me. Do you want to be a part of it? I’m also looking for a team to create in-person groups around the country. I’ll be saying more about this very soon. Beyond that, anyone and everyone is welcome to join this movement! The logo above will be available for everyone who joins to use. From “Wicked” and the song “Defying Gravity”: I just had a vision Almost like a prophecy I know it sounds truly crazy And, true, the vision’s hazy But I swear someday we’ll be flying so high! My vision for GET ON YOUR FEET 2011 is still hazy, still in progress…and the core team will grow it even more! But here it is, as of today, winter solstice, December 21, 2010: «      Virtual and live community «      In person inspirational events «      Pay-it-forward opportunities «      On-going motivational incentives for inspiring members to successfully deliver their messages! «      An opportunity to work inside of a structured curriculum (the persuasive communications material I’ve mastered and taught for 4 years), taking leaders from message creation through message delivery. «      A VERY EXCITING (can’t be revealed yet) free event in the summer that will get everyone on their feet for sure! «      A December 31, 2011 awards ceremony, where all attendees usher in 2012 together! Right now, you can do one thing: go to the brand-spanking-new Facebook Page for this movement and LIKE! And tell everyone you know to JOIN/LIKE! Together, we will change the world in 2011! Go to www.getonyourfeet2011.com now!
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Does Your Business Have a Thesis?

September 14, 2010 By
So, one of the twelve sentences that we craft in my upcoming “12 Sentences: The Ultimate Business Creation and Articulation Course” is a “business thesis.” Remember theses from college? Here’s a definition: A single declarative sentence that states what you believe, where you stand on an issue, and what you intend to prove. Below, you will find the exact excerpt from the chapter on “business thesis” in the potent “9 Strategic Inquiries Manual” that comes with the “12 Sentences” course.  It is chapter 8 because there is no way to arrive at a business thesis before having gone through all previous 7 chapters. Not a sales-pitch; just the truth. Excerpt from “9 Strategic Inquiries Manual”: Chapter 8 Every business has a statement of why their product or service is needed–but virtually none realizes it is a thesis–and it is important to recognize that. Furthermore, because their speaking about their business is so unconscious, they don’t understand the power of a thesis statement: that there should be just one per business, and that that entire business must stand solidly on that foundational statement. Rather, they hop tactically from one value-statement to another, unaware that they’re even using such a statement. So, you want to bring the entire concept of your business argument into conscious awareness. This strategic thinking will ensure that your articulation is laser- sharp. Just as important, knowing your thesis statement clearly ensures that what you say when you speak about your business’s value “holds water”–all the leaky holes of skepticism have been sealed and your prospects are convinced of your contention. In my analysis, lack of sales happens primarily because of a poorly constructed argument. Your prospect says, “But what about this or that?” They have not been persuaded that your reason for being valuable is valid. In this chapter, we’re going to begin to get it right–and this is one of the 12 sentences, so with the work to come on those, and my editing, you’re argument will not have holes! From Indiana University’s Writing Tutorial Services: How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One: 1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand. 2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion. 3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea. 4. A strong thesis statement is specific. 5. A strong thesis statement is supported and convinces the reader of the argument. These five points correlate precisely to a “business thesis,” as well, which takes a stand. It justifies discussion–i.e. is thought-provoking enough to get a prospect’s attention so they inquire further. It expresses one main idea–so prospects understand clearly what a business does.  And a business thesis is specific, capturing the attention of a prospect’s brain, and also lends immediate credibility because it indicates that thoughtful investigation has taken place n the topic. Which leads to the most important element of a thesis argument: it is supported somehow, making it as close to irrefutable as conceivably possible. No one can poke holes in it. When a prospect can poke holes in the stand you’re taking, they’re going to walk away. You must close all the doors so they’re left saying, “You’re right.” Only when you’ve proven your case will you get clients. You’ve heard the expression, “I don’t buy it.” It’s used when someone doesn’t believe a position that someone’s taken. In the case of your business, those words are literally true! So, prove your case by offering supporting evidence, or by making a point that is naturally irrefutable, such as, “As a human, you need to ingest some form of nutrition every day.” Irrefutable. So, the thought for the day is this: A poorly constructed “business thesis” will result in lack of sales. I don’t know anyone else teaching this–or any other aspect of this course, for that matter. So, if you want to get your business thesis “hole-proof,” I hope you will get on one of the free calls I’m giving this week and next. I’ll share the mistakes you’re making when articulating about your business + you’ll learn specifics about this Masters-Degree-level course, “12 Sentences,” and how it will completely alter your business and its sales + you will get exercises only students of that course ever experience + receive an incredibly inexpensive tuition. To read more and register, click here.
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