If you are like many people, you don’t have a problem identifying when you’re stressed out because unfortunately, it tends to be a constant state. Coffee and energy drinks may keep you powered up, but you are medicating yourself with stimulants. These drinks cover your true state – exhaustion! Other signs of stress include achy muscles, headache, racing thoughts, depression, inability to focus, anxiety, inappropriate emotional responses, and problems making decisions, to name a few.

Stress can exacerbate medical conditions that could land you in the hospital or worse! For one thing, stress causes blood vessels to constrict. The antidote is physical activity, which also helps lift depression. A good massage is also a pleasant way to loosen up while promoting good circulation. Blood flow to the body and brain will help you function better on all levels.

Getting enough sleep should be a high priority. A good night’s rest will make you a more effective worker when you’re on the job. You’ll think more clearly, be less irritable, and physically more comfortable. I recommend both meditation and power naps. These time-outs are quick and refreshing, and in the long-term, help you manage stress better on a day-to-day basis.

Having a good support system is crucial during times of stress. Considering the heartbreaking national news we had in April, it really was a more stressful month than it might have been. Talking to loved ones about personal problems and important issues of the day gets emotions out and allows you to let go of tension.

Your attitude and emotional state have a great deal to do with how you process stress. For those of you who feel you take things too seriously or can’t seem to let go, ask yourself which changes make the most sense to incorporate into your lifestyle. Those who integrate the practice of gratitude report feeling happier. Try it! You can’t always change outcomes, but you can change how you perceive your problems, and that may be the key to winning your battle with stress.

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. Her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” helps readers ask for what they want and increase their chances of getting it. Contact Janet: info@GoodDayMedia.com.

SMART stands for Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and is your key to reaching your goal. A journey with no goal will lead somewhere random or nowhere at all. Vague goals are not much help either. Ask yourself how your goal fits into each of these categories and you will reveal a clear direction toward success. Here’s how.

Define your goal. Saying you want a career in the arts is vague. Saying you want to specialize in digital photography at sporting events involving horses in San Diego within three years is much more specific. Know where you are aiming and you will know when you’ve hit the target.

Measure your achievements. Break your goal into smaller steps. In this example, you need specialized equipment and computer software, and you must learn how to use them. You will want to know how to reach potential customers and how to meet their needs. You may need to move to San Diego. Checking off each completed task brings you one step closer. You’ll feel a boost and the affirmation you can do it.

Be sure your goal is attainable. Is there demand for the type of work you want to do? Are you able to attend classes and labs to learn your craft? Can you fit your education into your current work schedule? Your goal needs to be realistic for you.

How relevant is your goal to your life? Do you find horses and sports exciting? If large animals make you nervous and you are pursuing this angle because you heard polo, race track, and rodeo photographers were well-paid, staying interested could become an unwelcome challenge. Your goal needs to be based on your own dreams. Someone else’s idea of what you should do is not an effective motivator for the long haul.

Next, set a time-line in which to achieve your goals. Be practical while adding up how much time it will take to achieve each step. Can you objectively get through your coursework and practice your new craft in the time you have allowed? Consider any special needs you may have and how they work into the equation.

Persistence is your ally. Personal responsibilities, unseen challenges, and forces out of your control may push your timeline back. Consult the SMART method to reassess, adjust, and move forward again. Setbacks may not be avoidable, but your motivation to continue on is in your hands. Go after what you want the SMART way and improve your chances for success. I bet you feel smarter already!

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. Her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” helps readers ask for what they want and increase their chances of getting it. Contact Janet: info@GoodDayMedia.com.

In my youth, I’m sure I found his well-known inspirational quotes meaningful whether or not I put them into practice. Once I started in retail sales, my trainers quoted his gems often. As I was eager to advance in my new career, I integrated Ziglar’s words into my success strategy. “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” And, “People don’t buy for logical reasons. They buy for emotional reasons.” These quotes were good reminders of how to conduct business and yes, I benefitted.

Ziglar wrote over thirty books. The ones I saw didn’t seem very different from one another–each espoused his theories on how to negotiate your way to success using many of the techniques I had found useful in Dale Carnegie’s classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Ziglar stated his similar view: “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” Ziglar’s thoughts were echoed by many and he echoed others.

Like Carnegie, Ziglar shared his ideas decades ago, yet his core concepts are not dated. We have come a long way technologically-speaking, however human nature has remained much the same. Make people feel important, liked, respected, etc., and they will confer those attributes onto you. Find out what people need, address their concerns, discover their motivations, find a way to give them what they want–and guess what? You’ll get what you want, too. It’s simple–people like doing business with people they like and who make them feel good. His message was not only about increasing sales, it was about how to get along and treat other people.

Ziglar loved to tell stories to make a point. He related heart-warming tales about overcoming obstacles that ended with a handshake deal and the assurance of a person’s word. Only a few months ago, I remember chuckling to myself in regard to a dated reference in “Secrets of Closing the Sale” and how funny it would sound in a modern business conversation. Times do change. While deals may start with a handshake, the legal paperwork will surely follow. We can update language and situations to suit our needs using his teachings.

Enthusiasm was important to Ziglar, as well as projecting a good attitude–both strong attributes for success. He said, “It is not your aptitude but your attitude that decides your altitude in life.” Enthusiasm is contagious. Negativity and defeatism are turn-offs. These are basic concepts, yet many people haven’t gotten the message. Fortunately, Ziglar’s writings are readily available for those who choose to add positivity to their lives.

Over the years, I’ve absorbed the wisdom behind his quotes, acted upon it in my sales techniques, and passed along my personal experience through writing and speaking. I became so passionate on the topic of giving and receiving, I wrote my own book to include information I hadn’t found elsewhere. Readers and audiences have told me they recognize Ziglar’s influence. I’m glad. Effective communication involves a passionate telling using your own words and stories. Not only am I carrying on Ziglar’s time-tested strategies for the benefit of others, I’m inspired to pursue my personal best. As Ziglar said, “You are what you are and you are where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You change what you are and you change where you are by changing what goes into your mind.” After all, “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.”

Success and lasting change cannot begin and end with 140 character quotes. These fleeting moments of inspirational mind candy dissolve faster than a breath mint. To be successful, you must integrate the thought to belief, and then into action. Repetition and renewal will make an evolving habit. Finish it off with an attitude of gratitude. To sum up, Ziglar said, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” And “Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there.” Ziglar is quoted for good reason. Pick up one of his books to find out why.

Women are woefully underrepresented on editorial pages. Male by-lines, and thus their opinions, command more ink with an 80/20 split in their favor. In part, this is due to the fact that women do not write op-ed pieces nearly as often as men. If they submitted more, chances are good they would be published more often, and since it is important for women’s voices to be heard, the Project aims to instruct and empower women so they feel confident about submitting their writing.

Participants are led through a process of self-discovery, helping them define their area of expertise and their credibility as an expert. For example: I am an expert sales trainer and negotiator because after forty years experience in sales I’ve mastered the seven motivations that drive behavior and wrote an award-winning book on the subject (“You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get”).

The workshop format allowed us to pair up to test one another in forming evidence-based arguments and overcoming objections. We dissected published op-eds to help us identify introductory statements, hooks, persuasion techniques and conclusions. Ultimately, we will be paired with mentor editors for one year to help guide us through the process.

Go to the website and register for a seminar in your area to learn this valuable skill. Use it to advance yourself and others; use it to change the world – one op-ed at a time.

Multi-tasking is not mindfulness, though it takes a lot of concentration to do it well. One might argue the barrage of work, texting, phoning, being plugged-in and wired are necessities of life. I say they are choices often made in the moment or out of habit; choices that impede our ability to effectively and comfortably communicate face to face, as well as experience depth of life. We can also choose mindfulness, and it is sorely needed.

Many people manage to live each day without mindfulness, so why is it important? It is important to me, because I find greater enjoyment in my life activities and relationships. I experience a rewarding, deeper connection in the moment. I can do this through concentration on a single task or by being a good listener. I can tune out distractions rather than be controlled by them. I discover interesting detail and heightened involvement while leaving behind stress and superficiality.

Years ago, being “in the zone” was the phrase we used to describe the wonderful sensations of mindfulness. It is an enviable state characterized by high productivity, losing track of time, and the sense that the rest of the world disappears while engaging in the chosen activity. Finding our zone was considered an important part of the self-actualization process. Now, distractions have replaced being in the zone. Sadly, attention is put on soulless objects and entertainment, which seem to act as a buffer between the depressing harsh realities of our lives created from a “disconnect” with who we are and our place in the natural world.

We can reverse this “disconnect” by reconnecting – not with wi-fi or the latest gadget, but with ourselves and others. We can do this by choosing mindfulness when we start a project, talk to a friend, eat a meal, experience nature, and more. Mindfulness is important if we make it important. And like meditation, during mindfulness you may need moments to refocus when you realize you have wandered or allowed unwanted outside distractions to come in.

Ask yourself: How important is mindfulness? How would your life experience change if you practiced mindfulness? At the end of the day, the year, or your life, will you admonish yourself for not having paid more attention? The next time you have an opportunity to put your whole mind and being into your activity, rest or purpose, act on it and experience what mindfulness can do for you.

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.

Product knowledge can be learned. An intangible, like a positive attitude, is harder to come by and is best experienced in its raw state. This soft skill better transfers the over-all message – excitement for the product. In turn, excitement and what it means for the customer is what drives sales.

Apple also chooses diversity. The world is diverse. Customers are diverse. If you don’t speak to diversity, you are not relating to your customer. Customers like salespeople they can relate to and it’s no secret customers buy from people they like.

My guess is many of the folks chosen as salespeople are also early adopters, people who by their very nature are excited about the next new thing. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Customers buy with their emotions, even those who engage in geek speak. Conversing about what the product does may not be as important as how owning the product will make them feel. The end result is customers may be buying an Apple product, but they’re also buying an intangible – passion.

Ask yourself – are you a person who exudes enthusiasm? What feelings do you convey when you sell your product? If you sell an intangible, you are selling the sizzle, not the steak. Ask yourself which emotions best relate your product to your customer’s concerns. Is it security? Pride? Eliminating fear of embarrassment? If you need to sell yourself, can you do it in a way that shows what you offer is relatable to the customer’s needs instead of blowing your own horn? You may think customers wants you and your service. Your customers are interested in getting their needs met. Adding excitement to your presentation may be all you need to help your customers get what they need.

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.

Amazon allows individuals like you to upload their own books and stories onto Kindle Direct Publishing. For best results, I will explain their preferences for document preparation. Small differences in formatting your word document will change the look of your finished ebook from amateurish to professional. You’ll learn the step-by-step process beginning with your MS Word document, using a text editing program, instructions for using Mobipocket Creator, book cover tips, and ending with the actual upload onto Amazon. Each step will be covered, terms will be explained, the process will become demystified, and you will come away with an understanding of how to upload using your home computer.

Have you delayed publishing because you aren’t interested in paying big bucks to an unknown to do the work for you? Have you been scared off by stories of unreliable ebook companies who take your money and don’t provide good results? Do it yourself! In as little as one evening, you can make your books and stories available to those who want to read them. Expand your personal platform through publishing. And, once you are published, you can begin earning money from US and foreign sales!

This is a one-hour class. Bring your questions and after the presentation, I will answer as many as I can. See you there!
July 27th – 2pm FREE!
San Carlos Branch Library, 7265 Jackson Drive, San Diego, CA
7-27-2012_Ebook_Presentation_Flyer-SanCarlosBranchLibrary

If you would like a presentation to your group, library, or business on this topic, please contact me at: info@gooddaymedia.com

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.

As a member of their birthday club, I received an e-mail coupon for a free meal valued up to $7.00. Most restaurants give you a few days latitude around your actual birthday, meaning you only have time for one or two meals out. Chances are you will bring at least one paying companion to dine with you, making Rubio’s two-week time period a smart marketing decision. Unfortunately, instead of the coupon, my printer spit out a solid black square; the saving grace being you could read my name and expiration date.

I wrote $7.00 on it to remind myself of the value and took it to a location in Vista, where Nikkee, a manager, didn’t question the coupon. She was pleasant and helpful. I selected the Salsa Verde Shrimp Tacos, a dish I hadn’t tried before, and enjoyed it very much.

As I ate, two senior ladies claimed the table next to me and one spilled chopped scallions on her chair before she could sit down. In seconds, a fellow at another table jumped up and replaced her chair, while Mike, a manager, cleaned up the mess. How thoughtful and fast! Seeing this added to my dining experience.

Later, Adalina, an attendant, asked the ladies if they needed anything and one wanted another fish taco. The restaurant is self-serve, but Adalina placed the order and brought it to her. She explained to me that this is policy – a good one, and I complimented Mike on good staff training.

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Repeat customers are part of a successful business, but getting them to be promoters is a driving force. Keep doing the right thing, build trust, and you’ve got a customer for life, one who provides word-of-mouth advertising at no charge. A so-so experience tossed into the mix won’t be a deal breaker. Blow it big time just once, and you’ll never see that customer again. Great experiences like the one I had at lunch make me a promoter.

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.

Why would they do this? Could it be that customer’s were confused about when to buy? Or that advertising costs spiraled? Perhaps keeping up with sales every few days created too many man hours in tagging, re-tagging, and reprogramming computers/cash registers with price changes. It’s likely the customer mind-set of only wanting to buy when something goes on sale had begun to have a reverse effect. In other words, customers have been trained to buy during a sale and will hold off purchasing. They’ve come to believe that the sale price is the “real price” and to pay more is a rip-off. If you’re the retailer, you don’t want the customer to leave and hope they’ll come back for the weekend sale. You want them to buy before they leave your store.

I received a JCPenney multi-page advertisement tucked in my Sunday paper. The first thing I noticed was the jcp logo in the top left corner (it’s possible it was there before and I didn’t notice). My first thought was they were taking the opportunity to tie in simpler branding of their name, similar as to when Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC. A branding expert must have thought their old name was too long, or that “Penney” had a negative connotation and needed to be replaced, much like the “Fried” in KFC. Subliminally, lower case letters are less threatening – go figure.

Upon turning the cover page, I saw a positively-worded explanation of why the new pricing model is a win-win for jcp and their customers. They reference “spectacular prices.” Forget “sale.” In fact, the word has been banished from the circular. There was also a promise not to bombard the customer with junk. JCPenney, I mean jcp, can now print one glossy advertisement for a month of values. This advertisement is labeled “fickle february.” Talk about savings – imagine the drop in their printing bill! Next page: this year’s bright color palette in combination with the simple product layout makes the advertising supplement easy to read. It tells you if the item’s price is an everyday or monthly value. There are no distracting backgrounds. It doesn’t get much simpler than this. It’s a clean look and the pricing is easy to understand. Finally, on the back cover, is another simple pricing explanation – in red, white, and blue (how American) – along with their new return policy – the popular any item, anytime, anywhere.

No more sales. No more rip-offs. Penney’s is betting they can boost their bottom line by changing the customer mind-set of what constitutes fair treatment. I’m betting they’re right.

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.

While in Ashland, Trudy and I were privileged to be part of a “gifting circle” hosted by Bill and his wife Zoe. On a Sunday evening, some two dozen people gathered for a delicious and carefully-prepared potluck (each individual proudly “introduced” the dish they brought). After ample time for chatting in two’s and three’s and four’s during a leisurely dinner, we reconvened in a circle. As we went around, each individual offered a “gift,” made a request, or both. Both gifts and requests included items and services, some more tangible and some less. Someone who had just moved to town required a food processor – and someone else had one they weren’t using. Others offered personal services that many in the room might not have been able to afford. However, in a circle of exchange and reciprocity, they were able to use these services and offer something of value as well. Consequently, everyone’s life became richer … without the use of money.

So … as we approach the holiday season, what does all this mean? For one thing, it means that giving and receiving need not involve money at all. What if we hosted pre-holiday “gifting circles” in our community for friends and acquaintances, where we offered and requested gifts from one another that wouldn’t necessarily involve exchange of money?

I remember vividly my mixed feelings three years ago when a few relatives called and asked if it were OK if we “didn’t exchange gifts this year.” Like everyone else in the retail business, I looked forward to holiday sales. However, I could see that the economic crisis that October had – out of necessity – broken the trance of buy, buy, buy. With less discretionary income, people were using more discretion in choosing how to spend what they had. And that’s a good thing.

Steve Bhaerman is an internationally known author, humorist, and workshop leader. For the past 23 years, he has written and performed as Swami Beyondananda, the “Cosmic Comic.” Please visit: http://thewakeuplaughingblog.com

Author/speaker Janet F. Williams is a high-end sales professional, sales trainer and coach for personal and professional development. She speaks on topics contained in her award-winning book “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get” to businesses, networking groups, non-profits, book clubs and more. For more information or to buy the book, please visit: www.JanetFWilliams.com and www.GoodDayMedia.com.