Archive for December, 2008

It's Almost Here! Are You Ready?

Monday, December 29th, 2008

Dear High Achiever:

“IT’S NOT THE WILL TO WIN, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”

That’s a quote from the late Paul “Bear” Bryant (1913-1983). When he retired as coach of the University of Alabama’s football team in 1982 he was college football’s winning-est coach with 323 victories. His Crimson Tide team won 6 National Championships and 13 Southeastern Conference titles. Simply put, he was one of the best coaches of all time.

I believe his performance validates his philosophy.

Do you? In just a few short days, you and I will ring in the New Year. It will be a year which will offer an unlimited opportunity for us to continue to create an amazing life … contribute to the success of others … and add fullness, richness and character to our legacy.

I know this is true for me, because I believe it and I’m prepared.

I hope it will be the same for you. But I must ask –

Have YOU prepared? Are YOU ready?

Having facilitated hundreds of seminars, workshops and training programs, I’ve learned from experience that most professionals, even those whose career is in sales—

Simply “Wing It.”

Here’s what I mean:

• They don’t do the pre-work (preparation) to be successful and to win. 
• They don’t set specific goals, rehearse presentations, practice and role-play cold calls to improve their phone skills. 
• They don’t have a well-prepared 30-second commercial or elevator speech. 
• They don’t study, learn and completely understand their own product or service.
• They don’t have daily plan of action and they are not physically or mentally conditioned to handle the rejection they are exposed to on a daily basis in professional selling.

WOW! Sad, but true.

But what if sales is not my profession. For starters, everybody “sells” – but that’s a whole other rant for another time. So let’s say sales isn’t your profession.

You have even more of a reason to prepare for the New Year.

In fact, let’s go to what’s kind of the other end of the spectrum and say you’re a stay-at-home soccer Mom. First, I commend you. Your job is more difficult and more important than any occupation I know. You have my utmost respect.

But, guess what: In business, life and in sports, you are either an owner, manager, player or coach. And, you might even be all of the above.

Whichever designation is yours, you have a responsiblity to other people and to yourself, to be prepared.

I often use sports analogies and illustrations in these FYI’s because I believe sports parallels business and life. Like business and life, sports is competitive and can elevate you to the highest of high’s (ask the Philadelphia Eagles or Miami Dolphins) and the lowest of lows (ask the Detroit Lions or Dallas Cowboys. Ouch!).

But here is the heart of it all. The “steak” — not the “sizzle.” I want to honor and respect your time, I know you have to prepare, the New Year is almost here.

Don’t “WING IT!” when it comes to YOUR LIFE!

Don’t leave your dreams and goals to chance. Make 2009 Your Best Year Ever! by planning, practicing and preparing so you succeed.

I also realize that some people believe in fate and luck. I have a commonly heard quote for these folks, too.

” Good luck happens 
when preparedness meets opportunity.”

I want to close this last FYI of 2008 with a quote from Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps’ book, NO LIMITS — The Will To Succeed.

“So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can’t be done. But all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.” – Michael Phelps.

Starting NOW and in the exciting days ahead, I wish you health. I wish you wealth. And I wish you the vision to see and manifest the greatest in yourself.

Go Out and Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Personal Empowerment Program and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.761.9930 ext.114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.comor Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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The Perfect Holiday Gift

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

Dear High Achiever:

STILL SEARCHING for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further. I’m going to tell you exactly where you can find what the people you love most want more than anything else in the world!

And, it’s absolutely FREE!

That’s right, the “perfect” gift for everyone on your Christmas or Chanukah or whatever holiday list, is right under your nose. No holiday crowds or shopping mall excursions required.

And it’s sure to fit. How do I know? Well, for starters, I’ve got a houseful of kids whose sizes change every day … and a wife (don’t want to get the size wrong there) … and parents … and in-laws … and outlaws …and whoever. So I speak from having lots of experience.

But enough of the big build up.

Here’s what you need to know:

The most perfect gift you can give at this time of year or any time is, drum roll please –

The gift of yourself, your love and your time.

It’s that simple.

And … no wrapping paper is required.

Sure, it’s not a PS3, Porsche 911or a Verizon Storm; it’s not a new basketball or roller blades.

But it’s what those you care most about, care most about and really want. And, when you ponder and understand the fullness of the concept, you’ll know that it’s the only gift of lasting value that you alone can give.

Give the gift of yourself, your love and your time, unconditionally, now and throughout the New Year. You’ll soon realize this cost-free present will yield an abundance of riches for the giver and the receiver far greater than you could ever imagine.

So don’t even wait for the “official” holiday to begin.

One last cool thing about this gift: It’s a gift that’s sure to be “returned” to you in so many ways.

What more could a giver ask for?

Have a Blessed Holiday and Healthy & Prosperous New Year! 

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Personal Empowerment Program and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.761.9930 ext.114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.comor Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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Business, It's Personal

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Dear High Achiever:

ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, friends prefer to do business with friends. Period.

Sound familiar? It should, if you read last week’s FYI #134: Are You S.W.I.F.T.?

If you didn’t have a chance to read it yet, no worries, I’ve got a lot warm holiday relationship-building stuff I’m going to share with you this week. You can go back and read last week’s later. I don’t want you to miss the holiday dish I’m about to serve up.

I’ve had an interesting experience almost every time I went to my mailbox over the past two weeks. I’ve been receiving a ton of Holiday Cards from people thanking me for being their client and wishing me a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy & Prosperous New Year! Further more, they’re looking forward to continuing our relationship in the New Year.

How nice is that? I think it’s wonderful. But … and guess what, as always, it’s a BIG BUT … it would be even more wonderful if it were true.

As my friend John McEnroe used to say, “You can’t be serious!” (Usually, shouted and directed toward a line judge after a bad call during a championship tennis match).

Look, it’s nice to get a holiday card. But at least check your database and make sure I’m really a client! (For those wonderful folks who have the good fortune of having me as a client, thanks for thinking of me now, but it would be doubly wonderful to hear from you more than once a year.)

I love it when I hear someone say, “Nothing personal; it’s just business.” What a line of B.S. Business and Personal are two words that are inextricably intertwined, forever.

It’s ALL Personal and its ALL Business. Here’s how you and I know this to be true. If you are “out there” Networking or Netweaving in your local market, you’re probably going to all of the Chambers, Rotary, networking groups, trade association and good clients’ holiday parties and/or throwing a festive bash yourself.

Why?

‘Tis the season. It’s a festive, feel-good, emotional time of the year (especially considering our current economic climate) and people want to connect with people they know in the marketplace. Besides, everyone will be spending plenty of time with family over the next two weeks.

Here’s a big Holiday A-Ha: When you go to the Holiday networking functions, notice how little you talk about the routine give-and-take of “doing business” and more about seasonal, current events. I would bet that you’re probably having more conversations about family, ski and beach vacations or where you will be spending the holidays and other things more…well, personal.

Of course, you may talk about your New Year’s business goals and you will probably tell the person you’re speaking with that you “really need to get together more, after the holidays.” And there’s your Christmastime clue and –

Your FYI challenge: Connect more in the New Year! Don’t just say you need to connect more in the New Year! Make a plan. Set a goal. And make it a high-touch New Year with the people who are most important to your business and your life.

Why? Because…

Business, It’s Personal

That’s why you need to come up with an all-year-long strategy and commitment to get belly to belly more often and also keep in touch when you can’t be there in person.

I’ve got two recommendations to add to your New Years Resolution. They are both easy to implement, but will take effort and action on your part. And, its not one-time action. I call it TOMA Action – Top Of MindAwareness Action. You need to think about it.

My first recommendation is a strategy and a habit I’ve been recommending to my clients, in workshops, training programs and in seminars for years.

Go to Harvey Mackay’s website and download Mackay’s 66. What are Mackay’s 66? It’s the 66 personal and business pieces of information Harvey recommends you find out about everyone in your database … everyone you meet … and even people in your family. (You’d be surprised what you don’t know about those relatives.) Here is the link:www.harveymackay.com

When you get to the website, go to “Tools” and you will see the drop-down link for “Mackay 66.” Note: Harvey’s had so many people ask for this that now you have to provide him with your email address to download the document. There is no risk; Harvey will not share your email address with anyone, ever. You will probably get his email newsletter and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You can easily opt-out if you choose. 

My second recommendation is one I made last week. A lot of people took me up on my offer, so I’m keeping it alive for FYI readers.

Feel free to use my system for staying in touch with clients, prospects, family and friends all year long.

As a holiday gift to you, I’m offering you an opportunity to use my Send Out Cards account complimentary, you can send up to 5 customized greeting, thank-you or holiday cards to business associates, clients, friends, family and even prospects.  

Use it at my expense. That means F.R.E.E. Simply click on this link: 
www.TaylortownSoc.com.

It’s a Can’t-Miss Holiday Gift. You can easily create a personalized holiday, greeting or Thank-you card or any type of card for that matter. I will pick up the stuffing, stamping and mailing expense for you.

Start a new tradition this holiday season. And then make a commitment to keep the “holiday warm fuzzies” going all year long because –

Business is personal. And people only care to know, when they know you care. Get personal with your clients, business associates and prospects. All things being not so equal, people still prefer to do business with their friends.

Cheers!

Go Out and Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Personal Empowerment Program and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.761.9930 ext.114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.comor Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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Are You S.W.I.F.T.?

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Dear High Achiever:

ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, friends prefer to do business with friends. Period. That’s an indisputable fact. And, even when all things are notequal, friends still prefer to do business with friends.

The best business is almost always based on relationship. Throughout my twenty-five plus years in business, I prefer to do business with people I like, I trust and that I’ve developed a friendship with.

There’s no Relationship Mystery – In my live Sales Training programs I use a Power Phrase to help attendees “anchor-in” in the importance of developing strong business relationships.

Here it is…

Get Beyond Business 
To Do More Business

There is a tag line that accompanies this Power Phrase.

Here it is …

… as quickly, naturally 
and comfortably possible

The first step: Gaining rapport, likeability (I like you, you like me) and a solid reason to do business together (I’ve got a product/service, you’ve got a need/problem and money to fix it).

Once that criterion is met, I move quickly to growing the relationship. And that’s when the tag line in my strategy “… as quickly, naturally and comfortably possible,” becomes –

Most important. Like anything, if it’s forced friendship, it won’t work. If you’ve seen the The Raincoats episode on Seinfeld with a character called “Aaron, The Close Talker” you know exactly what I mean. (If you haven’t seen the episode, Google it ‘cause it’s funny as heck and is a great example of how to make someone feel extremely uncomfortable.)

FYI Takeaway #1: When I’m communicating with someone in person, I need to be cognizant and respectful of their personal space. (So don’t be a Close Talker). But I also can’t stand ten feet away. I need to stand where it is mutually comfortable for both of us.

FYI Takeaway #2: Same thing in growing the relationship. I need to grow the relationship at a pace that is natural and comfortable for both parties.

However: When there is an opportunity to do a significant amount of business, I move the process of growing the relationship faster. The quality, frequency and the speed with which I develop the relationship and “Get beyond business to do more business” is critical. I want to get to “personal,” and I have a four-step strategy I use to accomplish this.

I also have an acronym that helps me remember that I need to moveswiftly. Here is the acronym and the strategy:

S. W. I. F. T.
Speed With Increasing Frequency of Touches

1. Pleasure-Meeting-You/Thank-You card.
2. Give high-level referral or a personal introduction to a CIO (Center of Influence).
3. Share an idea to grow their Business or Self.
4. Invite to a breakfast, lunch, dinner or event (sporting, seminar, concert, etc.)

First impressions are critical to the success of growing any relationship. But I need to tell you, the second impression is equally, if not more, important.

Just ask any woman. There’s a saying I once heard and I’m sure some of the women reading this FYI can relate:

“It never gets better than the first date.” Guys have a tendency to step it up on the first date, the way they dress … their manners … how much money they spend. After the first date, the real guy appears, and it’s football, pizza and beer. Which may not be entirely bad. I mean some ladies appreciate… Uh, oh…I’ll quit while I’m ahead. You get the point.

Back to S.W.I.F.T. I can count on one hand and one foot how many times I’ve received a “personal Thank-You or Nice Meeting You card” from someone in my twenty-five years of business.

Now, since the advent of ubiquitous email, I’ve received hundreds of email Thank-You messages. But they certainly don’t make the same positive impression that someone taking the time to send a card makes.

Not even close. As they’re keyboarding newly acquired business card info into their contact manager, anyone can burp out an email and “Thank” someone. Even more technically impersonal, you and I can send an email from our phone as soon as we get in the car after a meeting. Cool, but not very difficult, personal or impressive.

With the world we live in today, I can appreciate high-tech; it certainly makes high-touch and the frequency of communicating happen in nanoseconds. However, nothing is as powerful at building a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship, as a face-to-face or as I like to say in sales, belly-to-belly.

By implementing the four-step S.W.I.F.T. strategy I can take a relationship “Beyond business to do more business” in less than one month, often even faster.

With the holiday season upon us: NOW is the time for you to getS.W.I.F.T. with your friends, family, clients and prospects.

You see, S.W.I.F.T. doesn’t only apply to business as a relationship development strategy. It applies to any relationship you are trying to begin, grow and maintain more sincerely, intimately and quickly.

I have a system I use to quickly implement Step #1 (the most critical step) in the S.W.I.F.T. strategy.

As a holiday gift to you, I’d like to offer you an opportunity to try this system by using my account at Send Out Cards to send 5 customized greeting or holiday cards.

Use it at my expense. That means F.R.E.E. Simply click on this link:http://www.sendoutcards.com/empowermentgroup

FYI: The link has audio, so turn up or down depending on your location.

It’s a Can’t-Miss deal. You easily create a personalized card. I will pick up the stuffing, stamping and mailing expense for you.

Test drive the S.W.I.F.T. System and see how quickly and easily you can move a business relationship to a personal friendship. Business is a lot more fun when you are doing it with friends.

The Second Achievement Breakfast Club Meeting

Everyone is excited after attending the first ABC meeting. If you would like to join us this Wednesday, December 10th and get around friendly, positive, out-going and success-oriented people, click on this link and get the details – www.selfgrowth.com/abc

Go Out and Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Personal Empowerment Program and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.761.9930 ext.114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.comor Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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The Power of Right Now

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Dear High Achiever:

THANKSGIVING IS OVER. Black Friday is over. November is over. And in thirty days 2008 will be over.

This year went by quickly, didn’t it? If you were to do a quick review, analysis and took personal inventory, how did you do? More importantly –

What do you need to do to make 2009 better; Your Best Year Ever!?

My FYI newsletter challenge to you today is to not wait thirty days to start making 2009 Your Best Year Ever! I want to inspire you to Do It…

Right Now!

Not later today. Not tomorrow. Not “I’ll start my diet next week” — or –“I’ll call on that big prospect after the New Year ‘cause no one has a budget in the fourth quarter” – or — “I’ll spend more time with my kids as soon as this project is done” – or –“The economy stinks so I’ll wait to start my own business.”

Ouch! Forget “not” and all the contrived reasons why not. It’s BS and you’re living in your own muck, kidding yourself and believing it.

What the heck are you thinking?

Did you hear the fat lady sing?

This isn’t a rant.

It’s the truth. And you can you handle the truth, can’t you Jack?

FYI Last-Month-Of-The-Year Takeaway: If you are not where you want to be in one or more areas of your life, right now is the time to look at your challenge and take massive action toward achieving what you say you want.

Are Any of These Excuses “WHY” You Haven’t?

1. F.E.A.R. – False Evidence Appearing Real or Forget Everything And Run 
2. Lack of Clarity / Focus
3. Perceived Lack of Resources / Tools
4. Your Age
5. Your Education
6. Your Ethnicity
7. You’ve Settled

Don’t wait. Don’t become a victim of analysis paralysis. And don’t give up! You’ve heard it before –

FYI ACTION IDEA: The way to overcome a fear is to face it. There is massive power in overcoming any fear.

But – and it, as we like to say, is a BIG BUT –

You have to start.

How?

• Get CLEAR on what you want – There is POWER in CLARITY.
• Find the RESOURCES and TOOLS to help you.
• Take MASSIVE ACTION and notice your RESULTS or OUTCOME.

This isn’t rocket science. It’s a reminder.

You may have heard of Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now. It’s sold millions of copies and has been a #1 book on the New York Times bestseller list. If you are looking for spiritual enlightenment I highly recommend you read it.

This FYI is not about or alluding to his book. Yes, I agree you should live in the now, the present moment, and embrace your true self. This FYI is about taking Massive Action.

RIGHT NOW!

There is true power in the positive momentum of swiftly moving forward toward your goals and dreams. You can only get experience by having an experience. If you decide, take action and get an undesired outcome, you’ve learned, you’ve gained experience, you did not fail.

Imagine: You have a Massive Action Momentum Muscle. If you do not exercise that muscle it will atrophy, become smaller and you will become weak. When you take Massive, Decisive, and Immediate Action on an idea, thought, goal or dream you strengthen that muscle, gain confidence, build self-esteem and learn to follow you instincts.

FYI case in point: In the spring of 2004 I booked Christopher Reeve to speak at First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ. At that time, I had no idea how to fill a 7,000 seat baseball stadium for a public seminar. And, too be painfully honest, I didn’t. (How funny is that?) But when Geoff Brown, the General Manager of the Lakewood BlueClaws, called and asked me for ideas to get people in the stadium for something other than a baseball game, I jumped at the opportunity. I had no idea what I would come up with, but I said YES!

The rest is history. The event I envisioned – Empower NJ 2004 – and my experience producing and promoting that event and with Christopher Reeve changed my life forever!

And the point is? I immediately took action, I couldn’t wait or the opportunity would pass, I knew I had to make it happen, when…?

RIGHT NOW!

Did I sell 7,000 tickets? Not even close.

Was the event an absolute success? Yes.

My takeaway: What I can emphatically tell you is, it was the greatest experience I’ve ever had from producing an event. The additional benefit was my confidence, self-esteem, credibility and national exposure went thru the roof – Priceless!

For those of you who don’t know my entire Christopher Reeve story; Chris died 10 days after my event.

What if I had waited?

He is a daily inspiration to millions of people and certainly to me. When I consider everything in my life that has brought me joy, gratitude and a sense of urgency to live RIGHT NOW, Christopher Reeve and theEmpower NJ event are at the top of my list.

Whatever it is for you … whatever has been holding you back … get clear on it, find the right resources and tools, and – as Chris would advise – Go Forward!

The Second Achievement Breakfast Club is Scheduled

Everyone is excited after attending the first ABC meeting. If you would like to join us on Wednesday, December 10th and get around positive, friendly, out-going, success-minded people, click on this link and get details – www.selfgrowth.com/abc

Go Out and Make This Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Personal Empowerment Program and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.761.9930 ext.114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.comor Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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