Posted 4/29/2004 by Josh Hinds

Being Unapproachable
by Dr. Tony Alessandra

No one who wants to improve their relationships or gain influence with others would describe herself as "unapproachable." Yet sometimes we hear: 'I'm sticking to my guns no matter what." Or, "Don't come to me with a problem if you don't have a solution." Or, "I'm only interested in what works."

The attitude behind those kinds of statements is: Don't bother me unless it's worth my time and corresponds to what I already believe. Not exactly conducive to collaboration! Being outright unapproachable is one thing. If you make it known you really don't want people coming around, you'll get what you ask for. But you may think that doesn't apply to you, yet you could be putting out unapproachable" messages in more subtle ways.

You could always be so busy that anyone who comes to you feels they're not getting your full attention. Co-workers and employees may then perceive you as being swamped with too much work, so that they'll bring only the most important items to your attention. This may result in your knowing less about what's happening than if you had made yourself more approachable.

Another subtle "unapproachable" style comes from people who seem to live from crisis to crisis. If you know that every time you engage Mary in a conversation, you'll hear about the latest problem or tragedy in her life, you'll probably avoid her.

How about people who don't take the time to have an acceptable level of personal appearance? They might have dirty hair or clothes that don't fit them well. These folks often find themselves cut off from social discourse.

Another way to make people want to avoid you is if you talk too much. I'll steer clear of you if I know that every time I say "hi" I'll be subjected to at least a five minute monologue.

So there are various ways to establish yourself as unapproachable. The most common is to set up a lot of conditions about what kinds of things you're willing to entertain and how they should be presented to you.


Another way to do it is to be so preoccupied with your own needs that anyone approaching you either gets short shrift or gets a full dose of your problems. A third way is just to make yourself so physically unappealing that no one wants to be around you. And another surefire turnoff is to talk too much, especially about yourself.

The antidotes to these problems should be clear. You need to cultivate a style that says "open" not "closed."


You need to give your full attention to the other person when they're approaching you with their needs. All of this behavior adaptation takes conscious effort. You can't change old patterns in a day. But you can change. You might have to do something uncharacteristic like reaching out and asking someone how she's doing, or what's on her mind.
__________
Dr. Tony Alessandra has authored 13 books, recorded over 50 audio and video programs, and delivered over 2,000 keynote speeches since 1976. If you would like more information about Dr. Alessandra's books, audio tapesets and video programs, or about Dr. Alessandra as a keynote speaker, call his office at 1-800-222-4383 or visit his website at http://www.alessandra.com.

Posted 4/25/2004 by Josh Hinds

Keeping Clients Happy
by Nido Qubein

Even if we do our best to keep clients satisfied, we'll sometimes slip up. But there are seven common practices by salespeople that clients find really offensive:

(1) Keeping clients waiting for appointments without good cause and a solid explanation.

(2) Wasting their time because we are poorly prepared for meetings or other sales presentations.

(3) Missing deadlines we have promised and they have counted on.

(4) Failing to keep them informed about our progress or about important changes that affect their plans.

(5) Lack of attention to details they feel are important.

(6) Adding unexpected fees and charges -- especially when we do it without giving clear explanations and gaining their approval.

(7) Allowing staff people to treat clients in a surly, unconcerned or incompetent manner.

Put yourself in the client's shoes... How do you feel when a professional does any one of these things to you?

If you can consistently avoid these seven common hostility generators, you can eliminate a very high percentage of the client complaints most professionals encounter. And, here's another very effective technique for keeping clients happy...

If you're alert and stay in touch with your clients, you can usually spot problems before they ever come up. Now, I know that most of us don't like to go out looking for problems, especially when we're having a bad day. I guess that's why so many professionals say, "If the client doesn't bring it up, I'm sure not going to mention it."

I've always found it's better to take a proactive attitude about problems -- to hit them head on as soon as they crop up, and work them out with clients immediately.

It's better to attack and solve problems as soon as they emerge for three strong reasons:

(1) If you wait for the client to bring up a problem, it may look like you're hiding something. Then, your credibility is hurt, and often you have to deal with the problem in a hostile environment.

(2) Most problems don't just go away. They get bigger. Usually, the quicker you deal with them, the easier they are to work out.

(3) A client may never discuss the problem with you, but may tell everybody else about it. That way, you not only lose a client, you gain a highly vocal enemy.

Life presents us with enough stress. Why wait for the added stress of dealing with the results of problems? Keep your life uncluttered and your clients happier. Prevent all the problems you can, and deal effectively with problems as soon as they come up.

Very often, the most productive way to deal with a problem is to very tactfully dump it right back in the client's lap. If, for example, you're talking to an upset client, simply ask the client "How can we solve the problem?" or say, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. What can we do to help?"

Neither of these approaches says, "It's all our fault." But these approaches change you from an enemy to a partner in solving the problem. Sometimes, all the client wants is for someone to acknowledge that he or she is justified in being upset. The only action needed is for someone to listen with empathy and to care.

And, very often, the client will suggest a simple solution which you can readily agree to. If that happens, all you've got to do is throw in a little extra and you've got a very satisfied client.

But suppose the client wants something that is unrealistic? At least you know what he or she expects. You might not be able to meet all the client's expectations, but you can usually negotiate an agreement in which everyone wins.

Interestingly, a recent customer study revealed that a whopping 95% of the people who have a problem with an organization, and feel that it was handled to their satisfaction, will do business with that firm again. And, on average, they will tell five people about the treatment they received.

The best way to make sure that a complaint is handled to the client's satisfaction is to make the client a partner in working out the solution. But being client-friendly is not all problem solving. A big part of it is making clients feel they matter to you.
___________
Nido Qubein is an active speaker and consultant addressing more than 100 business and professional groups around the world each year. He is the recipient of the highest awards given for professional speaking including the Cavett and the Speakers Hall of Fame. Nido has also written numerous books and recorded scores of audio and video learning programs. For more information visit http://www.nidoqubein.com.

Posted 4/18/2004 by Josh Hinds

Go Beyond Excellence - Be Outstanding!
by Gary Ryan Blair

Good is only half a block from average. Excellence lives on the other side of town from good. Outstanding resides in a zip code all by itself!

This Be Outstanding! lesson is devoted to reinvesting in you. Its purpose is to help you to raise the bar, and reach for higher levels of performance from yourself and others than you ever thought possible.

How does one create and sustain outstanding performance?

First and foremost, you must live and die by the spirit of this rule:

"If you are not committed to delivering results that are profound, dramatic and superior - NEVER COMPETE!"

Let's consider the ramifications of these 16 simple words. They remind me of something that Steve Jobs of Apple once said.

"It's not enough to make your offer or performance great, it should be INSANELY great. Incremental improvements over your competition's offers, or even your own previous offers, don't cut it. You should shoot for TEN times better."

Being outstanding means redefining existing standards of performance, and challenging existing paradigms of world best practices.

The Ritz-Carlton epitomizes what it means to create and sustain outstanding performance.

The Ritz-Carlton is the first and only Hotel Company to win the coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; in fact they are the first and only Service Company to win the award twice.

When you stay at the Ritz-Carlton, you get to experience and enjoy the finest service and facilities in the world.

They have consciously cultivated a legacy, and a reputation for outstanding service and innovation.

The standards of service, dining and facilities set by the Ritz-Carlton serve as a benchmark for all hotels and resorts worldwide. In short, The Ritz-Carlton has set the standards by which everyone else must compete.

What follows are the Gold Standards, which serve as the foundational principals of the Ritz-Carlton. These Gold Standards drive outstanding results. They encompass the values and philosophy by which they operate and include:

? The Credo,
? The Motto,
? The Three Steps of Service,
? The Basics,
? The Employee Promise.

Credo

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission.

We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience.

The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.

Motto

We Are Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen.

Three Steps of Service

1. A warm and sincere greeting. Use the guest name if and when possible.

2. Anticipation and Compliance with guest needs.

3. Fond farewell. Give them a warm good-bye and use their names, if and when possible.

The Basics (20)

1. The Credo is the principle belief of our Company. It must be known, owned and energized by all.

2. Our Motto is "We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen." As service professionals, we treat our guests and each other with respect and dignity.

3. The Three Steps of Service are the foundation of Ritz-Carlton hospitality. These steps must be used in every interaction to ensure satisfaction, retention and loyalty.

4. The Employee Promise is the basis for our Ritz-Carlton work environment. It will be honored by all employees.

5. All employees will successfully complete annual Training Certification for their position.

6. Company objectives are communicated to all employees. It is everyone's responsibility to support them.

7. To create pride and joy in the workplace, all employees have the right to be involved in the planning of the work that affects them.

8. Each employee will continuously identify defects throughout the Hotel.

9. It is the responsibility of each employee to create a work environment of teamwork and lateral service so that the needs of our guests and each other are met.

10. Each employee is empowered. For example, when a guest has a problem or needs something special you should break away from your regular duties, address and resolve the issue.

11. Uncompromising levels of cleanliness are the responsibility of every employee.

12. To provide the finest personal service for our guests, each employee is responsible for identifying and recording individual guest preferences.

13. Never lose a guest. Instant guest pacification is the responsibility of each employee. Whoever receives a complaint will own it, resolve it to the guest's satisfaction and record it.

14. "Smile - we are on stage." Always maintain positive eye contact. Use the proper vocabulary with our guests. (Use words like - "Good Morning," "Certainly," "I'll be happy to," and "My pleasure.")

15. Be an ambassador of your Hotel in and outside of the work place. Always talk positively. Communicate any concerns to the appropriate person.

16. Escort guests rather than pointing out directions to another area of the Hotel.

17. Use Ritz-Carlton telephone etiquette. Answer within three rings and with a "smile" Use the guest's name when possible. When necessary, ask the caller "May I place you on hold?" Do not screen calls. Eliminate call transfers whenever possible. Adhere to voice mail standards.

18. Take pride in and care of your personal appearance. Everyone is responsible for conveying a professional image by adhering to Ritz-Carlton clothing and grooming standards.

19. Think safety first. Each employee is responsible for creating a safe, secure and accident free environment for all guests and each other. Be aware of all fire and safety emergency procedures and report security risks immediately.

20. Protecting the assets of a Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the responsibility of every employee. Conserve energy, properly maintain our hotels and protect the environment.

The Employee Promise

At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies & Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to our guests.

By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, we nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company.

The Ritz-Carlton fosters a work environment where diversity is valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and The Ritz-Carlton mystique is strengthened.

So what can you learn from the Ritz-Carlton?

1. Gold Standards are a model of simplicity, however they become a work of art once personally owned, employed and enforced.

2. Create your own Gold Standards or use these as a benchmark for delivering outstanding results.

3. You can choose the rules by which you compete and thus raise the performance bar for everyone else to follow.

So what do you do if your performance is not currently superior to everyone and everything else around you?

Easy. Decide to deliver outstanding results, and deliver them - starting right NOW!

Every opportunity offers a chance to perform in an outstanding manner. If you own a business or work for one, you must be able to engineer your performance so that is PROFOUNDLY superior, thus separating you from everyone in the marketplace.

Being outstanding is an outstanding goal to shoot for.

Everything Counts!

Gary Ryan Blair
___________
Written by Gary Ryan Blair - The GoalsGuy is your online goal setting and personal leadership coach. Check-out My Personal Strategic Plan and learn how to achieve more in the next year than most people do in a lifetime. See why best selling author Brian Tracy said, "This is the most remarkable, simple, and practical guide for ANYONE who wants to create the ideal life!" To learn more click here.

Posted 4/13/2004 by Josh Hinds

Your First Step to Becoming a Sales Champion
By Tom Beal

"Who would make an ideal client for you?"

Please note: If you just answered 'anyone' I can guarantee you are not as successful as you'd like to be right now, but you have just found the article that will revolutionize your sales career.

If you answered, "Business owners with 1-4 employees," or "People who are tired of living paycheck to paycheck and are ready to do something about it," I can almost guarantee you are on track to becoming a sales champion.

The first step in a sales professional's journey to greatness is making a very clear and laser like description of who their precise target market is.

You must even take it one step further and ask yourself who your ideal client would be... ideal in every way.

If your products or services are for people you'll want to get as specific as possible: How old, where do they work, what is their income, what do they drive, where do they hang out, where do they live, are they married, do they have children, plus any other demographic information that would be helpful to you in pinpointing them exactly.

If your products or services are for businesses you'll also want to be as specific as possible: How long in business, how many employees, what SIC codes, which yellow page heading, etc. Then you'll also want to define who your contact is within that ideal company: Owner, President, CEO, COO, Purchaser, IT Manager, Controller, VP, Office Manager, etc.

Once you create your ideal client in your mind, then you need to ask yourself where the best place to locate people and companies like that is. At the same time you'll want to make a clear concise statement of who it is that you are searching for as an ideal client... you can even name a specific person or company that would be your ideal client.

Success is attracted to people who have focus like a laser beam, and avoids people who do not even know what they are looking for or where they are going.

With that focus you will be like a ship leaving the harbor who already knows its destination, and 9,999 times out of 10,000 it will get to where it set out for.

When someone asks you how they can be of any help to you, you will be able to give them a precise description of exactly who, what, where, when, how and why.

A laser focused answer such as that fine-tunes their mind and you will be surprised how many people will immediately think of the exact match of a person, place or thing they know that will be helpful to you... thanks to your description.

Do it now! Take a pen and a sheet of paper and begin to clarify and picture who your ideal client would be... ideal in every way.

Then, make a brief statement describing who your ideal client would be.

"I'm looking for the Purchasers for the Top 25 Private Schools in my town, like... (name a couple schools)."

"I'm looking for HR Directors of The Top 100 companies in our city, such as... (name a couple companies)."

"I'm looking for overweight men or women who are committed to becoming healthier and trimmer."

Be sure your statement is short, simple and easy for the listeners to grasp and follow.

Until next time...

"What's a good client for you THESalesChampion.com?"

"My ideal coaching clients are sales professionals who know they are not as successful as they can or should be and they're ready to take action now to become a sales champion."

P.S. - If you just read this article then you would qualify as my ideal coaching client... a committed, dedicated, professional who's seeking improvement and is taking action.
___________
Submitted by Tom Beal, THESalesChampion.com. To subscribe to the Free "Become a Sales

Champion" E-zine go to www.thesaleschampion.com.
Copyright © 2004 THESalesChampion.com. All rights reserved worldwide.

Posted 4/11/2004 by Josh Hinds

The Secret of My Success
By Danish Ahmed

Everyone tries to communicate their particular "secret." And here's mine:

I always thought I was committed. I put in 100%, I go all out. Then, I sit back and wonder what the true "secret" is that gets others to succeed?

Every great speaker talks about it. We must come to a point where we will not be denied our dream. I, and probably most others, think we understand this, especially at first. We keep trying, and trying, and trying, and we don't give up.

But what I've discovered this secret truly means is that we don't even bother to figure out what we're going to do as a backup plan if we don't succeed (and especially when it gets too tough).

Some people might think this is crazy - I know I did. But it really makes the difference. When we come to realize that no matter what happens, we're going to break-through whatever obstacles come our way because of our relentless commitment, that's when we succeed. We'll always use a back-door if we create one.

Marianne Williamson talks about the Hollywood story of an actress whose mentor says "Don't wait to be discovered by a producer. Produce yourself."

Success isn't about waiting to find the "secret." The secret is, to produce ourselves into our success.
________
Danish Ahmed is the author of "A Dictionary of Distinctions," a professional speaker and coach. He brings a new concept of "distinctions" to his audiences which helps them to increase the quality of their everyday communication. Ordinary Words ~ Extraordinary Power. Visit his web site at www.ordinarywords.com

Posted 4/06/2004 by Josh Hinds

JV and Grow Rich
By Rod Beckwith

To illustrate the concept of arranging simple joint ventures that can lead to exciting new business opportunites, I am including a short story and correspondence that led me down a grand path to a very successful deal that involves one of the most successful personal and financial achievement books ever written, not to mention partnering with a living legend.

To start things off, in early July of 2002 I read "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill for the first time in my 36 years of existance on this spinning orb of madness. I have read many personal achievement books, but this one was different, I mean WAY different.

I had always heard this was a must read, but I thought since it was old (1st Printing 1937) that it was also out of date and not applicable to the world as it is today. How wrong I was. After reading the first few chapters, things started to become crystal clear, things that had been at best, hazy and out of focus only days earlier -- All of a sudden, I started to see how things were supposed to be done, how life should be lived and at long last, how continued success could be captured.

This all may sound very melodramatic, but I swear that it is true.

I had thought for many years about getting into the publishing business, but had never seriously considered it due to the fact there was so much risk involved due to all of the hard costs involved with standard publishing.

I had read about how some people on the Internet were making a lot of money publishing eBooks. At the time, I didn't feel I had the time to write my own, so I thought that "Think and Grow Rich" would be an excellent choice as it was very popular since it was written and it hadn't been converted into eBook form as far as I could tell. I could spread the word about a book that helped change my life for the better and get paid for it! Doesn't get much better than that.

I looked at the publisher's name (Fawcett Books) in my copy of the paper-back version that I had. I recall inquiring about getting the rights to another book a year or so previous, so I knew better than go the large publishers. They always want some rediculous of money to license their books, even if they are not doing well or out of print. Around $4,000.00 or so in upfront royalties.

I knew that I have to go another route, so I searched on Amazon for another publisher and noticed a familiar name. A name that I had actually sent checks to in my younger years. A name that was synonymous with big-time mail order publishing. Someone who had sold millions of books, but decided to stay independent because he love the business. His name is Melvin Powers of the famed Wilshire Book Company.

I sent an email on 7-25-02 to Melvin Powers who is the owner of Wilshire Book Company. By 8-2-02, Melvin responded by asking me to "come" to his office 1:00pm. His misunderstood me and I called him around 1:00pm. By 2:00pm, we had a verbal agreement on what the simple terms of the deal were for exclusive rights to his library of titles. By 8-3-02 the 1st and 2nd drafts of the (1) page agreement between us was complete.

Poof! I was instantly in the highly respected publishing business with one of the top names in the industry. Wow, how cool is that?

What did we talk about for the hour we were on the phone you ask? I had a short list of questions that he answered masterfully. We discussed many things, but the bottom line of all of this is..."Dont be afraid to ask for what you want" You may just be surprised at what you can accomplish.

I simply asked Melvin if he was interested in working with me and he said "YES". Anyone could have approached Melvin (many have), but I did it in a relaxed and enthusiastic way that Melvin could read over the phone I suppose. We launched the book on 9-20-02 and have been doing quite well with it and are in the process of converting his other books.

That's pretting much it. Remember, all you have to do is ASK. The worst that someone can say is no. Shrug it off and go to the next person. It's really not personal.

Here are the 2 email correspondences Melvin and I had, before we talked on the phone.

============================================
Message #1

Subject: Your publishing business?
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 18:12:52 -0700
From: Rod Beckwith
Organization: MrJV.com
To: Melvin Powers

Dear Melvin,
We have corresonded in the past & your advice was very sound. I really like your Mail Order Millionaire program... I just wish I had picked up "Think & Grow Rich" when I first listened to your program over a year ago. I just read it about 2 weeks ago & have been hopping ever since. --OMG you have the "Laws of Success" by Napoleon Hill. I was wondering what happened to this, nobody ever talks about it.

I am interested in discussing converting some of your books into ebooks as I think they could get a second birth on the net. I just hate waiting for something in the mail anymore that could just as easily be delivered on the net. Is there any way we could talk about setup some kind of pilot program to test this theory.

Let me know if you are interested.

Sincerely,
Rod

--
Rod Beckwith


Message #2

Subject: Re: Your publishing business?
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 10:45:14 -0700
From: Melvin Powers
To: Rod Beckwith

Dear Rod,
I'll in my office today after one o'clock. Call me first before coming in.
I'll be pleased to see you.

Melvin
____________
Article submitted by Rod Beckwith -- Rod is a well know joint venture expert & publisher. Recently, Rod and Melvin Powers have started offering the success classic "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill in ebook format... This is the same book that has influenced generations of some of the greatest achievers and leaders ever. Learn more about it here!

Posted 4/04/2004 by Josh Hinds

Let Your Clients Do The Bragging
by Tom Hopkins

Top professionals in nearly every field of selling understand the value of a good client. Each client's business not only adds to your personal bottom line, but it can lead to even more business through referrals. However, the best salespeople have learned how to get more business because of an existing client even from a non-referred lead. How do they do this? By getting permission to use the client's name.

There are several ways of using a client's name. You can simply name-drop to a prospective new client. You can use our "Higher Authority Close" and have your prominent person actually talk with a prospective client for you. However, this may seem a little presumptuous and time consuming for both you and the existing client.

The simplest method for using a satisfied client's name is to have him or her write you a letter about how happy he or she is. Once you've gotten him or her happily involved in your product or service, you have earned the right to ask for a testimonial letter. All you have to do is say these words: "Mr. or Ms. Client, I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the benefits of our new Whatzit 5000.

And, I so appreciate the opportunity I have of personally servicing your account." (By the way, if they aren't perfectly satisfied with both the product and your level of service, don't waste your time on this.) "Since you're so happy with the Whatzit, you wouldn't mind dashing off a short letter about our experience together that I might show to another prospective client, would you?"

If he or she shows any hesitation, or even if he or she agrees, say this: "In fact, to save you time, I would be happy to write up something brief that you could simply put on your letterhead and approve."

You might be wondering why you would do this. Well, first of all, you'll be sure it gets done in a timely manner. The client may agree, then put it at the bottom of his or her never-ending list of things to do. Secondly, you'll write a much better letter than he or she will.

"Dear Jim, the time we shared during the acquisition of our new Whatzit 5000 was truly a pleasure. I so appreciated the detailed research you did into our history, plans for future growth and current needs. You hit the nail on the head with addressing our concerns in your fine presentation and we're so happy we went ahead with the Whatzit. It is perfect for us. Our staff is so excited about the new equipment and we look forward to working with you on a continuing basis for many years to come."

See how nice that is? And if you've done your job properly, he or she will be happy to approve it for your usage with other prospective clients.
__________
Tom Hopkins International
7531 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: (480) 949-0786 or 800/528-0446 Fax: (480) 949-1590
Visit our website for a great "Tip of the Day"

Posted 4/01/2004 by Josh Hinds

6 Steps To A Stronger Mind
by Mark Victor Hansen

Our minds are all we've got. They are the source of who we, both personally and professionally. They determine our success or failure. They are our strength and our weakness.

With the quality of our entire lives resting on our minds, it's unbelievable that we choose to fill them with so much garbage. The amount of negativity from television, newspapers, tabloids and other media that bombards us on a daily basis is amazing. We would never think to fill our bodies with only junk food, right? Heck no. We know that if we ate nothing but French fries and ice cream we would experience negative consequences like skin blemishes, weight gain and rotting teeth.

But with mental junk food we don't see the physical consequences right away. When our minds are constantly filled with negativity and bad news, our minds begin to decay. That's why we need to develop a strong, Herculean-esque mind.

Developing your mental muscles will give you the power to accomplish anything you want in life. Sure, it takes some discipline on your part, but look at the world's greatest bodybuilders. They don't show up at the gym every once in a while. They create a workout schedule and they are at the gym every day, no matter what.

Hire yourself as your "mental manager". Figure out how much you're going to pay yourself and make up a job list. Here are six jobs to assign to yourself to create a stronger mind.

1. Read Right
How much good news do you see in the newspapers? Editors usually say, "If it bleeds, it leads." Not much chance of positivity there. So, read something else. Read books – good books. Books that motivate you. Books that inspire you. Look up some of the great inspirational authors on amazon.com or in your local bookstore. Read them every morning and/or every night, before you go to sleep.

2. Share Your Mind
Find someone, or a group of someone's, who have the same desire to share positivity. This is called masterminding. Great successes are created when great minds come together and think about the same things.

3. Find A Mentor
My mentor was Buckminster Fuller and I learned more from that man about life than I ever hoped to. Who are the people you admire most, whether you know them or not? Figure out whom you'd like to emulate and study them. If they offer seminars, attend them. If they've written books, read them. Just a few I'd recommend are: Tony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer and Zig Ziglar.

4. Listen to Motivational/Inspirational CDs and Tapes
This is one of the most important habits you can create for yourself. Find inspirational audio messages and listen to them over and over. Earl Nightingale, one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time, had this to say on the subject: "Tape listening is the most important advance in technology since the invention of the printing press." With audiotapes and CDs, speakers can reach 10 times as many people as the printed word ever could.

5. Sign Up and Attend Seminars
The motivational messages you hear at seminars, and the inspirational people you meet, reinforce your self-esteem and positive thinking. You can search out seminars via the internet, newspapers or local colleges and universities.

6. Turn Off the Television
On average, the television set in an American home is on over 7 hours a day. Just like any bad habit, it needs to be broken. I'm not saying that all television is bad. Heck no. I'm simply recommending that you cut back on your television viewing. Decide how long you're going to watch television and then turn it off when you're time is up. Try cutting back your television viewing one hour every day at first. You can use that time to read a book, listen to a motivational tape, walk your dog or spend time with your family.

After reading these six steps maybe you're saying, "But Mark, I can't do it. I just don't know if I can be this dedicated to bettering myself?" Who else are you going to be dedicated to if not yourself? Because when it comes right down to it, folks, you are all that you've got. Jobs and relationships come and go. Children grow up, leave the nest and get lives of their own. Then there you are, alone with yourself. Why not create a "you" you can be proud of.

'Amaze yourself; manifest your full potential.'

Mark Victor Hansen
____________
Article submitted by Mark Victor Hansen - Co-Author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul series of books. For over 26 years, Mark Victor Hansen has focused solely on helping people in all walks of life reshape their personal vision of what's possible for themselves. Visit http://www.markvictorhansen.com for resources, secure shopping and web-only product specials, speaking schedule and current projects. Mark is also the co-author of "The One Minute Millionaire" book.