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Quiz: New Year's Resolution's You'll Keep?

***5 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress***

Thanks to Increased Business

Prospecting For Success

More Is The Key

Identify The People In Your Life Who Block Your Progress

Identify The People In Your Life Who Aid Your Progress

Don’t Settle For Less Than Your Personal Mission

Quiz: New Year's Resolutions You'll Keep?

Let’s talk about New Year’s Resolutions. Do you set the same resolutions over and over, year after year, with the same results? Do you procrastinate, avoid the issue, confess to being lazy or come up with a zillion reasons why you will do something about those pesky resolutions tomorrow? Then, do you hear that little voice in the back of your mind that whispers, “You have a whole year to make these changes, right?”

Take charge! Don’t journey into 2005 doing exactly what you’ve always done and expect miraculously different results. The following tips will show you how to stop sulking, to develop a clear sense of purpose and to stride boldly into 2005.

Start with buying yourself a nice journal or at the very least set aside a notepad that you will use to record your journey into the New Year. Begin with a few positive sentences about your greatest accomplishments of 2004. Then, jot down some of the mistakes or obstacles that kept life interesting but are better left in 2004. Now, write down your list of resolutions for 2005. This doesn’t have to be fancy or grammatically correct it is just a place for you to note your ideas in an effort to develop that clear sense of purpose. The following quiz can help you explore how and why you choose these particular resolutions.

1) Is your list the same or a similar list to the one you wrote last year?

2) How many years have you used this same list without achieving the results you sought?

3) Are you setting goals to please others or to please yourself?

4) Why did you set each resolution on your list? To answer this WHY question, consider the following:

a) Think back to who you were when you first decided upon each resolution.

b) Are there any resolutions on your list that don’t apply to your life right now?

c) Why did you want to accomplish each goal when you first set the intentions?

d) Was there or is there someone else in your life that influenced you to add any of the resolutions?

e) Why do you want to accomplish each goal now?

f) When, or by what date, do you want to achieve each goal?

g) What specific steps will you take this year to achieve your resolutions?

5) What are you really trying to achieve in 2005?

6) CHALLENGE: List at least ONE thing you will do differently than you have ever done before to make your dreams a reality in 2005!

Now, look at your resolutions from a whole new angle. Start with a blank page and develop a list of everything you have ever wanted to do. That’s right, everything. Ignore all resolutions, obligations, fears, costs or any other obstacles that may prevent you from adding an item to your list. Just write anything that comes to mind when you reflect on everything that you have ever wanted to do. To develop a clear sense of purpose for the New Year, take the list and choose at least two things that you will commit to accomplishing in 2005. Then, write out a few steps that will help you begin the journey of attaining something that really has meaning!

Here’s the fun part. Compare your list of everything you have ever wanted to do with your initial New Year’s resolutions. Are there common themes between what you will set out to conquer in 2005 and what you hope to conquer when you consider everything you would like to do with the rest of your life? If the two lists don’t show similar desires, what are you waiting for?

Make 2005 the year that you change the way you set and REACH your New Year’s resolutions. An effective way to tackle resolutions is by committing to take one step each week so the goals become more than just intentions; they become habits. If you are averse to the thought of change taking an entire year, then commit to a time schedule that feels right for your situation. You’ll see results with every week that you take action! This is your life, so set your own rules and work at your own pace. If it does take you an entire year to reach those resolutions, think of it this way: what's a year when it means a happier rest of your life?

About The Author:

JoAnna Carey, aka "The Rat Race Relaxer," is available for radio, TV and print interviews. She's an energetic entrepreneur who merges her life experience and business success to perform enjoyable, influential presentations. She is the producer and host of her own weekly television program titled The Rat Race Relaxer™ Show and the author of Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life. Contact Carey'D Away Enterprises, LLC; http://www.RatRaceRelaxer.com.

***5 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress***

5. Develop an list of everything you would like to do THIS Holiday Season, then prioritize in order to get the most amount of joy from the limited amount of time you have to spend with family, friends and coworkers. Remember, this year's priorities may look different than those of holidays past!

4. Express gratitude. What a great time of year to thank all of those people who make your life worth living! Don't let the hustle and bustle of the season steal away your opportunity to be thankful for the people, experiences and events (both good and bad) that made this year unique and memorable. If you're sending greeting cards, why not add a personalized message about why you are thankful for having the recipient in your life.

3. Learn to say NO -- put YOU first sometimes. It's ok to say no! I repeat: it is ok to say NO! Schedule some "alone time" during the holidays so you can reduce the temptation to take on too many responsibilities that may cause a meltdown at the worst possible moment.

2. Choose your battles wisely. As the end of the year quickly approaches, you may be pulled in too many directions and it may be impossible for you to attend every get together. Holidays are often full of over taxed emotions so, rather than succumbing to a confrontation, try to approach each situation as an opportunity to accommodate the most important needs of those involved. Express your opinion about the little things that are causing extra stress instead of hiding those emotions that may cause your temper to reach the boiling point.

1. Buy copies of the Rat Race Relaxer Book -- 52 stress busting tips, one for every week of 2005 -- a gift that will challenge you and your friends to get what you want in return for running the rat race!

BONUS Stress Reducer: Hire JoAnna Carey to speak at your company's holiday party or an upcoming event -- please visit our website at http://www.RatRaceRelaxer.com. Discounts available on quantity purchases or for groups, corporations, fundraisers, silent auctions, etc.

JoAnna Carey builds customized presentations to fit the fluctuating needs of businesses and associations. She is the author of a motivational book titled “Rat Race Relaxerä: Your Potential & The Maze of Life,” and host/producer of her own weekly television program “The Rat Race Relaxerä Show.” Contact Carey’D Away Enterprises, LLC, www.joannacarey.com, j.carey@att.net, or 616-530-3787.

Thanks to Increased Business

The financial markets are declining. The threat of war is looming on the horizon. The Americans are expressing a renewed interest in re-evaluating priorities and rumor has it that humankind is embarking upon a major shift in consciousness. These are just a few of the reasons why adding a personal touch to your communications with customers and employees can lead to greater levels of success in today’s impersonal business environment.

During the recent years of economic growth, many industries scrambled to keep up with a constant stream of new business. The companies that sustained West Michigan were no exception. Buildings expanded, product lines grew and “mandatory” overtime became the norm. Customers were sometimes expected to overlook service and production delays due to an unusually high volume of business. Employees were often required to work extended hours to fulfill customer demands. Throughout these years of rising profits, many businesses promised customers and employees that the workload would return to a less frantic “norm.”

Now, West Michigan companies are facing an environment of slower growth and “normal” seems to be a word that can only describe a long forgotten era. Corporate down-sizings and plant closings litter the evening news and lease signs litter the industrial landscape. This uncertainty provides the perfect environment for business leaders to build more personal business relationships by offering a genuine thank-you to customers and employees.

Everyone leads busy lives. In our high tech, often impersonal society, people remember those who add a personal touch to their day. The key to success in a lean economy may be to retain, instead of having to replace, your best customers and employees. Consider the following questions.

Customers

Who is your best customer today and why?
Who was your best customer a few years ago and why?
When was the last time you personally asked customers to express questions or concerns?
What areas of your business need improvement based on customer questions and concerns?
How much would it cost you to replace a lost customer?
When was the last time you called each customer to say “thank you for your business”?

Employees

Who is your best employee today and why?
Who was your best employee a few years ago and why?
When was the last time you hosted an open forum for employees to express questions or concerns?
What suggestions do employees have in regard to customer questions and concerns?
How much would it cost you to replace a lost employee?
When was the last time you thanked your employees for helping you stay in business?

If you are wondering what all of this has to do with improving your bottom line, then think of a time when you have done a little something extra and found yourself muttering, “They didn’t even have the decency to say thank you.” I am not suggesting that you should thank others solely to improve your bottom line. Many kind acts do go unnoticed, but thanking others may help you focus on the things in your business (and life) that you have to be grateful for. And, aside from the bottom line, aren’t you also in business for the victory, the accomplishment, the success, the reward of hearing someone say “thank you” for your contribution?

In my experience, thank-you notes are even less common in business relationships. It’s a quick, thoughtful way to show clients and employees how important they are to you. An added benefit of business thank-you notes is that the receiver of that note will probably remember your gratitude long after the words have been expressed. As you move through the days and weeks ahead, think about those people in your life who deserve a genuine thank-you. Who goes above and beyond what his or her job requires? Reward that person by hand-writing a personalized thank-you note.

For readers who need statistics in order to believe in the power of saying thank you, the National Association for Employee Recognition partnered with WorldatWork to conduct a 2002 Employee Recognition Survey that showed …

v 41% of respondents are “doing more” with employee recognition programs than they were in the 12 months prior.

v Of the companies in the survey that did not have formal recognition systems in place a full 54% of respondents expressed intent to develop policies in the coming 12 months.

Thanking customers and employees is simply the right thing to do. Challenge yourself and your leaders to express gratitude and add joy to the days of customers and employees. Commit to sending a personalized, handwritten thank-you note to one person each day of this week and pay attention to how your business improves. (Don’t cheat; there are seven days of the week to be thankful!)

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

Prospecting For Success

Success is often built by having the courage and stamina to keep climbing even when the competition is struggling to maintain the routine. Prospecting is a skill that is overwhelming for some, sport for others but ultimately a vital business development tool for most. Anyone who has experienced the bizarre responses that are often generated from “cold” prospecting calls can attest to the feelings of great victory and even greater rejection that is often associated with generating new business.

Recent prospecting calls to West Michigan businesses turned up responses such as: “Our employees are too busy working to participate in morale boosting activities,” and “We would love to increase morale and productivity but business is so slow it wouldn’t make a difference.” With these responses in mind, a refresher course in prospecting techniques and a few words of encouragement may be beneficial.

Close more sales by honing your ability to ask questions and listen in silence. The three questions presented below are easy to implement, simple to remember and guaranteed to boost prospecting success. Always ask as many questions as it takes until you fully understand. If you are afraid to ask questions, then you may be limiting your success!

The fastest way to learn something new is to ask questions. In my opinion, the fastest way to discredit what you are about to say is to preface your question with an apology for having to ask. Why? Because each time you ask a question it gives the person responding an opportunity to clarify his or her perspective. And what you have to say is just as important as the comments of anyone else in the room, so relinquish your need to apologize for asking questions.

Whenever you ask a question, it is essential to practice silence so the person has a chance to respond. Many people are afraid to have a silent moment in conversation so they rush to fill the quiet space. Become comfortable with silence and it will give you an advantage in at least two ways. One, allowing a moment of silence after you ask a question sends a subtle, nonverbal clue that you are expecting an answer. Two, pausing after someone asks you a direct question allows a moment to gather your thoughts so you will be less likely to fill the air with non-words such as “uh” or “um.”

3 Questions That Can Improve Your Sales Success

1) “WHY?”

Spend time with a child and you will realize how vital the question “Why?” is to learning. If you have stopped asking why, chances are that you are not stretching the boundaries of what you know, or have become so bogged down in the minutiae of your own life that you have lost the natural curiosity necessary for growth.

2) “What are my options?”

This is especially helpful when you feel that a situation is beyond your control, such as when an employee resists changes that are necessary for the growth of the company. Or, when your employer offers you a new position that would require more travel than you'd like. When in doubt, asking the other party to suggest additional options may provide you with a solution you had not considered. This is an excellent time to practice silence. The question speaks for itself.

3) “Is there anything else I should know?”

Top salespeople are trained to uncover crucial facts by asking the right questions. Use this question to uncover extra information and details in any situation. Most people, if asked this question at the end of a conversation, will add more details, and it is often information they would not provide during normal question and answer discovery.

Save time, effort and hours of rework by gaining clarification. Ask questions without apologizing for having to ask. Practice using silences when you ask a question and when a question is directed to you. When in doubt, don’t guess; just ask!

Challenge yourself to increase your prospecting success by incorporating silence and the three questions presented here into your daily routine. The suggestions are easy to implement, the prospecting calls will most likely be entertaining and the information you uncover can lead to a plethora of new opportunities.

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

More Is The Key

Spring traditionally represents a time of growth and development. The prospecting keys presented in last month’s issue of Business Update generated positive feedback so here are two more tips to help you grow your business.

Tip # 1: Incorporate the phrase … "Tell me more" … into your conversations.

These three words, “Tell me more,” can open windows of opportunity and uncover surpluses of information. People love to talk about themselves and the things that matter most in their lives, be it family, business, hobbies, or travel. Just asking for more information can provide ideas for your next big project, a contact with a potential client, or the location of your dream vacation. Listen closely to the thoughts shared by others because those stories often contain lessons that help to unlock your true potential.

Morgan, a newspaper reporter, learned that the phrase “tell me more” works very well in her line of business. She says, “People often believe that they are too busy to be curious about others, but there is so much to be learned by interacting. I find that this is especially true when working with children because I can tap into my own long-lost childlike sense of curiosity.” In Morgan’s reporting experience, she says the real story is often not the one she initially thought she was covering.

Incorporate the phrase “Tell Me More” into your conversations with others. Examples for using this phrase as an icebreaker with someone you’ve just met may include, “Tell me more about your hobbies, career, family, or favorite travels.” Business uses may include, “Tell me more about upcoming projects, promotions, or expansion plans.”

Tip # 2: Learn How To Negotiate.

There is a term in sales called ABC, which stands for "Always Be Closing." What it really comes down to in everyday life is to know ahead of time what you want and to always be looking for a way to get what you want out of every situation. I am not suggesting that you take advantage of every person or situation you encounter. Just remember that you are your own best asset. Every individual has unique traits that cannot be found in others. Learn what you do best and learn how to express to others what you do best. Also, learn how to say that you deserve more than the offer on the table.

Negotiating is even more important during times of restricted growth. When revenues are down, negotiating skills can lead to increased profits through better purchasing terms, improved inventory levels and lower shipping cost. Employee morale can be enhanced with negotiable perks such as, flexible scheduling, additional training and diverse benefit structures.

Challenge yourself to read at least one news story, magazine article, Web site or book about negotiating. Write down a negotiating tip that you can apply to your next business deal, purchase decision or career change and make a commitment to yourself to get more of what you want from the situation.

Think of prospecting and negotiating as “spring” boards to success. Set goals that will stimulate your personal and professional development and use this season to cultivate exciting new opportunities.

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

Identify The People In Your Life Who Block Your Progress

All of us have certain people in our lives who are always there to share triumphs and failures, to roar a supportive battle cry when things get tough, to lend strength when we are too weak to stand alone, or to just listen when we need a friend. I believe it's our duty to surround ourselves with those who aid in our development and to provide the same kind of environment for those who seek the support of our unique talents. I also believe it’s our duty to identify those who intentionally block our progress and deplete our energy. Make the commitment to surround yourself with others who will help you by identifying the people around you who block your progress.

Often co-workers and the people closest to us forget to respect our independent points of view. Disrespect may be disguised as negativity, condescension, discouragement, belittlement, pessimism, disapproval, ridicule, mockery or even abuse. Demonstrate your confidence and self-respect by explaining to others when their behavior becomes hurtful and unacceptable.

In order to unlock your full potential, you must make a promise to yourself to limit the time you spend with people who will not respect your feelings. You are the owner of your thoughts! Consider before you speak that you may be sabotaging your own progress by sharing your innermost thoughts with others before you are ready for the repercussions of disapproval.

Ë Don’t share your feelings with people who undermine what you do or say.

Ë Don’t share your thoughts with people who always make you feel worse than you did before you spoke.

Ë Learn to separate yourself from those who sap your power and leave you feeling tired and discouraged.

I can just hear you asking, “What if the person who brings the most negativity is a boss, co-worker, client, spouse, a child or someone else so close that he or she cannot be avoided?” My answer is to always begin by trying to include the people closest to you in your journey. Sometimes you have to guard your feelings, thoughts and ideas as you would guard a child. Notice I did not say to hide these feelings, but to only discuss things when you are confident enough to explain your decisions. You may have to continually remind yourself and others that you are responsible for your own happiness.

Ultimately, you may decide that you are settling for less than you deserve by allowing unsupportive people to hinder your decisions. At the end of the book you will find a list of suggested readings if you're interested in further discussion of this topic, but only you can decide when enough is enough.

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

Identify The People In Your Life Who Aid Your Progress

Last month we talked about identifying the people in your life who block your progress. This month we will look at identifying the supportive people in your life who aid your growth.

We tend to remember those who have wronged us, but what about the people who truly help us, where do they fit in? All of us have certain people in our lives who are always there to share triumphs and failures, to roar a supportive battle cry when things get tough, to lend strength when we are too weak to stand alone, or to just listen when we need a friend. I believe it's our personal duty to surround ourselves with those who aid in our development and to provide the same kind of environment for those who seek the support of our unique talents.

Think back to high school, college or any job you have ever had. Now, write down the name of every person you can think of who has truly helped you in your personal or business life. Remember those from the past and present, living and passed on. Then, take the following quiz.

Support Network Quiz

1. How did each of these people help me?

2. Would I be where I am today without them?

3. Have I helped others in the same way?

4. How can I help others in the same way?

5. Who can help me reach my next goal?

Make the intention to help others by starting a support network. Begin with an informal phone call or visit to someone in your life who has always been there for you. Thank them for believing in you and encourage them to share their hopes, fears, joys and sadness so you can also be there for them. This will allow the relationship to grow in a way that helps each of you face life’s challenges. The key is not to dwell only on good experiences or only on bad experiences, but to acknowledge the beauty in all and enjoy the strength that others can provide.

Starting a support network is a great way to meet new people and share your mission and ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask those you know for referrals to others who may be able to lend support. In the ultra-competitive market we face today, referrals may be the best and sometimes the only way to land a new client or a better position.

As you network, consider that research suggests you are only six people away from knowing anyone in the world. So take the time to identify the people in your life who aid your progress. Contact the people on your list and thank them for their encouragement. Go one step further and explain the “support network” idea to family, friends and colleagues so you can help each other navigate this “rat race maze.”

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.

Don’t Settle For Less Than Your Personal Mission

Success is not an easy concept to define. What does it take to be successful? How does success look? When should a person feel like a success? Once success is achieved, how can new goals be set without diminishing the value of one’s previous accomplishments? Can success ever be realized when time is finite and obligations seem endless? These questions may be answered best with the following question, “Who is the person defining success?”

Take the initiative to define your own success by developing a personal mission statement. A personal mission statement is developed by focusing on the qualities that make you unique, such as, who you are, what you would like to do, your hopes, fears and wishes. It can be as ambitious or as simplistic as you desire, and it is ever-changing.

What if you don’t feel confident enough to create a personal mission statement? Start with a group of goals you would like to accomplish over the next year. Keep experimenting until you find an idea that you believe you were meant to relentlessly pursue. Remember, it is your mission and it can change as you grow and excel; you are the only limit to what you can become.

Still having trouble defining personal success? Imagine that a genie were to grant you three wishes. If all you can come up with is, "I would like to be rich and thin," you haven’t taken enough time to know your true goals. Ask yourself what you would DO if you were rich and thin and you will see a hint of your true mission. Now ask yourself if any of the things you named are things you can do right now and, if so, why do you choose not to follow through.

This is a very personal key. Measuring your standards on a bar set by others means permanently installing yourself on a treadmill of your own making. Have the courage to determine what you want out of life and make a promise to yourself that you will not settle for less than your vision of success.

I see this dilemma often among parents with young children. Some are stay-at -home moms who would really like to work at least part-time. Others are working at careers that leave them unsatisfied, when they would really prefer to spend more time with their children. And although we don’t often hear about this dilemma among fathers, there are a growing number of men who are sharing equally in the day-to-day activities of child rearing and would also like more flexible work schedules. Take the time to determine what is most important in your life and be honest with yourself as you identify a personal mission statement.

When you take the time to know where you are headed, you will begin to see opportunities that will help you reach your goals. By honoring your vision of success, you'll be in the best position to take that next bold step toward personal fulfillment. Start with a few things you want to change, ideas you want to pursue, people you want to meet, or a new hobby you want to try. Then, when you see an opportunity that will help you reach your unique goals, embrace the challenge. Above all, commit to keeping your life mission foremost in your mind because it will help you identify your aspirations and serve as a roadmap as you navigate the maze.

*Adapted from the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life.