Leading Forward

The Mirror of Success

2009-11-11T06:44:27-08:00

Your character, it's been said, can be defined by the decisions you make and the actions you take when no one is looking. Did you know your attitude can be created in much the same way? It's time for you to start looking.

It seems obvious that our faces are great advertisers of our emotions. What is less obvious, but even more important, is that the opposite is also true. Your facial expressions can actually create your attitude!

Research psychologists have determined that "The face is not a secondary billboard for our internal feelings. It is an equal partner in the emotional process."* That's great news! That idea can shift us from being victims (reactive) of our feelings to being victors (proactive) of our attitudes.

Sometimes we smile because we're happy, and sometimes we're happy because we smile.

Here's our challenge - First, invest in a small mirror you can set up at your desk. Then, get in the habit of checking your expression while your working alone, talking on the phone, or even chatting face to face. And smile. It might seem silly at first, but then, silly is much better than sour.

This simple yet powerful idea can dramatically change your business and your life. Remember, your attitude can determine your actions, and your actions create your lifestyle. Unleash your positive attitude today. Smile at your own reflection, then share it with everyone you meet. You are the mirror of success.

Keep smiling, and Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

*from Malcolm Gladwell's fascinating book, Blink, citing the work of Paul Ekman, Wallace Freisen, & Robert Levenson

Perfect Timing

2009-11-05T07:59:31-08:00

This year's baseball World Series brought us exciting plays, skillful management, and a couple of lessons on the importance of timing.

The true champions, the leaders, on both teams demonstrated great timing by elevating their performance to match the importance of the game. From the regular season, through the playoffs, and the 6 games of The Series, the best players stepped up their level of play. The best pitchers threw more strikes. The power hitters came through in the clutch. Just what we expect from these superstars. The timing of performance.

The second lesson about timing didn't come to us from the level of play; it came from the uniforms of the Philadelphia Phillies. In honor of their long-time broadcaster, Harry Kalas, who passed away last April, every member of the team wore a patch bearing his initials on their chest. This man was obviously loved, admired, and respected, and we were moved by this tribute. The idea was fantastic, but the timing could have been even better. Imagine if someone had suggested honoring that remarkable man by wearing the patch last season as he announced every game. The timing of appreciation.

Is there a decision you need to make or some action you need to take in order to move your life and business forward, but you're waiting for just the right time? Is there someone on your team you appreciate, but you haven't found the time to let them know? This might be perfect timing.

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

Show Me The Fun!

2009-10-14T07:05:20-07:00

Looking to attract more business builders to your direct sales team? Have you invested a great deal of time and energy explaining the compensation plan and showing them the potential profits? That's a common mistake you can begin correcting today.

Don't just show people how successful they can be; show them how to have fun. When someone focuses on attaining a specific result such as learning a new skill, improving their health, or making more money, the results are often mediocre.

Why? Because success is not simply the result of having specific goals. Success is a side effect of having fun!

Talk to any highly successful person, and they'll tell you that they truly enjoy what they do - not just the benefits, but the process.

If you want me to start exercising with you, don't just compare my abs to the swimsuit model; show me how much fun you're having at the gym.

If you want me to learn ballroom dancing, don't just show me Dancing With the Stars; show me all the fun you're having in the dance studio.

If you want me to go into buiness with you, don't just show me the money; show me the fun!

Here's a great little video clip that illustrates how people will choose to exert much more effort if you provide them with the opportunity to have fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

Keep having fun, and keep leading forward!

Deb and Brad

Get There Together!

2009-10-09T06:32:23-07:00

This weekend, the best golfers from around the world will compete for The Presidents Cup. As with any major golf tournament, you can expect to see amazing shots, low scores, and intense competition. But, tune in over the next couple of days and you’ll also see something more…the incredible power of collaboration.

Golf is typically a solitary endeavor for these pros with each man competing in his own self interest. For the Presidents Cup, the players are competing as a team. And some really interesting things happen when would-be adversaries join forces together. Everyone’s game is elevated resulting in a greater sense of purpose, even lower scores, and many more smiles.

How can you implement this effective strategy of collaboration in your business? What would happen to your network marketing or direct sales business if you shifted your perspective to view your current rivals as potential partners? Amazing things can be created when you begin working with instead of against.

Imagine the synergistic possibilities you can unleash when you combine your energy and resources to educate your team members, market your products, and elevate our profession together! Having a combination party or meeting improves your presentation skills, harnesses the vitality of teamwork, and expands everyone's business building network.

Stop trying to just get ahead. It’s much more fun to get there together!

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad

America's Got Stories

2009-09-20T05:27:58-07:00

Kevin Skinner won the million dollar prize this week after being the top vote-getter in the America's Got Talent competition. He doesn't have the most talent. He has a decent voice. He has adequate guitar skills. But, most importantly, he has a compelling story.

Had Mr. Skinner come on stage and performed without any introduction, he probably wouldn't have astounded the judges or America with his unbelievable talent. What made his performances remarkable was hearing his humble tale prior to his first song.

As a network marketing or direct sales professional, you already know that people connect through stories. However, many people mistakenly assume that prospective customers and teammates are only interested in tales of outrageous success. You've probably even heard the ridiculous advice of "Fake it 'til you make it."

People are inspired to action by stories of passion, of dreams, of possibilities. You don't have to impress someone with your past or even current successes. You will move them to action by enthusiastically sharing your desire and decision to make your dreams come true.

Sound too corny? Ask millionaire Kevin Skinner.

Keep sharing your story of deciding to live a world class life.

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad