Author Archives: schatzi

Journal Writing – 3 Steps to Deepen Your Practice

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Almost any kind of writing, can be considered spiritual if, through it, spiritual issues are raised. It is in this way that regular journal writing can, like yoga, prayer, or meditation, enhance your spiritual growth. Following the three steps outlined in this article will help you to dig deeper into your subconscious, become more aware of how emotions affect you physically, and expand your level of self-knowledge.

Begin by writing for 10 minutes without stopping. This is a common journaling technique which has many names; I like to call it “Writing the Stream.” By that, I mean you are writing whatever comes into your mind, however trivial, however significant. If you are using pen or pencil and paper, do not let your pen lift from the page. Keep writing. If you are using a computer, do not let your fingers stop moving on the keyboard. Write, write, write.

As you are writing:

1) Pay attention to feelings of resistance.

If you are writing something about which you feel even slightly resistant, make note of it, by marking your writing in some way (an asterisk or mark in the margin of your paper, for example). Resistance can take many forms: anger, peevishness, restlessness, or a sudden lack of focus.

It could be about something big, like a change of management at work, or tension between you and your husband or wife. Or, it could be something small, like you have a dentist appointment or need to do the shopping – normal everyday things – and you notice that you’re really resisting thinking about it, or doing it.

Keep writing. You can write about the resistance you feel, or you can write about something else until your 10 minutes are up. When you’ve completed 10 minutes of writing, go back and review that section in your journal where you first noticed the feeling of resistance.

2) Close your eyes and focus on where in your body those feelings reside.

If you’ve never done this before, it might seem strange to think about feelings residing in your body. But if you do this, I can assure you, you’ll be able to locate that feeling of resistance. It might, for example, be a knot in your belly, a lump in your throat, a constriction in your chest, or an ache in your lower back. Once you’ve located that feeling in your body, keep your focus there. Go as deeply into that feeling as you can. Then…

3) Ask that part of your body/feeling, “Of what are you afraid?” Wait and listen for the answer. You probably won’t hear an actual “voice,” but you will get an answer, via an image or thought that comes to you. It may even be a memory or story. Write it down. When you have written down the fear, ask, “What do you need in order to feel cared for?” And again,wait for an answer. Write it down.

Look at what you’ve written, and decide if you are willing to provide that caring action for yourself. If you are, close your eyes again, and make a commitment to that resistance/fear that it will be cared for, and ask it if it’s willing to relax and let you move forward. You may need to extend the conversation and even negotiate a little.

As much as possible, write about the process. You may or may not be able to release the feelings of resistance, but I can bet that this process will bring you more fully in touch with yourself and help you to work through situations and feelings in your life with greater clarity and consciousness.

Resistance Training – Debunking the Myths

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Resistance training (strength training) has been largely misunderstood by so many people for decades, I suppose. There are several myths that I want to address in this article that have come to be part of some conversations concerning the merits and benefits of resistance training.

Myth#1

Conventional thinking used to suggest that seniors should not participate in any form of resistance or weight-bearing exercises at all for fear of breaking a bone or suffering a major injury of some kind. Obviously, this type of thinking is completely erroneous, given what we now know concerning the human body and physiology.

Fact #1

While a significant percentage of older Americans indeed suffer from Osteoporosis (Brittle Bone Syndrome), through the miracles of modern physical science we have realized that resistance training actually promotes/increases in bone density. Furthermore, you can continue building bone density at practically any age that permits physical activity. This is significant because the end result is less fractures from falls or accidents.

Myth#2

Working as a personal trainer for more than a decade now, I have spoken with women who’ve voiced concerns about becoming “muscle-bound” as a result of resistance training. Even today, when I suggest resistance training to women, I often hear, “no, I don’t want all those muscles. I just want to lose some weight.”

Fact #2

Although it is possible to pack on slabs of lean mass in the gym, this absolutely has to be the intent; otherwise, it’s not going to happen. In other words, in order to gain significant muscle mass, you have to utilize particular training methods and train with a great deal of intensity for a prolonged period of time. There are folks (competitive athletes and everyday people who are currently underweight) who would tell you that it can be incredibly hard to make significant muscle mass gains. I hear just as many young guys griping that they can’t seem to put on that weight as I hear people saying they can’t keep the weight off. To have the physique of a bodybuilder, you have to train like a bodybuilder trains.

Myth #3

There was a time when weight loss was thought to be attained only through some form of step aerobics, jogging, swimming, or other form of specifically aerobic activity. The prevailing thinking seemed to be that resistance training is used primarily for those seeking to gain weight. Why should I lift weights or perform resistance training if my goal is weight loss?

Fact #3

Circuit training is a form of resistance training performed at a pace that promotes the burning of stored body fat, intended to do two primary things:

· Decrease overall body fat / lose weight

· Strengthen and tone existing muscle tissue

This form of resistance training is so versatile, in that, it not only helps you lose weight and burn body fat, but it also allows for basic strength and definition gains. We now know through the wonders of modern science that muscle tissue requires more energy than fat. What’s the end result? The more lean mass you have on your frame, the more calories your body is capable of burning daily, even at rest. Circuit training is one of the most efficient forms of personal fitness training employed today because it allows for superlative results in a relatively minimal amount of time.

The Effects That Prizes Have on School Fundraising

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School fundraising has been around since schools have been around. Getting school kids to become involved in fundraising can sometimes be an uphill battle. You may have already found that planning a school fundraising event is one thing, getting students to participate is another.

School Fundraising comes in many forms, as I have mentioned above it could be used to benefit the school or group or it could be done in aid of various charities. Whatever the cause the aim of fundraising is to raise as much money as possible, which is why everyone involved needs to give all they have to sell products or services and to get people to get involved in the activity that is being carried out. So how do you get school children motivated, excited and interested in making the most money they possibly can for the fundraising cause? The answer is simple. Give them great prizes; great prizes get great results. Period!

Changing the product you sell won’t make school children sell more but changing the minds of the students and their parents who usually don’t sell anything will. The products being sold aren’t what increases the number of sales, but motivating students in the correct way will. It doesn’t matter whether you are selling cookies, raffle tickets or Christmas gifts; its how they are sold that makes all the difference, which is why the right motivation is key to fundraising success.

By adding an edge of competition into fundraising for your school children you will be amazed at how much your sales increase. By offering better prizes to the kids, they will put more effort into selling as a way of getting earning the prizes that are offered. This will increase the amount of money you make dramatically. For example if you made $6,000 through fundraising last year then with the aid of offering a prize you could increase this total to as much as $46,000, not bad is it! The amount of increase you actually achieve however depends on your choice of prizes; if you pick something that your students really want then they will be willing to do what it takes to earn the prize; it is the best method of motivation.

The fundraising prizes offered to your school kids is the key to the money that is raised. Think of it this way kids aren’t going to give it their all for a run of the mill prize that they don’t really have much interest in. If you offer an impressive prize that appeals to the children involved in your school fundraiser, more students will participate thus improving the total amount of money that you raise.

You will be amazed at the difference this form of motivation makes to your school’s fundraising efforts. So next time you are attempting a school or team fundraiser keep this in mind and watch your profit increase.

Copyright (c) 2009 AIM Fundraising

Learning Disabilities – 25 Rules of College Success For Students With LD – ADD

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High school students who transition to college find themselves facing a whole new set of challenges. Unfamiliar with the college system, they are prone to making poor judgments. Because college proceeds so rapidly (a typical semester is fifteen weeks), a few poor decisions can produce dire consequences. The list below should help students make decisions that bode for success.

1. Find a college that offers the services of a Learning Specialist by appointment. Learning Specialists are trained to break down concepts into their simplest parts and use “tricks” that make learning easier and more efficient. They often work “hands-on” with students. The tutoring lab for the general college population is usually not effective for freshmen with disabilities.

2. Students who received learning support in high school usually require tutoring by a Learning Specialist three times per week… until they get their “sea legs”. For each college credit, students have 2-3 hours of work outside of class. Unlike high school, college assignments require interpretation and inference. Tutoring improves these skills and gradually readies students for independence. After several semesters, students may need tutoring less frequently.

3. Practice for college placement tests: English, math and reading (Google “Accuplacer” practice). Placement tests determine the level at which you may begin your courses. Find out in advance if a calculator is permitted for the math exam – many colleges do not allow it. In that case, you need to review long division, multiplication, fractions, decimals, etc. the old-fashioned way – don’t be caught off-guard. If you are not satisfied with the results of your exams and feel they are not representative of your abilities, ask if you may take the tests again.

4. Update your documentation, if it is older than three years, and submit it to the Disability Services office at the college of your choice shortly after you receive your acceptance letter. High schools often administer new psycho-educational evaluations for students transitioning to college, but you will probably have to request it. If your high school does not test, find a recommended school psychologist who does psycho-educational evaluations. Unlike in high school, you can rest assured that your disability will remain confidential. You will attend regular classes; none of your peers will know of your disability unless you decide to tell them. What are the benefits of disclosure? It allows you to receive accommodations (i.e., extra time, a distraction-free test environment, assistive technology, etc) and services, such as specialized tutoring, that level the playing field, boost your confidence, and, hopefully, start you off with a strong GPA (grade point average). In addition, students who disclose receive protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act, unlike those who do not. Those who try things on their own first, without disclosing, often do poorly because they lack knowledge of college protocol and sensible navigational strategies. By the time they ask for help, it is often too late. The result can be that it takes many semesters before they are able to raise their low GPAs.

5. Attend freshman orientation but also attend the LD orientation offered by most colleges. While some of the information overlaps, there are essentials to be gained from both.

6. Register as early as possible each semester. Some schools give priority registration to students with learning disabilities. Early registration provides the most choices. It is preferable to register in the Disability Services office where your classes can be hand-picked by someone who knows your learning style and how much you can reasonably handle.

7. Consider taking a reduced course load, at least your first semester. Set yourself up for success until you are sure you can handle the new demands placed on you. It will do wonders for your confidence! Your health insurance will not be in jeopardy — the disability coordinator can write a letter to your insurance company indicating you are full-time with fewer credits due to a disability.

8. Never register yourself (self-advise)! The Disability office is there to give you advice regarding all academic decisions. Use it.

9. If Freshman Seminar is required, take it your first semester. You will learn the ropes, and it will make future semesters easier.

10. Schedule school according to your biological clock. In other words, take classes when you are most alert and know you can get there on time.

11. Take more difficult classes on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and easier classes on Tuesday/Thursday. Even though your time spent in class is the same, it is easier to maintain attention for the shorter three-class-per-week schedule. Be sure to keep your schedule balanced, so challenging classes are offset by easier ones.

12. Schedule classes five days a week. Being in school every day serves as a constant reminder that education is your full-time job. It also allows you to partake in extra-curricular activities that increase your connection with school.

13. Listen to students’ recommendations of professors and courses. If they match your learning style, ask your Learning Specialist or advisor about them.

14. Beware of summer and online (E-learning) courses. While it is natural to want to pick up additional credits in the summer, know that summer semesters are short, and the work comes on with the speed of a runaway freight train! It is advisable to take summer courses only in easier electives or areas in which you excel. Most importantly, if you failed a course in a 15-week semester, DO NOT retake it in the summer! How likely are you to understand it when it goes 2 ½ times as fast? Online courses carry their own risks. Generally, they are for the extremely disciplined student who doesn’t need the structure and interaction of traditional classes. Also, for students accustomed to using tone and facial expression to augment comprehension, online classes will put you at a distinct disadvantage.

15. Speed should not be an objective in completing your degree. For students with learning differences, quality and speed are mutually exclusive; those who race usually finish with unimpressive GPAs.

16. Do not worry about choosing a major for your first 48 credits. Use that time to sample classes in various disciplines. You may want to take an online career inventory that demonstrates how your abilities and interests align.

17. When you choose a major, base it on something you love to do and do well. Believe it or not, hobbies can easily translate into careers – even video games and shopping. If you need guidance, go to the counseling center and ask them to administer an interest and/or personality inventory, such as Strong or Meyers-Briggs. This can be helpful in finding your direction.

18. Head to the library between and after classes. You can read over notes you just took. Reviewing notes within 24 hours helps material start its journey towards your long-term memory. Even if you have your own room at home, there are has more temptations than at the library, where you can get a carrel with sides or a private study room to stay focused. Ideally, you should study for as long as your attention span allows, even if it is just 20 minutes. Follow that with a 5-minute break and return to work. Research has shown that effective studying is done in short, frequent sessions when our attention is at its peak.

19. Study using flash cards and the coordinating website that appears on the back of your textbook. Flashcards worked in third grade, and they still work. They are effective because they show you what needs further review. If your handwriting is poor, find a free online site where you can make flashcards. For a one-time nominal fee, you can print out your cards. In addition, make use of the coordinating website that most textbook publishers now offer. These sites contain interactive activities and practice tests that provide feedback on how well you know the material. Also, some books come with CD-ROMs containing interactive exercises. The last step in the study process should always be a practice test – it is a “dress rehearsal” for the real thing!

20. Get help at the first sign of confusion. Problems don’t resolve themselves. With fewer tests in college, each one carries more weight. You can either make an appointment to see your instructor for clarification during his/her office hours or see your Learning Specialist. Evidence shows that students who have even just one close faculty contact have greater odds of success. Also, in class, sit near the most successful students who can help clarify things. Take their phone numbers. “Why would a successful student want to take time to help me?” you might ask. First of all, he/she will be flattered by your request. Secondly, helping you reinforces the information for your classmate, so it’s a win/win situation.

21. If you do poorly on a test or quiz, determine why. If you do not find the source of your errors, you are destined to repeat them. Did you study the wrong material? Did you not study long enough to really learn the material? Did you misunderstand the directions? Did you cram? Were your notes incomplete?

22. At any time during a semester, you should know where you stand grade-wise. If you are unsure, ask your professors privately. You can also ask for suggestions on improving your grades. If you have done everything possible (i.e., getting help from your instructor, Learning Specialist, classmates, etc.) but are not in a position to pass a course, it is better to withdraw than take a “D” or “F”. A “W” will not affect your GPA and has no stigma (unless it is done repeatedly). NOTE: Students on financial aid must be prudent about withdrawals – check with the financial aid office before withdrawing.

23. Socializing should be reserved for nights when you don’t have school the following day. Going out on a school night is incompatible with school success for most students. Even if you are back early, you are “wired” – it is not the same as spending a quiet evening at home.

24. Keep employment to a minimum. Students with learning differences need to allot more time to studying. Sometimes organizational issues accompany a disability as well. Work is a distraction to students who have trouble “switching gears”. College presents enough challenges without the added responsibilities of employment. Work should be restricted to no more than fifteen hours per week. Students can make up the money during lengthy winter and summer breaks.

25. Ring out the old, ring in the new! Forget your habits of the past. No one knows you — wipe the slate clean and start fresh. Above all, get serious – this is the official start of your adult life!

In short, because of the vast number of differences between high school and college, all new freshmen are prone to unintentional navigational errors. For freshmen with disabilities, however, the consequences of these mistakes can be severe. Students who adhere to the above twenty-five rules are likely to increase their chances of academic success in their new college venue.

©2007 Joan Azarva

Why Women Should Consider Having A SureTouch Breast Scan

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SureTouch improves the Early Detection of Breast Cancer with new technology and expertise, namely the highly acclaimed SureTouch™ Visual Mapping system.

The introduction of SureTouch now provides women of all ages with the option of having a regular Sensitive, Accurate, Pain Free & Radiation Free Computerised Breast Imaging with their own GP or primary health care professional. The procedure is non-invasive, requires no compression of the breast tissue and won’t cause any harm to the patient as it uses no radiation to generate a scan.

• FACT: You could be 18 or 80, have dense breast tissue, have had a mastectomy or have undergone augmentation (implants), a SureTouch Computerised Breast Imaging is suitable for you.

• FACT: Breast Cancer does not discriminate as it can occur at any age.

• FACT: Women under 40 years do get breast cancer.

• FACT: A SureTouch CBI is a pain free breast examination.

• FACT: SureTouch is TGA Approved (Therapeutics Goods Administration) of Australia and by the regulatory authorities in the USA.

What is SureTouch?

SureTouch Visual Mapping system is a unique digital sensing device that assists a physician or other trained healthcare professional in screening for breast cancer in the coursework of scheduled exams, greatly increasing the chances of early diagnosis of breast cancer in women.

How does the technology work?

The SureTouch hand-held sensor is made up of a high resolution array of many small, proprietary, pressure-sensitive elements. These elements are the integral part of the technology that converts the measure of tissue elasticity in to an electronic signal, which is then digitized and computer analyzed.

Why should women have Computerised Breast Imaging?

Currently, women usually depend on self-examination or a similar hand examination by their primary care physician or gynecologist to identify breast lesions. Computerised Breast Imaging that’s easy to receive and accurately displayed is beneficial to all women but to those between the ages of 25-40, who, unless we detect a concern, would not likely seek a mammogram. With breast cancer, early detection can make the dissimilarity between life and death.

Is the SureTouch examination accurate and reliable?

A two-year study of SureTouch funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), and its surprising results for identifying and mapping breast lesions have been documented by the American Journal of surgical procedure and by the researchers involved in the project. Eight clinical studies carried out in various countries show that Suretouch is more accurate than conventional breast exams. In countries like India & China, Suretouch is used for breast screening in the general population. Suretouch can even pick up breast lesions after a mastectomy, whereas mammograms cannot where there is no breast tissue.

Can SureTouch be used as a diagnostic device?

It is not a diagnostic device. Its purpose is to visualize the sense of touch and generate an objective, reliable and consistent printed report for the information of the patient, a second formatted report for review by the attending medical practitioner and a digital document file that can be appended to the patient’s electronic medical record viewable by mammographers and attending breast surgeons.

Barack Obama Closing School as Education in the US is Self-Destructing

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It doesn’t take an engineer of the private space industry to figure out that we have a problem with education in the US and whereas, it isn’t as bad as folks claim, it’s also not as good as it could be either. So, rather than condemning our schools, laying off teachers, and closing some perhaps we need to re-think our schools going forward in the age of instant information. Is the Obama Administration doing that? Well, they are trying, I can agree with that.

For instance they have established a research arm for education modeled after DARPA Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, and why not, it’s worked for the Intelligence Agencies with IARPA and for the DOE with ARPA-E (“E” for energy), so there is no doubt it will work too to assist in education. Still, we need to expedite these new technologies if we are to save our schools, otherwise they will fall behind the needs of this future generation of leaders. After all, a nation is only as strong as it’s schools were 20-years the prior right? I think we can all agree with that as well.

Not long ago, an acquaintance mentioned to me after reading an article in “Yahoo! News” titled “Barack H. Obama Elementary to close” and she stated who knows; “Maybe this is a good sign of the future of the anointed one. Close the school named after him and closes his chances of impressing anyone in the future with his political nothingness.” As we discussed the irony of this situation, she lamented that although this is surely a coincidence it is also a foreshadowing of things to come with President Obama’s legacy, chances for re-election, and promises for hope and change.

Indeed, I thought about the closing of this school, and the many others around our nations, perhaps for budget cuts, or due to lack of performance, and I thought, yes, we have problems and challenges in education. And yes, this particular school closing, well, it’s part of a major round of budget cuts, but you have to admit it is a nice piece for the news, due to the fact it is rather ironic, as Barak H. Obama has been so adamant about the need for education and his fever in devising a plan to fix it, using the (purported) greatest minds in academia to devise a plan.

In fact, I thanked my acquaintance for sending me this news, and our follow-up dialogues and said; “I think I’ll do an article on this. Thanks,” which led me to write this piece. Still, it’s all part of a much bigger picture isn’t it? Sure it is, we have a terrible problem with education in this country and nothing really seems to be working – and I think everyone knows it too. Yes, this is a controversial topic, but it is one we discuss rather often at our think tank. So, sound off with any comments, questions, and or concerns you might have in this venue. Think on it.

Make the Life Changing Experience of a Reiki Master Course

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In my Reiki Master Course I describe Reiki as multidimensional, because it goes to the core of the imbalance in mind, body, or spirit, the nucleus of the cell, and then moves imperceptibly outward through the tissue balancing and thus healing.

The Reiki (ray – key) practitioner’s body is the instrument through which universal energy flows drawn by the magnet of any imbalance in the mind, body, or spirit of the person, animal, or plant receiving.

Reiki Master Course Intro 1

What is Reiki?

Usui Shiki Ryoho (the Usui System of Natural Healing), known as Reiki, is a form of healing and spiritual awakening, received and developed 100 years ago by a Japanese man, Mikao Usui, and brought to the West via Hawaii in 1937.

In summery, it can be stated that the Reiki Therapy is a synergistic combination of ‘spiritual healing’
and ‘energy healing’ techniques, and self-developmental practices.

While the system has been influenced by spiritual and therapeutic discipline, practice and ideals
found within Shinto, Buddhism (and possibly Taoism), Reiki itself has no specific religious
affiliation.

Reiki Master Course Intro 2:

What can Reiki be used for?

Reiki can be used for many ailments like reducing stress, relieving pain, headaches, stomach upsets, back problems, asthma – respiratory problems, PMT, menstrual problems, sinus, anxiety and many more. You can find treatment suggestions for specific problems under the button “How to use Reiki”. (Please observe that Reiki should never be used instead of medical treatment, it should be used as a compliment and a way to become and remain healthy.)

There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive a Reiki treatment or a Reiki attunement. As in any healing the first step towards a healthier life is a desire to be healed.

Reiki – a powerful and gentle healer:

* Promotes natural self-healing
* Balances the energies in the body
* Balances the organs and glands
* Strengthens the immune system
* Treats symptoms and causes of illness
* Relieves pain
* Clears toxins
* Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver
* Enhances personal awareness
* Relaxes and reduces stress
* Promotes creativity
* Releases blocked and suppressed feelings
* Aids meditation and positive thinking
* Heals holistically

Reiki Master Course Intro 3:

The Reiki principles are essential to our survival!

As a part of the Reiki Master Course you will learn the Reiki Principles, which the founder Usui always gave to his student. These principles are:

Just for today…

– Do not get angry.
– Do not worry.
– Be grateful.
– Work hard.
– Be kind to others.

Think for a moment. If only 1% of humanity would stick to these principles, how would be the world look like today?

College Scholarships For Women

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Many people do not know for a fact that there are college scholarships created solely for women. And these scholarships are also given to all women who want to pursue their degrees despite their age and other domestic responsibilities. Mothers, single or not, are more than welcome to chase their dream and realize their goals of getting through college.

If you are a mother who abandoned any hope of finishing your college education, you can now make that dream come true. Depending on your financial status, the government will provide the best scholarship applicable to your situation. If you generate a meager income and can barely survive on your current wage, your best option is to apply for government grants. This is a good route for people who cannot make enough money. Once approved, you do not have to pay the money back.

If you think you are not eligible for a free college tuition grant, then you could apply for a college scholarship. This is still free money, but they come with various agencies, either government-sponsored or backed by the private sector. The competition for these scholarships is stiff, considering the number of women who want to pursue their college dreams. Most of these scholarships are aimed towards women who are derailed by circumstances and yet want to acquire a college degree.

With the assistance of the federal government, there is a significant increase in the number of scholarships being handled out. If you are a woman and you feel the drive to get that degree and get more out of life, then apply. Education is one thing that can never be taken from you and with such scholarships, you must take advantage.

Let me share something else with you…

There are literally Hundreds of Easy Scholarships and grant programs available that are like getting Free Money!

Sales Training Coaching Tips: Master the Technique of Cold Calling

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One of the techniques you must learn as a sales coach is cold calling. When we hear the term cold calling, there may be a lot of apprehension and reluctance involved, but with the right sales training coaching and a well written script you’ll be eager to go on your first call.

Real estate and other markets that involve sales have been in need of sales training coaching. This type of coaching shows that with cold calling, you will always need a script. You may think that you may sound fake, but you are just being prepared and ensuring the success of your call.

The use of a script gives you confidence and assists you in your knowledge of the product or service you are promoting. Even the best sales people use scripts and look where this has gotten them.

I have written below three tips one must follow when making cold calls. These tips are what should be included in your script that is why before anything else, give yourself time to write a script. This should not be rushed and its structure should be:

1. Introduce yourself and your company.

2. Simply explain to the person you are speaking to the reason for your call.

3. Lastly, tell them what you want from them and what you hope to gain from this call.

You may also want to ask your prospective client during the course of your call if he is interested and would like purchase it or try it out. And if he says yes then that’s a good thing. If no, then move on with your next call. Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?

Sales training coaching will also answer any questions you may have about cold calling and train you to have the confidence to do it. With cold calling, it is also important that you try to establish a connection with your caller. Try to get him to talk about what he needs and maintain that you value their time and don’t want to waste it. Cold calling gives you about 30 seconds to get people interested before they reject you so use that time wisely. It is also good to note that you can have more success if you offer free training or information that they will gain from. Don’t forget, however that you will still encounter rejections and that you should not be disheartened by this and keep moving forward. Remember the saying, “no pain, no gain.”

Don’t Consider Career Change Until You Do This

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Considering a career change? Or change of some kind? Who isn’t these days? It may be a new job or job description, a new career path or just how to be creative and resourceful in your current work. Over many years of coaching hundreds of people, one of my favorite metaphors came up about career change. Think about going to the grocery store when you are in a hurry, hungry, tired, desperate or even “just not that into it.” What ends up in your cart? Not the best stuff, hmm?

Your career change is like that. Imagine taking time to reflect on your nourishment needs, goals, authentic passions and priorities before entering the market to shop.

There’s a whole Passion Meets Profit process clients go through including assessing values, passions, strengths and what the market is demanding currently (more about that in a future blog). There are times when we are in a hurry- and need cash flow fast. It may be even more important to take some time to Reflect and create a smart, well-thought through, informed “shopping list” before you hit the networking, update the resume and so on. Don’t just jump online and end up with the first donut you can grab or is offered. Imagine taking the time to at least write your grocery list more consciously on a slip of paper before entering the store. Do we need to say haste makes waste?

6 questions to empower your career change success:

oWhat is the real need? What is the true priority? Slow down to answer wisely.
oWhen have I felt fulfilled, alive, at my best (work, school, go back as you need to)?
oWhat passions and talents/ gifts are prominent in these memories?
oWho am I attracted to serve or have as client/employer– What types of people, cultures, fields?
oWhere would my passions and gifts be needed and paid for these days?

Use the Reflect before resume rule wisely and you will succeed far better in your career change short term and beyond.