E- Zine - January 2004

WELCOME to the PROTOCOL PLUS MONTHLY E-ZINE

IN TODAY'S ISSUE:
Tips to Outclass Your Competition – What happens in 7 seconds?

A quarrelsome, crotchety woman made an awful scene on the city bus. As she stepped off the bus, she threw a parting insult to the driver. Just before she closed the door, he called out to her, "Lady, you left something behind!"

She stopped abruptly on the sidewalk, turned around, and asked, "Oh, what?"

"A very bad impression!" the driver said, as he closed the door. -Adapted from A Positive Minute, Dr. Robert Schuller.

What kind of impression do you leave? Do you judge people by the way they look, talk, walk, stand, make eye contact, shake hands? Well guess what? They judge you too. And they judge you quickly - in fact - in about 7 seconds. That's all it takes to form a first impression of someone. Those first 7 seconds can be the beginning or the end of a friendship, a sale, a job, a contract, or a relationship. Your appearance, your attitude, your actions, your manners are under scrutiny every moment of every day and you judge and are judged accordingly.

To have confidence you make a good impression, and to outsell and outservice your competition, bring "Outclass the Competition" into your workplace. "People, like diamonds, have a basic market value, but it is only after they are polished that the world will pay their real value." William Thourby. Call 405-341-3216 today to find out how you can start 2004 off with polish and skills to make your first impression work for your success - and watch the world pay you your real value.

Customer Service Techniques – - Are your business cards working?

Business cards are one of the most powerful and inexpensive marketing tools you can use. Business cards are like your handshake you leave behind. Follow these tips so the recipient will remember you and want to stay in touch:
  • Don't leave home without them. Always have your business cards - and a pen -with you.
  • Replenish your cards after every meeting.
  • Don't give out a business card that is soiled or out of date.
  • Keep all information current.
  • Invest in a nice case to keep them protected.
  • Have a system and easy access to your business cards. Get a holder with two pockets - one for your business cards and the other one for the business cards you receive.
  • Look at the business card when you receive one.
  • Junior executives don't ask senior executives for a card. If the senior executive asks for your card, then you can hand it out.
  • After the meeting, use the back of the card to write down important facts about the person.
  • Use your business card as a nametag.
  • Present your business card to someone with the information facing him or her.
  • Present your business card to the receptionist each time you visit a company. It helps the receptionist announce you.
  • Don't force your business card on everyone you meet. It makes you look pushy.
  • If you must give your card to someone at a private party, do it discretely.
  • If traveling abroad, have your information printed in English on one side and the other country's language on the other.
To learn more about my networking and customer service programs, call 405-341-3216 today or visit me on the web at http://www.protocolplus.net/seminar/smallbus.html

The Coach’s Corner – Camp Challenge

A few years ago I went to a bicycle camp in Florida called "Camp Challenge" - and yes, it was definitely a challenge, especially "killer hill." One of the things they taught us was, when riding the bike, be sure to look where you want to go.

That same principle applies in life - you have to look where you want to go. One way of going where you want to go is called the "Law of Attraction." This law means you attract to your life whatever you give your attention and energy to, whether wanted or unwanted. At every moment you are offering a mood or feeling and the Law of Attraction is always responding to what you are vibrating.

We've been conditioned to say what we don't want - "Don't spill the milk." Or "Don't slam the door." "Don't panic." Don't forget." Try removing the "Don'ts" and replacing them with what you do want. "Close the door quietly." "Stay calm." "Remember to…"Be more deliberate in attracting what you do want. Try being more conscious every time you talk about what you don't want, and focus your attention to what you do want. Pay attention to where you place your thoughts, remove the don'ts, focus on the do's and allow them to happen.
Coaching questions:
  • What do you really want?
  • Is it more joy, peace, time, hope, quiet, simplicity, adventure?
  • For today, how can you have just a little of that?
  • What can you do tomorrow to have more of the same?
Remember, each day is a new beginning. Start off each day on the most positive note possible by focusing on the things you want.

Still not sure what coaching is all about? During the month of January, I am offering a limited number of complimentary coaching sessions. This session will give you an idea of how coaching works and for you to see if you could benefit from working with a coach. To experience a taste of coaching, call 405-341-3216 to schedule your complimentary session.

Our coaching relationship is powerful, and when the going gets tough, we stay in collaboration and work through to the other side. As your coach, you have my word that I am 100% committed to you being powerful, successful and to having the life you want.

For information on my Etiquette/Coaching Package, visit http://www.protocolplus.net/schedule.html

Quotes of the Month –

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
         --- Meister Eckhardt

"The journey in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place."
         --- Barbara De Angelis

Ask the Expert - Meetings gone astray?

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