Turning Clients into Evangelists

I think one of the best questions I can ask myself, or YOU as an Entrepreneur or Leader is: “How can I turn clients into evangelists for my business”.

I spent many years doing what I see a lot of folks still doing today; going from “Hero to Zero”.

It’s exciting. But Hero to Zero is also exhausting. H to Z is: every event, every client, you ARE doing a phenomenal job. And subconsciously at least you are praying that this will, for Karma’s sake, go ahead and replicate itself. It’s the nice idea that if you do an awesome job, then people will automatically refer you tons of business... and your reputation will catch like wild fire… and set the entire globe ablaze!  Bliss! After all, as Zig Ziglar says “If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” Which is similar to what my favorite book says: “Treat others as you wish to be treated”. YES. This does lay the core foundation, I believe, for success to truly manifest… at least honest, healthy success. And yet there is much more to the formula for entrepreneurs to get what they want and need to thrive in business or life long-term. So- lay the foundation, and then?

What do the masters say? Well this in itself is confusing, at least for me. It’s like overnight, EVERYONE became an expert of something.  (I suppose that includes me. *But it wasn’t overnight.) 🙂 Like “Social Media Experts” “SEO Experts” (there were experts in things before I ever knew what their initials meant!) “Law of Attraction Experts” and so on. Many of them say the same things, often. (which gets really boring) And then of course they will TOTALLY diverge just when you think you understand something, anything, and absolutely contradict one another… leaving you at square one. Oh goody- more EME. (entrepreneurial mental exhaustion)

THEN there are the trailblazers. The WORLD CHANGERS.

They are the ones who not only find their specific NICHE, develop way incredible products, but also leverage themselves so uniquely and/or dynamically in the marketplace. These mavericks often do this by rebelling against some of the very rules and the norm that we are “supposed” to follow. I like these guys and gals. In coaching clients on their Business or their Life, I don’t know of many people who want to be fenced in on every side. It makes us punchy. SO, let’s remember a couple of rule breakers who set themselves apart, and bucked the norm, to become industry giants. What specific lessons might we glean from their example?

The infamous, Steve Jobs.

We now remember him for his matchless (at least for now) innovations. But he was also known to be strong-willed, arrogant, and often overly sarcastic. Much of what Jobs did, runs completely counter to conventional beliefs about marketing. But based on results, maybe we need to be questioning more conventional beliefs. He didn’t befriend or BS the press. If anything- Jobs took on the press, and the people cheered. Instead of throwing himself shamelessly at every opportunity to answer questions about new or upcoming products, he avoided and darted them with enough of a hint of mischievous, that folks always assumed he was up to something ginormous. Fans were chomping at the bit to see him unveil. Even now, Apple-ites wait in crazy long lines to get a newly released Apple Product, as if were Oxygen. Just the joy of people and the press seeing that they are in the endless Apple line fuels their fanatical obsession. Momentum through mystery and come-and-get-me marketing. Brilliant. The lesson in Apple goes beyond the obvious slick products, and begs the question; How much of this success is also due to Job’s ornery and masterful enticement?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Musk in 2008 took over the electric car company Tesla, that was on the brink of ruin. America loves a Cinderella story. Elon turned Tesla into one of the coolest trending cars and brands in the world. The Model S starts at $70,000 and can go over $100,000. At 41 years old, Elon grew up in South Africa, and made his other fortune as a co-founder of PayPal. He isn’t doing too bad. Again, he has taken on some of the arrogance, rebellious, obnoxious traits we apparently loved in Jobs. Of course- you can get away with being more annoying when you can back it up. Tesla’s fans not only include their owners, but those who cannot afford one, but who are ridiculously fanatical about the brand anyway. Negative reports or Tweets by a journalist about the sassy car or CEO are sure to get swarmed, and not lovingly, by these tireless fans who will go to great lengths to defend the brand. The negative advertisement usually comes back around for even more unwavering fan love back to Tesla. (and a bit more disdain for the press)

Oprah

http://news.yahoo.com/video/oprah-winfrey-delivers-harvard-commencement-210933786.html

Anytime you can say just the first name of a person- and the whole freakin planet just knows….it’s big. Actually, you could probably just name this section the “O” section. Point made. And Oprah also bucked some “rules”. She was the first woman to be successful at Phil Donahue’s playground, the daily drama filled Talk Show. (I think you needed to be a drinker to truly appreciate those shows) Moreover, O impressed us all that she didn’t come from wealth, or a political family, or have a size o, White body, and model perfect looks. She was refreshingly normal, and the opposite of Hollywood… she had compassion. She is clearly brilliant- or at least crazy BRAVE. She turned the TV Talk Show genre on its head, when she took her show from trashy stories, into a personal development and empowerment hub. O modeled from the stage, her own position on how we should be: authentic, emotional and full of empathy towards others. She showed the world how following your gut instincts and staying true to your heart, desire and passion will lead you to greater results and victories than the norm. Even for those who disagree with her methods, beliefs, or how cult-like her fans responded to her….

I say take YOUR BELIEFS, and dare to be as brave, dedicated, and hard-working as Oprah. Jobs. Elon. YES! Dare to stare your worst, nasty critics and judges in the face who say you are going to fail. YES. Stay the course on those days when it seems like only darkness surrounds, and the light is a far off train. YES. Honor the calling you find on your life with unfiltered passion, unwavering determination, incomprehensible consistency, and daily tuning back into your core, to your “Why?”… Why do you do what you do? If your WHY is big enough, (and I do believe we were all given a HUGE, unique “why” by God) then you will one day realize as the train comes into closer view, it was just pure light at the end of the tunnel. Then perhaps our clients, but more importantly our friends and family, will be those zealous, tireless evangelists for us and all we are to be and do.

Many Blessings,

sheli  G

CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

“It’s time to Level UP, and harness the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

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8 Ways to Create Wealth

The creators of Wealth Dynamics have put together an assessment of Entrepreneurs, that tells you what type of Wealth Builder you are. Look at the 8 examples below. Which do you think YOU are?

1. The Creator – Builds innovative products
Examples: Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Richard Branson

2. The Star – Builds an influential brand
Examples: Oprah, Paul Newman, Bill Clinton

3. The Supporter – Builds high performance teams
Examples: Steve Ballmer, Jack Welch

4. The Deal Maker – Brings deals together
Examples: Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch

5. The Trader – Buying and selling commodities
Examples: George Soros

6. The Accumulator – Buying and holding assets
Examples: Warren Buffet, Paul Allen

7. The Lord – Controlling cashflow producing assets
Examples: Lakshmi Mital, Ingavar Kamprad

8. The Mechanic – Creating a duplicatable system
Examples: Michael Dell, Ray Krock

We all have Strengths. That means we also have the opposite of strengths, which are the areas we need professional coaching/consulting in, or to hire out. This keeps us focused on what we are good at, and what we are good at we love, we are passionate about, and THAT is what makes us money, by attracting the perfect clients to us.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

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5 Women Leaders Who Inspire Me

” I will not just live my life. I will not just spend my life. I will INVEST my life.” ~ Helen Keller

Helen Keller’s almost inconceivable journey from her childhood struggles to communicate with anyone due to her many disabilities, to a woman of victory, clarity in purpose, and being the World Changer she still is globally- is in my opinion one of the greatest heroine stories of the 20th century.

Helen’s triumph as a young deaf-blind girl, with her incredible teacher Anne Sullivan mentoring her, is but the beginning of her story. Her leadership skills would be used for activism, in a time that it was very difficult for women to be respected for being outspoken, and taking on the system. She opened the gateway for not only people with disabilities to imagine miracles coming in and through their lives, but she educated those without disabilities, that it IS a disability to limit others with our judgement. She modeled to us that disabilities are just challenges, that like all of us, we can overcome with hard work and determination.

Helen pushed for epic changes in the law, and created a place in our culture for people with disabilities to move from the hidden places, to mainstream education and employment opportunities. Her advancements have helped not only those with disabilities, but have inspired women of all backgrounds and races to realize what a difference one passionate voice can make. –Great leaders harness and use their strengths, and don’t let their perceived weaknesses stop them. 

 

” Love cannot remain by itself,  it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is SERVICE . ” ~Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa Devoted her entire adult life to the service and care of the poor, oppressed and the dying. It seemed almost inconceivable, until she did it, with humility. She also struggled with her own dragons so to speak, as we all do. Battling Depression and loneliness, Mother Teresa still chose service to others as her ultimate goal and purpose. She became a global icon for truly selfless Christ-like service to others. She personally cared for 1000’s of sick and dying people in Calcutta, and trained countless other volunteers, staff and as many as would listen, how to do the same.  She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1979. She honored others religious beliefs, while standing very firm in her own. She was known to be incredibly respectful to other cultures, races and traditions. She focused on showing others the pure and holy love of God, in big and small ways every day, until her death. –Great leaders always give more than they take.

 

“ The only tired I was, was tired of GIVING IN ” ~Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on Dec 1st 1955.  This was the beginning of what led to some of the most significant civil rights legislation of American history.

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”~ Rosa Parks   (can I hear an AMEN here!)

Rosa was an African-American civil rights activist whom the U.S. Congress called the “Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement”. WOW!

Her arrest and trial for this “act of civil disobedience” on Dec 1st in the refusal of giving up her seat on the bus, triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott; one of the largest and most successful mass movements against racism and segregation in our history. This also launched the highly influential Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the promoters of the boycott, to the main-stage of the civil rights movement. Rosa’s role in history earned her an iconic status in American culture. Her life and brave, committed actions have left an enduring legacy for civil rights movements, and all women around the world. –Great leaders sacrifice and risk, to pave the way for others behind them to have more opportunities.

“No longer do you have the luxury of being a bench-warmer. Today is the day to declare and step out with your gifts and share them with the world. THIS IS IT! This is your year. This is the year that you can make a huge impact in the world.” ~Arvee Robinson

Arvee Robinson is a Master speaker trainer and persuasive speaking coach. She teaches business owners, service professionals and entrepreneurs how to use public speaking as a marketing strategy so they can grow their business and get their message out to the world. As a high-energy motivational speaker, Arvee has shared the stage with speaking giants such as: Mark Victor Hansen, Loral Langemeier, Chris Howard, and many more. Her training and coaching programs transform ordinary business professionals to superstars in their industry.

I personally have been trained and coached by Arvee. Her passion, organization, vision and compassion make her one of the top leaders in her field today. –Great leaders inspire others to do more, tell more and BE MORE.

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed ONLY ONE. Mary has chosen what is better.” ~ Jesus re: Mary & Martha

The story is told in the Bible in Luke 10, of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus comes to visit them, and Martha is busy with (the always endless!) household chores, while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus. Martha complains to Jesus that she’s doing all the work.  Jesus encourages her to be more like Mary.  Martha was too busy being, well… just busy. Meanwhile, Mary realized that to sit and learn at Jesus feet was far more important in that precious moment. Which would you choose. What would you choose today? –Great leaders know how to prioritize, and seize profound priceless opportunities to grow.

If you know a woman who has inspired you with her story, please comment on this blog and give her some well deserved props!

PLEASE Like, send and share this blog if it touched you. Thank you 🙂

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

It’s my Birthday and I’ll Blog if I want too…

YES- It is really my birthday. Today I am 44.

It’s my birthday, so I am (trying) to do what I think I should, and what everyone on Facebook says I should: Be spoiled, pampered, relax, enjoy my day.

But to me, as with any true Entrepreneur, this is….weird, awkward…. (and super hard!)

I wake up at 5 or 6AM if I sleep in, and begin to pray and meditate about my day. Then my brain takes over: What logistics do I need to handle? Phone calls, meetings, articles to write, stuff to follow up on, blog! Then on to what really matters: Who do I need to connect with today? Who needs help, support, encouragement, education, tips, inspiration, a warning, a scripture, honesty, strategy, a referral, consultation, counsel, challenge, or love?

And of course there are my three kids, Tyger 14, Teisha 7 and Trae 5. They keep me very busy, laughing, growing and challenged. Then there is my husband… aka my other kid 🙂

Did I mention my three dogs? Yep (ask my kid of a husband about how we got 3) Honey, Hurley and Belle.

And the house. Oh, the many (many) many to do’s that are always lurking within.

Family, Charity, Business, Ministry…. time for me? That is just silly talk- usually. Many Entrepreneurs do much of their work from a home office these days. So the boundaries are hard to draw. Everywhere we look, the desk, computer, the house… the freakin yard (yikes) it all begs to be tended to. Like most small business owners, I have to seriously prioritize, attack, and then release at the end of the day what I have not yet achieved.

But alas, when I facilitate Strategic Business or Breakthrough Life Coaching with a client, I always tell them to make sure they are blocking out time for them! To rejuvenate, relax, think, pray, laugh, eat, heal. Hmmmmmm.

So today is my birthday. (I know, I repeated that…I am really just reminding myself) I normally totally ignore my birthday, and just do work and life as per usual.

SOooooo I am blogging, eating potato chips with coffee, going to go back to bed for a couple of hours and watch an action movie I have wanted to watch but have not had (made) time for. I am going to listen to ridiculously good music. I am going to pet my adorable dogs. I am going to not worry so much about my long list of to do’s, should do’s, and my longer list of people I so want to help support in some way. When I come back (tomorrow) I will be REIGNITED! Y E S!

And I will be connecting, I hope, with YOU.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

5 things my Dog taught me about Business

Dogs are amazing. They innately know some things that we as Leaders deserve to observe and implement about business, and people.

5) If you smell, it’s time for a bath.

Good hygiene and grooming are very important in business. No matter what business you are in, you need to avoid offending people with how you look or smell. Every business has a dress code or culture to follow with great variances. But whatever that code is, be the best in your field. For Leaders and Business Owners wanting to gain clients, there are some keys to your best look:

~ Keep Hair clean, cut and up to date on style. (if you don’t know, go to a salon that knows and get them to help you or at least affirm or debate what you think is a good style/cut)

~ Clothes should ALWAYS, in all ways, be clean, pressed, and be the right SIZE. (when you gain or lose weight, get the new size. Tight on cash? Go thrifting or Ebaying for great deals)

~ Shoes always need to be polished, by you or someone. (unpolished shoes send all kinds of negative messages to your boss, clients etc)

~ Shower daily. Yep.

~ Teeth & breath need to be clean. (if you smoke and or drink coffee, brush after or use a mint or mouthwash please)

4) If you bark loudly and/or often, you will struggle with people- often.

As an extroverted person myself, I learned this important lesson: There is a difference between your inside voice and your outside voice. (If you don’t know what I mean, get a coach or mentor to explain)    🙂

3) Forgiveness is King.

Forgiveness allows the relationship to reset endlessly, love unconditionally, and your tail to wag frequently.

We all make mistakes. It’s called being human. Let 99% roll off, and work out the rest. Save your energy for your work goals… avoid the drama!

2) Train them up in the way they should go.

Dogs act exactly how their owner trains them to. So do people. Be accountable as a Manager, Leader or Business Owner. Train them correctly, support them adequately, and they will succeed. If they don’t, they need more training and support, perhaps more than just by you. Bring in a neutral, objective Business and Life Coach. (*Hint- if your whole team is not acting as you would like them to, it’s not the individuals, it’s the system, the leadership, or both.)

1) The best dogs are irreplaceable.

And so are great people. They are not expendable.

~ Get really good people in the RIGHT job for them. *No one succeeds long-term in the wrong position. (which means YOU need to find, screen and place or transfer them well)

~ Train and support them exceptionally well in business, and their life. (they are not neatly separated with walls as we would like to think)

~ And above all, encourage and affirm their strengths.We get a lot of negative. We need to know what IS working about what we are doing, which propels us to do that more.

Employees, partners or associates will be very loyal to you, as you create and maintain a healthy, positive business culture for them to thrive in.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

EXPOSED. Opportunity, or Overwhelm?

What opportunities should I take? AND What do I pass on?

It’s the toughest question since the recession. People still spend their money and time. Opportunities are bombarding us from every angle  more than ever. From the people around us, to our online activity, to our cell phones bringing all our contacts and options to us 24/7… it’s endless. (until you shut it DOWN) 🙂

Business owners DO still need to invest in themselves, and their businesses to adapt, and move forward at the speed of the culture and their own dreams. This will never change.

SO- where do the people you want to be like when you “grow up”, or go to your next LEVEL UP hang out? What are they doing? What is working for them? What challenges you about your business and your life right now, and who knows how to navigate that? Who has been there and has some keys?

Forget about the places that we used to network at. (at least re-think them. ALL of them.)

Forget about business and activity that doesn’t result in either a direct deposit to your bottom line, or you truly developing as a leader and a person. Forget about the things you have always done in the past, or were committed to, or served on the board of (or committee of, yikes) … if they are not serving you anymore, or you just know it’s time for the new. Forget about places, people and events, if you leave them unmoved, unchanged, and drained.

Go where inspiration, innovation and collaboration COLLIDE… at sometimes even an alarming rate! Have some adrenaline charged fun expanding, challenging yourself and others, and hanging out with the passionate, driven people making their visions a tangible reality today. Life is urgent and precious. What legacy are you leaving behind if you drifted away in your sleep tonight?

Start living the bucket list NOW. You were given your visions and dreams because God thought YOU were the one to set them free and see them through. Prove him right.

 

Many Blessings,

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com
International Speaker
Master Certified Business Coach
World Changer Leadership & Life Mastery Coach

“It’s time to unleash the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Connect with me on:
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7 Tips to a SMOKIN HOT INTERVIEW

The amount of Life and Leadership Coaching clients who are asking me about how to CRUSH IT with JOB INTERVIEWS has spiked. SO many people are looking for work. Not only the unemployed are seeking, but those who are looking to  “Level Up” in their career and life to a premium job or workplace. If you are not happy where you are, don’t wait. *Go after what you really want, or someone else will.

So from my clients TOP QUESTIONS about interviews, I created:

7 tips to a SMOKIN HOT INTERVIEW.

#7  Dress for Your Total SUCCESS.

Yes- It’s still true, you absolutely need to. We have a lot of “Business Casual” dress going around these days. BUT seriously, level up! Dress one notch above anyone else interviewing. You are not hired yet- so don’t take any liberties. Be conservative, unless you are an artist, rock star, or there is an industry specific attire that is required for them to think you are cutting edge-hip. You deserve to do your homework about the company, and the actual person interviewing you if possible. Find them on Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as their company web site too. Try to go in personally to the company before the interview, to see what they are wearing, and get the vibe of the organization. Ask someone in the industry if you are new to the industry. Go to their website and see if there are any real pictures of their employees actually working or at events. Getting insider information can give you an edge. Also remember: The Psychology of the colors you wear will communicate volumes. A Banker will dress differently than an Elementary School Teacher, or a Super Model etc. *Choose intentionally.

Red= is a very strong, “power” color. It is a noticeable color that is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or “beware”. It’s a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, sex, energy, blood and war. Wearing accessories in Red is a more conservative bet. Ex: A Red Tie, Red Shoes or handbag.

Orange= is a combination of Red and Yellow. It is also a bright and warm color. It represents fire, the sun, fun, warmth and tropical images. It is considered a fun light color that has appetizing qualities to it. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. It is appreciated among young adults and teens.

Green= is the color of nature and health. It also represents growth, money, fertility and safety.

Blue= is a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a popular color among large corporations, hospitals and airlines.  It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue has a calming effect on the psyche.

Purple= combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Throughout history purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It symbolizes mystery, magic, power and luxury.

White= is often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good. (It also shows every dirty spot, so it’s bad if Lasagna is for lunch)

Black= is often a color used to portray something evil, depressing, scary or even death in western civilization.  It has negative imagery with it at times such as “black mail” “black list” “black hole” etc. Black is also a very powerful color that portrays one of class elegance and wealth. Black is best when worn as an accessory.

#6  Be ON TIME.

*which means be 15-25 minutes early, ready to interview

So many people don’t do this. 1 minute late is LATE, and so is 10 minutes or 5. Plan for the traffic accident, snowstorm, last minute phone call etc. If you plan to be early, then you can manage a time-crisis that comes up. Otherwise you may be late or rush in, looking stressed out at the last moment, and not be prepared or grounded to WOW your interviewer. Being early not only sets you apart, it allows you to get yourself mentally prepared for the interview as you wait, and impress them with your professionalism. *If you are not committed to being there early for the interview, when you should be courting them…how will you show up when they hire you? It becomes their risk.

#5  Research the Industry and Company.

You should know what and who you are applying for. What kind of business did they do last year? Did they change their logo? Who are the Executives? Are they involved with the community? Are they traded on the stock market? Who is the CEO? The Founder? What do their employees say about them? What does the BBB say about them? Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and word of mouth should tell you a lot. This is more than most of your lazy competition will do. It will prepare you to, at the right time, compliment the company to the interviewer. For example: “I did see that your ROI was up 17.4% last year, so that is exciting! What do you attribute that too?” *You will impress them!

#4  It’s JUST not an employer directed Q&A.

*it just appears to be one, and might be if you don’t interrupt that train.

If you are confident in who you are and what you bring to a team, then you should ALSO be interviewing the company you are talking to. When there is a window, and as it is appropriate, by all means ask about the vision of the company! Ask where they see the company in 1 or 5 years etc. Ask what impact it has had on the community. Take that time to reveal some of the research you should have done on them, and show your knowledge, intelligence and commitment to getting this job. And as you are asked questions, answer them very intentionally!  If you are asked, “Did you like your last job” Do not say “Yes”. They are fishing. Answer: “Yes I really did. It challenged me in many ways, and expanded my knowledge of our customer, and how to prepare a presentation for them to meet their unique needs…”  Take the stage when you answer! Not over the top like an ego maniac. But it’s your time to tell them why they should hire YOU! Why are you the best fit? Or why will they like you over 10 other applicants that have the same or better credentials? What sets you apart? Make it real. Make it personal. Make it strike a chord. CONNECT. *Be a person, not a resume.

#3  Use FRESH WORDS.

“The truth is…”  “I like to think outside of the box…”  “The Early bird gets the worm…”  “I like to empower others…” Blah Blah blah. These and others have been OVERUSED. So don’t recycle them-again. Say something NEW, unique and energetic, that conveys the essence of what you really want to communicate.

If you want to say “The truth is…” to convey that you are honest and straightforward, say instead: “Here is the truth about where I am at on this at my very core, I value people tremendously, each one for their unique story and purpose…” Be real, specific, conversational not scripted, and be memorable!

If you want to say …”I want to be a good loyal member of your team” say instead “I too have a vision. I know from the research I conducted about XYZ company, that I am truly in alignment with where you are going, what you intend to create, and I am confident I am one of your dynamic players in the future, in helping to make that vision come alive in the months and years to come.”  *Be yourself, but be INSPIRING!

#2  Don’t get TRAPPED.

The interview serves two purposes: 1) Find your best candidates (this may take several rounds of interviewing) and 2) Weed out immediately those who are not the best

To make it past the first round you have to do all of the above- and do it well. Most people make up their minds about us quickly, between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. You better pull out your best remarks and answers early on. That is the one of the first primary interview tests, after you pass dress, being on time, and greeting them properly. (firm, confident but warm handshake with a smile)

When they ask you: “What did you like about your last job” again, this is your time to shine! Be warm, be sincere, be specific. Show them who you are above the resume paper!   AND then when they ask you what you “Didn’t like about the job” lookout…this can be another huge trap. If you speak about the WORST part about your last job, beware. Your whole energy, facial and body expression, tone of voice and story will be negative and toxic. They will begin to imagine you upset with them, and wonder what nasty remarks you will make about their company company. Not good. Also it’s not professional to bag on a company or past manager etc. So what CAN you do? Pick a MUCH LESSER challenge that occurred. If your #1 was that you didn’t like the overall atmosphere you worked in, don’t say that. Pick something else like: “Our company was not very involved in community events and charities. I noticed when researching XYZ company, that you gave the school district a car last month to help them raise funds for their athletic program. I think companies that support the community and create positive change, are the companies that will last and be the best places to be a part of long-term.”  You’ve now said something truthful, but not ugly. Your energy didn’t turn toxic as you shared, you were still personable and positive. *You have also complimented your new prospective company. Very smart.

#1  For the love of all that is good…. FOLLOW UP.

People used to call after an interview to see if they got the job. In fact, when I owned a mortgage business with three locations, I NEVER called the candidates back after the interview. I told them I would. But if they didn’t follow-up with me, I assumed they didn’t want the job, they weren’t assertive enough for me, or they were just not good at follow-up, which is imperative to most jobs. (that is a test)

If you can, go in IN PERSON to follow-up. If not, then call. If you cannot call the company, then email. Email is a last resort. Everyone emails. Everyone has a box full of emails to drudge through daily. Be different. Level up. Do the best form of follow-up communication you possibly can. Outshine your competition while they send a boring email, using the old recycled language. (yawn) Be professional, but again be energetic, memorable, and include a great picture.

*People don’t hire paper, they hire people. People that inspire them.

Many Blessings,

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com
CEO Women Ignite Idaho Conference and Trade Show

International Speaker
Master Certified Business Coach
World Changer Leadership & Life Mastery Coach

“It’s time to ignite the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Contact me: coach.sheli

Love and Fear

LOVE and FEAR …

The two most powerful feelings, or emotions… are perhaps Love and Fear. Some say our beliefs, and consequently are actions always motivated by the essence of one or the other.Love defined:

a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

Fear defined:
a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.

They have some things in common. They are both Nouns. They are both intense. They can both be imagined into existence, that is to say, we can believe we LOVE something or someone, even if we have never experienced that something or someone. Likewise, we can FEAR situations that we have never experienced first hand, and may never.It is said (by super smart scientific people- no doubt) that somewhere between 80-95% of all fears we imagine NEVER HAPPEN. Wow. I think that might be true, based on my experience with teams and Life Coaching people.

”Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”~Benjamin Franklin

How much time do you spend stressing or worrying? Relationally. Financially. About your Career or Job. Politics. Health.  NOW, contrast that to how much time you spend on what you CAN control, or at least those things you can do something about?? We can always put love deposits into our relationships that make that love account grow. We can always work on doing better on where and how we spend, save and give charitably our finances. We can always be evolving to a more educated, more productive place in our jobs or careers or areas of service. I’ll say this on politics… you can at least VOTE. 🙂  And you can be positive, not just bash others beliefs in that arena, which isn’t valuable. We can always be healthier…with exercise, whole natural foods, and getting away from processed junk food etc. (say NO to the Golden Arches!)So if you’re willing; take inventory on LOVE DAY (that’s today if you missed it 🙂. What are you investing your time, energy health and money into? Is it paying you big positive dividends? If not, start making deposits proactively and positively in especially your relationship accounts first. Relationships only go into recession when we are not cultivating them in all the ways we can….as the good book tells us to.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
~ Proverbs 3:3

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

Miracles happen every day, come claim your miracle!
~sheli G events

Fluid

Fluid.

Fluid- Continuous, amorphous, whose molecules move freely past one another and that has the tendency to assume the shape of its container.

Is your companies branding relevant? Is it working? Or is it static…..

“The consumer now appears to believe that the brand should earn its public attention the way all of us must. Say boring, repetitive stuff and you suffer the punishment that every bad conversationalist faces. First, we ignore you. Then, we exclude you.”~Grant McCracken / Harvard Business Review

Ouch. I don’t like to be excluded, do you?

We live in a postmodern society that is eclectic,  — a culture where the collective media is literally at our fingertips 24 hours a day. It is a burst of 3D color and seemingly limitless (and sometimes frightening) capability. Your brand today has to go farther than the standard printed visual model we have come from. To be relevant now it must trend across multi-generations, and all the top technological platforms. People today won’t remember just a “professional” logo or branding, they want to interact with it and emotionally connect to it. This is a huge call to action for us as we either initially create, evolve and update, and ultimately market our brands.

D&P says it so well. We then need:  “…a robust brand language that is endlessly adaptable, flexible and immediately recognizable.”~Duffy & Partners’- identity creators

With social media becoming (or being) the most powerful marketing force in our society, it is said that the customer is now driving the brand identities more than the company itself. To keep this in balance, your company needs to always be aligned with the CORE PRINCIPLES that formed the brand at it’s inception. If you do that, then your brand can evolve, and become fluid– that is to say adapting it’s shape depending on the trending and need.

Consider Google for example, which changes it’s logo background and colors, as they did on MLK Jr’s day…

They keep some of their initial logo foundational structures while playing with images and color. It’s exciting and ever-changing.

Google’s “New Multi-screen World” study reveals that 90% of all media consumption happens on a screen —  40+% of which in the US is on smartphones alone. (that percentage grows by the minute) WOW.

90% of people use multiple screens to interact with brands (shopping online, managing finances, planning a trip and more). 61% of Internet users are online while watching TV, and do it on a variety of devices — laptops, tablets and smartphones. The current dominance of digital and social media combined with the Internet capable mobile devices, has changed the way we experience brands so they now are seen, tasted, touched and felt.

Advertisers now use their TV commercials as mega platforms for intense online trending, knowing that their market will have the ability to go to the web sites straightaway, as they sit on their couch, and share info with their social sphere. We saw this with the “God Made a Farmer” commercial, ( “God Made a Farmer” ad by Ram is a two-minute salute to the men and women who feed the world.) which turbo-blasted the face social media, and took that commercial to a debatable more buzz-worthy place than the game itself. See the link below if you now feel like watching it again 🙂

The take away for you:

1) What are the CORE PRINCIPLES of your company?

2) Is your companies branding at a FLUID place, evolving with the culture, yet holding it’s true essence simultaneously?

3) If your branding isn’t there in this moment, what is the first step you can take this week to change that? 4) And will you?

Here’s to staying relevant and fluid.

Many Blessings,

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

5 Things NOT TO DO When Public Speaking

5 things NOT TO DO when public speaking…

5. Don’t start with a quote from someone else. It may sound powerful, but leaves the audience thinking about someone else. (who may be more famous than you- just saying)

4. Don’t mention Politics. Yes, we have officially entered into an era where the most controversial subject of the moment is not religion, but Politics. Don’t go there. (Unless you are speaking at a rally) You will lose half your audience if you do. (and maybe some friends if you take a side)

3. Don’t start late. Even if half your audience is late, start on time. (at least in the U.S.) They can be tardy. They are not leading the room, YOU are! So be professional, start on time. It’s a good lesson for those late peeps that life goes on, and they may miss out at times with their tardiness. Be in control of your room. This makes everyone feel confident in you as a leader.

2. Don’t swear. Regardless of your personal feelings on this, you have an audience typically of different people from all walks of life. They have different backgrounds, beliefs and comfort levels. It’s a slippery slope as speaker, and may cause you to lose part of or all of your audience if you go there. (unless you’re a comedian in a bar)

1. Don’t forget “The Sandwich”. Strong Beginning. Strong Middle. Strong End. Whether you’re speaking for five minutes or five days- this is paramount to your success. The Beginning- First impressions are made within the first seven seconds consciously or subconsciously. (wow) The Middle- Keep their attention, or they will be on Facebook/Twitter saying how bored they are. (yikes for your reputation) The End. IF you want to be remembered, if you want amazing referrals, and/or if you want to make a positive impact in their lives….nail the ending friends! Call them to some kind of action based on your powerful presentation. Leave them wanting more. Leave them wanting to buy your book. Get them making a bee-line to see you at your booth, and logging onto your website to find out where you will be speaking next.

Another tip from one of my mentors:

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach