MAKE YOUR FORTUNE WITH SELF-IMPROVEMENT SEMINARS

Ever since the beginning of time, ambitious people of the world
have attributed some "indescribable secret" to the success of
those people with wealth. These people have spent, and will
continue to spend, millions of dollars to cultivate these
"secrets" within themselves.

Particularly since the early seventies, there has been a growing
demand by the public to attend classes, workshops, and
self-improvement seminars that will enable them to align their
thinking as well as their actions, with those of people who have
already achieved success.

The popularity of such best-selling how-to books as WINNING IS
BELIEVING...THINK AND GROW RICH...HOW TO DEVELOP A WINNING
PERSONALITY...OVERCOMING SHYNESS... IMAGINEERING... NEW LIFE
OPTIONS... WINNING BY NEGOTIATION... SUCCESSFUL VISUAL-VERBAL
COMMUNICATIONS... CONVERSATIONALLY SPEAKING... and countless
others lends reinforcement to the "need" for self-improvement
seminars.

You can promote and stage these seminars either as a generalists
or as a specialist in a specific area of expertise--and attain
wealth for yourself almost beyond your current imagination! The
market potential has only barely been scratched, affording a real
ground-floor opportunity for those with the gumption to take
action.

Dale Carnegie--the author of the book, How To Win Friends and
Influence People--was certainly one of the first, if not "the
first" self-improvement seminar market/teacher. Back in the Great
Depression of the thirties, he recognized this need in people to
improve themselves--he worked out a deal with the local
management of his hometown YMCA-- got the word around that he was
holding classes on self-improvement--and the rest is one of the
truly classic unemployed-to-multi-million-dollar success stories
of our time.

A self-improvement seminar is conducted much the same as a
Toastmaster's Club meeting. It can be held just about anywhere,
from the informal atmosphere of someone's living room to the
formalities of the Hilton Convention Center.

Basically, a self-improvement seminar is a gathering of people
where one or more speakers talk on a specific subject. More often
than not, only a certain aspect of self-improvement, such as How
To develop A Positive Mental Attitude--is the thrust of the
seminar. In other words, the more successful seminars deal with
"specialized areas" of self-improvement.


These speakers usually wind up their talks with audience
involvement questions and answer sessions. Most of them "wind
down" with the speaker circulating through the audience, plus lots
of opportunity for the purchase of self-help books and tapes by
the people wanting on-going motivation and reinforcement to what
they've just heard. Always-sometimes even as the featured subject
of the seminar--there's a great deal of motivation projected
during these meetings. At the bottom line, motivation is more the
purpose of these seminars than the attendees learning something
they don't already know. The favorite words of most seminar
speakers is usually, It's the difference between having a dream
and taking action--a matter of saying I can, believing it, and
then doing it--because you can!

Successful seminars are generally based upon the concept of
giving you the power to believe you can. The speakers usually
delivers from insights and expertise gained from their own life
experiences. Self-improvements seminars give the attendees the
tools--and the motivation--to succeed. Thus, a well-organized and
well presented seminar that helps people up the ladder of success
can't help but succeed because we are a success oriented
society--it's an easy sell with an income potential limited only
by your ability to express yourself.

You won't need an office to make it big with self-improvement
seminars. The public doesn't visit you--you take your programs to
them. Self-improvement seminars appeal to almost everybody--from
blue-collar workers to top executives.

The average cost per person to attend a seminar is very close to
$300--so your basic audience will be from the upper-income
brackets--but if you handle the promotional aspects properly,
you'll pull them in from lesser income brackets as well.

Many seminar promoters employ sales teams to call upon top
company executives and either get them to partially pay the cost
of several employees to attend as educational or business
improvement investments--or to foot the bill for the sponsorship
of a "group seminar" for all of that company's middle management
personnel. Many specialty speakers make in excess of $100,000 per
year with regular motivational and/or self-improvement seminars
in this fashion.

In the beginning though, you'll get your start by staging
seminars for the general public in restaurant banquet rooms,
hotel ballrooms, and convention centers. These will entail
advertising costs, plus the charges for the rented space, and an
"on hand" inventory of the materials you want to sell to the
people who attend your seminars.

Generally, you'll do best with an intensive radio advertising
campaign during the week preceding your seminar date. In a
metropolitan area of half a million population, you should spend
a couple of thousand dollars on radio advertising, plus half as
much for flamboyant newspaper advertising. Some seminar promoters
invest a quarter of their budget in newspapers, then a half going
into radio. Of course, the allocation of your advertising budget
should be related to the previous proven pulling power of each
media within that particular market. Not too much concern is
given to television advertising, excepting for guest appearances
of the community service talk shows.

Most promoters spend all of this effort and money to promote a
series of free seminars. These free seminars usually draw huge
crowds, during which special "front men" turn everybody on with
super-motivational stories designed to wet the appetite of those
in attendance for more. These free seminars generally last only
45 minutes to an hour, and are strictly motivational in purpose.

Each person in attendance is handed a brochure describing the
up-coming "main event" as they leave these free seminars. An
attempt is made to get a commitment---at least a deposit for the
cost of the "real thing" which is usually set for the week
following. Those who do commit themselves to attending the big
one are then contacted by professional telephone sales people and
given the complete sales presentation between the time of the
free seminar ad the date of the real thing. With good
advertising, up-front motivational speakers, attractive program
brochures and experienced telephone sales people--you can count
on closing about 30 to 35% of those who attend your free
seminars.

If you don't have the confidence or inclination to
participate--be the principal speaker--at your seminars you can
hire local sales training people, professional people from the
medical specialties, local "experts" known through your area
newspapers or broadcast media, and or/ nationally known speakers
willing to travel and operating through speakers' bureaus. You might
want to contact Burt Dubin of Personal Achievement Institute--225
Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 305--Santa Monica, CA 90401...or Dottie
Walters of The National Speakers' Bureau--400 W Foothill Blvd.,
--Glendora, CA 91740.


Finally, a reiteration of the fact that there are literally
millions of people in all parts of the country willing and able
to pay you for helping them to improve themselves. You can start
with meetings in your living room, or your local restaurant. All
it takes is action on your part to get it set up, and a push from
yourself to start making it happen. Best of luck and now get
going with it.


Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for America’s Premier Certified Media Placement Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/
Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.

69 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME

1. Service Businesses: Things you do for others; repairs,
cleaning, child care, etc.

2. Products you sell to others; business cards, names, shoes
(715-723-1871).

3. Products You Can Make and Sell to Others: handicrafts,
ceramics, jewelry.

4. Advertising Representative: sell ad space in publications of
others, charge % fee.

5. Alternations, Sewing, Cleaning: Sewing, cleaning, anything to
do with clothing and what people wear.

6. Auto Work: Repairs, cleaning, polishing, tune-ups, etc.

7. Baking: Cakes, cookies, candies, etc.

8. Baking, Cooking Classes: Teach people what you know about
baking, cooking, etc.

9. Bookkeeping, Accounting: Help others keep their books,
accounting (800-223-4542)

10. Broker Services: Offer products and services of others to
YOUR customers as a broker.

11. Business Consultant: Help others in running their businesses,
guidance,, etc.

12. Business Skills Class: Teach others how to run a business,
how to make and save money.

13. Childbirth Classes: teach new parents all they need to know,
what to do and how.

14. Closeout and Odd Lot Items: Locate items that are not moving,
buy at a discount.

15. Computer Services: Secretarial; services, typing, resumes,
reports, manuscripts, etc.

16. Computer Training: Teach people what you know about
computers.

17. Craft Instruction: Teach people what you know about
craft-making.

18. Dancing Lessons: Aerobic classes; popular dances, teach in
your home, etc.

19. Dealerships: Sell programs and plans of others, sell their
products, etc.

20. Discount Printing: Contact small printers offer their
services to others.

21. Distribution of Flyers, Circulars: Do it by mail for
clients, charge a fee.

22. Editing, Advisor: Read manuscripts, reports. Edit them, re-word
sections before publications.

23. Equipment Repair: Take in all kinds of appliances and
equipment. Service and repair them.

24. Financial Services: Take in all kinds of appliances and
equipment. Service and repair them.

25. Freelance Writing: Articles, Dramas, Poems, etc.

26. Garden Goods for Sale: Sell corn, potatoes, flowers, melons,
etc.

27. Ghost Writing: Sell your "way with words" to others; help them to
get it in print!

28. Gift Ideas, Wrapping: People need help in these areas and
will pay for that help.

29. Hair Salon: Washing, Cutting, Styling, Coloring, Perms, etc.

30. Hair and Beauty Classes: Teach make-up techniques, hair
styling; cutting, etc.

31. Hobby, Gift Ideas: There are thousands of different items you
can sell.

32. How-to and Money-Making Books/Plans.

33. Import/Export: Learn from the pros; give it a try; buy low
there, sell high here!

34. Issue Your Own Publication or Newsletter: Charge ad rates,
Subscriptions, etc.

35. List People for a Fee: Offer to list their name as wanting
something, charge a fee; etc.

36. Laundry Service: Washing, Ironing, folding, etc.

37. Locator Service: Locate Jobs, Bargains, sources, discounts,
buyers, etc.

38. Mail Forwarding Service: Offer to forward mail, receive it at you
address for others.

39. Mailing List Service: Compile and sell your customer names;
rent and sell their names.

40. Mail-order Classes: teach people how to make money; save
money; get rich' etc.

41. Multi-Level Opportunities: It's possible to make money this
way, if you get enough people.

42. Parties in Your Home: Help others plan and hold them, charge a
fee, be a clown, etc.

43. Pet Care: Training, Grooming, Boarding. Pets inn,
(800-248-PETS)

44. Phone and Answering Machine: Telephone Soliciting; Answering.

45. Photo Studio in Your Home: If you like photography; have
camera; dark room, etc.

46. Piano & Music Instruction: Teach pupils in your home; teach
what you know.

47. Plant Care; Rental: Take in plants, care for them. Gardener's
Supply (802-863-4798)

48. Publicity Service: Help others get the publicity they need,
news releases.

49. Publish a Cook Book: Get help from cooks; offer to list their
recipes. Charge per book.

50. Reminder Service: Remind people about important dates,
events, using cards, phone, etc.

51. Rental Service: If you got it, rent it!. A backyard, a
patio, shrubs, tools.

52. Reading, Reviewer: People are too busy to read all they need
to; charge them for summary.

53. Researcher: Charge a fee to research a subject; charge for a
written report.

54. Scholarship Assistance: Help students get financing. School
Services (609-727-1700).

55. Self-Improvement Classes: Teach people what you know about
losing weight; etc.

56. Sell By Mail Order: Ad specialties; Booklets; Reports, etc.

57. Sharpening Service: Take in saws, knives to be sharpened,
etc.

58. Speaking, Reading, Recording: Sell your talents as speaker,
reader, on tapes for the blind.

59. Start a Club: Sell Memberships in it; Charge monthly dues,
issue a newsletter, etc.

60. Tapes - Videos: Buy in lots; sell; re-buy; resell.

61. Teach Various Subjects: Classes can be on How to do
something, How to stop smoking, etc.

62. Tutoring: In_home Teaching; help students to catch-up[;
improve skills, etc.

63. Used whatever Store: Have used items for sale, take in; sell,
re-buy, re-sell.

64. Wedding Planner: Help young couples to plan theirs; what to
order, when, etc.

65. Weight Loss Classes: How to lose weight; exercise; Diet,
weight loss (313-553-2626).

66. Wholesalers; Sources of Supply: Publishers: Get their names,
contact them for info.

67. Woodworking: Carpentry; Antique rebuilding; Repairs.

68. Write and Sell Books and Reports: Type up, copy and sell your
own; sell works of others.

69. Yard, garage Sales: Sell what you no longer need or want;
people will buy your junk!

Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for America’s Premier Certified Media Placement Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/
Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.

Is Becoming a Work From Home Mom For You? by Dustin Heath

When choosing to be a work from home mom, you must decided on whether or not you can handle all the stress of children, household chores, and all while trying to get your actual work done. Working from doesn't mean that just because you are your own boss, that not as much work needs to be accomplished. What it really means is that you have to work twice as hard to accomplish your work and your every day tasks at home. Some people believe choosing to work from home as a mother is the job of their dreams, when in all reality, it's an even heavier load to carry on your back.

Stress can easily effect your work, if you let it. Always make sure that you are in a quiet environment when you are a work from home mom. To most, it may sound difficult, which no doubt it can be at times. It is all about routine. Being a work from home mom, you will quickly learn to take your breaks from work when your kids are back from school or are just waking up from a nap. Getting back to work is the hard part. You really need to push yourself to step away from the dishes or even your child, which will be the most difficult task. Let the other parent take over for awhile and you will get more accomplished.

Making the decision to become a work from home mom gives you the perfect opportunity to get all your priorities in line! Separating work from play, when working at home is where most people find difficulty. Just because you're abiding by your rules and schedule does not mean you should set aside work to enjoy your daily activities. You have to be very stern with yourself, make sure all your work is completed before leaping into your next activity or chore. Once you learn how to do this, you will feel a great amount of accomplishment. After all, once your work is completed, the rest of the day can be enjoyed with your family.

Dustin Heath recommends that you visit http://www.gj-home-business-profits.com to learn how you can start your own home-based business earning multiple streams of income with a Plug-In Profit Site - Complete Money Making Site Setup FREE!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Heath

Marketing Communication and Tools

Drive differentiated, customer relevant offerings supported by optimal routes-to-market, technical support, integrated marketing communications, processes and tools by keeping tabs on the following four areas:

1. Marketing management entails four key elements.

a. Strategy and Planning – You need to define the direction you want to go and make decisions based on that direction including allocating resources (time, capital and people) to pursue the strategy.

b. Offering Management – Even if you are currently a one woman/man show someone is responsible for supporting the strategy, definition, and ongoing management of your strategy.

c. Program Management – You will need to manage multiple ongoing inter-dependent projects within your business. It seems that a system is the way to with internet marketing. Similar to McDonald’s system having a system or template if you will, to rinse and repeat a set process that works is the key.

d. Channel Enablement – Plan strategic routes to market, plan and produce the right information for the right seller/delivery channels at the right time to unleash sales productivity and differentiated customer value worldwide.

2. Market Intelligence encompasses the following areas:

a. Competitive Intelligence – Gather data to learn about your competition! You can bet the smart ones are checking you out!

b. Strategic Information – Become an expert using industry data on markets, companies, new products, and technologies to streamline and enhance your business.

c. Market Analysis and Strategy – conduct marketing analysis on the industry strategies

d. Market Data - refers to quote and trade related-data associated with equity, fixed-income, financial derivatives, currency, and other investment instruments per Wikipedia.

e. Market Opportunity – seize market opportunity for e-business; think of iPod.
f. Research – conduct the research necessary on your market and competing markets. Also research global markets and trends.

g. Segment Analysis - perform segmentation or clustering analysis.

3. Marketing Communications

a. Integrated - holistic approach to marketing communication by ensure consistency of message and the complementary use of media per Wikipedia.

b. Strategic – understand the different value propositions needed to communicate with internal and external segments as they impact your organization across different media and communications channels.

4. Marketing Operations

a. Marketing Operations Budget and Resources – manage yo
ur marketing operations and resources budgets and personnel.

b. Marketing Operations Metrics and Reporting – continually monitor your business with metrics and reporting against a baseline.

c. Marketing Operations Processes and Tools – Analysis various processes throughout your business lifecycle and conduct continuous improvement adding the necessary tools along the way.

I know you are an internet marketer and you do not want to run your shop like a big business, but to expand and grow you must analyze and adjust.

Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for America’s Premier Certified Media Placement Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/
Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.

New Media: Take Advantage of the Opportunities

Taking a leaf out of Obama’s marketing playbook – exquisite use of the internet Plan to make use of the Internet and Social Networking sites to market your product to consumers.

Obama’s expert use of the Internet probably won him the election; something you should take notes of and likewise plans an “exquisite use of the Internet as a marketing tool.” The social media marketing tool is a cheaper than traditional direct-to-consumer advertising.

“Barack Obama gets the Internet and social media the way that Kennedy got TV.” – Fast Company. “Staff finds White House in the Technological Dark Ages” – The Washington Post. The story goes on to explain that the outdated White House does not have Facebook to communicate to Obama supports, not outside e-mail log-ins, no instant messaging, etc. “…like going from an Xbox to an Atari.” according to Obama Spokesman Bill Burton.

What is Social Media?

Social Media are internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information. The content is user-generated, anyone can post (generally for free) and messages can go “viral.”

Social media is now used more often than email according to Nielsen” Social Nets Overtake E-mail” Adweek. In addition, Pew Research Center’s summary of findings states, “it’s becoming a more valued source of information.”

Social Media/Social Networking Trends

This still exists…

SEO and paid search
“Push” to site as call to action
(For example: for more information, visit www….)
Your brand is not my friend
Social networking among under-40s
The ‘citizen journalist’ (individual as messenger)
‘Firewalls’ around content owner/publisher control of context
Oversharing” – to much information all over the net

But now there’s also...

Content portability
Greater mobility and reach for your content; anything can become ‘viral’
Corporate engagement in social media expected; transparency is price of entry.
Social networking among over-50s
The ‘citizen broadcaster’ (individual as medium)
“Mashups” (loss of control of context from your content)
“Undersharing” – a move to exclusivity and discretion

Implications• All media is social media now, whether you like it or not
• If your current content creation/distribution processes do not fully address social media context – you need new solutions for managing your business
• Many old rules of marketing and public relations still apply but with a few new wrinkles:
 News or buzz (positive or negative) can go viral in hours and stay online for years!
 Traditional PR activities such as press releases can gain new legs online
 Good content is still good content and the opposite applies
• The opportunities:
 Reach new audiences in new ways
 Build and sustain strong relationships
 Be the most-trusted source of information about your company and products.

It’s not the social media medium, it’s the message

Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for America’s Media Placement Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/
Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.

Social Media Marketing: Twitter Deep Dive

What is Twitter?

Micro blogging goes to work

First time twitter was on the CNN news journalist described it as the newest micro-blogging tool to hit the internet. Over 1.2 million users are on Twitter according to the Oprah show aired in April 2009. There must be 2 million by now. If you think that Twitter is an absurd idea for business, guess again!

Twitter describes itself as: “Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?”

• Twitter is a micro blogging service

• Twitter allows you to connect with your clients directly on their cell phone or computer in a non-obtrusive way with short posts

• Twitter lets you post short text updates (140 characters maximum) from a computer or handheld device that repeatedly answer the question, "What are you doing?"

• Your updates are listed chronologically on a personal page that can read like an energy-fueled day-planner.

• Others can sign up to follow your "Tweets," as they're called, and you can follow theirs

• You can set up a keyword, such as a company's name, and see how it is being used in the Twitter sphere.

Remember your children and grandchildren as it’s a snap shot in time to what the worlds doing what is Twitter? Mind what you’re saying as it is a historical record.

The beauty of Twitter is that you do NOT have to answer that question every time you tweet. In fact, it‘s better if you don‘t. Be creative. Use Twitter as YOU see fit, and how it works for YOUR needs.

Twitter Tip: Register your Twitter name without the use of spaces or underscores. Like what Oprah did @oprahwinfrey. There are many reasons why but the main reason is that underscores are a dead give away that you‘re a late adopter. It‘s a bit of a pain in the neck to get to the underscore when you‘re tweeting from an iPhone with no copy or paste feature.

It‘s perfectly acceptable to use your full name, and would advise you to lock up your full name (first and last name) if it‘s available. Just keep your name as short as possible. Challenges with using your full name arise when it‘s long and/or difficult for new friends/followers to remember the spelling. If that‘s the case, you may want to consider using your BRAND as your username instead. Twitter usernames will become valuable real estate just like Web sites were back in the 90‘s. So “ lock em up! “

Build your Twitter community:

When you join first Twitter, put a picture up immediately—before following anyone. I would not personally follow anyone without a picture. The company's that use icon type logos are to me a no-no as well.

- People want to network with people
- You select people to follow, and people choose to follow you.
- It’s about connecting with 10 people who reach 100 who reach 1,000

Understand Twitter Etiquette? It’s not recommended you add useless information. Ask yourself how useful the information is before sending. And Ask questions. It’s also fun to share pictures or refer individuals you like and connect with to your facebook account.

Sharing Pictures www.twitpic.com

Twitter me at TallCAGal@twitter.com

Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for America’s Premier Certified Media Placement Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/
Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.

12 Ways to Live Up to Your Greatest Potential

If you want to make more of your talents - live up to your full potential - you have to learn to use them. You have the power to change your habits - to acquire new skills and fully use the skills you now have. You can improve your performance, your productivity, and the quality of your whole life.

What makes a high achiever? Is it luck, intelligence, talent, dedication? All of these things figure in - they all make a difference. But we all know intelligent, talented, hard-working people who do not consider themselves very successful or even happy. And we know people who are not exceptionally bright but seem happy and successful.

So there must be something else, some secret to success. Actually there
are several secrets to achieving your peak performance - living up to your
full potential.

Your success at business, friendship, love, sports - just about anything you try - is largely determined by your own self-image. Your unhappiness is something you choose. So, you're thinking no one chooses to be unhappy. Well, maybe not - but you have to consciously choose to be happy, self-confident, and successful.

Happiness is elusive when we go after it directly. So is self-confidence. Both seem to be more "side-products" than something you can achieve in and for it. So how, then, can consciously choosing to be these things be of any value? Well, the secret is to focus on other things.

1. FOCUS

First, focus on your potential. Begin by making a complete and accurate assessment of your potential. To do this you must take an inventory of yourself - you will make a few lists. Sit down and make a list of all the things you can do well. Be honest with yourself. When that list is done,
make a list of all the things you like to do, even if you think you can't do them well. Then, make a list of all the things you would like to do, if you could. Now list your hobbies.

Then, go back to the list of things you can do well. You are probably being much too hard on yourself. Most of us are. We have this little voice in our heads telling us things like: "You're so dumb," or "You can't learn to do that," or "You never do anything right," or similar nasty things. And even worse, we listen to that voice as if it's telling us the gospel truth. So now, shut off that voice - you can do it - and add a few more things to the list of things you can do well. Pretend you are your best friend - it's amazing how much more forgiving and charitable we are with our friends than we are with ourselves. Now that you are your best Friend, you should be able to add a few more items to your "do well" list. But do be honest - don't list things you feel you really can't do well.

Next, go to your list of things you like to do but you feel you don't do well. Speaking as your own best friend, do you think there are some things on this list that could be moved to your "do well" list? There probably are. If you like to do it, chances are you do pretty well at it. Treat your hobby list in the same manner.

Next, go to your list of things you would like to do if you could. Ask yourself, "Why can't I do this, if I'd like to?" Put your reasons on another list. OK. So you have a lot of lists going - what good is that going to do? Well, you have just made an assessment of yourself. If you have been truly honest in making these lists, it may even be a fairly accurate assessment. Probably it isn't, but that's OK. This assessment isn't carved in stone. It's subject to change. But for now we will work
with what's on the lists. At least you have a place to start.

2. ASSESSMENT

Look over your lists again. You are focusing on all the things you feel you can't do and the reasons why you can't do them, right? Well, don't. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO - FOCUS ON YOUR POTENTIAL. Make it a habit to focus on your strengths. Don't forget to include your undeveloped potential, as well. Train yourself to focus on your potential instead of your limitations.

Now that's not to say that you should ignore your list of reasons for not doing some of the things you would like to do. Not at all! But look at them from the viewpoint of your strengths. For instance, you'd like to play basketball but you think you are too short, so you don't even try. In
this case, you are looking at it from the viewpoint of your limitations. Now, when you look at it from the viewpoint of your strengths, you would say, "Well, I may be pretty short to play, BUT I am fast. I can handle the ball well. I have a lot of stamina. I can't change being short, but I can
refuse to let my limitations overcome my strengths."

You see the difference? Focusing on your limitations lets those limitations make your decisions for you. Focusing on your strengths lets YOU make the decision. To go back to our example: when you've decided to overcome your height limitations to play basketball - something you really want to do - you will be more determined to develop your strengths to compensate. You will do well, because you will be doing what you really want to do and you will be determined to develop the full potential of your strengths. Very few people concentrate on fully developing any of their strengths. That's where you will have the edge. You know your true disadvantages but your determination, your singleness of purpose, will inspire you to fully develop the talents and skills you do have.

OK. You probably have no interest in playing basketball. Then go to your assessment of yourself. What do you have a major interest in? What do you have a natural aptitude for? Go for it. Devote yourself to something you really like to do. Don't choose something just because you think you could make more money at it than you could by doing something else that you would
really rather work at. You won't work to develop your full potential. You may start out with enthusiasm, but you will soon flag. It will be a chore to go to work. You'll probably find yourself hating to go. It'll be difficult to work on improving your skills because you don't like what you
are doing. You probably won't be working up to your potential. Your success will probably be limited by your growing lack of interest and your happiness will surely be affected.

If, however, you devote yourself to something you really like to do, you'll enjoy your work, you'll be enthusiastic, and you'll probably find yourself working on improving your skills just for the sheer joy of it. You will be working to reach your full potential. You'll probably soon find you are
making more money at this truly interesting occupation than you ever dreamed possible. And because you like what you are doing, you will be happier.

When you know you are working to your full potential and you enjoy your work and begin to feel successful, you will find that self-confidence and happiness soon follow.

Although most people will be unnecessarily harsh in their assessments, it is easy to become too hopeful when you start breaking down barriers. If, for instance, you're extremely interested in and fond of music and would love to be a singer, it would be unreasonable to set a singing career as your goal if you can't sing a note (some talents are inborn). But if you are knowledgeable about the music business and would be happy being involved in some other capacity, then it would be reasonable to pursue a career in the business.

Be wary of making otherwise perfectly reasonable goals unattainable because of stringent time frames. When you set a goal, you will most likely set times for achieving certain steps along your way to achieving your final goal. I recommend you formally set time frames; you will probably
have a pretty good idea of how long you are giving yourself. It's wise to sit down and formally set these goals. Think about it and give yourself reasonable time to achieve them. Make a deal with yourself to view these time limits as firm. It’ll motivate you to achieve your goals and provide a
real sense of accomplishment once you meet them that will continue motivating you towards success.

Continue to encourage yourself even if things don't work out as planned. Sometimes finding our place takes both time and error. All of us experience failures of one magnitude or another. The key is to view the failures as a learning experience - if nothing else; failures teach us what not to do. Remain flexible. As long as you keep focusing on your strengths and potential- the right thing will come along - and probably sooner rather than later. But don't quit at the first sign of boredom. Even if you have truly found your niche, you will not feel enthusiastic 100 percent of the time.

Don't worry about others - don't compare your progress with that of others. No matter how successful you are, there will be someone else who, to you, looks like she's got it made - who looks like she's getting where you want to go faster and easier than you are. Maybe she is. Maybe she isn't. Who cares? Focus on your own achievements. Work to develop your skills and
talents to their full potential. Compete with yourself - your short term goals should be based on today's accomplishments. If you have reached Point A today, make Point B your next objective - improve yourself and don't worry about the other guy.

3. DEFINE

OK. You have decided what your ultimate goal is. Make sure it is a fully defined goal with a due date. "Someday I want to be famous" just won't cut it. Define exactly what you want to do. Define a reasonable time frame. Know what you have to do to get there. You don't need to know every little detail, but you do have to have the big picture and many of the details. If you have a goal in mind but don't know what it takes to reach it, then you need to find out. Do some reading, talk to people who know, ask questions and LISTEN to the answers. Think that sounds like a lot of work? Well, remember what you are preparing for - your success and happiness. Surely you want to put a little effort into that! Anyway, a little research into what it will take for you to reach your goals isn't too difficult.

4. RESEARCH

Train yourself into making this "research" the next focus of your life. You will be focusing on your strengths, on your purpose, and on learning and doing. If you have chosen a goal that is right for you, focusing on these things and devoting the necessary time should not be too difficult. It may take a bit of self-discipline at first, but your determination and interest will carry you through until the focusing process becomes a habit. When you have a real desire to accomplish something, initiative should only require an occasional shove - but you may need to give it a nudge now and again.

5. VISUALIZE

Get into the habit of visualizing your success with feeling or passion behind it. Now sitting around and daydreaming in generalizations about it is not what I mean. You need to visualize specifics. To return to the basketball example, daydreaming about being carried off the court on your teammates' shoulders is just daydreaming. Picturing in your mind how you will work a play if your opponent makes a particular move, picturing your exact response to it, is visualizing specifics. If you run through specific moves in your mind, you will be prepared when the need for those moves arises.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination to visualize new and better ways to accomplish things, as well. Here in your mind, you can try doing things in ways that are different from the usual. This is a creative process - you may have heard of creative thinking. Training yourself to think creatively is largely learning to let your imagination work on methods that are different from the "way things have always been done." It's breaking away from the idea that a thing can be done effectively in only one way. It's looking at a problem from all angles. Just play a game of "what if." Ask yourself, "What if I did this thing this way?" It's OK to get a little crazy sometimes. But, you must also spend some of your thinking time at specific visualizations of the moves you need to make to accomplish your goals.

6. PRACTICE

Visualizations are important but actual physical practice of your skills is important, too. Practice the boring little skills that are necessary as well as the skills that you enjoy. Don't let yourself rely on just the things that come naturally and easy to you. Develop your limited potentials as well as those that you feel are your assets.

Work on developing the more general attributes that are important to almost any goal.

Success comes more easily to those who have a pleasing personality. This is not to say that you should bend to everyone’s wishes or scrape and bow. Rather, develop an attitude that is respectful of other's opinions but true to your own beliefs. Be flexible - don't be so rigid that you can't accept another's opinion when it is superior to your own. Be willing, even eager,
to learn from others. Changing your opinion in light of more facts is a sign of strength of character, not weakness. Be willing to extend a helpful hand, be a team player. Develop a sense of humor. Be polite and caring - but be your own person.

Learn to guard against emotional responses. You are susceptible to errors of judgment when you let your emotions get in the way. Of course, everything we do is done based somewhat on our emotions, but strong emotions have little place in decision making. Hold your emotions in
check. Try to delay decisions if you are in an emotional state. Learn to ignore your emotions and use reasoning to arrive at your decisions.

Develop the habit of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm works like a magnet - it draws people and success. It's a pleasing personality trait that people like to be a part of. It seems to be contagious - the people around you become enthusiastic, too, and become more cooperative. Enthusiasm sparks
initiative and singleness of purpose.

We've talked of working to develop habits - the habit of focusing on your goals, the habit of focusing on your strengths, the habit of learning and "researching," the habit of visualizing, the habit of enthusiasm. Now we will talk of habits in a little different light - breaking them. First,
assess your habits looking for the ones that may be displeasing to others. Offensive habits can hold you back from success - they are often a part of an unpleasing personality. Look for things like grumbling or grunting at people instead of answering, gazing at anything but the speaker when conversing, smirking or sneering when you don't agree - anything that is an automatic, displeasing mannerism. It will be very difficult to assess your habits accurately. After all, a habit is something that we do without thinking much about it. You will have to spend some time at this and be very conscious of yourself. Ask someone you trust to help you with this assessment. It may take a lot of work to break yourself of displeasing habits. Try substituting a different, more pleasing behavior for the habit you wish to break.

OK. You have set definite goals, you have a definiteness of purpose, you have researched and know the specific steps to take to achieve the goals, you have resolved to be flexible and to develop a more pleasing personality. Now what?

As you advance toward your goals, you will undoubtedly run up against some difficult people (maybe even difficult bosses), and there will be times you'll need to deal effectively with them. Since you are working on becoming a nice, enthusiastic person and a team player, you already have half the battle won. Your attitude is as important as the other guy's attitude when you are dealing with difficult people.

Always keep in mind that your job is a training field for you. You are getting paid as you learn the things you need to know to achieve your goals. Pretty good deal, right? If you view your job as a paid opportunity to advance toward your goals, you will be an asset to your boss. You will also be a happier, more productive person. Viewing your job in this manner will allow you to view the difficult people you will inevitably need to deal with as an opportunity to grow. From them and the situations they create, you will learn to negotiate with, side-step around, and draw out the best in others without letting yourself become upset. Each time you successfully deal with one of these people you will gain confidence and probably friends to add to your support network. The skill of negotiating with difficult people and the confidence you have gained
from these encounters comes in handy when you are ready to ask for a promotion or raise - even if your boss happens to be a nice person.

7. NEGOTIATE

Successful negotiation is not a contest of wills - it is working together to solve a problem or come to an agreement. It is an opportunity to learn how others feel about the issue.

Always be prepared. Know who you are talking with. Always know as much as possible about the person. Know about the person's marital status, family, hobbies, education, difficulties, attitudes, and whatever else you can learn. The information may give you an understanding of the person. If you know the circumstances, you will more easily find the most effective way to get your point across. At the very least, the information will make the person seem more familiar which will give you more self-confidence.

8. DEFINE ISSUE

Know the issue - not just your opinions about it. Be able to back up your opinions with reasons and research. If you are asking for a promotion, know the demands of the job in question. Know and be honest about how much of the job you are already qualified to do and how much additional training you will need. If you may not be as qualified as someone else applying, be
prepared to negotiate for a smaller-than-offered salary until you are fully trained - remember the training is worth a lot to you. Be enthusiastic and focus on your strengths - don't boast but give an a simple and accurate listing of the strengths you feel make you a good candidate for this job. The strengths you cite can and should include specific job related skills, your present accomplishments on the job, your interest in the field (not just this job), your enthusiasm, your ability to work as a team member, and other personal traits that will be an asset on the job.

Always enter into negotiations with a calm and reasonable manner. Don't let emotion and emotional outbursts have a place at the negotiating table. You must be in control of yourself if you want to get your point across. People are more likely to listen to your views if you present them in a calm and reasonable manner. Present your ideas with conviction but don't
try to intimidate others or be demanding. State your views simply, completely, and orderly. When you are expressing an opinion rather than a fact, use a qualifying "I think" or "In my opinion." When others are expressing their views, listen carefully and ask questions if something
isn't clear. Don't disagree until you are sure you understand their position. When you do disagree, do so in a pleasant non-threatening way. "I see what you mean, but . . ." or "I can understand why you think that, but . . ." are a couple of good ways to begin a statement of disagreement. Be courteous and leave them a chance to save face.

Be prepared to face people who are not calm and reasonable. Don't let them get to you. Remain calm and reasonable and even be a little sympathetic. Let's say you have entered into negotiations with your boss for a raise and he blows up with, "I can't afford to give you a raise. This business isn't exactly a gold mine. Don't you realize how tough times are?" Remain calm.
Put yourself in his shoes. Try to find something you can agree and sympathize with. For instance, look sympathetic and agree, "I know you have a lot of expenses and you work hard to keep this business going. It must be really difficult for you sometimes." This will probably not be the response he expects. It will probably take the wind out of his sails. Most likely he will calm down, and since you are sympathetic to his problems, he'll be more willing to listen to you. If you remain calm, reasonable, and sympathetic, he will calm down. When he is calmer, discuss
with him the reasons you are a valuable asset to him. Don't threaten but calmly and reasonably discuss the bargain a small raise is. With that small raise, he'll be keeping a happy and fully trained employee who knows the company. When you consider the expense of finding and training another individual, giving you a raise is a bargain for your boss.

Play "Let's Make A Deal." Be prepared to deal. Don't expect to get everything you want. If you are willing to gracefully make some concessions, you will be more likely to arrive at a satisfactory deal. After all, a negotiation has at least two opposing sides. This means someone else has something they want, too - even if that something is simply to leave things as they are. Arrive at a compromise that everyone can live with. Remember, you are working at long-range goals, and you may be negotiating with them again.

Developing your potential more fully is a key to happiness and fulfillment. Although we have primarily discussed this in terms of a job, these same concepts can be used in many other areas of your life.

In developing your potential to its fullest, you will want to become a more efficient person - get more done in less time - so you can take full advantage of the opportunities that you make for yourself. You will note that most effective, successful people seem to accomplish a great deal.
It's true that this is partly due to enthusiasm, but there's more to it.

The first barrier to efficiency is procrastination - putting off getting started. Sometimes you know you are procrastinating. You may not want to do the task at hand so you keep putting it off until tomorrow. The thing to do is to look at it from a different angle. If it'll have to be done
sometime, tell yourself, "why not do it now, and get it off your back." And that's just where it is! On you’re back dragging you down. Putting things off makes everything harder to do. If you keep putting things off you'll soon have several things piling up, and then the sheer number of
tasks you have backed up will make it seem impossible to ever get caught up. This affects everything you do try to do.

Sometimes you don't even realize you are putting things off. You may keep yourself extremely busy doing things of little importance to unconsciously give yourself excuses for doing the things you really should be doing. You say to yourself, "Look how busy I am. I just can't get everything done." But the result is the same as when you know you are procrastinating. It soon bogs you down. All you are doing is "running in place."

9. BEAT PROCRASTINATION

So how do you beat procrastination?

The first step in beating procrastination is to admit to yourself how often you do it and assessing your methods of doing it. Not very difficult, really, when you become aware of the tactics some of us use to hide from ourselves what we are doing.

The key in overcoming procrastination and becoming more efficient is organization. Plan ahead. Know what you want to accomplish today, this week, and in the long haul.

10. MAKE LISTS

The lists for today will probably be more detailed than the longer-term lists. That's OK. Now look over the lists and rank the tasks in order of importance. Make three or four groupings based on importance. Within each group, star the things you least like to do.

Each day you will have a "today" list to work on. Tackle the tasks that are most important first. If you have several "most important" tasks on your list, take on the least liked things in that grouping before you do the better liked ones. When you have accomplished a task, check it off.
You'll be surprised what a good feeling you have when you check things off. What a sense of accomplishment! It's an incentive to do the next task on the list. When you have completed the tasks in the first grouping, begin on the list of next importance. Again do the starred items in that group first. Keep on checking things off as you get them done.

Do you see what is happening? You get the most pressing, least liked tasks out of the way early in the day when you are fresh and rested. As the day goes on you will feel less and less pressure. You have reserved the less important tasks for the end of the day when you will be more tired.

11. SYSTEMIZE

With this system you will have not only increased your efficiency but also reduced some of the stress in your day. Stress can get in the way of efficiency. Your new efficiency will help you develop your potential. It is, in fact, a part of living up to your potential.

Another important part of efficiency is in delegating work. If you are in a position where you have assistants or designated people under your supervision, you need to learn to delegate. If you are not in such a position yet, you still need to know - since you're working on developing
your potential you very likely will be some day.

12. DELEGATE

Delegating work is difficult for many people. Some find it hard to ask others to do things for them - others find it hard not to demand that others do tasks. Delegating is an art.

First, you need to realize that the people under your supervision are PEOPLE. Seldom, if ever, should you demand - that takes away self respect. In order to achieve a happy and co-operative crew, you need to help them build self-respect and self-confidence. A happy and co-operative crew is an asset to you. Demands do not promote self-respect and co-operation. Oh, it's probably effective to demand in the short run - but in the long run you will be better off to gain co-operation without demanding.

People who are asked to do a task, are given explanations and clear instructions, and are praised for a job well done will grow in self-respect. They will also respect you as a good supervisor. If you hesitate to ask for their assistance, your crew will feel that you do not trust them or have faith in their abilities. This affects their self-respect and, as a reaction, will affect their respect for you, as well.

When you delegate work, don't delegate just the "junk" tasks. Your crew needs to be given some important tasks to do as well as unimportant ones. The important task gives them a sense of the respect you have for them and the faith you have in their abilities. It's a good idea to save some
"junk" tasks for you. Perhaps the most respected and effective boss is the one about whom the crew says, "She never gives us anything to do that she wouldn't do herself." Why? Because, by her actions the boss is saying that, though her position is above theirs, she is still just "plain
people."

Delegation of tasks is important because you can gain in effectiveness and get more done if you properly supervise a crew. Don't feel embarrassed or hesitant about delegating work. If it helps you to shine, it helps your crew shine, too. A well-run, effective department is a credit to the whole team. With proper delegating, you can help your crew achieve their potential as well as achieving your own.

All of us have untapped potential - perhaps even areas of genius - that we have neglected to develop. Whether your concept of success has to do with business, love, friendship, sports, a combination of these or something else, more fully developing your potential will help you achieve your goals. If you can learn to assess your potential, set realistic goals, and go after those goals with determination, organization, and purpose, you will use your potential more fully, gain confidence, and be a happier and more successful person.

Deena McMahon is an author and entrepreneur for Americas Media Specialist, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at:http://www.americasmediaspecialist.com/ Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 34978.