Why True Success Only Stems From Doing RIGHT?

One of the most cliched, misunderstood and unaccomplished things in most individuals lives is understanding and pursuing what they deem to be success. Far too often, people appear to equate success to financial gains, sales volumes, revenues, income and/ or other material things, rather than delving somewhat more deeply and realizing that more must be involved, since so many financially successful individuals are still some of the unhappiest and least satisfied. Truly successful people are generally those who have developed and created a genuine and meaningful balance in their lives, and whose main motivations and motivators are directly related to a desire to focus primarily on doing the RIGHT thing. Whether you are in the not - for - profit, or corporate worlds, whether you are a manager, leader, independent contractor, or employee, the basic concepts regarding true success, apply!
 
1. True success doesn't merely appear or come to someone without taking some sort of action or following certain behaviors. It requires a proactive mindset, where one first reaches out, in an attempt to be realistic, rational, relevant, and best relate to the reality of the situation and the specific culture.

2. Nothing becomes meaningful unless we pursue every action and every component by commencing with a commitment to absolute integrity. When this is the actual focus and mindset, one becomes better capable of developing and continuing with an emphasis on an impactful ideology which begins with a focus on important ideas.

3. How can anyone consider himself successful if he doesn't either get others involved and to care more, or addresses factors bigger than oneself? Therefore, one needs to garner and gain support, and to generate greater support and supporters. Those who become great are those who refuse to settle for less than what can be done best and better, and thus seek personal and relevant greatness.

4. Never put an artificial cap on your capabilities! Strive for, and reach higher heights. Never underestimate the importance of proceeding with a synergy of head and heart, and the desire to seek to heal and help!

5. One can ever believe he has done all he can, or proceed with the philosophy that it is important to consistently try harder. Never believe it is okay to play fast and easy with the facts, but commit to always tell the truth. One can only become better informed if he begins with focusing on effective listening before he opens his mouth and begins to talk. Follow the adage that we were given two ears but only one mouth for an important reason.

Most of us claim that we strive for success, without ever introspectively analyzing what that means to us personally! Regardless of your personal definition, understand that it always stems from doing what is RIGHT!

Are You Overwhelmed, or, In Contol?

Nearly every individual faces challenges and obstacles on a regular basis. We generally must determine whether we decide to opt to reduce our stress, and thus control our own destiny, or to let circumstances control and dictate to us, and thus become a reactor rather than an actor, letting circumstances overwhelm us by succumbing to these stresses. The reality is that there is no such thing as a stress - free existence, because without stress we cannot truly exist. Rather, it is important to understand what the late Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Hans Selye emphasized regarding there being two manners of stress: 1. Positive stress, or eustress, which we learn from and gain important knowledge, experiences and expertise; and 2. Negative or destructive stress, which we occurs because we handle circumstances ineffectively and permit to control us, rather than vice versa.

This relates to your personal existence, as well as you public and/ or business life! Whether you work for someone else, are in some sort of management or leadership position, or are self - employed (in an Independent Contractor status, such as a Real Estate professional, Investment adviser or reprentative, physician, dentist or attorney, e.g.), maintaining control, rather than being controlled by circumstances, conditions, or other people, invariably, is the healthiest, most productive existence!

1. Why does it appear that so many individuals seem so overwhelmed by everyday circumstances, events, and conditions? What does it say about the individual that becomes controlled by these conditions or scenarios, and spend his efforts and time reacting and going into crisis management (or control), rather than adapting to whatever life brings forth? Since nearly everyone has heard the adage about it being wise to convert life's lemons to lemonade, yet so many continuously avoid becoming proactive, how can these individuals even think they will maintain the ability to control their own destinies?

2. How often do you say, or have you heard others proclaim that they were overwhelmed by what happened? The most productive way to handle one's life more effectively is to reduce stress (or even the consideration of stress) by using individual challenges or obstacles to make oneself stronger, better and more productively. In order to do this, it is important to work on our personal attitudes, perspectives, self - talk, conscious and subconscious chatter (no more negative words, for example), and to demand that we are proactive and control, rather than resorting to the generally non - productive alternative of procrastination, self pity, self doubt, playing the blame game, or attempting to avoid personal responsibility.

It is important to realize that those who let circumstances overwhelm them, will generally roll down that slippery slope of ever - decrrasing self confidence and self pity. The "poor me" perspective, or blaming circumstances that we let ourselves perceive as being beyond our control, increase our negative stresses, and deteriorate both our skills and potential.

7 Key METRICS For Evaluating SUCCESS

Although there seems to be a somewhat inordinate amount of time, concentration and effort spent reviewing the many aspects impacting success, this concept is invariably one of the most difficult and challenging to fully understand because of the many challenges and interpretations of what goes into becoming a success. Since I have spent 4 decades identifying, training, qualifying and consulting to over a thousand individuals in positions of leadership, as well as conducting many seminars and individual training programs in the areas of personal development, I have thus created a mnemonic way to use 7 METRICS for Success.

It is important to note, regardless of your occupation, avocation, interests, etc, you can better understand what success might mean and represent to you, by paying attention too these metrics. It's up to you!

1. The process begins with identifying and considering those measurable markers that directly relate to purposeful goals and priorities. How can anyone consider anything to be in any way truly successful unless they are really meaningful because their implementation significantly matters in a way that determines whether you get it done. 

2. Those who want to become real and respected leaders must consistently proceed with a large degree of genuine empathy. Ask yourself whether your actions and plans pursue enhancing the situation, by consistently enriching the experience of those that your actions impact.

3. Everything you observe or do must be viewed and used as a teachable moment! When you predict and address trends in a timely manner, and focus directly on the proverbial taking care of business, you enhance your probability of becoming successful in your pursuits.

4. Taking care of business means very little unless it is relevant in terms of
needs and priorities. Only when one simultaneously is rational in his approach, while also being reasonable (both in actuality as well as the way he is perceived by others), he risks appearing as if he is behaving in a less than responsible manner. How can you be a success if what you do is not either actually or perceived as being responsive to what others, as well as a group you serve, truly need?

5. Make sure that your ideas always align with meaningful and significant ideologies, and that you pursue them with absolute integrity.

6. In order to achieve what you aim for, you must be able to connect with stakeholders,in a genuine manner. That requires you to be able, willing and ready to make needed choices, and to create something better than presently exists.

7. This process only comes to fruition when one creates and develops a sustainable system that strengthens the group, thus propelling it forward in a positive manner.

Many claim they seek success, yet few actually achieve what they aim for. Using these 7 METRICS for Success potentiates ones possibilities.

6 Considerations for Making Yourself Stand Out

I am sure that you have heard how important to differentiate yourself from the crowd, which generally means showing how you or what you do/ represent is in some way interesting and unique. However, unless you are prepared, ready, willing and able to take an objectively introspective look within, this process may become both challenging, as well as burdensome. Beware that it is only beneficial to stand out if it is in a positive, inspiring way, and that others, as well as you, perceive it to indeed be that way. It generally takes a combination of a positive attitude and self - image to pursue this important challenge in a productive manner, and to be willing to understand and evaluate both your personal strengths as well as weaknesses or flaws. It might be helpful to you if you did this by following and understanding these six considerations. Whether you are seeking new employment, seeking some leadership position, or in a highly competitive industry/ field, such as Real Estate, dentistry, medicine, law, etc, it will help you, to better differentiate yourself, hopefully, in a positive way!

1) How are you different or unique? Do these merely make you somewhat odd, or do they rather make you stronger, more effective and relative? Are you willing and able to take personal ownership of these qualities and/ or assets?

2) What do you or can you offer that others (also known as the competition) either do not, cannot, or won't? How do you use, communicate and articulate these differences in the best, most beneficial and impactful manner?

3) What does your personal appearance, manner and mannerisms, and body language say about you? Are you willing to rehearse in a mirror in order to witness how you come off to others? Are you going to ask someone you trust, and believe in, for his unbiased feedback and evaluation? Do you look others directly in the eye, stand erect without crossing your arms, and take the time and a make a true effort to listen, without interrupting? Have you ever been objective enough to ask yourself if you would want to do business with you.

4) How do you address/ respond to concerns, questions or objections? Are you calm and patient, welcoming questions as a positive indication of interest, or do you become defensive, somewhat belligerent, and go on the offensive in a rather strong - armed manner?

5) Do you listen first, intently and effectively, before you respond, and to a far greater extent than you speak or interrupt? For most of us, this is indeed challenging!

6) Do you close the deal? Remember you must usually sell yourself before you can be convincing to others! Even if you wonderfully and perfectly perform the first five steps, you achieve little of a relevant or sustainable manner, without closing.

It is far better to be an original you, than any carbon copy of another, because it is how you are unique in a positive way, that attracts others to pay attention. Use these 6 Considerations for Making Yourself Stand Out.

Are You Overwhelmed, or In Control?

Nearly every individual faces challenges and obstacles on a regular basis. We generally must determine whether we decide to opt to reduce our stress, and thus control our own destiny, or to let circumstances control and dictate to us, and thus become a reactor rather than an actor, letting circumstances overwhelm us by succumbing to these stresses. The reality is that there is no such thing as a stress - free existence, because without stress we cannot truly exist. Rather, it is important to understand what the late Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Hans Selye emphasized regarding there being two manners of stress: 1. Positive stress, or eustress, which we learn from and gain important knowledge, experiences and expertise; and 2. Negative or destructive stress, which we occurs because we handle circumstances ineffectively and permit to control us, rather than vice versa.

Regardless of whether you are a manager, leader, employee, or self - employed (such as physician, dentist, attorney, Realtor, etc), how you handle adversity, will generally have a major impact, on your effectiveness, etc.
 
1. Why does it appear that so many individuals seem so overwhelmed by everyday circumstances, events, and conditions? What does it say about the individual that becomes controlled by these conditions or scenarios, and spend his efforts and time reacting and going into crisis management (or control), rather than adapting to whatever life brings forth? Since nearly everyone has heard the adage about it being wise to convert life's lemons to lemonade, yet so many continuously avoid becoming proactive, how can these individuals even think they will maintain the ability to control their own destinies?

2. How often do you say, or have you heard others proclaim that they were overwhelmed by what happened? The most productive way to handle one's life more effectively is to reduce stress (or even the consideration of stress) by using individual challenges or obstacles to make oneself stronger, better and more productively. In order to do this, it is important to work on our personal attitudes, perspectives, self - talk, conscious and subconscious chatter (no more negative words, for example), and to demand that we are proactive and control, rather than resorting to the generally non - productive alternative of procrastination, self pity, self doubt, playing the blame game, or attempting to avoid personal responsibility.

It is important to realize that those who let circumstances overwhelm them will generally roll down that slippery slope of ever - decreasing self confidence and self pity. The "poor me" perspective, or blaming circumstances that we let ourselves perceive as being beyond our control, increase our negative stresses, and deteriorate both our skills and potential.

The Basics of Effective Telemarketing

Why are some telemarketers so much more effective than others? What do they do differently, and how do they do it? Some people who telemarket are extensively trained, while others receive very little training. Even those who are trained may or may not be effective, depending on how well trained they are, and whether they follow some basic telemarketing techniques. Certain individuals also possess a more "telemarketing friendly" personality. Factors such as friendliness, tone of voice, clarity, listening skills, patience, and the ability to persevere are essential skills for the effective telemarketer. Effectiveness requires the "never give up" mindset, and an understanding that every "no" brings you closer to a "yes." Telemarketing is truly a numbers game, and each caller develops a closing ratio, which is how many calls he needs to make to close a sale.

Have you ever gotten a telemarketing call when you thought that telemarketer was good, professional and skilled, while the usual telemarketer shows little or none of that skill and ability? Having developed telemarketing programs for several companies and several products and/ or services, I have developed a keen sense of what is and what is not effective. Regardless of the industry, the basics listed below, remain consistent! Whether selling a product, service, or oneself, use the same principles! Whether one is telemarketing to sell a product, political telemarketing, or being used as a marketing/ networking aid, to make an introduction, and seek an appointment (such as in Real Estate), the principles of telemarketing remain the same!  The following are some of the basics of telemarketing that should be followed if one wants to optimize results:

(1) Extensively train telemarketers. Provide the telemarketer with all tools necessary to do his job! Telemarketers need to be constantly encouraged.

(2) Provide telemarketers with well designed, well worded, well thought - out scripts.

(3) Prepare a telemarketer to answer any and all objections.

(4) Teach/ learn the telemarketer how to effectively use the "Five Steps" approach to answering objections that I have written about in a previous article

(5) Anticipate the objections and questions most likely to get. Provide scripts for each objection.
(6) Teach/ learn a telemarketer how to use "May I make a suggestion?"

(7) Play act and role play prior to the first call being made. Repeat this role playing on a regular basis. Don't let any calls be made until a telemarketing professional listens to the new telemarketer, and is satisfied.

(8) Provide a mirror to put in front of each phone station, to demonstrate the importance of smiling.

(9) Make sure the telemarketer knows whatever technical knowledge is necessary to be familiar and comfortable explain the product/ service.

(10) Teach/ learn how to close a sale, and/ or make an appointment, or whatever the objective may be!

(11) Teach/ learn the concept of "ztl" (zip the lip).

Telemarketing does not have to be difficult or unpleasant if a telemarketer is properly prepared and trained. A skilled telemarketer often finds telemarketing fun and exciting. Since telemarketers are generally paid based on their results, it is in their best interest to be the best they can be. For a company using telemarketing, there is little point if the telemarketers do not optimize results. Therefore, it is a "win-win" situation for telemarketers to be as skilled and professional as possible. Following these simple guidelines is an effective and productive first step.

Everything is NOT A FACT!

One of the greatest obstacles to achieving whatever we consider to be personal and meaningful success is often our inability, refusal or failure to properly differentiate between empty rhetoric (or exaggeration or manipulation) and actual FACT. While being successful must and should be personal in nature, so as to actually motivate others to drive ourselves further, we must develop the willingness and ability to differentiate the facts from not only fiction, but also merely what others might state to be so! When we drive ourselves to focus in this manner, and develop the skills, abilities and willingness to enhance our potential to understand this concept, we can be better assured that what we are doing directly relates to reality and needs.

1. Begin with an emphasis on consistently being fair! This is a combination of factors, including our inherent fairness to others and their points of view (even when they may disagree with our own), treating others the way we would want them to treat other (also known as The Golden Rule), and being open - minded enough to listen to and explore alternatives. When we proceed in this manner, we are more capable of being focused on what needs to be done (and why). After all, isn't the common thread to everyone's concept of success, to become more functional and worthwhile?

2. How can you know if something is factual if you do not take the time, expend the energy and seek to better understand what it means? This requires a consistent commitment to thorough analyses, combined with a comprehensive assessment of needs and possibilities. We should strive to maintain our positive attitude in a manner where we explore the alternatives in a realistic, but open manner!

3. Our approach must be to convert the rhetoric and statements of others in such a manner that the crux of the issue becomes clear - cut and better understood. We need to thoroughly evaluate and consider things fairly and thoroughly, but must do so that our focus is on the entire concept, and all the potential ramifications.

4. Perhaps the simplest and most direct approach might be to simply ask ourselves, "Is it true?" Being true does not mean simply being in alignment with our personal priorities, self interests and our own truths, but rather evaluating things objectively in terms of reliability, consistency and whether it aligns with those things that are self - evident because they are time - tested.

Truth (or real facts) and what someone says is a fact are often vastly different! We will enhance ourselves when we commit to only truly factual items, rather than permitting ourselves to be less than objective by blindly accepting what others merely claim! Regardless of what some say, and might (bit I doubt it( believe, there is no such thing, as Alternative Truths and/ or Facts.