In Kaikoura we swam with the dolphins! Not in a tank or a huge pool – we swam with the dolphins on THEIR terms, in THEIR natural setting – the Pacific Ocean.

The staff donned us with our wetsuits and snorkel gear, drove us out into the middle of the ocean where we found a pod of about 100 dusky dolphins. We jumped off into the middle of the swimming pod and did our best to grab their attention, with the staff’s recommendations – making funny noises, diving (as dolphins would), swimming and trying to catch their eye. At first I was skeptical that their suggested methods would work – how could WE get THEIR attention and entertain THEM? Then we caught the attention of our first dolphin and my husband flipped, spun and held their eye contact. . . it worked! They spun right along side of him!
I thought, “This is amazing! We’re actually communicating with them by speaking THEIR language!” And it made sense. We’re in their environment, so it only makes sense that we adapt our communication style to how they would understand us. Once we did, the interaction was a lot easier and mutually entertaining and fun.

TAKE ACTION! TIP:
When you find yourself in a new setting, a new environment or amidst strangers, feel more comfortable by learning to speak THEIR language. Do this by asking them questions and listening. Everyone has their own personal “language.” Once you open up to that language and start relating, in no time you’ll find that you’re interacting more easily and building a solid relationship.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: communication, meeting new people, perspectives, dolphins, communication lessons, interaction, adapting, relating

(Four Teleclass Sessions)

Would you like others to SELL for you?
Are you tired of constantly pounding the pavement looking for prospects and leads?

LEARN HOW TO BUILD A REFERRAL BUSINESS

Learn over 10 key steps to start building a referral business where you can leverage your current prospects and clients to work smarter, not harder.

Clients automatically come to YOU.

You will learn how to:

• Get the clients you want.
• Prepare a message that “closes”
• Feel comfortable networking and promoting yourself.
• Build strong relationships that result in business.
• Be one step ahead of your competitors
• Have others sell for you.

Make Business EASY for Yourself

“I learned how to ask for referrals. It was informative and very valuable” Jamie Griffiths, Home Express Loan

DETAILS:
Four Teleclass Sessions
Dates and Times To Be Announced

You will get:

• Four in-depth teleclass sessions
• A workbook download ($27 value)
• A complimentary subscription of the monthly Take Action! Newsletter
• Recordings of the teleclasses each week

For more information and to schedule a private class, contact Susan at
bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

Technorati Tags: referral, business, resources, profits, relationships, trust, building relationships, business development, networking, word of mouth, referral

One of my favorite pastimes is to watch movies and usually the summer time is great because of all the new releases. This year is no exception. When I went to the movies I notice that this past month I was drawn to two movies in particular, Spiderman 3 and The Fantastic Four: The rise of the Silver Surfer. Comicbook movies are great, because these are the characters that I grew up with.

Most Superheroes are ordinary people with extraordinary skills. What may be the most extraordinary is that even when they assume their “super” roles, they do not lose their humanity - they stay in integrity with who they are.

Take Peter Parker and Spiderman for instance. Peter Parker is a brilliant young man. He is just a regular guy who struggles to make ends meet with his job and he longs to be noticed by the girl of dreams, MJ. As a person he is honest, fair and is just an all-around nice guy. He tries to do the right thing. When his alter-ego takes over and he starts swinging from the tall buildings of New York City, fighting the “bad guys,” he exhibits super strength, power and agility. He can throw cars, stop trains and fight evil villains 100 feet tall! But when you look inside Superman to who he is. . . he is honest, fair and all around nice guy who is trying to do the right thing. Down to the core, he is the same person. Villains on the other hand, may acquire a super skill, but they change, either going insane to become evil, or they were evil down to the core, to begin with.

We all have the ability to harness this extraordinary power and live with integrity.

When we get hit by “life” and our days do not go as smoothly as we like, sometimes it may feel easy to morph into a “villain” of sorts. However, when life throws us challenges and obstacles, if we can harness the power of our own inner “super” strength to be true to who we are, wouldn’t that make us a Superhero too?

The Superhero in YOU is the ability to assess a situation with quick wisdom and take stock of your strength, stamina, power and courage to act accordingly. Here are some steps to apply it in your life:

1. Write down 3-5 characteristics of who you are a person. Think deeply about WHO you are. Not the roles you play (mother, wife) or what job you have each day (entrepreneur, journalist). Break these characteristics down to the essence of WHO you are as a person and what you are about. Finish this sentence: “I am about. . . “

You might use words like: Support, Adventure, Pleaseure, Beauty, Excitement, Caring, Success, Community, etc.

2. Now think of a challenge that you are facing today. A tough one. Something that might bring out your inner “Evil Villain” and really attack your “Superhero.” It can be personal, professional, business or a combination.

3. Think of your “essence” words as a guideline for your integrity. As you face your challenge, think of how you can bring your essence to the forefront and use that as your “secret weapon.” In light of the challenge, show “Support,” “Caring,” “Success.” See how things turn around.

Be a Superhero.

Be a Super You!

Technorati Tags: Superhero, integrity, self, personal development, success, self awareness, being in the present, focus

(Four Session Teleclass)

If you think you have to go out and pound the pavement to look for prospects and keep networking . . .

You may already have a GOLDMINE OF CLIENTS just waiting.
The Key is to STAY CONNECTED AND KEEP IN TOUCH with the people you have already developed relationships with.

LEARN HOW TO “STAY IN THE GAME”

“. . . the content of the course was excellent. [Susan was] very well prepared and had a wonderful patient manner. . . What I felt was the most beneficial part for me was how encouraging [she was] . . Thank you so much!” Debra Lauderdale, Clincial Therapist and Coach

STOP STRUGGLING.

You will learn how to:

• Learn the importance of staying connected.
• Set up your own system.
• Develop strategies to automate your system.
• Start keeping in touch more regularly.
• How to make organizing your contact easier.
• Creating a system to stay in touch
  

Don’t let valuable contacts fall through the cracks!

DETAILS:
Four Session Teleclass:
CHECK “UPCOMING EVENTS” FOR SCHEDULED CLASSES OR CONTACT: bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

You will get:

• Four interactive teleclass sessions
• Detailed notes and excercises via download
• A complimentary subscription of the monthly Take Action! Newsletter
• Recordings of the teleclasses each week
• PLUS Access to fr*e*e valuable online resource to Stay In the Game and keep in touch.

For More Information, Contact: bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

Technorati Tags: Teleclass, Business, Strategies, Organization, Relationships, Profits, Resources

Do you wake up in the morning, slam the snooze button, grumble and roll over?

Sure, we all have those moments of lethargy and grogginess. Maybe because of one too many drinks last night or just not going to bed early enough. So you hit the snooze and roll over. Then the third time the alarm goes off, you think to yourself, “I wish I didn’t have to get up. I don’t want to go to work, but I’ve got that deadline. Ugh! I hate my job and my boss is going to get on me again today. One more snooze. . . ”

Our physical tiredness can put a damper on our mindset and attitude throughout the day. Certainly there are other factors involved, but being tired and physically run down can (and does) contribute to muddy thinking and bad attitude.

TIP #1: In order to jumpstart your day, prepare the night before by going to bed early and getting a full eight hours to sleep soundly and comfortably. Do this for a couple of days and notice what a difference it makes to your productivity, mindset and attitude! You will love it!

I have been practicing this technique for the past six months. Although it was difficult at first, once I got into the habit of preparing the night before, it became easier and easier. I noticed that not only was I physically well rested and more mentally ready in the morning, but I felt happier and more appreciative of my time. I started creating a “Gratitude Journal,” which further helped jumpstart my day - in a very positive manner.

Think about it this way: The first few moments of your day is important as to how the rest of the day reacts to your attitude. You get to decide and create the day that you want. We choose the kind of day we have AND how productive we are in that day by the feelings that we project from the moment we wake up in the morning.

TIP #2: Each morning as you wake up, take stock of everything for which you are grateful. Make a conscious intention around what kind of day you want to have. You are in control of how your day unfolds, so why not go through the day with this positive intention in your mind. It will help the day react to your desires.

Sometimes to jumpstart your day you just need a good ol’ fashion “hot cup of passion.” Passion is a natural motivator. When you’re involved with your passions on a day to day basis, this in itself is a formidable motivating force. Just TRY to stay in bed when you’ve got a passionate project in the works. Find your passion for anything and then move toward that passion each day (in addition to my work and family, my dog, who I am passionate about, gets me out of bed in the morning too)- it will certainly light a fire under you. First you have to find your passion.

TIP #3: Get up with a “hot cup of passion” each morning. Ask yourself the following questions and you’ll be on the road to finding that passion:
What I have intense desire, emotion, interest and conviction for?
What do I love?
What am I devoted to in my life?

Jumpstarting your day is easy. Address the physical lethergy by getting enough rest. Banish the negative “demons” by setting positive, conscious intentions. Find a purpose through your passions and be naturally motivated to Take Action! �

Technorati Tags: Resources, Personal Development, Balance, Strategy, Law of Attraction

INTRODUCTION TO “MEN ARE EASY”

Who says you have to work hard to have a great relationship?

Learn to develop durable, flexible, long-lasting love.

Whether you are thinking about committing to that one special person or you’ve been married for decades, this introductory class shows you how life with a man can be spontaneous, sexy, stable . . . and EASY!

TWO TELECLASSES BEING OFFERED
(Click on the date to register):

• Tuesday, March 27th, 2007 at 6:00pm Eastern/NY
• Thursday, April 5th, 2007 at 6:00pm Eastern/NY

For more information, send email to: MenAreEasy@susankimcoaching.com

Also, get the book NOW and save over 30%! Just click here to order.

Technorati Tags: Relationships, Resources, Teleclass, Personal Development, Balance, Strategy, Law of Attraction

The dictionary defines “abundance” as “an ample quantity” or “wealth.”
However living abundantly means that you have an adequate amount of whatever you need; it means that life is plentiful; you are wealthy. It also means that you are not driven by your needs, because you have already have more than you need.

Most people are living off of fumes and just scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of time, energy, resources, space, money, etc. Think about your day, are you spinning your wheels and putting out one fire to the next? If you answered yes, then youʼre running on fumes. So how do you fill up your tank? Live with abundance.

Abundant living is the idea that you already have all that you need. Abundant living is thinking win-win. Abundant living is about building reserves so that you are not wanting for anything; youʼre not motivated or driven by your needs. Once you start thinking and living abundantly you will naturally attract whatever you need and more! Abundant living makes life easier.

START LIVING WITH ABUNDANCE:

1. Identify what is abundant in your life right now - We all have “richness” in our lives right now, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the fumes. Clear the air and breathe, recognize what you have right now in your life.

2. Understand your needs - in addition to basic human needs (food, water, sleep, etc.) everyone has personal needs (appreciation, community, calmness, etc.). Know and be aware or your needs and how they drive you, both positively and negatively.

3. Think “win-win” - many conflicts arise from limiting beliefs and “win-lose” thinking. However, if you think abundantly and know that both parties can benefit, the solution becomes much more rewarding and you create a symbiotic relationship.

Try applying Abundant Living principles at work or business. By thinking “win-win” you accomplish more and build strong mutually beneficial partnerships.

Technorati Tags: Vision, Appreciation, Reflection, Relationships, Balance, Law of Attraction, Abundance

What motivates, inspires and continually challenges us to be on top of our game?
What supports our continued growth and development?
What fosters our creativity and imagination?

Learning

This past weekend, I volunteered at the Maui Writer’s Conference in Wailea, Maui.
Every year writers come together with agents, editors and publishers to create an environment filled with excitement and creativity. Authors pitching their ideas to various agencies or receiving professional feedback, while agents and publishers listen for their next bestseller!

However, it’s not the dealing and pitching that makes the Maui Writer’s Conference so alive, it’s the energetic synergy from sharing of ideas and the inspired development of one’s craft. During the workshops you can see minds expand and feel the creative process flow through the participants as each idea triggers a different idea in someone else and that shared idea in turn inspires another.

Learning is an important element of growth and attaining the next level of success.
It’s about reaching out of your comfort zone, putting aside what you already know and entering an unknown world where you challenge yourself to think differently or newly. That difference gives you a pioneering edge for your business or opens up a new sense of confidence in you personally.
It is in the challenge that we learn the most.

As you learn, you discover more about yourself.

No matter what your interests or profession, I encourage you to keep learning - keep growing - keep developing your mind and honing your skills. Through the learning process you will achieve great success. Enjoy the journey!

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” Louise May Alcott

Discovery Tip: Always Be Learning

In the next month or two, find different ways to learn - keep your mind in action!

(1) Read a book (look at the NYTimes Bestseller List)
(2) Attend a workshop or seminar
(3) Take a class (check out an online class or an e-course)
(4) Go to a professional conference
(5) Search the web (simply ask a question at www.ask.com)
(6) Read your local newspaper, cover to cover
(7) Watch a doumentary (March of the Penguins or What the Bleep Do We Know?)
(8) Listen to an inspirational speaker (live or recorded)
(9) Watch a stand up comic
(10) Try something new!

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Personal Development, Business Development, Education and Learning, Change, Balance, Challenge, Law of Attraction

Ghandi said, “We must become the change we want to see.”

This quote is meaningful in so many different ways, but the biggest message is:

We have a choice in our life to become whatever we want.

It is in our control to create a life that suits us, perfectly, whether it relates to our personally life, professional life or even to our own business. The key to having the life we really want is actually in the becoming. It’s not simply about “doing” or ”thinking,” it’s truly about becoming the change you see. Becoming implies a “being” or a way of life - a state of mind.

In order for you to become the change, there needs to be an awareness of not only who you are, but more specifically an awareness of your beliefs and thoughts and how it affects your actions. Your Thoughts lead to your Feelings, which lead you to take Action toward the end Result. Our beliefs are shaped throughout our life and become habits of thought, so often times it is difficult to pull away and be fully aware of them. These beliefs are affecting our lives from how we brush our teeth to how we deal with money to how we react and behave each day.

If you want to change something about your life, first look at your thoughts and beliefs.
The change may just be an inkling or a feeling of discontentment. Perhaps you can’t clearly
define it just yet, but you know you want something different, something better in your life.
What feelings do you have around these thoughts?
What actions do you take (or avoid) because of these feelings?
What results do you get?

Working with entrepreneurs and independent business owners, I witness the power of their own thoughts and beliefs around their business. One of my clients has his own business but was struggling with growing his business. He felt like he was doing the right things, marketing, networking, giving value, but he wasn’t able to get his business where he wanted
it to be. Through coaching, he discovered that he had a negative belief around “selling.” He struggled with “selling” his services because he believed salesmen were pushy, unlikeable and just wanted to see a sale, so of course he didn’t want to be a salesman. After further discovery around how these feelings were causing certain actions (ie not promoting his own business!) and by improving upon his business strategies, he was able to change his belief, readjust his methods and start creating the results he wanted - to grow his business!

It wasn’t just his belief around selling, but more importantly it was his belief about himself.

You have a choice in your life to become whatever you want

Discovery Tip: Become The Change You Want To Be

To become the change you want to be:
(1) Be aware of your own thoughts and beliefs
(2) Consider your feelings around these thoughts
(3) Discover the actions you take (or don’t take) because of these feelings
(4) Analyze the results you are getting

After this fourth step, if you are not getting the results you want to have in your life (or business) KNOW that you have a choice to become whatever you want and then develop a belief for yourself that will enable you to become the change you want to be.

Technorati Tags: Balance, Vision, Reflection, Change, Results, Strategy, Law of Attraction, Action

Work/life balance is an issue that has been around for years. We often hear of juggling five balls as an analogy to balancing life. The five balls represent work, family, health, friends and spirit. Work is described as rubber and will always bounce back. However, the other four “balls of life” are made of glass and if dropped, will get nicked, damaged or completely shatter.

This view is commonly accepted and the analogy, widely used.  Although I believe this is a great visual analogy, I have one major problem with it. . . . the five balls are separate entities. Our life is one whole.

Many separate the different roles and the different characteristics of their life from each other - work, family, health, friends and spirit - but is any one of these any less important to LIFE and WHO we are? I say no.

Life is made up of all of these components, but each of these components are a piece of the whole.  The way I see balance is not through juggling, but rather through fitting in all of the appropriate pieces to fit in a puzzle that make up who you are - one whole Life.

Society and culture break apart our whole self by giving us “labels’ and “roles” so that we can easily and neatly fit into the compartments of our environment:
At work, you’re a technician.
At home, you’re a mother.
With friends, you’re a jokester.
You get the idea. . . “labels” and “roles” are given to distinguish between each setting or situation.  Often times we buy into these compartments and separate our work life from our home life from our life with friends. This is why there is a need for balance with work and life.

But in reality, you are one entity.
You are you all the time.
There is One Life.
How do you balance that?

Ultimately it IS one life, one entity, so the balance comes by breaking down the walls that separate and divide the whole part of Life. Pulling away from the labels and roles and just “being” who you are. . . . With this concept, if you are “being” you all the time, then work, family, health, friends and spirit would fit into a package that is called YOU, there would be no need for “balancing” and “juggling.”

Life is in balance when every moment of every day you can be fully YOU.

Discovery Tip: Balancing Work and Life

Some ideas and thoughts on how to achieve true balance in your life.

• Give yourself time.
  Achieving “balance” in your life is an on-going process that takes time and many shifts. The way we work, think, behave are all habits, even if they don’t always work well in our life. It takes time to first realize the habits that
  have been formed, figure out what habits would work better and then to re-form those habits in our lives.

• Know what is important in your life.
  The easiest way to know what is balance in your life, is to know who you are.
  The first step to knowing your true self is to ask yourself honestly, “What is important in my life?”

• Look at the “labels” and “roles” you hold in your life now- are they you?
  Perhaps some of the “un-balanced” feelings come from your intuition and doing something you know is “off” for you. Listen to your intuition and your gut feelings for yourself. Are you forcing yourself to be and do things that are just not you? Going against your natural grain will almost always cause a feeling of imbalance. Unfortunately people do not rely enough on that natural “feeling” and intuition we were all born with.

Technorati Tags: Stress and Overwhelm, Balance, Self Care, Priorities, Decision Making, Law of Attraction, Action