FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
I don’t know what it is doing in your part of the World but here today it broke the seventy degree mark for the first time this year. Warm and sunny weather is just so therapeutic !!! I couldn’t let it go to waste so I spent the majority of the day doing some long overdue visiting. Of course, riding with the window down and some good music playing made the trip that much more enjoyable. But, now it’s time to spend some quality time with all of you. So, as always, welcome back to all my regulars and welcome aboard to all the new comers. If you are new and want to read the back editions or if you just missed one you can find them all by going to either:
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
********************* Success University *********************
It’s that time of year again !!! It’s time for the Success University Annual Leadership Conference. This year’s event is being held in London, England. You see, Success University is not just your average online business opportunity company. These people are all about Leadership and Support for their members. They go the EXTRA MILE. Now, being in over 175 countries and having become approximately 80,000 students strong, they continue to reach new levels of excellence and are showing the World that THEY MEAN BUSINESS !!! They even have a Special Promotion going on right now that will provide YOU with a FREE ticket to the event by simply having a few of your downline to purchase tickets. What’s that ??? You say you’re not a member ??? Well, then you need to finish reading this newsletter so you can go check them out at…….
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
************************************************************
Almost on a daily basis I get emails asking me what the best advertising methods are. I always tell people that there are no right or wrong methods. There are the methods that are best suited for you, based on your strengths and weaknesses in certain areas. For example, you may be a good talker but not know your way around the internet. Or, you may be a real computer geek but can’t carry on a conversation in person. However, there is another dimension to advertising and it is really the actual KEY to any and all kinds of advertising you may use. The KEY that I’m talking about is Psychology !!!
To be competent in advertising you must understand Human Psychology. You see, Human Nature is perpetual so the principles of psychology are basically unchanging. Therefore, once you learn them all you have to do is apply them to attain the desired results. All advertising is trial and error but the more you understand how people think the more error you will eliminate and the faster you will dramatically improve your results.
One of the most effective methods of advertising is the Curiosity Factor. People are naturally curious and when hooked with an exciting lead in or a catchy phrase, they are drawn in and want to know more. I must point out, however, that you should never confuse arousing curiosity with generating Hype !!! People are very burned out on hype and will run from it screaming !!! A good example of arousing curiosity without hype is stating a true fact about the product or service that is a real attention getter without actually telling them what the product or service is. Curiosity will take over at that point and they will check further into what you have to offer.
Next, never fall into the Cheapness Trap !!! People are not attracted by CHEAP. They have a very high level of a self deserving mindset and want quality because they feel deserving of only the very best. When people look to purchase something they have a tendency to judge it’s value by the price that is being charged for it. If it is something that is going to benefit them greatly in some way and you have it priced much too low the first thing they are going to do is assume that it is of low quality. Believe me, it is just as important to charge ENOUGH for your product or service and it is to not OVER CHARGE !!!
Another aspect to consider is the Guarantee you place on your product or service. In recent years the most popular method has been a Money Back Guarantee. The customer receives a written promise that if they are not happy with what you sell them that you will willingly and swiftly refund their money. Unfortunately, we live in a World of scams and rip offs so people are not very willing to let go of their money and HOPE they can get it back if they are not happy. Have YOU ever tried to get a refund from an online purchase ??? A more preferred method is to NOT take payment at the time of sale but rather let them try your product or service for a pre-determined amount of time then, if they are happy they pay and if not they return the item. If you are not comfortable letting it go without receiving payment then simply take their payment information and agree to not charge them until after the Trial Period. If they do not return it then you are assured of payment.
Be bold in the confidence you place on what you have to offer. But, be bolder in the manner in which you exhibit that confidence. Don’t be selfishly bold and talk only of how great your offer is. INSIST that they try your competitor’s offer. Show them that you know that your product or service will stand on it’s own merits. Most people will react to this type of approach by skipping the comparison purchase and going immediately for yours. They will deduce that if you are that confident of what you have that they will EVENTUALLY be buying yours anyway so they may as well start with the best.
These are just a few of the more important aspects of Human Psychology but there are far too many for me to be able to address in this newsletter. I just wanted to give you a basic idea of how important it is to get INSIDE THE HEADS of your potential customers. I’m not implying that you should go out and take a college course on the subject but I do recommend that you expose yourself to as much of this aspect of the sales process as possible. It all comes down to one basic idea. It’s not just what you say but, rather, HOW YOU SAY IT !!!
***********************************************************
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”
- Plutarch
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“Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation ... even so does inaction sap the vigour of the mind.”
- Leonardo da Vinci
***********************************************************
Ok, allow me to take this opportunity to catch all of you a little off guard. It just came to me today that it has been sixty days since the beginning of the New Year. Guess what that means. That means that you are sixty days into your New Years’ Resolutions !!! That’s right, just sixty short days ago you made yourself a LOT of promises. The question is, how many of them have you made good on ???
You see, the average person, at the end of sixty days will have defaulted on 95% of their New Year’s Resolutions. That is a staggering statistic and one we should NOT be very proud of. Think about that for a moment. Every year we make countless promises to ourselves that are doomed for failure. Now, what you need to do right now is take a little personal inventory and determine if YOU are a statistic !!!
The first thing you need to do is get out your list of resolutions. You DID write them down, right ??? The first rule of Goal Setting, which is basically what a resolution is, is to WRITE THEM DOWN !!! Now, go down the list one at a time. Read each one out loud and evaluate where you stand on that particular one. No gray area. No excuses. No justification of failure. Just plain and simply, if it should have been completed by now, IS IT ??? If it was not scheduled for completion yet, ARE YOU ACTUALLY ON TRACK ???
Ok, now take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Of the ones that you are falling short on, it is VERY important that you accept FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the fact that you missed the mark. This is an essential part of getting it right the next time. If you try to blame something or someone else then, instead of doing it differently on the next attempt, you will simply eliminate what you are blaming for the failure and repeat your unsuccessful methods again. Now, don’t make me remind you of what Einstein said about his definition of Insanity !!!
Next, take a look at the ones that you DID accomplish or ARE on track with. I want you to take them to the next level. Remember, you are NEVER as good or as successful as you can be. There is always room for improvement. Hold yourself to a higher standard. If you set certain physical fitness goals and attained them then set stricter ones for next time. If you set certain financial goals and attained them then add a zero next time. I think you get the point. Never become stagnant in your development. Always see yourself as a work in progress. Always keep the mindset that success is not a Destination but rather a Journey through the Universe of your life, never ending and magnificent !!!
What ever you do, take this as a learning experience. If you have been predominantly successful in your Resolutions then intensify your efforts and achieve greatness. If you fell a little short, be firm but not hard on yourself. You should never punish yourself for any level of failure. Accepting the responsibility of the failure and responding to it by aspiring to do better next time will serve you much better than coming down on yourself. Always remember, A SET BACK IS A SET UP FOR A COMEBACK !!!
************************************************************
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.”
- Helen Keller
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************************************************************
“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.”
- John F. Kennedy
************************************************************
As usual, the time has just flown by. It seems like I just sat down here a few minutes ago when, in fact, I have been here for quite a while. That’s what happens when you are so involved in and enjoying what you are doing. It is always a joy as well as a learning experience and I eagerly await each week reaching this point. Each week it is my hope that I have helped someone in some way. If anyone ever has any suggestions for something you would like for me to cover just let me know. I will be happy to accommodate all of you in that respect. Well, I’m off to bed. Tomorrow and all it’s adventures and challenges are waiting just around the corner. So, until the Good Lord let’s us do this again next week just remember to always………………….
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Newsletter 02/24/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
Has is been a week already? It always amazes me at where the time goes. Of course, Time is only a concept anyway. Scientifically speaking, it is always RIGHT NOW, all time immediately becomes the PAST and the FUTURE never arrives !!! Yea, spend a little time chewing on that one. It kind of gives you a little better understanding of why you must use the Law of Attraction by visualizing in the Present rather than the Future, huh? Anyway, on that note, I would like to welcome back all my dear, dear friends and welcome aboard all my new ones. As always, if you are new and want to read back editions or maybe you just missed one, just go to either.........
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
NOTE: Temporarily Experiencing Technical Difficulties With This Site, Please Use Blog.
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
********************* Success University *********************
Jim Rohn is quoted as saying, "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." Jim and many more like him make up the faculty that have contributed their materials to our outstanding curriculum at Success University. To date, Success University has accumulated approximately 100 authors, speakers and coaches as faculty members and it continues to grow every single day. We are on a mission to change the World through Personal Development. Considering that we are currently providing excellent service to over 60,000 active students in approximately 170 countries, I think we are on the correct path for filling the bill on that mission. Make a difference in YOUR life while making a difference in the lives of thousands of others. Join us for a 14 FREE Trial Membership and see what we are really all about !!!
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
************************************************************
As most of you know, I work as the Director of Support for my Team in Success University so I have first hand exposure to a lot of different scenarios in peoples businesses. I'm always watching and listening, looking for common threads in what they do and how they do it. It helps me to do a much better job of providing them with the support and training they need. Another thing that I do, however, is to spend a considerable amount of time researching business in general and sometimes I run across some pretty eyebrow raising little tidbits. Allow me to share a couple with you.
I was on the Small Business Administration's website today ( http://www.sba.gov ) and found something I find to be very interesting. It had a list of the Top Ten Reasons Why Most Small Businesses Fail. Now, bearing in mind that when someone's business fails that they immediately want to blame the product or service they are providing, what would you say if I told you that SALES ranked NUMBER TEN in that list??? You just spend a couple of minutes thinking about that. The volume of sales of the actual Product or Service that is being sold is the LAST THING ON THE LIST of the reason's the businesses fail !!!
Would you like a sampling of the reasons that outranked the actual sales? I thought you would. Try some of these on for size:
1) Lack of Knowledge
2) Poor Management
3) Over-Investment in Fixed Assets (i.e. Buying new office furniture, unnecessary equipment, etc.)
4) Irresponsible Use of Credit
5) Personal Use of Business Funds
All in all, the main theme here seems to be that the people who's businesses fail seem to be as prepared and take their business about as seriously as a seven year old opening a lemonade stand. People, you have GOT to get out and stay out of this mentality that just because you have a small business and you're not working our of the business towers down town that you can just WING IT !!! Having a business, large or small, is a HUGE undertaking and a HUGE responsibility. You simply have to have the proper mindset, adequate level of maturity and a burning desire for professionalism or you are GOING TO BECOME A STATISTIC!!!
Furthermore, I was reading an article on http://www.businessknowhow.com and discovered some more interesting facts. When listing the four things that successful businesses have that troubled ones do not, they listed the following characteristics as the NUMBER ONE thing...
1) They have a Positive Attitude toward their business and life in general. (Hmmm... Wonder where you've heard that before ???)
2) They are Committed to their effort.
3) They are PATIENT !!!
4) They are PERSISTENT !!!
These are not my theories or facts that I just made up. These are the cold, hard facts that any of you could find just as I did. They stand as evidence that most of the time, with very little exception, if you want to know why your business is failing you need look no further than the bathroom mirror to locate the source of the trouble. These are the very things that I stand on when I tell all of you to TAKE INVENTORY of not only your business but also of yourself and how you approach it. You see, for the most part there are no BAD BUSINESSES, just bad BUSINESS OWNERS !!!
************************************************************
"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
- Victor Kiam
************************************************************
Let me ask all of you something. Are you in your respective businesses JUST FOR THE MONEY ??? Now, that may seem like a bit of a strange question at first but think about it. Are you doing something that you truly enjoy and that brings you a high degree of satisfaction? Are you doing something that puts a song in your heart and lets you sleep well at night knowing that, not only are you being successful and providing adequately for your family, but that you are doing something that makes a difference in someone else's life?
I hope you are because if you are then you are truly leading a blessed life. I know that I am. PASSION FOR and LOVE OF what you do is about the single most powerful tool available to any business today. I know for me that nothing compares, not even money, to the satisfaction of someone telling me how I have helped them through a tough time or motivated them in some way. I suppose that is the reason that I don't charge for my counseling service. I accept the rewards inside as payment in full.
Now, don't misunderstand me. You don't have to be a counselor or a motivational speaker or anything like that for this concept to apply. Any business can be fulfilling in that way if you are the right person for that business. Think about a few examples..... A photographer creates loving memories for their clients. A construction worker creates a loving home for those memories to take place. A candy vendor brings a smile to the face of a child. An artist brings beauty to a world desperately in need of that very thing. And the list goes on and on. The point is that there are no specific businesses that generate passion in the hearts of their owners. There is only proper matching of business owner to business.
I want to share something very special with you from my weeks events and it ties directly to what I just spoke of. I spend, sometimes, fourteen to sixteen hours a day working with people and helping them deal with issues in their business and sometimes just life in general and sometimes that can get a bit stressful. But every once in a while, right when I'm in need of a break, something phenomenal will happen. This week has been no exception.
There is this kind, sweet little lady from down south that I work with helping her to develop her business. She is a very nice person who loves to talk. Sometimes we'll spend an hour on the phone. We start out talking about business then, the next thing you know, we're talking about her kids or her church group. She is just a joy to talk to.
Well, she called me this week and during the course of our conversation she expressed to me how much I meant to her and how it brightened her day to spend time talking to me. Folks, that will take the WORK out of ANY business you are running. But that is not the best part of this story. We began talking about the fact that she writes poetry and songs. She asked me if I would like for her to share a couple with me. Naturally, I told her yes. I want you to know that dear, sweet little lady sat there on that telephone and SANG two songs to me. I'm not ashamed to tell all of you that I sat there with tears in my eyes while she sang to me. People, I can't even imagine what else I could be doing that would be able to compare to the joy that she brought to my heart during those few moments. It's just this simple, you can make money at ANYTHING !!! But you can only be truly happy and successful doing what you LOVE !!!
************************************************************
"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and in reach of every hand."
- Mother Teresa
************************************************************
I have to tell you, when I look back over my life at where I came from then look at where I am and where I'm headed it is absolutely mind boggling !!! What I mean by that is when you look at every turning point in my life there was one common thread. It had nothing to do circumstances but what I chose to do with those circumstances. Sadly, we don't get a second chance at life. There is no REWIND button. But, I suppose that could be to our advantage. If we were able to REWIND in order to make better choices in life just think about all the blessings that you would eliminate from your past. If you could go back 20 years and do it all over again maybe you wouldn't have your wonderful children or that spouse that you love so dearly. So, don't dwell on what MIGHT HAVE BEEN. Just focus on getting it right the first time from now on. As always, it has been an honor to have this time with all of you and until the Good Lord grants it to us once again next week just remember to..........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
Has is been a week already? It always amazes me at where the time goes. Of course, Time is only a concept anyway. Scientifically speaking, it is always RIGHT NOW, all time immediately becomes the PAST and the FUTURE never arrives !!! Yea, spend a little time chewing on that one. It kind of gives you a little better understanding of why you must use the Law of Attraction by visualizing in the Present rather than the Future, huh? Anyway, on that note, I would like to welcome back all my dear, dear friends and welcome aboard all my new ones. As always, if you are new and want to read back editions or maybe you just missed one, just go to either.........
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
NOTE: Temporarily Experiencing Technical Difficulties With This Site, Please Use Blog.
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
********************* Success University *********************
Jim Rohn is quoted as saying, "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." Jim and many more like him make up the faculty that have contributed their materials to our outstanding curriculum at Success University. To date, Success University has accumulated approximately 100 authors, speakers and coaches as faculty members and it continues to grow every single day. We are on a mission to change the World through Personal Development. Considering that we are currently providing excellent service to over 60,000 active students in approximately 170 countries, I think we are on the correct path for filling the bill on that mission. Make a difference in YOUR life while making a difference in the lives of thousands of others. Join us for a 14 FREE Trial Membership and see what we are really all about !!!
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
************************************************************
As most of you know, I work as the Director of Support for my Team in Success University so I have first hand exposure to a lot of different scenarios in peoples businesses. I'm always watching and listening, looking for common threads in what they do and how they do it. It helps me to do a much better job of providing them with the support and training they need. Another thing that I do, however, is to spend a considerable amount of time researching business in general and sometimes I run across some pretty eyebrow raising little tidbits. Allow me to share a couple with you.
I was on the Small Business Administration's website today ( http://www.sba.gov ) and found something I find to be very interesting. It had a list of the Top Ten Reasons Why Most Small Businesses Fail. Now, bearing in mind that when someone's business fails that they immediately want to blame the product or service they are providing, what would you say if I told you that SALES ranked NUMBER TEN in that list??? You just spend a couple of minutes thinking about that. The volume of sales of the actual Product or Service that is being sold is the LAST THING ON THE LIST of the reason's the businesses fail !!!
Would you like a sampling of the reasons that outranked the actual sales? I thought you would. Try some of these on for size:
1) Lack of Knowledge
2) Poor Management
3) Over-Investment in Fixed Assets (i.e. Buying new office furniture, unnecessary equipment, etc.)
4) Irresponsible Use of Credit
5) Personal Use of Business Funds
All in all, the main theme here seems to be that the people who's businesses fail seem to be as prepared and take their business about as seriously as a seven year old opening a lemonade stand. People, you have GOT to get out and stay out of this mentality that just because you have a small business and you're not working our of the business towers down town that you can just WING IT !!! Having a business, large or small, is a HUGE undertaking and a HUGE responsibility. You simply have to have the proper mindset, adequate level of maturity and a burning desire for professionalism or you are GOING TO BECOME A STATISTIC!!!
Furthermore, I was reading an article on http://www.businessknowhow.com and discovered some more interesting facts. When listing the four things that successful businesses have that troubled ones do not, they listed the following characteristics as the NUMBER ONE thing...
1) They have a Positive Attitude toward their business and life in general. (Hmmm... Wonder where you've heard that before ???)
2) They are Committed to their effort.
3) They are PATIENT !!!
4) They are PERSISTENT !!!
These are not my theories or facts that I just made up. These are the cold, hard facts that any of you could find just as I did. They stand as evidence that most of the time, with very little exception, if you want to know why your business is failing you need look no further than the bathroom mirror to locate the source of the trouble. These are the very things that I stand on when I tell all of you to TAKE INVENTORY of not only your business but also of yourself and how you approach it. You see, for the most part there are no BAD BUSINESSES, just bad BUSINESS OWNERS !!!
************************************************************
"Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage."
- Victor Kiam
************************************************************
Let me ask all of you something. Are you in your respective businesses JUST FOR THE MONEY ??? Now, that may seem like a bit of a strange question at first but think about it. Are you doing something that you truly enjoy and that brings you a high degree of satisfaction? Are you doing something that puts a song in your heart and lets you sleep well at night knowing that, not only are you being successful and providing adequately for your family, but that you are doing something that makes a difference in someone else's life?
I hope you are because if you are then you are truly leading a blessed life. I know that I am. PASSION FOR and LOVE OF what you do is about the single most powerful tool available to any business today. I know for me that nothing compares, not even money, to the satisfaction of someone telling me how I have helped them through a tough time or motivated them in some way. I suppose that is the reason that I don't charge for my counseling service. I accept the rewards inside as payment in full.
Now, don't misunderstand me. You don't have to be a counselor or a motivational speaker or anything like that for this concept to apply. Any business can be fulfilling in that way if you are the right person for that business. Think about a few examples..... A photographer creates loving memories for their clients. A construction worker creates a loving home for those memories to take place. A candy vendor brings a smile to the face of a child. An artist brings beauty to a world desperately in need of that very thing. And the list goes on and on. The point is that there are no specific businesses that generate passion in the hearts of their owners. There is only proper matching of business owner to business.
I want to share something very special with you from my weeks events and it ties directly to what I just spoke of. I spend, sometimes, fourteen to sixteen hours a day working with people and helping them deal with issues in their business and sometimes just life in general and sometimes that can get a bit stressful. But every once in a while, right when I'm in need of a break, something phenomenal will happen. This week has been no exception.
There is this kind, sweet little lady from down south that I work with helping her to develop her business. She is a very nice person who loves to talk. Sometimes we'll spend an hour on the phone. We start out talking about business then, the next thing you know, we're talking about her kids or her church group. She is just a joy to talk to.
Well, she called me this week and during the course of our conversation she expressed to me how much I meant to her and how it brightened her day to spend time talking to me. Folks, that will take the WORK out of ANY business you are running. But that is not the best part of this story. We began talking about the fact that she writes poetry and songs. She asked me if I would like for her to share a couple with me. Naturally, I told her yes. I want you to know that dear, sweet little lady sat there on that telephone and SANG two songs to me. I'm not ashamed to tell all of you that I sat there with tears in my eyes while she sang to me. People, I can't even imagine what else I could be doing that would be able to compare to the joy that she brought to my heart during those few moments. It's just this simple, you can make money at ANYTHING !!! But you can only be truly happy and successful doing what you LOVE !!!
************************************************************
"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and in reach of every hand."
- Mother Teresa
************************************************************
I have to tell you, when I look back over my life at where I came from then look at where I am and where I'm headed it is absolutely mind boggling !!! What I mean by that is when you look at every turning point in my life there was one common thread. It had nothing to do circumstances but what I chose to do with those circumstances. Sadly, we don't get a second chance at life. There is no REWIND button. But, I suppose that could be to our advantage. If we were able to REWIND in order to make better choices in life just think about all the blessings that you would eliminate from your past. If you could go back 20 years and do it all over again maybe you wouldn't have your wonderful children or that spouse that you love so dearly. So, don't dwell on what MIGHT HAVE BEEN. Just focus on getting it right the first time from now on. As always, it has been an honor to have this time with all of you and until the Good Lord grants it to us once again next week just remember to..........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Newsletter 02/17/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
I am just so excited. It's only about 30 more days till the first day of Spring and I'm really looking forward to the nice weather. There is just something about a warm Spring morning that is just so rejuvenating. It gives you the feeling of having a fresh start and having the hardships of Life's Winter behind you. That having been said, I would like to welcome all my loyal readers back and welcome all my newcomers to another edition of my newsletter. As always, if you are new and want to read back editions or if you just missed one you can always go to either.......
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
********************* Success University *********************
Three years ago a young man by the name of Matt Morris had a Vision. Three years later Matt Morris has a debt free, multi-million dollar company that is changing lives all around the globe !!! This company has put together a team of around 100 of the greatest names in the Personal Development industry. You may have heard of a few...... Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, Denis Waitely...... Anybody sound familiar ??? They should. They are the BACKBONE of the Personal Development community around the World. These people command thousands of dollars each for a weekend seminar and now you can have access to their material for less than that the cost of a cup of coffee a day AND earn a substantial income while you do it. Now, that 's really the best of both worlds. Let Success University change your life. It changed MINE !!!
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
************************************************************
Zig Ziglar tells a story of a lumberjack who's performance suffered by more than 40% because he wouldn't stop and take the time to sharpen his axe. Now, most of us understand that the reference to the man's axe signifies our taking the time to sharpen our skills through extended education and Personal Development but I would like to take this in another direction. With very little exception, we all conduct business using our computer in some capacity whether it is to go on-line or just to store and manipulate files but I have learned through working with people on a daily basis that there is an area where a surprisingly high number of people are weak.......... COMPUTER MAINTANENCE !!!
What I would like to do is to point out some very important and yet normally neglected practices. I am going to name certain products by name but, FOR THE RECORD, I have no affiliation with and receive no compensation from any of the companies that I am going to name. I make these references and recommendations entirely from my own experiences using these products. They have served me well and, properly utilized, I'm sure they will serve you well too.
First of all, NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE !!! People, you have got to stop downloading everything that is put in front of your face just because it's free. Also, stop opening every email you get !!! If you didn't ask for the email to be sent and you don't know the sender DON'T OPEN IT !!! You see, an alarmingly large number of websites out there on the internet are just a tad unscrupulous. NOW, THERE'S A SHOCKER !!! A large percentage of the time when you download a FREEBIE you are also downloading spyware. Do you honestly think that these companies are taking the time to develop and give you all these goodies for FREE? HELLO, McFLY !!!
There are many products on the market for removing spyware but here's the thing, some cost money and some don't. The reason some of them are free is that the company has a more high end product they want to sell you so you can get the lower end one for free to try out. It's basically like getting the trial or demo version but normally works just as well as the full version with just less bells and whistles. The next thing is to understand that these companies do not all have the same list of potential hazards that exist out there so you need more than one spyware program to run so that you get better overall coverage. The two FREE ones that I recommend and actually use on my own computer are SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY and ADAWARE personal version. You can find these at such places as http://www.downloads.com and http://www.majorgeeks.com . These programs will try to get you to pay for REAL TIME protection but all you have to do is take the time to run these programs manually a couple times a week OR you can spend the money. It's up to you.
The other thing we need to cover is just plain maintenance. This includes Virus Protection, Firewall Protection and Maintenance of the internal workings of your computer. I can lump these three major problems of computers into one pile for these purposes because any software worth the money you paid for it will tackle all three. DO NOT spend your money buying a separate software package for Anti-virus, Anti-hacker (Fire Wall) and System Maintenance !!! This is a complete waste of your good hard earned cash. Also, the software that I am going to recommend to you comes all inclusive for about half what the name brands go for and works much more efficiently. Also, my good friends at Wal-Mart will sell you this software for about $5 less than the technology Super Stores.
You need to purchase a program call System Mechanic Professional. It will run you about $35-40 and comes with 3 licenses. This means that you can install it on 3 separate computers and it is licensed for a complete year, giving you access to all system updates and a constantly updated Anti-virus Database. It is a very user friendly software and normally finds many more errors that need repairing that the leading name brand software. Make SURE that you purchase the PROFESSIONAL edition, as this is the one that has ALL the goodies in one package deal. It is very easy to install and most features can be set up to run automatically during what ever portion of a day or days that you don't need to use your computer, like while you're sleeping. I've used pretty much everything on the market and I've always come back to System Mechanic Professional.
If you will acquire and make use of the items that I've suggested and do so according to the instructions that they come with I can say with a lot of confidence that you will find a lot of new life in your old computer and a lot longer life in ANY computer, new or old. For computers in particularly bad shape you will often have to run the various softwares a few times before you get maximum results but I guarantee you that you will see a difference in performance. My computer is over 5 years old and every year that I update my maintenance software and keep it in good operating condition I am saving myself hundreds of dollars. Let's see....... $35 for software OR $$$$$$$$ for a new computer...... Hmmmm, YOU DO THE MATH !!!
************************************************************
"As technology advances, it reverses the characteristics of every situation again and again. The age of automation is going to be the age of DO IT YOURSELF."
- Marshall McLuhan
************************************************************
As those of you who are close to me know, I was the victim of a crime a few weeks ago and so, for the time being anyway, I won't be enjoying the nice weather when it gets here doing my FAVORITE thing in the world which is riding my motorcycle. While I was away from my home someone went into the storage building in the back yard and took my customized 1997 Harley Davidson Softail Classic. As worldly possessions go, there was nothing in existence that they could have taken from me that would have hurt me any more than taking that bike. But, as we all know, that which does not kill us only makes us stronger. The way in which I was able to deal with that incident speaks highly of what Personal Development has done for me in my life.
Now, I didn't tell you about that for sympathy. I told you about that to make a point. The point is that Life is not about what happens to you but rather how you REACT to what happens to you. You see, there were many possible scenarios that could have come into play when that happened to me. I could have become angry and let hate come into my heart. I could have become extremely sad and let depression sink it's hooks into me. I could have even became vengeful and went on some crazy mission to find the person who took my prize possession and "Make them pay for what they did !!!"
But I did none of those things. As difficult as it was and as UNLIKE ME from an earlier point in my life as it was, I immediately began to search inside myself for all the positives. "POSITIVES ???" you may be saying. Yes, positives. Just like when someone close to you passes away and you begin to think of positive things like "They are gone to Heaven now" or "They are not suffering anymore", there are positives in ANY situation. Granted, you must be strong and search DEEP and HARD inside yourself for them sometimes but they are there.
Now, this is generally a newsletter about business and I always try to tie the things I talk about into business so you may be wondering where I am going with this. The lesson involved here is that all aspects of your life are tied together and affect each other. Think about it. If I had let that incident take over my mind and my attitude do you not think that would have affected my business? How would I be able to sit at my desk and talk to people all day long about proper attitude and mindset if I wasn't even in control of my own ??? How could I effectively help them deal with the problems and issues they were calling me about if I couldn't even deal with my own problems and issues. Not to mention the fact that my focus in general would have been diminished causing the quality of service that I provide to suffer.
Everyday, no matter how large or how small, Life is going to challenge you in some way. The key to your success lies in your ability to react is a POSITIVE manner as opposed to a NEGATIVE one. Most of us have close friends and loved ones that we can draw strength from in times of need while some of us DO NOT and even those of us who do, occasionally turn around for support and find that those friends and loved ones need us more than we need them. So, it is VERY important that you have it instilled in yourself to have the PROPER MINDSET and the INNER STRENGTH to react to Life's events and to react PROPERLY !!! Personal Development is NOT just some courses that you take in your spare time or listening to an occasional Audio CD. Personal Development is a LIFESTYLE !!! Make it yours.
************************************************************
"Never suppose that in any possible situation or under any circumstances that it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing however slightly so it may appear to you. Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises, being assured that they will gain strength by exercise...and that exercise will make them habitual."
- Thomas Jefferson
************************************************************
Well, my friends, barring the Good Lord hitting the button on the stop watch and calling GAME OVER, tomorrow is waiting on each and every one of us to take it on HEAD-ON !!! I can't speak for all of you but I, personally, look forward to each new day and all the challenges and/or adventures that it has waiting for me. Sometimes inner strength isn't easy to have and even harder to use but it is a NECESSITY for a successful life. Wake up tomorrow, thank God that you DID wake up and make good of what the day has to offer. Until we are afforded this special time together again by our Gracious Heavenly Father, just remember to always........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
I am just so excited. It's only about 30 more days till the first day of Spring and I'm really looking forward to the nice weather. There is just something about a warm Spring morning that is just so rejuvenating. It gives you the feeling of having a fresh start and having the hardships of Life's Winter behind you. That having been said, I would like to welcome all my loyal readers back and welcome all my newcomers to another edition of my newsletter. As always, if you are new and want to read back editions or if you just missed one you can always go to either.......
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
********************* Success University *********************
Three years ago a young man by the name of Matt Morris had a Vision. Three years later Matt Morris has a debt free, multi-million dollar company that is changing lives all around the globe !!! This company has put together a team of around 100 of the greatest names in the Personal Development industry. You may have heard of a few...... Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, Denis Waitely...... Anybody sound familiar ??? They should. They are the BACKBONE of the Personal Development community around the World. These people command thousands of dollars each for a weekend seminar and now you can have access to their material for less than that the cost of a cup of coffee a day AND earn a substantial income while you do it. Now, that 's really the best of both worlds. Let Success University change your life. It changed MINE !!!
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
************************************************************
Zig Ziglar tells a story of a lumberjack who's performance suffered by more than 40% because he wouldn't stop and take the time to sharpen his axe. Now, most of us understand that the reference to the man's axe signifies our taking the time to sharpen our skills through extended education and Personal Development but I would like to take this in another direction. With very little exception, we all conduct business using our computer in some capacity whether it is to go on-line or just to store and manipulate files but I have learned through working with people on a daily basis that there is an area where a surprisingly high number of people are weak.......... COMPUTER MAINTANENCE !!!
What I would like to do is to point out some very important and yet normally neglected practices. I am going to name certain products by name but, FOR THE RECORD, I have no affiliation with and receive no compensation from any of the companies that I am going to name. I make these references and recommendations entirely from my own experiences using these products. They have served me well and, properly utilized, I'm sure they will serve you well too.
First of all, NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE !!! People, you have got to stop downloading everything that is put in front of your face just because it's free. Also, stop opening every email you get !!! If you didn't ask for the email to be sent and you don't know the sender DON'T OPEN IT !!! You see, an alarmingly large number of websites out there on the internet are just a tad unscrupulous. NOW, THERE'S A SHOCKER !!! A large percentage of the time when you download a FREEBIE you are also downloading spyware. Do you honestly think that these companies are taking the time to develop and give you all these goodies for FREE? HELLO, McFLY !!!
There are many products on the market for removing spyware but here's the thing, some cost money and some don't. The reason some of them are free is that the company has a more high end product they want to sell you so you can get the lower end one for free to try out. It's basically like getting the trial or demo version but normally works just as well as the full version with just less bells and whistles. The next thing is to understand that these companies do not all have the same list of potential hazards that exist out there so you need more than one spyware program to run so that you get better overall coverage. The two FREE ones that I recommend and actually use on my own computer are SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY and ADAWARE personal version. You can find these at such places as http://www.downloads.com and http://www.majorgeeks.com . These programs will try to get you to pay for REAL TIME protection but all you have to do is take the time to run these programs manually a couple times a week OR you can spend the money. It's up to you.
The other thing we need to cover is just plain maintenance. This includes Virus Protection, Firewall Protection and Maintenance of the internal workings of your computer. I can lump these three major problems of computers into one pile for these purposes because any software worth the money you paid for it will tackle all three. DO NOT spend your money buying a separate software package for Anti-virus, Anti-hacker (Fire Wall) and System Maintenance !!! This is a complete waste of your good hard earned cash. Also, the software that I am going to recommend to you comes all inclusive for about half what the name brands go for and works much more efficiently. Also, my good friends at Wal-Mart will sell you this software for about $5 less than the technology Super Stores.
You need to purchase a program call System Mechanic Professional. It will run you about $35-40 and comes with 3 licenses. This means that you can install it on 3 separate computers and it is licensed for a complete year, giving you access to all system updates and a constantly updated Anti-virus Database. It is a very user friendly software and normally finds many more errors that need repairing that the leading name brand software. Make SURE that you purchase the PROFESSIONAL edition, as this is the one that has ALL the goodies in one package deal. It is very easy to install and most features can be set up to run automatically during what ever portion of a day or days that you don't need to use your computer, like while you're sleeping. I've used pretty much everything on the market and I've always come back to System Mechanic Professional.
If you will acquire and make use of the items that I've suggested and do so according to the instructions that they come with I can say with a lot of confidence that you will find a lot of new life in your old computer and a lot longer life in ANY computer, new or old. For computers in particularly bad shape you will often have to run the various softwares a few times before you get maximum results but I guarantee you that you will see a difference in performance. My computer is over 5 years old and every year that I update my maintenance software and keep it in good operating condition I am saving myself hundreds of dollars. Let's see....... $35 for software OR $$$$$$$$ for a new computer...... Hmmmm, YOU DO THE MATH !!!
************************************************************
"As technology advances, it reverses the characteristics of every situation again and again. The age of automation is going to be the age of DO IT YOURSELF."
- Marshall McLuhan
************************************************************
As those of you who are close to me know, I was the victim of a crime a few weeks ago and so, for the time being anyway, I won't be enjoying the nice weather when it gets here doing my FAVORITE thing in the world which is riding my motorcycle. While I was away from my home someone went into the storage building in the back yard and took my customized 1997 Harley Davidson Softail Classic. As worldly possessions go, there was nothing in existence that they could have taken from me that would have hurt me any more than taking that bike. But, as we all know, that which does not kill us only makes us stronger. The way in which I was able to deal with that incident speaks highly of what Personal Development has done for me in my life.
Now, I didn't tell you about that for sympathy. I told you about that to make a point. The point is that Life is not about what happens to you but rather how you REACT to what happens to you. You see, there were many possible scenarios that could have come into play when that happened to me. I could have become angry and let hate come into my heart. I could have become extremely sad and let depression sink it's hooks into me. I could have even became vengeful and went on some crazy mission to find the person who took my prize possession and "Make them pay for what they did !!!"
But I did none of those things. As difficult as it was and as UNLIKE ME from an earlier point in my life as it was, I immediately began to search inside myself for all the positives. "POSITIVES ???" you may be saying. Yes, positives. Just like when someone close to you passes away and you begin to think of positive things like "They are gone to Heaven now" or "They are not suffering anymore", there are positives in ANY situation. Granted, you must be strong and search DEEP and HARD inside yourself for them sometimes but they are there.
Now, this is generally a newsletter about business and I always try to tie the things I talk about into business so you may be wondering where I am going with this. The lesson involved here is that all aspects of your life are tied together and affect each other. Think about it. If I had let that incident take over my mind and my attitude do you not think that would have affected my business? How would I be able to sit at my desk and talk to people all day long about proper attitude and mindset if I wasn't even in control of my own ??? How could I effectively help them deal with the problems and issues they were calling me about if I couldn't even deal with my own problems and issues. Not to mention the fact that my focus in general would have been diminished causing the quality of service that I provide to suffer.
Everyday, no matter how large or how small, Life is going to challenge you in some way. The key to your success lies in your ability to react is a POSITIVE manner as opposed to a NEGATIVE one. Most of us have close friends and loved ones that we can draw strength from in times of need while some of us DO NOT and even those of us who do, occasionally turn around for support and find that those friends and loved ones need us more than we need them. So, it is VERY important that you have it instilled in yourself to have the PROPER MINDSET and the INNER STRENGTH to react to Life's events and to react PROPERLY !!! Personal Development is NOT just some courses that you take in your spare time or listening to an occasional Audio CD. Personal Development is a LIFESTYLE !!! Make it yours.
************************************************************
"Never suppose that in any possible situation or under any circumstances that it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing however slightly so it may appear to you. Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises, being assured that they will gain strength by exercise...and that exercise will make them habitual."
- Thomas Jefferson
************************************************************
Well, my friends, barring the Good Lord hitting the button on the stop watch and calling GAME OVER, tomorrow is waiting on each and every one of us to take it on HEAD-ON !!! I can't speak for all of you but I, personally, look forward to each new day and all the challenges and/or adventures that it has waiting for me. Sometimes inner strength isn't easy to have and even harder to use but it is a NECESSITY for a successful life. Wake up tomorrow, thank God that you DID wake up and make good of what the day has to offer. Until we are afforded this special time together again by our Gracious Heavenly Father, just remember to always........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jhodges1.successuniversity.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Newsletter 02/10/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
It's great to be with all of you once again. I have grown to look so forward to the writing of these newsletters that I just can't imagine a week without writing one. It not only helps you by giving you valuable information to use in your business and personal life but it's a learning experience for me each and every time. I always come away in the end with a new look on things and, often times, with a lot more knowledge than I, myself, had when I first sat down to write. I would like to welcome back all my long standing, devoted readers and welcome aboard all my new arrivals. As always, if you have missed an edition or are new and want to read all my previous writings you can do so by simply going to either........
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
**************************** Success University **************************
Have any of you heard of a publication called EMPOWER MAGAZINE ??? Empower Magazine is a magazine that spotlights very successful companies. In their latest issue they devoted the ENTIRE MAGAZINE to Success University !!! Now, why would they do that ? They did that because they recognize Success University for what it is......... THE BEST OF THE BEST !!! They recognize that this three year old, debt free company, whose mission is to empower others to take control of their lives through personal development, embodies the true Spirit of Entrepreneurship. You simply WILL NOT FIND a higher caliber of people with more love in their heart and devotion to what they do than in Success University !!! They've completely changed MY life. Let them change YOURS !!!!!!
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
*************************************************************************
As some of you know, I am writing a book. While I have not yet decided on a title for the book, the core issue that I cover in it is PROPER DECISION MAKING. This is a very important part of anyone's life and yet it is usually one of the most neglected areas of day to day life. What I would like to do is to share with you the actual Formula that is the basis for my book. So, basically, you are getting an exclusive preview, if you will.
People go through their entire lives living in the midst of the results of the decisions they make. Everything from what career path they choose, to how they take care of themselves, to how they raise their children and interact with their spouse. The problem is that most people don't realize the power behind this daily event of decision making and some give it no more due diligence or focus than breathing. They just do it, often times, without thinking about the choices they are making. I call this the "flip a coin" syndrome because that's about all the effort or care that goes into it for some.
You see, life is a chain of events, each causing the next to happen. Every single time you make a decision about something, no matter how seemingly small, it directly affects the next event, and the next, and the next. Just think about it for a minute. Sometimes when I sit back and think of all the crossroads in life that I have found myself at and the possibilities of what could or would be different about my life it can really be scary. But the fact of the matter is that I am exactly where I put myself. There are no accidents, coincidences, magic wands, bad luck or anything else responsible for my life or yours except the decisions we make each and every day. That having been said, here is the Formula that I use and it serves me well.
EVALUTE: Let me ask you a question. When you get up in the middle of the night to do whatever, (drink of water, restroom, etc.) do you do it in the dark or do you turn on a light so that you can navigate the room based on what’s in front of you at that particular moment? Proper decision making is based entirely on having all the available information possible at that moment so that you make the best possible decision, given your current situation.
FORMULATE: The next step in the decision making process is formulating all the possible decisions that you could make in regards to the subject matter at hand. Just think of a professional football team for a moment. Their situation is changing from one minute to the next during the game. Think of their playbook as a pre-written guideline that encompasses a very large number of possible scenarios on the playing field. After EVALUATING their situation they then FORMULATE a plan of action by using one of the plays in the playbook.
PROJECT: This is where you consider the possible outcomes of the potential pathways you have chosen. You MUST be able to, as much as is possible, pre-determine the outcome of whatever decision you make. If you can’t tell with a reasonable degree of accuracy what is most likely to come from your decision you are pretty well shooting in the dark. This process can be time consuming and sometimes even frustrating but will be time VERY WELL SPENT !!! Compare it to playing chess. The game is literally won or lost based on your ability to look far enough into the game to PROJECT the outcome of a series of complex moves in secession. He or she who can do that one thing the best will, in all likelihood, emerge victorious.
DECIDE: Alright, now for the fun part !!! Now, you have to DECIDE which of the FORMULATED paths that you have PROJECTED is the right one for you. No problem, right ??? Yeah, sure !!! Indecision is a horrible thing and CAN be your undoing. You see, the best decision you could possibly make is worthless if it’s not made in a timely fashion because time changes the conditions and renders your original evaluation NO LONGER ACCURATE !!!
EXECUTE: Finally, we get to the piece of the puzzle that brings it all together. Let’s face it, if we don’t act on or EXECUTE our decision then the rest of the entire process was for nothing! What would we have accomplished by all of our efforts involved in the other four steps if we didn’t EXECUTE our decision. It was once said that ,”A good idea without action is worthless.”. You have to take the plunge. It’s so sad that this one very important phase of the decision making process is, all too often, left out and, as a result, many missed opportunities have resulted. Les Brown said, “Live full but die empty.”. Don’t miss out on what life has to offer because you had a really good, well thought out idea and let it pass you by simply because you didn’t act on it !!!
Well folks, that’s it in a nutshell. It’s not really rocket science but, at the same time, it’s a process that we all go through every day of our life except that most of the time there is no CONSCIOUS THOUGHT put into it so it is done so haphazardly that the results are quite often, shall we say, LESS THAN FAVORABLE!!! I hope you will take these five steps and apply them to your lives so that you spend much more time ENJOYING your life and much less time correcting mistakes or living with the ones that you CAN'T correct.
*************************************************************************
"No problem can be solved until it is reduced to some simple form."
– J. P. Morgan, Financier
*************************************************************************
I want to go off in a little different direction today on the subject of business. I want to talk about children. You see, I've had the distinct honor over the course of the last few weeks to spend some time with and get to know my new friend and mentor, Philip Dale Smith. Dale, as he is affectionately known by many, has spent the majority of his life (about half a century) devoted to children. A list of Dale's accomplishments are that he is a two time winner of the Toast Masters International Speakers Competition, an award winning children's picture book author and novelists, has founded numerous youth camps in the U. S. and Canada, and conducts parenting seminars for adults as well as school programs for children.
While my main focus is on the adult world, Dale has given me much food for thought. Being exposed to his materials such as his books, audios and websites has put my mind to thinking in a little different perspective. It has really had me thinking about the fact that, in relation to the business world, children are basically adults that haven't grown up yet !!! Now, before you start cracking jokes and saying things like "Way to go Einstein !!!!" allow me to elaborate.
I realized that while we go through the process of raising and educating our children we normally place all the focus on just learning the basic skills, such as math, science and language. It came to me that we are missing a piece of the puzzle here. Just because they are not adults yet doesn't mean that we should wait until they are to teach them the importance of what they learn in school in regards to the real world and how it is applied.
What I'm eluding to is that as you go through the motions of running your business you should take available opportunities to expose your children to what you do. They may not have a specific interest in what you have chosen as a career path but that doesn't matter. The idea here is to give them first hand exposure to what you do and what you need from you formal education to do it. Think about it for a minute. How many times have your children complained about not understanding why they have to learn math or science or what ever class it is that they hate? How many times have they used that as an excuse for not taking the class seriously or for doing poorly at it? If they were exposed to the workings of an average business day how long do you think that it would take for them to catch on that they DO need all those things that they are being taught and that they are NOT wasting their time learning them?
I'm far from perfect and I feel that, in many areas such as this, that I possibly short changed my own children by not realizing this years ago. My children are all grown and on their own now but there are many people who still have plenty of time to grasp this concept and hopefully instill a new found excitement for learning in their children as well as a much needed understanding of the impact that it will have on their lives if they don't take full advantage of the educational system. Just stop and think for a moment of all the times that you have went to do something in your business that called upon a particular skill and you thought to yourself "Man, I sure wish I had paid better attention in class and I wouldn't be asking someone else to help me with this !!!" Give your children an edge. Show them what you do, show them how what they are learning in school directly relates to it and get them to understand that it is within their own power to brighten their future and make life CONSIDERABLY easier for themselves !!!
NOTE: Do yourself a big favor and visit Dale's sites. You'll be glad you did. Dale is a PHENOMENAL individual full of Love, Caring and a WEALTH of knowledge and Life experience !!!
http://www.everykidawinner.com
http://www.thefamilyminute.com
*************************************************************************
"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth."
- Kahlil Gibran
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
"I trust the time is coming, when the occupation of an instructor to children will be deemed the most honorable of human employment."
- Angelina Grimke
*************************************************************************
As we draw to the end of another wonderful night together by the campfire, I eagerly await the coming of the new week. It never fails to be filled with new adventures and new opportunities. The main thing is what you do with those opportunities. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says "Opportunities multiply as they are seized, they die when neglected". Think about that for a moment and then take on the challenges of the coming week with a SEIZING mentality !!! Remember, a concrete block can be a Stumbling Block OR a Stepping Stone. The choice is ultimately yours. So my friends, until the Good Lord affords us the opportunity to share each others company once again, remember to always....................
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
It's great to be with all of you once again. I have grown to look so forward to the writing of these newsletters that I just can't imagine a week without writing one. It not only helps you by giving you valuable information to use in your business and personal life but it's a learning experience for me each and every time. I always come away in the end with a new look on things and, often times, with a lot more knowledge than I, myself, had when I first sat down to write. I would like to welcome back all my long standing, devoted readers and welcome aboard all my new arrivals. As always, if you have missed an edition or are new and want to read all my previous writings you can do so by simply going to either........
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
**************************** Success University **************************
Have any of you heard of a publication called EMPOWER MAGAZINE ??? Empower Magazine is a magazine that spotlights very successful companies. In their latest issue they devoted the ENTIRE MAGAZINE to Success University !!! Now, why would they do that ? They did that because they recognize Success University for what it is......... THE BEST OF THE BEST !!! They recognize that this three year old, debt free company, whose mission is to empower others to take control of their lives through personal development, embodies the true Spirit of Entrepreneurship. You simply WILL NOT FIND a higher caliber of people with more love in their heart and devotion to what they do than in Success University !!! They've completely changed MY life. Let them change YOURS !!!!!!
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
*************************************************************************
As some of you know, I am writing a book. While I have not yet decided on a title for the book, the core issue that I cover in it is PROPER DECISION MAKING. This is a very important part of anyone's life and yet it is usually one of the most neglected areas of day to day life. What I would like to do is to share with you the actual Formula that is the basis for my book. So, basically, you are getting an exclusive preview, if you will.
People go through their entire lives living in the midst of the results of the decisions they make. Everything from what career path they choose, to how they take care of themselves, to how they raise their children and interact with their spouse. The problem is that most people don't realize the power behind this daily event of decision making and some give it no more due diligence or focus than breathing. They just do it, often times, without thinking about the choices they are making. I call this the "flip a coin" syndrome because that's about all the effort or care that goes into it for some.
You see, life is a chain of events, each causing the next to happen. Every single time you make a decision about something, no matter how seemingly small, it directly affects the next event, and the next, and the next. Just think about it for a minute. Sometimes when I sit back and think of all the crossroads in life that I have found myself at and the possibilities of what could or would be different about my life it can really be scary. But the fact of the matter is that I am exactly where I put myself. There are no accidents, coincidences, magic wands, bad luck or anything else responsible for my life or yours except the decisions we make each and every day. That having been said, here is the Formula that I use and it serves me well.
EVALUTE: Let me ask you a question. When you get up in the middle of the night to do whatever, (drink of water, restroom, etc.) do you do it in the dark or do you turn on a light so that you can navigate the room based on what’s in front of you at that particular moment? Proper decision making is based entirely on having all the available information possible at that moment so that you make the best possible decision, given your current situation.
FORMULATE: The next step in the decision making process is formulating all the possible decisions that you could make in regards to the subject matter at hand. Just think of a professional football team for a moment. Their situation is changing from one minute to the next during the game. Think of their playbook as a pre-written guideline that encompasses a very large number of possible scenarios on the playing field. After EVALUATING their situation they then FORMULATE a plan of action by using one of the plays in the playbook.
PROJECT: This is where you consider the possible outcomes of the potential pathways you have chosen. You MUST be able to, as much as is possible, pre-determine the outcome of whatever decision you make. If you can’t tell with a reasonable degree of accuracy what is most likely to come from your decision you are pretty well shooting in the dark. This process can be time consuming and sometimes even frustrating but will be time VERY WELL SPENT !!! Compare it to playing chess. The game is literally won or lost based on your ability to look far enough into the game to PROJECT the outcome of a series of complex moves in secession. He or she who can do that one thing the best will, in all likelihood, emerge victorious.
DECIDE: Alright, now for the fun part !!! Now, you have to DECIDE which of the FORMULATED paths that you have PROJECTED is the right one for you. No problem, right ??? Yeah, sure !!! Indecision is a horrible thing and CAN be your undoing. You see, the best decision you could possibly make is worthless if it’s not made in a timely fashion because time changes the conditions and renders your original evaluation NO LONGER ACCURATE !!!
EXECUTE: Finally, we get to the piece of the puzzle that brings it all together. Let’s face it, if we don’t act on or EXECUTE our decision then the rest of the entire process was for nothing! What would we have accomplished by all of our efforts involved in the other four steps if we didn’t EXECUTE our decision. It was once said that ,”A good idea without action is worthless.”. You have to take the plunge. It’s so sad that this one very important phase of the decision making process is, all too often, left out and, as a result, many missed opportunities have resulted. Les Brown said, “Live full but die empty.”. Don’t miss out on what life has to offer because you had a really good, well thought out idea and let it pass you by simply because you didn’t act on it !!!
Well folks, that’s it in a nutshell. It’s not really rocket science but, at the same time, it’s a process that we all go through every day of our life except that most of the time there is no CONSCIOUS THOUGHT put into it so it is done so haphazardly that the results are quite often, shall we say, LESS THAN FAVORABLE!!! I hope you will take these five steps and apply them to your lives so that you spend much more time ENJOYING your life and much less time correcting mistakes or living with the ones that you CAN'T correct.
*************************************************************************
"No problem can be solved until it is reduced to some simple form."
– J. P. Morgan, Financier
*************************************************************************
I want to go off in a little different direction today on the subject of business. I want to talk about children. You see, I've had the distinct honor over the course of the last few weeks to spend some time with and get to know my new friend and mentor, Philip Dale Smith. Dale, as he is affectionately known by many, has spent the majority of his life (about half a century) devoted to children. A list of Dale's accomplishments are that he is a two time winner of the Toast Masters International Speakers Competition, an award winning children's picture book author and novelists, has founded numerous youth camps in the U. S. and Canada, and conducts parenting seminars for adults as well as school programs for children.
While my main focus is on the adult world, Dale has given me much food for thought. Being exposed to his materials such as his books, audios and websites has put my mind to thinking in a little different perspective. It has really had me thinking about the fact that, in relation to the business world, children are basically adults that haven't grown up yet !!! Now, before you start cracking jokes and saying things like "Way to go Einstein !!!!" allow me to elaborate.
I realized that while we go through the process of raising and educating our children we normally place all the focus on just learning the basic skills, such as math, science and language. It came to me that we are missing a piece of the puzzle here. Just because they are not adults yet doesn't mean that we should wait until they are to teach them the importance of what they learn in school in regards to the real world and how it is applied.
What I'm eluding to is that as you go through the motions of running your business you should take available opportunities to expose your children to what you do. They may not have a specific interest in what you have chosen as a career path but that doesn't matter. The idea here is to give them first hand exposure to what you do and what you need from you formal education to do it. Think about it for a minute. How many times have your children complained about not understanding why they have to learn math or science or what ever class it is that they hate? How many times have they used that as an excuse for not taking the class seriously or for doing poorly at it? If they were exposed to the workings of an average business day how long do you think that it would take for them to catch on that they DO need all those things that they are being taught and that they are NOT wasting their time learning them?
I'm far from perfect and I feel that, in many areas such as this, that I possibly short changed my own children by not realizing this years ago. My children are all grown and on their own now but there are many people who still have plenty of time to grasp this concept and hopefully instill a new found excitement for learning in their children as well as a much needed understanding of the impact that it will have on their lives if they don't take full advantage of the educational system. Just stop and think for a moment of all the times that you have went to do something in your business that called upon a particular skill and you thought to yourself "Man, I sure wish I had paid better attention in class and I wouldn't be asking someone else to help me with this !!!" Give your children an edge. Show them what you do, show them how what they are learning in school directly relates to it and get them to understand that it is within their own power to brighten their future and make life CONSIDERABLY easier for themselves !!!
NOTE: Do yourself a big favor and visit Dale's sites. You'll be glad you did. Dale is a PHENOMENAL individual full of Love, Caring and a WEALTH of knowledge and Life experience !!!
http://www.everykidawinner.com
http://www.thefamilyminute.com
*************************************************************************
"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth."
- Kahlil Gibran
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
"I trust the time is coming, when the occupation of an instructor to children will be deemed the most honorable of human employment."
- Angelina Grimke
*************************************************************************
As we draw to the end of another wonderful night together by the campfire, I eagerly await the coming of the new week. It never fails to be filled with new adventures and new opportunities. The main thing is what you do with those opportunities. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says "Opportunities multiply as they are seized, they die when neglected". Think about that for a moment and then take on the challenges of the coming week with a SEIZING mentality !!! Remember, a concrete block can be a Stumbling Block OR a Stepping Stone. The choice is ultimately yours. So my friends, until the Good Lord affords us the opportunity to share each others company once again, remember to always....................
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Newsletter 02/03/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
It's Super Bowl Sunday and today one of those teams is going to be richly rewarded for all their dedication and countless hours spent in preparation. There are a lot of similarities between the business world and other aspects of our lives. Every week you spend running your respective business is a chance not only to reap the rewards of your efforts but also to learn something new from those experiences that will make the weeks to come even more productive. Today on the field those players will experience much the same situation. No matter who wins or who loses, both teams will walk away with vast amounts of new knowledge and experience gained during the course of the game. That having been said, welcome back to all my friends and welcome home to all my new friends. As always, if you are new and want to catch up on your reading or if you just missed an edition, all you have to do is go to either.....
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
**************************** Success University **************************
THEY'VE DONE IT AGAIN !!! Success University has just sent out the special promotions for the month of February and are putting their money where their mouth is as usual. Are you missing out ??? If you are not a member of this PHENOMANAL company, you are !!! Every month they are giving away literally thousands of dollars in bonus money for all sorts of different aspects of the business. Do they have to do this to make your membership with Success University worthwhile ? ABSOLUTELY NOT !!! I was making money with Success University long before the monthly bonuses came into existence. They are doing it because they care about your Success. Don't miss out on YOUR piece of the action !!! Go check it out at......
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
*************************************************************************
As many of you know, I am a member of Toastmasters International, an organization specifically geared at helping you refine and develop your communication and presentation skills. Now, you don't have to be pursuing a speaking career to benefit from the knowledge you will gain by being a member of Toastmasters. You may find yourself in one or more of many possible situations where your ability to properly get your message and/or information across is vital to the success of your business. The following are ten tips that will help you to do a much better job of accomplishing this task......
NOTE: Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental.
Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:
1) Know your material. Knowing your topic will increase your own interest. Know more about it than
you include in your presentation, that way you will have extra material in your head if you are running
short on your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language and you will be a lot
more apt to not forget what to say as opposed to a memorized speech.
2) Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud and use all material that you plan on using during the
real thing. Revise as your presentation as necessary. Work to filter out your "UH's" and "UM'S".
Practice your breathing. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
3) Know the audience. Make it a point to meet and talk to some of the audience members as they
arrive. It’s easier to speak to friends than to strangers.
4) Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and
any visual aids that you plan on incorporating into your presentation. Make all necessary adjustments
then instead of having your presentation spoiled with technicalities.
5) Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and
count to three before saying anything. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm. The energy will still
be released except in a positive manner.
6) Visualize yourself giving your presentation. All of you know how much emphasis I put on
visualization and the Law of Attraction. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and
confident. Visualize the audience clapping . It will boost your confidence.
7) Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating,
informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you. They are not out there like a lynch mob just
waiting for you to make a mistake. In fact, most of the time YOU will be the only one who knows you
made one.
8) Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem. There is nothing wrong with being human and
making mistakes. You need to exude nothing short of total confidence and competence.
9) Concentrate on the message. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate
on your message and your audience. The more time you spend focusing on the content of your
presentation and how your audience is receiving it, the less time you will be focusing on your
nervousness and will, therefore, make fewer errors.
10) Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you as an authority and as a person.
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide
the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.
*************************************************************************
"Progress comes from the intelligent use of experience."
- Elbert Hubbard
*************************************************************************
You know, it is simply amazing at how the Universe works. It seems that for everything there is an equal opposite. Love and hate, rich and poor, difficult and easy, strong and weak, etc. After having a conversation with someone this weekend, another set of opposites came to my mind. Many is the times that I have heard the quote "Success leaves clues !!!" Well, in my humble opinion, so does failure.
I have paid special attention to the chain of events that take place in a person's life when they decide to take the plunge into the world of having their own business. It is quite fascinating to watch but the average person goes through phases. Most of the time these phases are basically identical until the person reaches a certain one. It is at that point that the scales will tip either in the direction of Success or Failure !!! They go something like this ........
First, the decision is made that they are going to TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES !!! They are absolutely on fire for their new idea and visions of success and prosperity fill their minds and their dreams at night. Nothing can stop them. They set it in stone in their minds that FAILURE is not an option and that this is the turning point in their lives. Goals are set, vision boards are created and plans for a wonderful new life are made.
Next, they begin to make things happen. Business cards are ordered, advertising campaigns are set up, web sites are built, co-ops are joined, flyers are printed, and a laser focus tells them that all their dreams are just around the corner. Their whole world is simply gleaming with positive energy. They are dedicated and committed. Many hours are spent daily as they diligently make their way toward their goals.
Then, a few weeks or maybe a few months go by and things are possibly not going the exact way they were thought of going and doubt sets in. This is a common occurrence and quite a normal human reaction and yet, sadly, the beginning of the end for many people. You see, failure does not come from what life throws at you. Failure comes from not reacting properly to those things. When the doubt starts to set in (and it will) you need to first recognize the doubt for what it is and then refuse to give in to it. It is right at this point that the very important decision to press on is made !!!
But, hold on !!! You're not out of the water yet. Oh no. Life isn't going to leave you alone that easily. You are just getting started. You are going to have so many things not turn out the way you thought they would that you are going to begin to think that this whole crazy idea of having your own business is a bunch of crap !!! It is here that the true troopers rise to the surface. It is here that you must decide whether you are going to hold on or let go. It is here that you reach a very definitive T in the road. There is no Straight Ahead. You must go left or right. You must sink or swim. You must either throw up your hands and spend the rest of your life wondering "If I had hung on just a little bit longer how great would my life be now?" OR you must straighten your back, lift up that chin and proclaim "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION !!!"
People, I'm no different than any of you. I went through all these phases but the difference between myself and a lot of people that I talk to is that I would rather DIE A MISERABLE FAILURE knowing that I never gave up on my dreams than to live a secure life of mediocrity and be tortured by the thoughts of WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN !!! You see, this conversation that I spoke of earlier was with a dear friend of mine that I LITERALLY warned about these phases and yet when the time came they still weren't strong enough. That saddens me and I cry inside for them. Hold on to your dreams like you would a canteen of water in the desert !!! Both will comfort you, both will give you much needed strength and both will help you survive until you get where you are going.......
*************************************************************************
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Winston Churchill
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing."
- Denis Waitley
*************************************************************************
Well, as we draw near to the end of another wonderful day and week we can thrill in the exciting anticipation of tomorrow. Tomorrow, as it is so correctly spoken of, is the first day of the rest of our lives. It is with that thought in mind that we must approach each new day as a new beginning..... a new chance to start over and GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME !!! None of us are perfect. The important thing is that we strive each and every day to head a little more in that direction. The Universe will take note of our effort and do the rest. I wish all of you a safe, prosperous and joy filled week and until the Good Lord grants us the opportunity to have this little session by the campfire again, just remember to always.........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
It's Super Bowl Sunday and today one of those teams is going to be richly rewarded for all their dedication and countless hours spent in preparation. There are a lot of similarities between the business world and other aspects of our lives. Every week you spend running your respective business is a chance not only to reap the rewards of your efforts but also to learn something new from those experiences that will make the weeks to come even more productive. Today on the field those players will experience much the same situation. No matter who wins or who loses, both teams will walk away with vast amounts of new knowledge and experience gained during the course of the game. That having been said, welcome back to all my friends and welcome home to all my new friends. As always, if you are new and want to catch up on your reading or if you just missed an edition, all you have to do is go to either.....
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of the page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
**************************** Success University **************************
THEY'VE DONE IT AGAIN !!! Success University has just sent out the special promotions for the month of February and are putting their money where their mouth is as usual. Are you missing out ??? If you are not a member of this PHENOMANAL company, you are !!! Every month they are giving away literally thousands of dollars in bonus money for all sorts of different aspects of the business. Do they have to do this to make your membership with Success University worthwhile ? ABSOLUTELY NOT !!! I was making money with Success University long before the monthly bonuses came into existence. They are doing it because they care about your Success. Don't miss out on YOUR piece of the action !!! Go check it out at......
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
*************************************************************************
As many of you know, I am a member of Toastmasters International, an organization specifically geared at helping you refine and develop your communication and presentation skills. Now, you don't have to be pursuing a speaking career to benefit from the knowledge you will gain by being a member of Toastmasters. You may find yourself in one or more of many possible situations where your ability to properly get your message and/or information across is vital to the success of your business. The following are ten tips that will help you to do a much better job of accomplishing this task......
NOTE: Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental.
Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:
1) Know your material. Knowing your topic will increase your own interest. Know more about it than
you include in your presentation, that way you will have extra material in your head if you are running
short on your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language and you will be a lot
more apt to not forget what to say as opposed to a memorized speech.
2) Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud and use all material that you plan on using during the
real thing. Revise as your presentation as necessary. Work to filter out your "UH's" and "UM'S".
Practice your breathing. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
3) Know the audience. Make it a point to meet and talk to some of the audience members as they
arrive. It’s easier to speak to friends than to strangers.
4) Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and
any visual aids that you plan on incorporating into your presentation. Make all necessary adjustments
then instead of having your presentation spoiled with technicalities.
5) Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and
count to three before saying anything. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm. The energy will still
be released except in a positive manner.
6) Visualize yourself giving your presentation. All of you know how much emphasis I put on
visualization and the Law of Attraction. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and
confident. Visualize the audience clapping . It will boost your confidence.
7) Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating,
informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you. They are not out there like a lynch mob just
waiting for you to make a mistake. In fact, most of the time YOU will be the only one who knows you
made one.
8) Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem. There is nothing wrong with being human and
making mistakes. You need to exude nothing short of total confidence and competence.
9) Concentrate on the message. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate
on your message and your audience. The more time you spend focusing on the content of your
presentation and how your audience is receiving it, the less time you will be focusing on your
nervousness and will, therefore, make fewer errors.
10) Gain experience. Mainly, your speech should represent you as an authority and as a person.
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide
the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.
*************************************************************************
"Progress comes from the intelligent use of experience."
- Elbert Hubbard
*************************************************************************
You know, it is simply amazing at how the Universe works. It seems that for everything there is an equal opposite. Love and hate, rich and poor, difficult and easy, strong and weak, etc. After having a conversation with someone this weekend, another set of opposites came to my mind. Many is the times that I have heard the quote "Success leaves clues !!!" Well, in my humble opinion, so does failure.
I have paid special attention to the chain of events that take place in a person's life when they decide to take the plunge into the world of having their own business. It is quite fascinating to watch but the average person goes through phases. Most of the time these phases are basically identical until the person reaches a certain one. It is at that point that the scales will tip either in the direction of Success or Failure !!! They go something like this ........
First, the decision is made that they are going to TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES !!! They are absolutely on fire for their new idea and visions of success and prosperity fill their minds and their dreams at night. Nothing can stop them. They set it in stone in their minds that FAILURE is not an option and that this is the turning point in their lives. Goals are set, vision boards are created and plans for a wonderful new life are made.
Next, they begin to make things happen. Business cards are ordered, advertising campaigns are set up, web sites are built, co-ops are joined, flyers are printed, and a laser focus tells them that all their dreams are just around the corner. Their whole world is simply gleaming with positive energy. They are dedicated and committed. Many hours are spent daily as they diligently make their way toward their goals.
Then, a few weeks or maybe a few months go by and things are possibly not going the exact way they were thought of going and doubt sets in. This is a common occurrence and quite a normal human reaction and yet, sadly, the beginning of the end for many people. You see, failure does not come from what life throws at you. Failure comes from not reacting properly to those things. When the doubt starts to set in (and it will) you need to first recognize the doubt for what it is and then refuse to give in to it. It is right at this point that the very important decision to press on is made !!!
But, hold on !!! You're not out of the water yet. Oh no. Life isn't going to leave you alone that easily. You are just getting started. You are going to have so many things not turn out the way you thought they would that you are going to begin to think that this whole crazy idea of having your own business is a bunch of crap !!! It is here that the true troopers rise to the surface. It is here that you must decide whether you are going to hold on or let go. It is here that you reach a very definitive T in the road. There is no Straight Ahead. You must go left or right. You must sink or swim. You must either throw up your hands and spend the rest of your life wondering "If I had hung on just a little bit longer how great would my life be now?" OR you must straighten your back, lift up that chin and proclaim "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION !!!"
People, I'm no different than any of you. I went through all these phases but the difference between myself and a lot of people that I talk to is that I would rather DIE A MISERABLE FAILURE knowing that I never gave up on my dreams than to live a secure life of mediocrity and be tortured by the thoughts of WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN !!! You see, this conversation that I spoke of earlier was with a dear friend of mine that I LITERALLY warned about these phases and yet when the time came they still weren't strong enough. That saddens me and I cry inside for them. Hold on to your dreams like you would a canteen of water in the desert !!! Both will comfort you, both will give you much needed strength and both will help you survive until you get where you are going.......
*************************************************************************
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Winston Churchill
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing."
- Denis Waitley
*************************************************************************
Well, as we draw near to the end of another wonderful day and week we can thrill in the exciting anticipation of tomorrow. Tomorrow, as it is so correctly spoken of, is the first day of the rest of our lives. It is with that thought in mind that we must approach each new day as a new beginning..... a new chance to start over and GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME !!! None of us are perfect. The important thing is that we strive each and every day to head a little more in that direction. The Universe will take note of our effort and do the rest. I wish all of you a safe, prosperous and joy filled week and until the Good Lord grants us the opportunity to have this little session by the campfire again, just remember to always.........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Monday, January 28, 2008
Newsletter 01/27/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
I hope that your world is as filled with excitement and opportunity as is mine. Everyday seems to be better than the one before. Every goal I reach seems to bring me closer yet to another goal I am diligently pursuing. It seems to be the way that the Universe goes about getting you where you want and need to be; each completed event serving as the beginning for yet anther one. As always, I would like to welcome all my old friends back and welcome my new friends home. Any of you that either have missed an edition or are new and want to go back and read previous editions can do so by simply going to either.....
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
*********************** Success University **********************
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Success University !!! They are three years old this month. Not only that but they are DEBT FREE and growing at OVER 300 % ANNUALLY !!! Success University is taking the Network Marketing Industry by storm. Only a very small percentage of new start up companies even make it past their first year, let alone THREE years and experiencing the level of growth and success that Success University has experienced in that length of time is just unheard of. That speaks volumes for them. The reason for this is that they are a solidly based company in all the correct and necessary places; Training, Support, Mission and Financial Status. If you want to be a part of a true LEADER in the industry (a leader that is not even in Momentum yet), all you have to do is go to:
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
****************************************************************
Ok, without doubt, one of the most commonly asked questions that I get from my fellow Network Marketers is HOW DO I DRIVE TRAFFIC TO MY SITE ??? I normally answer that question by telling them that there is no RIGHT or WRONG way to drive traffic to your site. Different things are more well suited to some people than are others. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and YOUR strengths and weaknesses will determine largely which methods work best for you. Think about it. Magazine advertising may be effective but it may not be in your budget. Blogging may be very effective but not if you don't have good writing skills. The best way to decide how to get traffic to your site is to take a personal inventory of your overall situation and list of skills then, by the use of logic, choose and test the most obviously viable methods for you. That having been said, I have compiled a list of eleven different ways for you to consider and a little bit about each. You can then decide which ones are most likely suited to you.
FREE METHODS
1) Provide a Bonus for other site owners to use as a FREE give away with a product or service that they are selling. This could be something as simple as a FREE REPORT that you wrote. Of course, it would need to be relevant to the product or service that the other site owner is providing. By using this method, you are basically acquiring the use or their list.
2) Use large Social Networking groups to get your message out. There are countless ones out there and new ones are popping up every day. You have Myspace, Facebook, Friendswin, and Meetup just to name a few. These are places where people come to because they WANT to form new relationships.
3) If you are not camera shy (If you are, you really need to GET OVER IT !!!), there are many sites such as Youtube and Google Video where you can submit your own little personal commercial. You have complete content control and you can really get your face AND personality out there, along with your message.
4) One resource that is gaining a lot of ground in the industry is Craigslist. It is a FREE online classified ad site that is currently receiving MILLIONS of visitors daily. It is a really good place to do your classified ads. Just be sure to read their TERMS OF SERVICE and be professional by not violating them.
5) Podcasting is a method of promotion that is really gaining momentum in the marketplace. If you can make an MP3, you can simply create and audio file and make it available on any of the many Podcast Networks such as Apple iPod. Just make it informative and interesting.
6) If you are a real Go Getter, you can offer your services to other sites by giving free teleconference calls. They benefit by you providing high quality information to their subscribers and you get to Plug your business during or at the end of the call. But, if you choose this method you really need to be prepared or you will come across as very amateurish and do your business more harm than good.
7) Another excellent way to get your message out there and probably one of the LEAST popular of all is the PUBLIC PRESENTATION. Once again, this is a scenario where professionalism and preparedness are VITAL. You really need to have your ducks in a row to do this but if you do there are very few better ways to get your name out there and establish the very elusive CREDITBILITY !!!
PAID METHODS
8) Ezine and Email Newsletter advertising is an effective and relatively inexpensive method of advertising. Also, you have a variety of ways to go about it to suit your budget; everything ranging from Classified Ads to Sponsored Ads to Solo Mailings (The most expensive of the three). The benefit of this type of advertising is that you get your message out to a very large list that you did not have to build.
9) Banner ads have been and always will be a very effective method of advertising your business online. Let's face it, putting up a sign will always be a good way to attract attention whether it is on the side of the road or on the side of a web page. The best part is that banner advertising has dropped in price a lot. It usually runs about $1 to $2 for 1,000 banner impressions.
10) Amazon and Ebay are both very much overlooked resources. You don't always have to give away your SPECIAL REPORTS. Many people are more than happy to pay for what they perceive as valuable information. The key is to sell your special report DIRT CHEAP !!! Remember, you are trying to get targeted traffic to your site. You are not concerned with making money from the report. I recommend selling it for about $1.
11) Finally, there is off-line standard marketing practices. These would consist of Newspaper Classifieds, Newspaper Display Ads, Radio Spots and so on. The only draw back to these methods of promoting your site is that, with the exception of the Classified Ad, you can really eat into your advertising budget and not really get that much for your money, not to mention the fact that you have a very much more limited audience than you have on the internet. Also, it's very difficult to target your traffic with these methods.
Obviously, these are not ALL the available ways to drive traffic to your site but they are some of the most common in use today and some of the more innovative ways. Just remember to apply the ones that are most in line with your current budget conditions and, also, in line with your abilities and understanding of the workings of the internet. If you do those things I think you will find these methods very beneficial.
****************************************************************
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
- Jim Rohn
****************************************************************
I have had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend with a lot of wonderful people. That is one of the reasons that I'm a day late getting my newsletter out. I was in Atlanta at the Embassy Hotel for an Internet Marketing Business Seminar. This is one of the type of events that I'm always trying to get other people to go to. Did I go because I want to start an online business ? NO !!! Did I go because I want to learn the latest and greatest ways to optimize my web site ? NO !!! I can learn about all these things online without the expense of a three hundred mile drive, two nights in a $150 a night hotel room and paying $20 for a burger, fries and mixed drink. I went there to NETWORK !!!
It simply blows me away the excuses that I hear from people for not attending these events. Some of my favorites are "I don't want to use up my vacation days" or "I can't afford the gas" or "It costs too much to stay at the hotel". Well, if those are the best you can do then don't EVER make the mistake of telling me how much fun you had on vacation last year because I'm going to remind you of EVERY WORD that came out of your mouth when I talked to you about the importance of going to Networking Events to promote your business and make new connections. !!!
Is it that you just don't quite grasp what type of people come to these events? I'm talking about people that are really good to have on your side !!! I'm talking about people like Larry Benet, Gary Ambrose, Matt Bacak, Keith Wellman, and Antonio Thornton, just to name a few. These are people that have been where you are and got where they were by using two things... Their own personal drive AND the help of WHO THEY WERE CONNECTED WITH !!!
People, I made so many connections this weekend that it boggles the mind !!! You've GOT to get out of the house and get to these events. You've GOT to add Networking to your business model, irregardless of the nature of your business. You see, it works like this. Everyone has SOMETHING to offer the world. You may not see what you have to offer as significant but someone else may see it as the missing puzzle piece in their particular scenario. They may not need your help right now and you may not need theirs but wouldn't it be nice to know that, because of a relationship that was born over a cup of coffee a year ago, when the day comes that you DO need a helping hand from somebody that can get things done that you can reach in your back pocket, pull out their business card and KNOW that you have a friend of that caliber on the other end ??? So, the next time you get an email informing you of a Major Networking event, don't look at it and say "I'm not going there. My business can't benefit from what they have to offer." GET OFF YOUR BUTT, PACK A BAG AND GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
****************************************************************
"I present myself to you in a form suitable to the relationship I wish to achieve with you."
- Luigi Pirandello
****************************************************************
Everyone, Life is full of opportunities to enrich itself but YOU have to be the catalyst. You can't sit idly by and wait for it to happen. Opportunities present themselves in many ways, some obvious and others not so much so. It's up to you to pay attention and USE these opportunities when they do come. Get out of your comfort zone because I can tell you one thing FOR SURE !!! The longer you live in that comfort zone, the more UNCOMFORTABLE it is going to get. Until the next time The Good Lord brings us together in brother and sisterhood, just remember to ALWAYS..........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
615-230-7997
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
I hope that your world is as filled with excitement and opportunity as is mine. Everyday seems to be better than the one before. Every goal I reach seems to bring me closer yet to another goal I am diligently pursuing. It seems to be the way that the Universe goes about getting you where you want and need to be; each completed event serving as the beginning for yet anther one. As always, I would like to welcome all my old friends back and welcome my new friends home. Any of you that either have missed an edition or are new and want to go back and read previous editions can do so by simply going to either.....
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
*********************** Success University **********************
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Success University !!! They are three years old this month. Not only that but they are DEBT FREE and growing at OVER 300 % ANNUALLY !!! Success University is taking the Network Marketing Industry by storm. Only a very small percentage of new start up companies even make it past their first year, let alone THREE years and experiencing the level of growth and success that Success University has experienced in that length of time is just unheard of. That speaks volumes for them. The reason for this is that they are a solidly based company in all the correct and necessary places; Training, Support, Mission and Financial Status. If you want to be a part of a true LEADER in the industry (a leader that is not even in Momentum yet), all you have to do is go to:
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
****************************************************************
Ok, without doubt, one of the most commonly asked questions that I get from my fellow Network Marketers is HOW DO I DRIVE TRAFFIC TO MY SITE ??? I normally answer that question by telling them that there is no RIGHT or WRONG way to drive traffic to your site. Different things are more well suited to some people than are others. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and YOUR strengths and weaknesses will determine largely which methods work best for you. Think about it. Magazine advertising may be effective but it may not be in your budget. Blogging may be very effective but not if you don't have good writing skills. The best way to decide how to get traffic to your site is to take a personal inventory of your overall situation and list of skills then, by the use of logic, choose and test the most obviously viable methods for you. That having been said, I have compiled a list of eleven different ways for you to consider and a little bit about each. You can then decide which ones are most likely suited to you.
FREE METHODS
1) Provide a Bonus for other site owners to use as a FREE give away with a product or service that they are selling. This could be something as simple as a FREE REPORT that you wrote. Of course, it would need to be relevant to the product or service that the other site owner is providing. By using this method, you are basically acquiring the use or their list.
2) Use large Social Networking groups to get your message out. There are countless ones out there and new ones are popping up every day. You have Myspace, Facebook, Friendswin, and Meetup just to name a few. These are places where people come to because they WANT to form new relationships.
3) If you are not camera shy (If you are, you really need to GET OVER IT !!!), there are many sites such as Youtube and Google Video where you can submit your own little personal commercial. You have complete content control and you can really get your face AND personality out there, along with your message.
4) One resource that is gaining a lot of ground in the industry is Craigslist. It is a FREE online classified ad site that is currently receiving MILLIONS of visitors daily. It is a really good place to do your classified ads. Just be sure to read their TERMS OF SERVICE and be professional by not violating them.
5) Podcasting is a method of promotion that is really gaining momentum in the marketplace. If you can make an MP3, you can simply create and audio file and make it available on any of the many Podcast Networks such as Apple iPod. Just make it informative and interesting.
6) If you are a real Go Getter, you can offer your services to other sites by giving free teleconference calls. They benefit by you providing high quality information to their subscribers and you get to Plug your business during or at the end of the call. But, if you choose this method you really need to be prepared or you will come across as very amateurish and do your business more harm than good.
7) Another excellent way to get your message out there and probably one of the LEAST popular of all is the PUBLIC PRESENTATION. Once again, this is a scenario where professionalism and preparedness are VITAL. You really need to have your ducks in a row to do this but if you do there are very few better ways to get your name out there and establish the very elusive CREDITBILITY !!!
PAID METHODS
8) Ezine and Email Newsletter advertising is an effective and relatively inexpensive method of advertising. Also, you have a variety of ways to go about it to suit your budget; everything ranging from Classified Ads to Sponsored Ads to Solo Mailings (The most expensive of the three). The benefit of this type of advertising is that you get your message out to a very large list that you did not have to build.
9) Banner ads have been and always will be a very effective method of advertising your business online. Let's face it, putting up a sign will always be a good way to attract attention whether it is on the side of the road or on the side of a web page. The best part is that banner advertising has dropped in price a lot. It usually runs about $1 to $2 for 1,000 banner impressions.
10) Amazon and Ebay are both very much overlooked resources. You don't always have to give away your SPECIAL REPORTS. Many people are more than happy to pay for what they perceive as valuable information. The key is to sell your special report DIRT CHEAP !!! Remember, you are trying to get targeted traffic to your site. You are not concerned with making money from the report. I recommend selling it for about $1.
11) Finally, there is off-line standard marketing practices. These would consist of Newspaper Classifieds, Newspaper Display Ads, Radio Spots and so on. The only draw back to these methods of promoting your site is that, with the exception of the Classified Ad, you can really eat into your advertising budget and not really get that much for your money, not to mention the fact that you have a very much more limited audience than you have on the internet. Also, it's very difficult to target your traffic with these methods.
Obviously, these are not ALL the available ways to drive traffic to your site but they are some of the most common in use today and some of the more innovative ways. Just remember to apply the ones that are most in line with your current budget conditions and, also, in line with your abilities and understanding of the workings of the internet. If you do those things I think you will find these methods very beneficial.
****************************************************************
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
- Jim Rohn
****************************************************************
I have had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend with a lot of wonderful people. That is one of the reasons that I'm a day late getting my newsletter out. I was in Atlanta at the Embassy Hotel for an Internet Marketing Business Seminar. This is one of the type of events that I'm always trying to get other people to go to. Did I go because I want to start an online business ? NO !!! Did I go because I want to learn the latest and greatest ways to optimize my web site ? NO !!! I can learn about all these things online without the expense of a three hundred mile drive, two nights in a $150 a night hotel room and paying $20 for a burger, fries and mixed drink. I went there to NETWORK !!!
It simply blows me away the excuses that I hear from people for not attending these events. Some of my favorites are "I don't want to use up my vacation days" or "I can't afford the gas" or "It costs too much to stay at the hotel". Well, if those are the best you can do then don't EVER make the mistake of telling me how much fun you had on vacation last year because I'm going to remind you of EVERY WORD that came out of your mouth when I talked to you about the importance of going to Networking Events to promote your business and make new connections. !!!
Is it that you just don't quite grasp what type of people come to these events? I'm talking about people that are really good to have on your side !!! I'm talking about people like Larry Benet, Gary Ambrose, Matt Bacak, Keith Wellman, and Antonio Thornton, just to name a few. These are people that have been where you are and got where they were by using two things... Their own personal drive AND the help of WHO THEY WERE CONNECTED WITH !!!
People, I made so many connections this weekend that it boggles the mind !!! You've GOT to get out of the house and get to these events. You've GOT to add Networking to your business model, irregardless of the nature of your business. You see, it works like this. Everyone has SOMETHING to offer the world. You may not see what you have to offer as significant but someone else may see it as the missing puzzle piece in their particular scenario. They may not need your help right now and you may not need theirs but wouldn't it be nice to know that, because of a relationship that was born over a cup of coffee a year ago, when the day comes that you DO need a helping hand from somebody that can get things done that you can reach in your back pocket, pull out their business card and KNOW that you have a friend of that caliber on the other end ??? So, the next time you get an email informing you of a Major Networking event, don't look at it and say "I'm not going there. My business can't benefit from what they have to offer." GET OFF YOUR BUTT, PACK A BAG AND GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
****************************************************************
"I present myself to you in a form suitable to the relationship I wish to achieve with you."
- Luigi Pirandello
****************************************************************
Everyone, Life is full of opportunities to enrich itself but YOU have to be the catalyst. You can't sit idly by and wait for it to happen. Opportunities present themselves in many ways, some obvious and others not so much so. It's up to you to pay attention and USE these opportunities when they do come. Get out of your comfort zone because I can tell you one thing FOR SURE !!! The longer you live in that comfort zone, the more UNCOMFORTABLE it is going to get. Until the next time The Good Lord brings us together in brother and sisterhood, just remember to ALWAYS..........
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
615-230-7997
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Newsletter 01/20/08
FROM THE DESK, MIND AND HEART OF JEFF HODGES
Hey Everybody,
I hope all is well with each and every one of you. I have to admit, LIFE has really been challenging me this week but, by the grace of God and the fact that I actually take my own advice, I am making through it. There is a lot of truth in the saying "That which does not kill you only makes you stronger !!!", and added strength is something we can all use. Welcome back to all my loyal readers and welcome home to all of the new people. If you are new and want to read back editions or maybe you just missed one, you can always read my newsletters by going to either...
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
******************** Success University *********************
Let me ask you something. What would you say is the Number One thing that is most important to a person when deciding whether or not to be a part of a particular business? Well, as the Director of Support for our team in Success University I can give you a little insight on that. You see, I spend ours a day working with people. It is a very enlightening experience, to say the least. If you said the money you are WRONG !!! If you said having the Best product or service you are WRONG !!! I get told countless times a day that the main reason people come onboard and STAY onboard Success University is the AWESOME Support System we have in place. Above everything else, the most import thing to people , percentage wise, is knowing that they are going to have the necessary training, unlimited assistance and problem solving that is quick and personal. If YOU are looking for those same qualities in a company then YOU need to check out Success University TODAY !!!
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
************************************************************
I want to talk to you this evening about how you present yourself to others. You see, you can have an awesome product, a killer compensation plan and the nicest suit that money can buy BUT, if you are not perceived as knowledgeable and professional, your efforts can fall on deaf ears !!!
Communication skills are very important in the business world and I don't just mean how well you enunciate. I'm talking about posture, voice inflection, body language and a host of other things that will determine not only how people perceive you but also what level of self confidence you will have. These things will TREMENDOUSLY impact your sales and every aspect of your business.
Here is what I do and I am sure you will find it helpful too. You need two things. You will need a partner that understands how serious you are about your business so they will be serious about helping you and not be a clown and you will need a camcorder with a tripod. If a camcorder is not within your budget then borrow one. The tripod is only $20 at Wal-mart and they fit basically ALL camcorders Universally.
Here is what you need to do. By the way, this is the techniques I use to practice my speeches and self critique. You will want to work two different scenarios. First, let's talk about the ONE-ON-ONE scenario. Explain to your helper what you are wanting to do here. Tell them they are playing the role of the PROSPECT and you are going to give them a short presentation. It will help if you make a short list of questions for them to ask you at the end so you can practice how you handle those as well. Then simply set the camcorder up on the tripod and aim it at a table and two chairs. Check the aim for accuracy, press the RECORD button and do your thing. Now, all you have to do is play the tape back later and you will be AMAZED at the things you will notice about how you handled your presentation. I know I was. Also, ask your helper for some feedback. After all, it was them you were trying to sell on the idea. Even use someone that is in your warm market that you have not yet signed up and they may be so inspired by your pursuit for excellence you may even sign them up on the spot.
Next, you want to do basically the same thing except you are going to be practicing talking to more than one person at a time. Now, a lot of people will say that they don't like doing presentations in front of an audience and that they think this is an outdated method but I have news for them !!! Let them tell that to the people that tell me the only reason that they signed up with me was that they saw my dedication and passion for what I do. It all comes down to HOW BAD DO YOU WANT SUCCESS ??? Anyway, just aim the camcorder at the spot you are going to speak from, check your aim for accuracy and KNOCK'EM OFF THEIR FEET !!! Then, of course, simply follow up as before by asking your helper for feedback and reviewing the tape to see where you are weak and work on strengthening those areas. You will find many things that need correcting but you will also find that you are not quite as bad as you thought you were either.
NOTE: DO NOT stare at the camera !!! You are not on TV. You are using the camera to record your presentation and NOT giving the presentation TO the camera.
The bottom line here it that you are never going to be perfect. GET OVER IT !!! Even the great ones still make mistakes on stage. But, you know what? If you think about it, when they do you are so into what they are talking about that you hardly even notice and by the time you leave the auditorium you have completely put it out of your mind. Other people are going to be the same way by you. Yes, they will notice your little boo boo's BUT that will only label you as being human. It's not PERFECTION you seek. It is PROFESSIONALISM !!!
************************************************************
"Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all."
- James Anthony Froude
************************************************************
I would like for each of you to take just a second to think about it and then answer this question. How much time do you spend WORRYING about things in the course of your day? Now, be honest. How many times a day do you let things come flying out of your mouth such as "Boy, I sure hope they don't start laying anybody off!" or "I hope gas doesn't get any higher!" or "They say there's a virus going around. I sure hope I don't get it!" Just how much time do you spend wasting your day and giving energy to negative thoughts?
First of all, if you can't connect with where I'm coming from then you need to do your homework and study up on the Law of Attraction. I HIGHLY recommend watching the movie THE SECRET. There are other books and other forms of information on the subject but I have personally found THE SECRET to be the most informative and the easiest for the masses to understand.
Worry is one of the most destructive forces in the World !!! And what I really don't understand is why some people do it in a manner that almost seems intentional in nature. Worrying does nothing but increase your stress level and make you miserable. It has ZERO effect on you or the World in general as far as accomplishing anything or impacting the results. If two people are in two IDENTICAL situations and one worries about his while the other chooses to remain totally neutral, when all is said and done the results will be the same so WHY STRESS YOURSELF ON PURPOSE ?!?
Worrying accomplishes one thing and ONE THING ONLY !!! It causes your mental and physical condition to deteriorate. Stress brought on by worrying raises your blood pressure, makes you more vulnerable to heart disease, causes bouts with anxiety, can LITERALLY make you more prone to actual physical ailments and disease and just makes you plain unhappy. Now, considering that you do NOTHING to manipulate the outcome of any situation by worrying, why would any rational person do this to themselves?
Instead of worrying, you need to learn to re-direct your focus. You need to stop feeding energy to what you don't want or what you fear and retrain yourself to think in a manner that feeds energy to positive things. If you are worried about a test you have to take, re-direct that energy to increasing your studies. If you are worried about how things are going to turn out for your business, re-direct that energy into learning new ways to make your business better than the competition. If you are worried about your health, re-direct that energy toward improvements in your eating and exercising habits.
I guess it all comes down to one thing. Worrying is nothing but a non-productive, self-destructive and completely AVOIDABLE thing in people's lives. As for those of you who would argue and say "Well, I just can't help it !!!" I would say to you that the ONLY reason you can't help it is because you just claimed that weakness and made it yours. Remember, WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT, YOU BRING ABOUT and your words are a direct manifestation of your thoughts. So, it's up to you to change your way of thinking and purify what comes out of your mouth. Trust me, the day you stop worrying about everything you will notice MASSIVE improvements in your life !!!
************************************************************
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
- Buddha
************************************************************
Wow, the time has really gotten away from me once again. When I sit down to write it's like time just stands still..... UNTIL I LOOK AT THE CLOCK !!! Writing is very soothing, very relaxing and very fulfilling. I encourage everyone to try it. It doesn't matter if you fancy yourself a grammatical whiz or if you think you can't put two words together to make a sentence. It's just an experience I think everyone should have. You never know, you just may surprise yourself at what ends up on the screen in front of you and you, like I have, may have a new found addition. At least this one isn't bad for your health. Until the next time that The Good Lord let's us have this quality time together, just remember to.......
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
Hey Everybody,
I hope all is well with each and every one of you. I have to admit, LIFE has really been challenging me this week but, by the grace of God and the fact that I actually take my own advice, I am making through it. There is a lot of truth in the saying "That which does not kill you only makes you stronger !!!", and added strength is something we can all use. Welcome back to all my loyal readers and welcome home to all of the new people. If you are new and want to read back editions or maybe you just missed one, you can always read my newsletters by going to either...
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com/links.html (bottom left corner of page)
OR
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
******************** Success University *********************
Let me ask you something. What would you say is the Number One thing that is most important to a person when deciding whether or not to be a part of a particular business? Well, as the Director of Support for our team in Success University I can give you a little insight on that. You see, I spend ours a day working with people. It is a very enlightening experience, to say the least. If you said the money you are WRONG !!! If you said having the Best product or service you are WRONG !!! I get told countless times a day that the main reason people come onboard and STAY onboard Success University is the AWESOME Support System we have in place. Above everything else, the most import thing to people , percentage wise, is knowing that they are going to have the necessary training, unlimited assistance and problem solving that is quick and personal. If YOU are looking for those same qualities in a company then YOU need to check out Success University TODAY !!!
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
************************************************************
I want to talk to you this evening about how you present yourself to others. You see, you can have an awesome product, a killer compensation plan and the nicest suit that money can buy BUT, if you are not perceived as knowledgeable and professional, your efforts can fall on deaf ears !!!
Communication skills are very important in the business world and I don't just mean how well you enunciate. I'm talking about posture, voice inflection, body language and a host of other things that will determine not only how people perceive you but also what level of self confidence you will have. These things will TREMENDOUSLY impact your sales and every aspect of your business.
Here is what I do and I am sure you will find it helpful too. You need two things. You will need a partner that understands how serious you are about your business so they will be serious about helping you and not be a clown and you will need a camcorder with a tripod. If a camcorder is not within your budget then borrow one. The tripod is only $20 at Wal-mart and they fit basically ALL camcorders Universally.
Here is what you need to do. By the way, this is the techniques I use to practice my speeches and self critique. You will want to work two different scenarios. First, let's talk about the ONE-ON-ONE scenario. Explain to your helper what you are wanting to do here. Tell them they are playing the role of the PROSPECT and you are going to give them a short presentation. It will help if you make a short list of questions for them to ask you at the end so you can practice how you handle those as well. Then simply set the camcorder up on the tripod and aim it at a table and two chairs. Check the aim for accuracy, press the RECORD button and do your thing. Now, all you have to do is play the tape back later and you will be AMAZED at the things you will notice about how you handled your presentation. I know I was. Also, ask your helper for some feedback. After all, it was them you were trying to sell on the idea. Even use someone that is in your warm market that you have not yet signed up and they may be so inspired by your pursuit for excellence you may even sign them up on the spot.
Next, you want to do basically the same thing except you are going to be practicing talking to more than one person at a time. Now, a lot of people will say that they don't like doing presentations in front of an audience and that they think this is an outdated method but I have news for them !!! Let them tell that to the people that tell me the only reason that they signed up with me was that they saw my dedication and passion for what I do. It all comes down to HOW BAD DO YOU WANT SUCCESS ??? Anyway, just aim the camcorder at the spot you are going to speak from, check your aim for accuracy and KNOCK'EM OFF THEIR FEET !!! Then, of course, simply follow up as before by asking your helper for feedback and reviewing the tape to see where you are weak and work on strengthening those areas. You will find many things that need correcting but you will also find that you are not quite as bad as you thought you were either.
NOTE: DO NOT stare at the camera !!! You are not on TV. You are using the camera to record your presentation and NOT giving the presentation TO the camera.
The bottom line here it that you are never going to be perfect. GET OVER IT !!! Even the great ones still make mistakes on stage. But, you know what? If you think about it, when they do you are so into what they are talking about that you hardly even notice and by the time you leave the auditorium you have completely put it out of your mind. Other people are going to be the same way by you. Yes, they will notice your little boo boo's BUT that will only label you as being human. It's not PERFECTION you seek. It is PROFESSIONALISM !!!
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"Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all."
- James Anthony Froude
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I would like for each of you to take just a second to think about it and then answer this question. How much time do you spend WORRYING about things in the course of your day? Now, be honest. How many times a day do you let things come flying out of your mouth such as "Boy, I sure hope they don't start laying anybody off!" or "I hope gas doesn't get any higher!" or "They say there's a virus going around. I sure hope I don't get it!" Just how much time do you spend wasting your day and giving energy to negative thoughts?
First of all, if you can't connect with where I'm coming from then you need to do your homework and study up on the Law of Attraction. I HIGHLY recommend watching the movie THE SECRET. There are other books and other forms of information on the subject but I have personally found THE SECRET to be the most informative and the easiest for the masses to understand.
Worry is one of the most destructive forces in the World !!! And what I really don't understand is why some people do it in a manner that almost seems intentional in nature. Worrying does nothing but increase your stress level and make you miserable. It has ZERO effect on you or the World in general as far as accomplishing anything or impacting the results. If two people are in two IDENTICAL situations and one worries about his while the other chooses to remain totally neutral, when all is said and done the results will be the same so WHY STRESS YOURSELF ON PURPOSE ?!?
Worrying accomplishes one thing and ONE THING ONLY !!! It causes your mental and physical condition to deteriorate. Stress brought on by worrying raises your blood pressure, makes you more vulnerable to heart disease, causes bouts with anxiety, can LITERALLY make you more prone to actual physical ailments and disease and just makes you plain unhappy. Now, considering that you do NOTHING to manipulate the outcome of any situation by worrying, why would any rational person do this to themselves?
Instead of worrying, you need to learn to re-direct your focus. You need to stop feeding energy to what you don't want or what you fear and retrain yourself to think in a manner that feeds energy to positive things. If you are worried about a test you have to take, re-direct that energy to increasing your studies. If you are worried about how things are going to turn out for your business, re-direct that energy into learning new ways to make your business better than the competition. If you are worried about your health, re-direct that energy toward improvements in your eating and exercising habits.
I guess it all comes down to one thing. Worrying is nothing but a non-productive, self-destructive and completely AVOIDABLE thing in people's lives. As for those of you who would argue and say "Well, I just can't help it !!!" I would say to you that the ONLY reason you can't help it is because you just claimed that weakness and made it yours. Remember, WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT, YOU BRING ABOUT and your words are a direct manifestation of your thoughts. So, it's up to you to change your way of thinking and purify what comes out of your mouth. Trust me, the day you stop worrying about everything you will notice MASSIVE improvements in your life !!!
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"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
- Buddha
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Wow, the time has really gotten away from me once again. When I sit down to write it's like time just stands still..... UNTIL I LOOK AT THE CLOCK !!! Writing is very soothing, very relaxing and very fulfilling. I encourage everyone to try it. It doesn't matter if you fancy yourself a grammatical whiz or if you think you can't put two words together to make a sentence. It's just an experience I think everyone should have. You never know, you just may surprise yourself at what ends up on the screen in front of you and you, like I have, may have a new found addition. At least this one isn't bad for your health. Until the next time that The Good Lord let's us have this quality time together, just remember to.......
JUST SAY “NO” TO NEGATIVITY !!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hodges
JeffreyHodges@thedreameffect.com
http://www.thedreameffect.com
http://www.letmemakeyousuccessful.com
http://www.jeffhodges.subuilder.com
http://www.jeffhodges.blogspot.com
270-320-1324
Skype ID : jeffhodges1
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