Inner Coach – What Is It? And the Steps You Can Take to Reinforce Positive Actions!

 

An inner coach is just like that little voice that whisper to you on “what to do” or “not to do” when making a decision (you know, like the little devil and angel on each side of your shoulders).  The big difference is instead of telling you, the voice coaches you by asking simple open and closed ended questions.

 

Many people have difficulty knowing how to improve their attitude towards life and others they surround.  You may think that everything is fine about your mentality, yet you can’t get anyone to talk to you.  If you succeed in attracting someone with an interaction, every word that comes out of your mouth is “the wrong choice of words” or “it wasn’t what you meant”.  You have a keen ability to repulse others and just can’t keep a conversation for more then a couple of minutes before it starts to sound negative.

 

If you fall into this category, after each conversation, use the “inner coach” to improve yourself and ensure complete success!  By frequently utilizing your inner coach and its principles, you interaction skills keep growing day-in and day-out.

 

STEP 1 - Analyse yourself…use the “inner coach”.  After each conversation or interaction, ask yourself the following questions.  Write them down along with the answers.  Feel free to build a database of answers to review and practice on a daily basis.

 

1.     What was my overall impression of this interaction?

2.     What went well in this interaction?

3.     How did I specifically impact this interaction in a positive way?

4.     If I had to change one thing about my last interaction, what would it be?

5.     How will I use this change in my next interaction?

6.     What will be the outcome if I use this change?

7.     If I had used this change, what would have been the outcome in my last interaction?

8.     Do I see the benefit of using this change?

9.     How can I make sure that I keep using this change?

10. How will I know that this change was implemented?

 

STEP 2 – Create and action plan. This does not have to be complicated or lengthy. After the answers to your questions above, just write ‘Action Plan” and underline it.  Under it, re-write the answer to #9, but under it…place a date and sign-it!  This is your commitment to action your #9 and it is now an action plan. 

 

STEP 3 – Create a follow-up.  A follow-up is also very simple.  Just re-write #10 and add a future date beside it. At the same time, write this date in your agenda, blackberry, PDA, etc…as an important date.  Make sure that when you come back to your action plan on that date, you just write a little follow-up note on progress.

 

STEP 4 – Repeat the steps 1-3.  Make sure that you repeat this on every interaction and keep working on only 1 thing at a time.  This will bring focus!  Make sure to always stay positive and never give up.  Eventually, your interaction will become more and more clear and energized! Soon, people will surround you and enjoy being part of your circle! All of a sudden, you will start to notice people that are having a challenging time interacting with others.  At this point, you need to approach them and explain the “inner coach” to them!

 

Now go out there and be positive!

Cause and Effect —The Missing Link

Top 10 list on Shopping With and For a Purpose

Top 10 list on Shopping With and For a Purpose

 

Shopping for many is easy…they head-out to the store…try a few things out…and they either come home with something new or not. Bada-bing bada-boom! Done!  For others is not that simple.  Many shoppers take their time and look through every single item, try everything and anything, compare one store to the other, one price to the other, one quality to the other, etc… and they either come home (much later) with something or they don’t, but yet their minds are still at those stores shopping!

 

Which ever type of shopper you are, here is my TOP 10 list of shopping “with” and “for” a purpose:

 

1. This is the most important one: Leave the Husbands at home! J
2. List your items.  Before heading out, make a detailed list of what you want/need.  Make sure you go for specifics and not just general. For example, if you are looking for shoes…what type, brand, color, size, etc… This will make sure you are focused in what you want/need to get.
3. Online first. Take that list and go online to get some prices in the virtual world.  Go to price comparison site such as shopzilla.com. Then, make a fictitious purchase to see if there rare hidden fees.  To do so, add the article in your “shopping cart” and complete your purchase right up to giving your credit card information.  This will allow you to see the full purchase price!
4. Sign-up.  There are great shopping portals that as you become a free member and join their newsletter, your will receive weekly deals that are out of this world.  Some weekly saving could reduce or give free shipping, promote percentages off (I have seen up to 70% off), give away bonus gifts, etc… And these rebates are only given for online shopping.  You will not see these in the physical stores so join one today! Here is a great one: https://www.goodwillmall.com/membership.php
5. Shop with purpose. Of course we want the WIIFM (what’s in it for me) when shopping, but what if you could also give back as you shop!  Many stores support causes which help the world. From the fight against cancer to the environment!  So investigate the stores you shop at and find out what they support (if any)…this way you can feel good shopping knowing your money goes towards something other then yourself.  Another way to shop with purpose is to look for an online mall that provides a chance to give back to charities.  There are three main one that I am aware of igive, benevolink, and my favourite https://www.goodwillmall.com. They all have their benefits that helps you the shopper and the world!  Check them out! 
6. Set your budget. Many times we tend to go shopping without a budget in mind.  Two things can happen with this…you under-spend (very rarely) or over-spend (most likely)!  This can cause unnecessary stress in your life.  So before heading out, make a budget on the amount that you can and are willing to spend. Stick to it and never go over no matter what. Even if the deal of a century is right in front of your eyes, stick to the budget, there is always a deal of a century around!
7. Choose your shopping partner wisely. Have you ever gone shopping with someone that keeps telling you “oh, that looks great, you should buy it!”, “wow look at that useless gadget, you should really have one of those”, “did you ever get me anything for my birthday?” yet never buy anything for them selves?  These people are called “nit” (no intention to) shoppers.  They have to intention shop, buy, or even pay a dime when to go out to the stores with you.  They get their fix from YOU shopping and spending money.  STAY AWAY from shopping with these people; you’ll come home with all kind of useless junk!
8. Gifts. If you are going to buy a gift for someone, follow this gift chart:

    

   Person to buy for	Price Range	# of gifts	Type of gift
   Spouse (random acts of kindness)	$10-$50	1 per month	Flowers, restaurant, chocolates, hallmark card
   Husband birthday	$50-$100	1 per year	Whatever he hints to you
   Wife birthday	$50-$100	1 per year	Whatever she hints to you
   Spouse (Christmas gift)	$10-$200	Minimum 2	Pick-up hints throughout the year
   Your children (random acts of kindness)	$5 and under	1 per month	Dollar store items, YOUR TIME, books and magazines from yard sales
   Your children birthday	$50-$100	1 per child	Pick-up hints throughout the year or take them on a trip to Toys-R-Us 1 month before their birthday and ask them to pick something out that their friends would love (for fun). Write it down and then go get it when their not around.
   Your children (Christmas gifts)	$10-$100	2 per child	Pick-up hints throughout the year
   Wedding anniversary	$100-?	Max 2	It could be anything from jewellery, to a getaway trip, to a new car! J
   Newly weds	$50-$100	1-3	Look for their “gift registry” list
   Graduation	$100-?	1	Briefcase, new suit, it could even go as high as a car (if you can afford it).
   Friends (random acts of kindness)	$30 and under	1 per friend per year	Restaurant, movie, YOUR TIME, clothing
   Friends birthday	$30-$50	1 per friend	Ask them
   Friends (Christmas gift)	$30-$50	1	Do a friend gift exchange or else it gets too expensive.
   Parents (random acts of kindness)	Under $20	3 per year	Parents have done so much for us, let’s not forget this! Movie, flowers, lottery tickets (my mom loves them). Most importantly, as they get older…SPEND TIME with them or call them regularly.
   Parents birthday	$20-$50	1	BooOverall ks, puzzles, crafts
   Parents anniversary	$100-?	1	Depending on the year, I would say this could vary.  If they get to 50 years together…a party uniting friends and family would be recommended!
   Parents (Christmas gift)	$20-$50	1 per parent	Get hints throughout the year.  Depending on the family size, I suggest a gift exchange as it can get expensive.
   Siblings (random acts of kindness)	$20-$50	3 per year	Movie, outing, YOUR TIME
   Siblings (birthday)	$50-$100	1	Ask them what they want or a prepaid Visa/MasterCard is really good.  This way they can buy whatever they want wherever they want!
   Siblings (Christmas)	$20-$30	Max 2	Get hints throughout the year.  Depending on the family size, I suggest a gift exchange as it can get expensive.
   Nephews and Nieces (Christmas / Birthday)	$20 and under	1	Depending on the size of your family, this can get expensive. Ask the parents for ideas.
   Other	?	?	You decide…but make sure you follow some of my tips to get the your shopping done with and for a purpose!

    

    

    

9. Overall cost and benefits. With the price of gas being so high, you need to start calculating the total cost of your shopping.  Take a look at the distance you need to travel to get to the physical mall.  What does that translate in gas cost to you? Add it to your bill. Then, what is your time worth? Calculate how much you make (income) an hour and multiply that 3 (very conservative) to get a true worth of your time. Now estimate the amount of time you will spend shopping (either online or physically), then multiply your “time” by the amount of time shopping.  Add that to the bill. Will you need to eat out? Add that to the bill. Now take a look at your cost of shopping physically and the cost of shopping online. What are their respective cost and benefits? By comparing both, you will get a clear picture where your next shopping experience will occur. For me, it’s online all the way!
10. Your new bible. Now that you have my top 10 list on shopping with and for a purpose, please share it with others and make sure to follow it each time you go shopping, it will save you time and MONEY!    

Article by Vigceo
VIG Member

 

If you would like to know more about IG (important giver) and VIG (very important giver) membership, please visit our web site at:

 

http://www.goodwillmall.com
Buy More, Get More, Give More!

 

 

If you would like to learn about blogging for profit and get a FREE 50 page ebook, and start getting a blogging coach, please click here:

 

http://www.blogmastermind.com/affiliates/index.php?af=824649&u=http://www.blogmastermind.com/coaching

 

 

Thank you!
Vigceo…where it’s all about GOODWILL!

Reporter vs Expert - Why Most Bloggers Are Stuck Reporting

There are basically two types of bloggers in the world - reporters and experts - and some people perform both roles (usually the experts, it’s hard for reporters to become experts, but it’s easy for experts to report).

If you have ever taken an Internet marketing course or attended a seminar specifically for beginners, you have probably heard about the two different methodologies. Whenever the business model is based on content, and if you blog for money then the model is based on content, people are taught to either start as reporters, or if possible step up as experts.

I’ll be frank; you want to be the expert.

Reporters leverage the content of the experts and in most cases people start off as reporters because they haven’t established expertise. Experts enjoy the perks of preeminence, higher conversion rates because of perceived value, it’s easier to get publicity, people are more likely to seek you out rather than you having to seek others out, joint ventures come easier, etc… experts in most cases simply make more money and attract more attention.

Most Bloggers Are Reporters

The thing with expertise is that it requires something - experience. No person becomes an expert without doing things and learning. Bloggers usually start out without expertise and as a result begin their blogging journey by talking about everything going on in their niche (reporting) and by interviewing and talking about other experts (reporting again).

There’s nothing wrong with reporting of course and for many people it’s a necessity at first until you build up some expertise. Unfortunately the ratios are pretty skewed when it comes to reporters and experts - there are a lot more reporters than there are experts, hence reporters tend to struggle to gain attention and when they do, they often just enhance the reputation of the expert they are reporting on.

Don’t Replicate Your Teacher

If you have ever spent some time browsing products in the learn Internet marketing niche you will notice a pattern. Many people first study Internet marketing from a “guru” (for lack of a better term). The guru teaches how he or she is able to make money online, and very often the view that the student gleams is that in order to make money online you have to teach others how to make money online.

The end result of this process is a huge army of amateurs attempting to replicate what their teacher does in the same industry - the Internet marketing industry - not realizing that without expert status based on a proven record and all the perks that come with it, it’s next to impossible to succeed.

Even people, who enjoy marginal success, say for example growing an email list of 1,000 people, then go out and launch a product about how to grow an email list of 1,000 people. Now I have no problems with that, I think it’s fine to teach beginners and leverage whatever achievements you have, the problem is that people gravitate to the same niche - Internet marketing - and rarely have any key points of differentiation.

How many products out there do you know of that all claim to teach the same things - email marketing, SEO, pay per click, affiliate marketing, and all the sub-niches that fall under the category of Internet marketing. It’s a saturated market, yet when you see your teachers and other gurus making money teaching others how to make money (and let’s face it - making money as a subject is one of the most compelling) - your natural inclination is to follow in their footsteps.

If the key is to become an expert and you haven’t spent the last 5-10 years making money online, I suggest you look for another niche to establish expertise in.

Report on Your Process, Not Others

The secret to progress from reporter to expert is not to focus on other experts and instead report on your own journey. When you are learning how to do something and implementing things day by day, or studying other people’s work, you need to take your process and what you do as a result of what you learn, and use it as content for your blog.

It’s okay to talk about experts when you learn something from them, but always relate it to what you are doing. If you learn a technique from an expert it’s fine to state you learned it from them (and affiliate link to their product too!) but you should then take that technique, apply it to what you are doing and then report back YOUR results, not there’s. Frame things using your opinion - your stories - and don’t regurgitate what the expert said. The key is differentiation and personality, not replication.

Expertise comes from doing things most people don’t do and then talking about it. If you do this often enough you wake up one day as an expert, possibly without even realizing how it happened, simply because you were so good at reporting what you did.

You Are Already An Expert

Most people fail to become experts (or perceived as experts) because they don’t leverage what they already know. Every person who lives a life learns things as they go, takes action every day and knows something about something. The reason why they never become an expert is because they choose not to (which is fine for some, not everyone wants to be an expert), but if your goal is to blog your way to expertise and leave the world of reporting behind you have to start teaching and doing so by leveraging real experience.

Experience can come from what you do today and what you have done previously; you just need to take enough steps to demonstrate what you already know and what you are presently learning along your journey. I know so many people in my life, who are experts simply by virtue of the life they have lived, yet they are so insecure about what they know, they never commit their knowledge to words for fear of…well fear.

Blogs and the Web in general, are amazing resources when you leverage them as a communication tool to spread your expertise because of the sheer scope of people they can reach. If all you ever do is talk to people in person and share your experience using limited communication mediums, you haven’t much hope of becoming an expert. Take what you know and show other people through blogging, and you might be surprised how people change their perception of you in time.

Reporting Is A Stepping Stone

If your previous experience and expertise is from an area you want to leave behind or you are starting from “scratch”, then reporting is the path you must walk, at least for the short term.

Reporting is a lot of fun. Interviewing experts, talking about what other people are doing and just being part of a community is not a bad way to blog. In many cases people make a career of reporting (journalism is about just that), but if you truly want success and exponential results, at some point you will have to stand up and proclaim yourself as someone unusually good at something and then proceed to demonstrate it over and over again.

Have patience and focus on what you do to learn and then translate that experience into lessons for others, and remember, it’s okay to be a big fish in a small pond, that’s all most experts really are.

This article was by Yaro Starak, a professional blogger and my blog mentor. He is the leader of the Blog Mastermind mentoring program designed to teach bloggers how to earn a full time income blogging part time.

To get more information about Blog Mastermind click this link:

http://www.blogmastermind.com/affiliates/index.php?af=824649

Learn the “How” To Making Money Blogging (Without the Monkeys!)

 

I’m new at this “blogging” thing…and let me tell you, IT’S ADDICTIVE! But just like anything new, you have to know how to do it right, and want to do it right!  Otherwise, it’s just something that you occasionally tackle when you have spare time or just a hobby and don’t think much of it.

 

But for those interested in seriously making a contribution based on your life experiences, acquired knowledge, wisdom, and/or niche expertise…then this is a way of life for you to explore! It will be of great benefit for others (and surprisingly for yourself as well).

 

Let’s start by answering your foremost pressing question…what can I blog about?  Well, this depends on your life! What I mean is you need to step back and think about what type of activities, events, learning, and paths that you have journeyed throughout your life.  Now note some of those down!  Once you have a complete list written down, take each one of them and try to break them down further.  For example, let’s say you have “skiing” because you went to the Alps Helicopter skiing. Then break it to down to “Down Hill Helicopter Skiing”.  Now think about the blog you could create on that topic!  Plus, it’s very specialized and unique. There’s a lot more to this step…but I will talk about this later.

 

The next questions you probably have are “how do I start a Blog?”, “how do I get people to read my blog?”, or even “is there money to be made with blogs?” The answers to these questions need a lot more attention then just a quick response from an article.  Like me, the best way to do this is through learning and applying the best techniques.  Sure you can search the web and see how others do it.  You can trial and error by yourself and perhaps succeed. But the best way to do it is with Yaro!

 

Yaro Starak is a blogger’s dream come true!  He is a great mentor with great tools.  His coaching methods and systems platform to support it all is out-of-this-world! If you are serious about becoming a full-time blogger and would seriously like to make money, then check him out:

 

http://www.blogmastermind.com/affiliates/index.php?af=824649&u=http://www.blogmastermind.com/coaching

 

Open you eyes and CRY OUT against child abuse!

I’m not sure if you have kids, but I have three of my own (one older boy and twin girls) and love them beyond anything, including my own life.  I want to make sure you understand the importance of child abuse and what it does to the child as they grow up (if they get there).  I want to set a clear picture in your mind so that you never forget it.  I want to draw a fictitious barrier around your anger and reactions.

First, make everyone in the room disappear from wherever you are.  Now that you are alone, think about your children (or children you are close to, like nephews and nieces), the happy times you have with them, think about friends that have kids and how they get along.  Think about when you were young and the good times you had with your family.  Now watch the video titled “Against Abuse” by clicking here:

http://blog.goodwillmall.com/video/

Well, if you are back and are not crying…I would be very surprise.  I think you agree with me that child abuse in any way, shape, or form is unacceptable and just like the video…WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!  If you are the abused and are able to communicate…then reach out and tell someone!  There are many help lines in every area. You can also tell someone you trust, a friend or relative, and if you’re out of options…email everyone on your contact list (make sure to include me) and explain your situation.  You will reach someone that will listen and help!

For those that are too young to speak up or reach out…then I will address the abusers.  Let me start by asking “why?” The child is smaller then you, less educated (although you can’t be really smart if you abuse), can not communicate well (express their hurt), and most likely your own flesh and blood.  Please ask yourself the question and fill in the blank “why do I get angry when ______?”  Before reacting, write down what you should do when that situation arises and what you shouldn’t do (like hit or yell). Then, think of the list when the child (your child) acts up. And keep in mind…they are only children. Maybe take the time to watch that video again, it will surely calm you down…and perhaps save you from a life in jail sentence.

Now let talk about the “stand-by” person!  A stand-by person is someone that knows or suspects something is wrong, but too afraid to stand-up and say something.  They are afraid to help.  They are afraid to defend the weak. They are part of the equation to a result of chaos.  To you people, I say have the courage to react! Confront the abusers and express your concerns.  Be brave for the weak! You might save a life! Is it better to save a life or lose a friend?

Let me finish by saying to everyone (stand-by, abusers, and abused alike) that the cycle MUST stop.  We must make a difference…everyone!  Together, let’s stop the violence!

The Latest in Online Shopping

Volunteering for the public good!

Pro bono publico (usually shortened to pro bono) is a phrase derived from Latin meaning “for the public good.” Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_bono_publico

 

 

 

Have you ever freely donated your time to help a relative, friend, work acquaintance, or even the little old lady that lives across from you?  Did it make you feel good to help out those close to you when they needed it most? Were they thankful for your efforts and most importantly your valuable time?

 

Most of us have been in a “pro bono” situation before where we helped out for FREE. What you may not know or realize is most of the time your actions are not intended for the public good, but more for your own or people close to you self interest.  So let me ask you another question, have you ever freely donated your time for a non-profit organization, charity event, fundraiser, or crisis needs?  If so, I call this volunteering Pro Bono Publico…and congratulation for doing so!

 

There are many ways to volunteer your time.  Some of the best places to check out are local Churches, Youth Centers, Local Volunteer centers, and of course the World Wide Web (www) also known as the Internet. 

 

Here are some great tips for searching volunteer opportunities using the Internet:

 

1.      Use specific keywords for your region, example: Volunteer center in Boston, Volunteering in the city of New York, etc…

2.      Sing-up or bookmark volunteering Blogs such as www.blog.goodwillmall.com. You will find articles that will help you make informed decisions.

3.      Use different search engines such as google, yahoo, ask, dogpile, etc…

4.      Visit forums focused on volunteering

5.      Surf online local newspaper websites

6.      Surf online directories such as Yellow Pages

7.