the gift cards for the future.”

Tellman Knudson

I recently coached two people with very similar problems.  As a result of life threatening health issues, they have discovered a new perspective that can really help people. In both cases, what they learned came from personal and tough health situations.  They researched, experimented and learned so much that they were able to heal what seemed to be impossible situations.

Now other people want to learn from them.  But they are afraid. And we couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t share what they had learned and experienced and worked for them. One of them has written a book and was paralyzed to move forward. Why not share what they know has worked with others? Especially when so many people were asking for help.

Then finally we discovered it. It was a quirky thought, but enough to stop them.

Since they took so much responsibility for their own life and healing – they thought that by sharing it – they would have to take responsibility for the people that took the advice.  And that was just too much pressure.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

When they realized that they were simply a facilitator (which means “to make easy”) or navigator of helpful information and that it was up to the person to take the responsibility and choose what they wanted to use or not – it was so freeing.

You will soon hear about these two people – they have broken f r e e of a limiting belief.

What is the quirky belief or thought that is keeping you stuck?

Life dealt you some cards – are you turning them into gift cards?

Decide to be successful no matter what life throws you.

And if you want to begin to train your mind to clear this stuff consider spending two days with Michael Stratford and I – you will not look at life the same again.

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

When we are unhookable – we are able to communicate in a way that people can hear us. We can even say the most difficult things or have differing viewpoints and people can hear us. We can get to the heart of the matter.

How does the “unhookable” leader succeed?  There are two parts:

The first is the ability to use the right words, they are assertive versus passive or aggressive and they use enrolling language.  The language makes it safe to respond and encourages seeking a solution or taking action when appropriate.

The second part is more complex. “Unhookable” or Q Leaders keep emotions and judgement out of the equation and then can access their intuition and insight in their response.  The right words come to them. They are cool, calm and collected.  We call it “dynamic free”. They are able to give an insightful perspective that changes the situation no matter what is going on around them.

When we are “hooked” these options are not available to us even if we know other ways to say things. We are so busy overreacting, defending or trying to suppress our emotion that our ability to ask the right question or respond in a masterful way is unavailable to us.

We can get hooked by things like:

1. A provocative email
2. A poor decision
3. The appearance of hopelessness or helplessness
4. Criticism
5. Other peoples decisions
6. Not being heard
7. The list is endless . . .

In the past most communication programs focused on the “right” words and formulas.  While this is very important the skill is not very helpful if we can’t remember them in the moment or if we do not have the confidence to say what needs to be said.  Eliminating the fears and inhibitors to masterful communication will make us unhookable and allow to access and share insight in ways that people can hear us.

By now there may be some of you that would like to learn, be reminded of or upgrade your skills.  Maybe you would like to be able to have clean communication that takes the situation to a better place. It sure beats dead ends, defensiveness and hard feelings.

I am very excited that such an opportunity is available. Michael Stratford and I are offering a two-day workshop Golden Pathways Retreat and B&B in Peterborough on November 18 and 19th.

Masterful Questions and Leveraging Feedback are two core skills for every leader or business person no matter your role.

We can help you unhook.  Get the rest of the details here http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

I look forward to hearing your stories of how you have become unhookable and the amazing results that this brings.

PS: Watch a short 3 minute video and get all the details on this site.  You will know whether this is the workshop for you.

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

Q Leadership  is proud to present the first 2 elements of their Quintessential Leadership program…Masterful Questions and Leveraging Feedback.

Leaders are required to have answers. Answers for strategy, answers for growth, answers for tough times.  But answers are always a function of the questions being asked.  It’s oft been stated, “If you want better answers ask better questions.”  No one teaches people how to do that, to ask better questions.

But we do. We work with the context that questions are truly born from, the necessary structure that comprises great questions and combine those with subtracting the static interference that has people naturally access not only better questions, but questions that get to the true heart of the matter.  Questions that offer Transformation in transaction.

Leaders and their teams give and receive feedback all the time.  Whether from their customers, their employees, their vendors or the community at large.  It’s incumbent on them to be not only masterful in giving feedback but effective in receiving it.  Leveraging Feedback gives people the framework for giving effective feedback, the mindset to optimally leverage the feedback one is given, and helps subtract the emotional traps and barriers that prevent both.

One can attempt to stay static as a leader, relying on what they’ve already done and already know and still fall behind since the rest of the world is developing, changing and evolving at every minute. Come join Cora Whittington and Michael Stratford for two days as increasing both realms, Masterful Questions and Leveraging Feedback.  There’s much to learn and you may even have some fun in the process.

When: November 18 + 19, 2010

Where: Golden Pathways Retreat, Peterborough ON

More Details and to Register:  http://bit.ly/masterfulq

Phone: 705-745-4006

So we moved it ahead to November 18 and 19th, 2010.

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

Being able to give and receive feedback in a way so that people are inspired to improve rather than be discouraged is an art.

How do you give feedback in a way that it is accepted and even desired? How can you receive feedback (even if it is critical) and do something positive with it? How do you figure out what the real issue is?

These are just a few of the things that we will be learning in a fun way.

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

Over the next few weeks I will be sending some articles that will expand on these skills.  Look for the first one on “Being Unhookable”

Wishing you a wonder-filled day,

Cora

I know that the time frame is short and I also know that there are people seeking exactly what we are offering.  The perfect participant will know that this is what they need and want and the dates will be available to them.

Watch a short 3 minute video and get all the details on this site.  You will know whether this is the workshop for you.

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

Here is just some of what you will get for your ROI

• Masterful questioning skills that get to the heart of the matter
• The end to unproductive communication that wastes time and energy
• A more harmonious and productive workplace where people actually seek feedback
• Reduce interpersonal conflict
• And you will be more calm, confident and patient in your leadership

Here is what you need to know

Date: Oct 28^th and 29^th 2010

Place: Golden Pathways Retreat and B&B Peterborough, ON

Time: 9:00 – 4:30

Special pricing available for groups

http://www.goldenpathways.ca/mq.htm

As I toured the facility, we were told that the windows were bullet-proof and the steel shutters come down for a lock-down when necessary.  I naively asked how often that would be thinking maybe 2 or 3 times a year and was told that it could be weekly.  She told us that gangs are moving into town and it may not be just one angry person that is on the doorstep. The fund raising team had the WHY but they had more than that.

I couldn’t help but admire the vision, hutzpah and commitment of the leaders. Throughout the campaign they seemed to be free of victim or needy energy. They raised over 4 million dollars in a tough economy and a town where were several large fund raising ventures were active. There were huge roadblocks and listening to the stories and the gambles that the board and staff took to pull this off is amazing.

I have known the Executive Director Lynn Zimmer for many years and have always noticed her presence.  Presence is hard to describe but for me it is a feeling of confidence, hope and possibility that I get when she talks. The words may help but it is the feeling that has to be congruent.  Lots of people use the words and you don’t get the essence of presence.

The thesaurus uses words like dignity, charisma, aura, authority, poise to describe presence.

In the 9 agilities of a Q leader, presence is an ability to spontaneously respond to the needs of the moment with the fullness of being. It is to be unhookable with a presence of ease and grace. It is to be unhookable by the pull of reality.

Last night I noticed that many members of the team attracted to this project had presence. Like attracts like.  That made a huge vortex of positive energy that people wanted to be part of.  And the impossible became possible.

What is your presence like?

The cool thing about applying quantum theory to presence, is that when you change one energy system in the field everything changes.  And that initial change can be you. After all it is the only thing that you can change

If you would like to explore what inhibitors may be keeping you from relating from presence, send me an email with a couple of available times and we will set up a complimentary session to discover how you can increase your presence. http://www.goldenpathways.ca/contact.asp

Congrats again to the Crossroads Safehaven Campaign and if you still want to help ~ Lynn says there is a list of things they still need at http://www.ywcapeterborough.org/

I would also love your comments or experience with presence. Please leave them below.

I thought it may be helpful to step back and consider several “internal” approaches to shopping.  By considering how your ideal customer “thinks” you can THEN decide which market strategy works best for your business or organization.  This process will provide you with a filter to help analyze what strategy or combination will work best for you.

It is helpful to analyze your ideal client and get into their head

1. I search and I find you – I know what I want – I type it in and I look for keywords and up comes a list and I make a choice.  Examples include a restaurant, a tire changing place or a bed and breakfast
2. I need a referral – For this type of product or service, I like to ask people who or what they have used. Examples include a coach, health professional or work done on my house
3. I need an expert – I want to trust that the person I choose knows what they are talking about.  Examples include financial advisors, a specialized treatment or a mould specialist
4. I need someone I know – if I have met you, I feel more comfortable. I like the feeling of being able to talk to the owner or a key staff person and get advice and my follow-up issues resolved.  Examples include realtors, store owners, car repair
5. I need the best price – I know what I want, I just want the best price.  Examples include theatre tickets, technical equipment, tools
6. I need something unique and creative – I like having and giving something with a story, meaning or craftsmanship. Examples include artists, stained glass or pottery, wood craftsperson
7. I need someone who shares my values – I like to support people who understand the way I think. For example, I may like to support charities and local causes so I like to support companies who do the same. If I have strong environmental values I will look for someone who does the same. Examples include eco-services, parenting advice or printers
8. I need to see it before I buy it – I like to know how it works. Examples include jewellery, equipment, speakers

How Online Strategy Can Help Address These Needs

You probably know tons of “traditional” ways to market to these needs so I thought I would make a list of newer online strategies that might help you.

1. I search and I find you

• Know your keywords – what do people type in to find you? Use these keywords often in a variety of locations.  Make a list of 50 words and use them in articles, profiles
• Be sure to have your website and blog search engine optimized (you can do it yourself in a WordPress blog with every post)
• Have profiles in several locations on the web (LinkedIn, Plaxo,
  Facebook Business Pages, Twitter, Google Buzz and many more)
• Register on Google Places
• Automate your blog articles (RSS feed automatically to Facebook, LinkedIN and Plaxo) and status updates (use Ping.fm) to save time and spread your reach so that new people can find you

2.  I need a referral

• Post testimonials on your site and WordPress blog
• Get people to post referrals on your LinkedIN page
• Get referrals for your Google Place profile
• Note: Google loves that you have referrals – they will rate you higher

3. I need an expert

• Write blog posts that answer common  questions that people ask
• Respond to questions in groups on LinkedIn or Facebook business pages
• People will read how your advice and if they like it  click on your link and check you out
• Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete
• Post your articles on article sites so that you become known as an expert

4. I need someone I know

• Build your own following through your blog or Facebook business page or LinkedIN groups
• Use video clips on You Tube
• Stay connected to groups after you have taken a training
• Keep your content fresh, entertaining, educational,  engaging and real

5. I need the best price

• Use the Genie app to search the net http://www.myshoppinggenie.com/corawhittington
• Make sure that your keywords are USED in a way that Google can bring you to the top
• Ask people to sign up for a list if they want to hear about sales and specials – I have this with Tiger Direct and Ricki’s

6. I need something unique and creative

• Create a e-commerce or a portfolio WordPress site
• Use pictures in your articles
• There are easy and inexpensive ways to set these up (What used to cost $1000.00 can now be done for less than $100.00)

7. I need someone who shares my values and goals

• Create a WordPress membership site
• Set-up a WordPress blog on a Specific topic i.e.  See www.hopewillprevail.com
• Create an opt-in list where you give tips, advice or education

8. I need to see it before I buy it

• You Tube videos, photo portfolios and educational clips are great ways for people to see or experience your product or service

I hope these get your mind thinking about some of what you can do to attract new clients and customers.

Breaking News

In partnership with TAG – Technology Alliance Group in Lindsay I will be teaching an 8 week program called Strategic Online Solutions beginning in October, 2010

TAG just received a government grant of $280.00 per business to help you take the course. This is an amazing opportunity to help take control of your marketing and attract your perfect clients.

Details are at http://www.goldenpathways.ca/SOS.htm

Or call me at 705-745-4006

PS: Let me know what goes on in your head when you are shopping so that we can address them in the next article.

Cora Whittington

Cora is a professional coach who helps small business owners grow their businesses, make more money and have a really great life.

We help you bring your dreams to life.

Fruit in a martini glass at Golden Pathways Retreat and B&B

The July 1st weekend was busy at Golden Pathways Retreat and B&B.  And as usual I enjoyed meeting the wonderful people. I am just busy doing my “thing”.  Getting to know people and  making a lovely presentation of breakfast are two things that I enjoy.

You can imagine my surprise when one of the guests told me that she was a tourism and travel writer.

Here is the link to her photo journal of our place and the City of Peterborough.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelandtransitions/sets/72157624423744042

The photos are amazing – just start the slide show and enjoy! And it is very interesting to see how and what a visitor notices when they come to our area.  It makes you want to stop and enjoy the details and the view much more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelandtransitions/sets/72157624423744042

Whether you are local or from afar – this slide show will lift your spirits.

Last week I used the F R E E Genie Shopping App to find software – and a new laptop – I saved hundreds of dollars

Office Pro is anywhere from 299 to 499 depending where you look – I got it for 109 – no taxes or shipping and legal

I am also looking at CS4 software that goes for 999 for half price.

If you want to use this amazing shopping research app download it here

http://bit.ly/corageniegift

or

http://www.myshoppinggenie.com/corawhittington

(make sure my name is on the bottom of the page) and have fun searching for your deals.

Just install the app and type in the model or description of the item you are researching in the google yahoo or bing search bar.

The Genie Shopping App will pop up.  Hit the Compare button and the Deals button. And several screens will show up.

It will find the best deals on the net – not who paid the most to get it to the top of the Search engine.

Send us stories of the deals you have found – this will help everyone!

Cora

PS: If you want to hear how this phenomena is going viral and how you can use it to market your business and make money doing it – send me a note and I’ll let you know about the online or inperson opportunities to hear more about it.

Watch the video on the site and find out how people are saving money on thousands of items. Electronics, theatre tickets, office supplies, hard to find items – if you can buy it somewhere the genie app will find a deal for you.

You can download the app absolutely f*r*e*e.  It is a search tool to find the best prices on the web – not who paid the most to get to the top of the list.

http://www.myshoppinggenie.com/corawhittington

After you download the app and play with it a bit you might want to get more  info on how you can brand your business by giving away free apps

It is helpful to watch the video on this site

http://www.viddler.com/explore/GenieChannel/videos/1/

Or come to our place this Wednesday

This is a 45 minute presentation to demonstrate how to use the ”Genie” e-marketing tool. Also, we will show how you can use it for co-branding your business along with how a charity can use it for fundraising.

The presentation will take place on:

Wednesday July 7^th,2010

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Golden Pathways Retreat

Directions: http://www.goldenpathways.ca/bb/bb_booking_directions.htm

Please RSVP cw@goldenapthways.ca  or call 705-745-4006 if you want more info

Remember to download the complimentary app

http://www.myshoppinggenie.com/corawhittington