How to Become “Unhookable”

I love this word – “unhookable”. Maybe it is because I spend so much of my professional and person life helping people and occasionally myself : ) get unhooked.

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

A personal invitation from Cora Whittington

I am really excited to invite you to an opportunity to help you become more masterful in your communication.

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

What Goes On In Peoples Heads When They Want to Buy a Product or Service?

There are so many possibilities in marketing.  I know that people are constantly calling me, emailing me and presenting to me marketing ways.  And if you are like me – it is easy to get hooked by all the pitch and possibility.  And use up a ton of money while you do it.

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.

You Never Know Who is Going To Come…

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.

Saving Money is Good :)

I love saving money.

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.

Do you like finding bargains?

I have to admit – I am a sucker for bargains – so I love this new app.  Even though I mostly buy local, I like to research on line.

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

Last Chance and a 2 for 1

First, I have a couple of seats left in the next Online Presence Made Easy course beginning this Thursday

You may have some questions:

1. Would this course be helpful to my business, organization or personal project?

2. What if I am not going to do the work but I want to have a say in the strategy and content?

3. What if I don’t live locally to Peterborough?

Here are some answers:

1. Would this course be helpful to my business, organization or personal project?

Call me and we can talk about whether it would work for you.  I have actually given some people advice to not to do this and others it will be just perfect.

There are a wide range of participants in the next class  retail, educational, services, training businesses can all benefit – here are a few examples eg.

- Hues in Glass – Val Cowle will be setting up a E-commerce site for Stained Glass using a WordPress theme (I am really excited about this – we have found a template for $55.00 that would cost $1000.00 to have created)

- John Knight -  author of the book The Mystic- to market his book

- Angela Beal of HRS Group – will be setting up a system to educate companies on Health and Safety

- Luan Ford will be setting up online presence for her Mariposa Chocolates (absolutely amazing truffles)

- Lynda Rickard of Technology Alliance Group will be setting up a system to educate people on technology, workshops and e-waste  and

- Kim Paget’s business is Paget’s Denture Clinic plus more yet to be listed.

2. What if I am not going to do the work but I want to have a say in the strategy and content?

Then you will be interested in the Two for One offer – you both get to come for the one regular price.

3. What if I don’t live locally to Peterborough?

Let me know that you are interested in this content because I will be setting up some webinars to help you.

Watch this video – it is helpful even if you can’t take the program

http://www.onlinepresencemadeeasy.com

If you have more q’s call me – remember I will do the complimentary session to help you with your strategy!

Cheers,

Cora

Something Strange is Happening!

This intention stuff really works.

In my past, I was easily rattled (and that is a gentle description)  by anything technological, marketing and bookkeeping.

I would stew about writing copy, fret about GST, get in a spin when I was on the Net.

And now I love it! (Well not the bookkeeping part – but I can do it!)

In fact, I love the internet so much that I am teaching it.  And I am the perfect person to do it.

Someone who was as lost as anyone and can find my way around, I love entrepreneurship and love learning.

Can I explain this totally – I believe that it is my inner core dynamic work in general.

I became clear about what I want through intention. Then I worked with my barriers with my coach.

Part of it has been increasing my comfort with discomfort.  When I forgot or don’t know how to do something – it is okay.

Part of it is actually learning how to do it.

And the last part is taking inspired action.

And of course taking risks. Trying things and having fun with it.

It didn’t happen instantly – in fact when there was some space between when I clarified my intentions and it actually happened.

Probably when I stopped thinking about it.

So watch the results of my new state of being.

I made a video that teaches some introduction to online marketing (where to start) and lets you know about my upcoming course.

The first video that I made – I re-recorded 5 times – this one is the first time and I had fun doing it -

The jitters were gone and I just got excited about sharing what I have learned – it starts a little slow but then my comfort increases.

I would love to have feedback from you on this. And if you want to take the course let me know that too.

http://www.onlinepresencemadeeasy.com

To strange things happening in your life!

Cora

Location Location Location

I just came back from having a wonderful pedicure and facial.

It was at Tyme on Your Hands and the location was out in nowhere.  (http://tymeonyourhands.com)

Outside of the city, down winding roads, not easy to find at all!

And when I walked in it was a wonderful oasis.

I enjoyed incredible service and attention to detail and great conversation.

I particularly appreciated the sterilization of the tools and the skills and equipment.

I asked the owner Carol Cooke about her location – she said that it didn’t seem to matter.

She had a thriving business and that her best marketing was word of mouth and the yellow pages.

While my location is easier to find than Carol’s, it is in the countryside.  I too have not found it to be a detriment.

Obviously, the quality of work, ambiance and service outweighs a less than optimal location.

Now I am not advocating that you find a poor location for your business.

Howerver I would say that the old rule of “location location location” may need to be considered more carefully.

When you are good people will come!

If you are local here is Carol’s website again http://tymeonyourhands.com

Tell her I sent you.

Cora

This changes everything about marketing…

Hey, sorry for the last minute message on this,

but this is URGENT!

There’s a webinar being hosted Tuesday night

that is so important, I urge you to drop everything,

juggle your schedule, bar the door to any

distractions, and make this your number one

priority:

[Urgent Facebook Webinar Tuesday April 27th]

http://www.crowdconversion.com/facebook-revolution/?10089
You see, in the past 4 days or so, Facebook made

an announcement that is about to change EVERYTHING

about marketing with social media.

In fact, this is so freaking huge, even Fox News and

Newsweek are all over it. This goes light years beyond

your typical “marketing tip” of the moment. It’s not an

exaggeration to say this could totally change the

profitability of your marketing in a monumental way.

As I’m sure you’re aware, I’ve been recommending you

take advantage of all the cutting-edge information Robert

Grant and Ian David Chapman have been giving away about

their Crowd Conversion strategies.

Without exception, it has all been topnotch killer content that

can easily give you a leg up over your competition. And now

they’re going to include the newest (and most say the most game

changing) strategy available to you on Facebook.

Believe it or not, it all starts with LIKING something.

Seriously—it’s fantastic. With a simple click of a button, you

will have the ability to be a marketing mind reader.

Fortunately, Robert and Ian are quick, nimble, and totally

tuned in to what’s happening every single day with Facebook.

When the big change in Facebook was announced, they dug into

it immediately. That’s why everybody loves their Crowd Conversion

program so much and why this is such good news for you…

[How To LIKE Your Way To Success With Facebook]

http://www.crowdconversion.com/facebook-revolution/?10089

Robert and Ian were stunned when Facebook unveiled their new

leveraging point a few days ago. The whole world is buzzing about

it, because this is definitely unlocking the door to the powerful next

incarnation of the web—what many are calling the beginning of

Web 3.0 (a quantum leap ahead of 2.0!)

I can’t really begin to explain it all here, but in a nutshell, now

you’ll be able to go to ANY website in the world—and even if

you’re not a registered user of the site or have never visited it

before—you’ll be able to see EVERYTHING your Facebook
subscribers liked on that site.

And I mean EVERYTHING.

Do you have any idea what this means?

It’s like having X-RAY VISION to look straight into the hearts and

minds of ALL of your subscribers!

And do you have any idea what this means to your business?

GOLD! Solid gold.

Whether you’ve heard a little bit about this—or this is the first you’ve

heard—you need to make the time to be on an extremely timely and

content packed webinar with Robert Grant and Ian David Chapman.

There’s no cost whatsoever—but you DO have to register right here:

[Register for the Facebook Webinar Right Here]

http://www.crowdconversion.com/facebook-revolution/?10089

They’re going to go through what exactly the newest changes are on

Facebook, why it’s so exciting, and why YOU should be among the

smart marketers who will be implementing this immediately.

I’m going to be there too—it’s the fastest and most accurate way to

gain the advantage and ride the crest of this for your business.

As always, you can get started with this immediately, just from the

gift of extremely current information Robert and Ian will give you

Tuesday night at 6 p.m. Pacific.

This is so incredibly powerful, it’s even got giant Google nervous.

But they’re not the only ones who should be afraid. YOU should be

afraid of getting left behind on this.

See you there!

Cora

P.S. Even Levi (yes, the jeans company) is already using this on their

website. AFTER you register for the webinar, take a look at their home

page. It will tell you just how important this is going to be for

ALL businesses.

[Register for the Webinar right here]
http://www.crowdconversion.com/facebook-revolution/?10089

P.P.S. Almost forgot, when Robert told me about this, he also mentioned

they are almost at full capacity for their next Crowd Conversion program.

If you’ve been waiting around to decide, you better get on the stick,

especially now that Facebook has announced this powerful new weapon

for your marketing arsenal.

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