Inspired Choice

Acting from Inspiration vs. Acting from Lack

In my work with a client recently we talked about the overwhelm of how to build her business during the tougher economic climate we find ourselves in.  She wanted answers on how to get clients and what to do first.  “I want a plan, a step-by-step-plan!”

We arrived at the realization that when action is derived from a sense of sacred purpose, from inspiration, then the exact approach and steps don’t matter.  When you act from your heart and your mission, answers will come to you and people will magically cross your path.  All that matters is having a mission and asking people, "How can I help?" knowing you can!

I shared the reading below with my client and she just HAD to have a copy.  And so I am sharing it with all of you to help you see how to take action from inspiration.  The source is Abraham Hicks.  I've offered some inspiring music to accompany these words below.

Let me be a catalyst for you.  Let me help you take the leap into inspired action. 

Gail interviewed as networking expert for Masters Series

I'm honored to have been sought out as an expert on the subject of networking for business success for the Networking Masters Tele-Summit 2009. 

The telesummit was held March 9-13th.  All 23 networking experts, including yours truly, are captured for your learning and improved networking results on MP3 and CD recordings. 

Check out the details and get your recordings here.  You'll have fun seeing my photo... I look like I'm wearing a hair net!

My interview is CD #14 on "10 Princples for Successfully Breaking Through Networking Obstacles," a variation on my "How to Love Networking" workshop  I share 10 obstacle and fear-busting tips and philosophies you can put to immediate use.  It's time, in today's world, to start having more meaningful conversations that lead to more meaningful relationships and results.

What is your biggest obstacle to networking comfort, confidence and success? Let's talk!

4 Tips to Be Empowered in "This Economy"

I started my day today exercising and watching TV as I lifted weights.  Good Morning America was on and as they shifted from their light, cheerful, often inspiring and fun segments, they switched to the news.  The broadcaster got only 9 words into his report before I changed channels.

On the screen was a graphic with 2 words in large type;  ECONOMIC CRISIS.  I put my hand on the remote the minute I saw this and listened as he said,"There is more evidence today of the economic crisis."  Click!   My decision to turn away from this report is one of 4 tips on how to be empowered in "this economy."

(Also see a companion article on the critical importance of self-care in "these times" published in the November 2008 Today's Chicago Woman.)

An Amazing Marketing Tool -- Interviews

One way to think of the value of interviews is for you to be interviewed by others.  It's a great way to build credibility and gain exposure.  I had the pleasure of being interviewed this week by Josh Hinds of Business Networking Advice. You can read the interview here. 

Now here is the real gem I learned from this experience.  My expanding awareness on this has been dawning for a few weeks now.  There is a tremendous win-win that comes from interviews with experts when you are the interviewer!  Josh is a perfect model of this. 

Yes, and... Power in a 3-lettered word

Have you ever noticed how common it is for you and others to say "yes, but" when making a decision?  I'm here to share the power of a 3-letter word substitution that can change your mindset and positively impact the reactions and cooperation of others!  Let's talk about moving from "yes, but" to "yes, and."

Imagine one being on a team and working to reach agreement on a procedure or interviewing for a job and all the elements are not quite right or even choosing a cuisine for dinner and your friend disagrees.  In all these situations there may be some elements you can agree to AND there are some you would like to negotiate.  It's so common in all 3 cases to say, "yes, but" to the person with the opposing view.

Consider that when you say to others "yes, I like your idea, but" you have minimized their feelings, belief, idea.  You are saying, unintentionally and out of learned habit, your idea doesn't matter as much because my idea differs.  The "but" says you hear their idea BUT you have a different idea, so there is discord or conflict.  This method of communication does not allow your ideas to both have value.

Here is a powerful, easy answer.  Take the same situation and substitute the word "and" for "but" and see what happens. 

My Valentine's Day Confession. Coming out of the closet.

What are you afraid to admit that you sell?!  Valentine's Day is a day for love. And that leads me to make a confession or is it more like coming out of the closet?

First, let me ask you solopreneurs out there a big question and I really want to hear back from you with your answer. Really. What is the deepest, most meaningful essence of what you deliver to your clients that you are afraid to tell others you sell? Perhaps it's too simple or you are afraid it won't sell. I talk a lot about my favorite expression, "Sell them what they want. Give them what they need." So you may not market this thing you deliver, but do you know what the bottom line deeper need you provide is?

Follow the continuation link below to read my confession and to take me up on a limited F*REE offer to the next 10 women solopreneurs who are serious about creating positive change in their business, operating from love!  Get your Inspired Marketing Health Check below.

Cool tool and website called "My Lifebook"

I just heard about this website and program, called My Lifebook.  It's got an amazing website and testimonials that are powerful.  I have no personal experience with this program and so I offer it for your exploration.

I do love the idea of, as they say, creating a blueprint for how you want your life to be in 12 areas of your life.  This is an in person program held in Chicago and San Diego.  See what you think!  http://www.mylifebook.com/

An Inspiring Reading -- "The Gift of Choice"

I came into the world without being asked,
And when the time for dying comes
I shall not be consulted;

But between the boundaries of birth and death
Lies the dominion of Choice:

To be a doer or a dreamer,
To be a lifter or a leaner.
To speak out or remain silent,
To extend a hand in friendship
Or to look the other way:
To feel the sufferings of others
Or to be callous and insensitive.

These are the choices.
It is in the choosing
That my measure as a person
Is determined.

Gertrude Hildreth Housman

Fun Self-Appreciation Exercise to Boost Spirit

I stumbled on an interesting concept or practice and a surprisingly motivating exercise quite by accident.  I want to share it with you so you can either play with it... or not!

Back in February, I had an epiphany while listening to my favorite Barry White song, "You're My First, My Last, My Everything." (Yeah, I really do love Barry White!).  I'd always sung this song about my husband (we just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary yesterday).  (Download the lyrics here).  The realization was that this love song, one he seems to be singing to a woman, is a song I can sing to myself! 

This idea came to me at a time when I was feeling quite proud of the results I created with the "How to Love Networking" workshop I customized for Harris Bank employees last year.  It was an amazing experience to sing these lyrics to myself. I imagined I was singing them to my little girl, my inner child, to young Gail and have done so since.  It creates an amazing feeling of warmth, love, empowerment, pride.  I associated this discovery with just this one song.

NOW! The new development and discovery is that while driving my car last week on my way to a speaking engagement, I listened to one of the love song channels on the radio and had the same experience... with EVERY (happy) love song!  They all fit! I tried this intentionally to get myself grounded, since I always have some nervousness before speaking.  Well, I got so pumped up and inspired and felt so anchored, loving and empowered I felt I could do anything!

So... my invitation to you is to try this exercise yourself!  Here's what you do.

Inspiring Photos and Videos

This is a space where I have begun a collection of some great, inspiring videos, PowerPoints or photos I've received along the way.  These will be available as long as the hosts keep these links available.

Enjoy these and add your comments by clicking on Comments below. Let me know if you have something to share here!

I'll start with this sunset photo that I took in Venice, Florida.