Author: Ethan Theo

Abe WalkingBear Sanchez is an International Speaker / Trainer / Consultant on the subject of cash flow / sales enhancement and business knowledge organization and use. Founder and President of www.armg-usa.com, WalkingBear has authored hundreds of business articles, has worked with numerous companies in a wide range of industries since 1982 and has spoken at many venues including the Shakespeare Globe Theater in London.

People & Relationships

Psychology and Leadership: Vision and Adjustments

Post author By Ethan Theo
Post date August 8, 2011

Article Contributed by Lynda-Ross Vega

People with the Vision Style are dynamic, energetic risk-takers who inspire, encourage, and motivate followers with their optimistic commitment to a long-range vision. Vision leaders attract followers with their ability to paint a vivid picture of the future.

Flexible and enthusiastic, individuals with this style tend to be open to new opportunities and courses of action, whatever those may be; for them, the failure of any particular direction, plan, or strategy is only a temporary setback. How they get where they are going is less important than getting there—so they will quickly regroup, find a new plan, and move forward. With their long-term goal constantly in sight, Vision leaders motivate others to join them with, sweeping them up in their excitement and commitment to action.

Examples of Vision leadership in the real world are easy to find because their combination of daring and charisma make such leaders highly visible. In the political realm, Vision leadership can be seen in Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan. Actors George Clooney and Angelina Jolie exemplify Vision leadership, as do military leaders General Douglas MacArthur, Colin Powell, and Sioux war chief Crazy Horse.

The Adjustments Leadership Style

People with the Adjustments Style lead by educating. These leaders tend to possess an enormous catalog of knowledge, which they share willingly when the situation calls for it. Rather than jumping in and taking charge of every situation, individuals with the Adjustments style prefer to sit back and observe until those who need their expertise are ready to receive it.

A great leadership strength of the Adjustments style is the ability to patiently show people how to respond clearly and thoughtfully to events and situations. Adjustments leaders possess a wealth of relevant detail and perceive connections that others almost invariably miss. Their calm and unhurried manner, meticulous research, and dedication to pursuing the wisest course of action attracts followers who appreciate the patient confidence they bring to leadership roles.

Adjustments leaders do not often seek the spotlight, but are propelled into it by their followers. In the political realm, there are three U.S. presidents whose public behavior suggests that they possess the Adjustments style: George H. W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, and Barrack Obama. Other examples of Adjustments leadership include Julia Childs and Meryl Streep.

*It is impossible to determine another’s Perceptual Style (PS) by observation alone. This is especially true for public figures. The examples provided ‘appear’, based on their public behavior, to be the PS for which they are used as examples. However, without a complete Perceptual Style Assessment, their particular PS is simply an educated guess.

About the Author:

Lynda-Ross Vega: A partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., Lynda-Ross specializes in helping entrepreneurs and coaches build dynamite teams and systems that WORK. She is co-creator of Perceptual Style Theory, a revolutionary psychological assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their deepest potentials for success. For free information on how to succeed as an entrepreneur or coach, create a thriving business and build your bottom line doing more of what you love, visit www.ACIforCoaches.com and www.ACIforEntrepreneurs.com.

Success Attitude

Is Your Past Success Hurting Your Future Success – Part 3: This Is Personal

Post author By Ethan Theo
Post date August 5, 2011

Article Contributed by Lisa Cherney

This is the final article in a 3-part series based on my recent teleclass, Why your past success is hurting your future success – 3 reasons that your business is not making BIG money – YET! There is nothing so heartbreaking as seeing your dream business – that you’ve put your heart and soul into – falling to the ground like a big broken kite! If you could separate yourself from the equation, it wouldn’t be so bad, but if you’re anything like me, your business is your baby! So here’s the third reason, and I know this one well:

Reason #3 – You are not used to failure feeling so personal. When things are going great, all is right with the world. But when it’s not going well, let’s face it – it’s embarrassing! Your business is a reflection of you, and it’s hard to accept setbacks, rejection, or criticism. This is the point when people give up and get a j-o-b rather than admit their weaknesses. So here’s the third and final principle, and it is by far the one that helped me the most to triple my income over the past two years:

Divine Juice Principle #3 – You must use failure to catapult your success. There is a lot of good that can come from failure – believe me! It leads to a phenomenon that I call the “entrepreneurial wormhole”. Believe it or not, many businesses actually are born because of some type of struggle or pain. And through that experience, the business owner learned! They either decided to use that pain to help other people, or they realized that they had a gift in a certain area, and wanted to share it with others. Or, they found something that helped them and then wanted to pass it on.

Failure has a purpose! Of course when you’re in it, it sucks. But once you’re out the other side of the wormhole, that knowledge catapults your business. And here’s the rub – when you invest in yourself, and in your business, you often experience another version of your wormhole. It doesn’t make sense, but you’re birthing the next level of your work – and it hurts! But if you don’t take those risks, it could be the death of your business. Investing in that help, working with my mentor, and having faith in myself – that’s what got me out of my wormhole. I could never have offered the high level content of the Inner Circle had I not made a high level investment in myself, and had I not experienced and received that kind of support. Yes, failure feels personal – because you’re not used to this level of frustration! But in order to always move forward, you have to have people around you – peers, friends, a mentor or mastermind group – to help you get through that wormhole.

So here’s your homework for today – list your “failures” and what you learned from them. Give them the credit they deserve. Maybe it was a struggle, or a setback, but in your heart it became pervasive enough to affect your ability to take risks. Doing this exercise may help prevent another wormhole! And it will make what you’ve gone through – or going through – make sense. I have a saying that we share in the Inner Circle – “Leap and the cliff disappears.” When you decide to love your career, to have a peaceful and prosperous business, the cliff disappears.

About the Author:

Lisa Cherney, a.k.a. the Juicy Marketing Expert, founded Conscious Marketing 12 years ago to help small business owners find their authentic marketing voice, attract their ideal clients and increase their sales. Following her own Stand Out & Be Juicy program, which centers on owning your unique self and laser-focus marketing, Lisa has tripled her income while working
part-time.

Prior to Conscious Marketing, Lisa worked with many Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Lipton, Nissan, Blue Cross and Equal. She is a highly sought after speaker and often shares the stage with experts such as Jack Assaraf (The Secret), Jack Canfield and Jill Lublin. Learn more about Lisa at www.consciousmarketing.com or call 887-771-0156.

Networking

LinkedIn Marketing Debate: Should Your LinkedIn Profile Be in 1st Person or 3rd Person?

Post author By Ethan Theo
Post date August 3, 2011
1 Comment on LinkedIn Marketing Debate: Should Your LinkedIn Profile Be in 1st Person or 3rd Person?

Article Contributed by Kristina Jaramillo

I spend hundreds of hours on LinkedIn every month researching, testing, tweaking and seeing what works and what doesn’t – and that’s on top of the hours I spend marketing my business and my clients’ businesses on LinkedIn. So in a week’s time I view thousands of different professional profiles.

I see people who write there profile in 1^st person. Others will write in 3^rd person. Even the LinkedIn marketing experts say different things when it comes to whether or not you should write your LinkedIn profile summary in first person or third person

So, today with this article, I am putting the debate to rest. I’m giving you the definitive answer to whether you should write your profile in 1^st person or 3^rd person – along with the reasons why.

7 Reasons to Put Your LinkedIn Profile in 1^st Person And Not 3^rd Person.

Reason #1:

When you write your LinkedIn profile in 3^rd person it reads like a boring a resume and seems very technical. Or, it can sound like you are writing a biography which is not very personal or interesting. It does not give the reader a true idea of who you are as a business person, thought leader or individual.

Reason #2:

When you write your LinkedIn profile in 1^st person it says to the reader that “I have character and confidence in my abilities. I’m willing to tell you in my own voice.” It tells the reader that you actually wrote your profile on your own words and took the time to personalize it.

Here is an example from one of my clients, Dan Janal, who took the time to pay attention to detail when writing his profile:

Imagine being featured on the front page of USA TODAY — and then being able to double your speaking fees immediately just like PR LEADS client Patrick Snow of Creating Your Own Destiny. Imagine the website traffic and sales you can generate if only you can find a way to get more publicity so you can speak to millions for free!

Now, small business owners, solo PR firms, speakers, authors and entrepreneurs can get name-brand publicity tools and publicity coaching they can afford. I’m talking about the same top-tier publicity tools that major corporations use to get mega media placements – but you can get it at a fraction of their cost.

For example, my PRLEADS.com service puts you in touch with reporters who are writing articles and need to find expert sources like you! We’re talking journalists from big name publications and media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Redbook.

You can read Dan’s entire profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danjanal

Reason #3:

When you write your LinkedIn profile in 3^rd person you create an automatic disconnect. It’s too distant and pompous. And, it automatically makes me think of the back cover bio of an author in a book.

Let me show you what I mean. Here is a real example of someone’s LinkedIn profile summary – the name has been changed to protect the guilty:

Chris Baton is an attorney who specializes in immigration law. A large percentage of his practice is focused on immigration trials and appeals.

Chris was the former chairperson for the American Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Division, Immigration Law Committee. Throughout his career, he has served on many local, state, and federal government boards and commissions. He speaks professionally on a variety of immigration and political issues.

Many of the profiles are done this way because the user has copied a biography from their website or another source where 3rd party format is more common. This shows me that you did not put any thought or time in to creating an effective LinkedIn profile. You need to show viewers that you care enough to connect with them on a personal level.

Reason #4:

LinkedIn is a virtual networking platform for business professionals who want to do more business. It is the first step in building a relationship with someone. You wouldn’t introduce yourself in the third person if you met someone at a networking event. – would you? Then why would you introduce yourself on your profile in 3^rd person when writing in first person gives you a more genuine and personal touch.

Reason #5:

Your profile should be more about the reader than you. It should provide as much value as possible to the reader and it should be used to create discussions and conversations about you, your company, your products and how you can benefit others. It should be focused on what will or can be provided to the reader should they engage with you. Your profile is a “marketing piece” not a resume. And, marketing pieces are in 1^st person!

Reason #6:

It’s YOUR profile. You are not a reporter writing a story about somebody. Nor are you putting together a press release. You have to personalize your profile to enable a reader or prospect to relate to you. Writing in first person gives the other person more confidence and trust in you. You are telling your own story. You need to write your Linkedin profile for the audience MOST LIKELY to read it. Remember, you write to be read.

Reason #7:

You want to sound like you are speaking directly to someone, face-to-face, and telling them a story about your background and how they can benefit from your expertise. By writing in first person you are able to show your true character as a person and business owner.

Remember when writing your LinkedIn profile to personalize it by writing in the 1^st person. Show your audience that you are just like them.

Now, do you still think you should be writing your LinkedIn profile summary and experience sections in 3^rd person?

About the Author:

LinkedIn marketing Expert Kristina Jaramillo, the creator of the first LinkedIn marketing templates at http://www.InstantLinkedInMarketingTemplates.com helps business professionals network more effectively on LinkedIn so they can get more website traffic, prospects and profits. Now, with her free special report, you can uncover how you can become “the trusted source for your industry on LinkedIn” by avoiding her top 14 mistakes. Get this information for free at: http://www.GetLinkedInHelp.com

Planning & Management

Full-time Prosperity with Part-time Hours Part 2

Post author By Ethan Theo
Post date August 1, 2011

Article Contributed by Lisa Cherney

Here we are, the second in a series of articles based on my recent virtual workshop, “Why Your Dream Business is Not Making BIG money (Yet) – 3 Steps to Build a Full-Time Business on Part Time Hours”. Working part-time without taking a cut in pay can be a reality, but it’s going to take diligence and concentration on your part. In Step 2, I’m going to show you how to focus on your time. Where it’s going, how you’re spending it, and most importantly – how to guard it. This part really is the backbone of realizing your dream of full-time prosperity with part-time hours!

Step 2 – Create a vision for your ideal work week and practice time guarding. Step back and visualize what your life would look like if you had 2 or 3 extra days a week to spend any way you wanted. Would you spend more time with family? Or do some volunteer work? Or maybe start exercising, or take a class at the local college?

I got started on this step by literally putting a big red X through the days that I did not want to be available. You know yourself; make your work days the ones that are typically the most productive for you. Maybe you want to knock out your work week at the beginning of the week, and have a long weekend. Or you could work 2 days, take a day off, work the other 2, and have your weekend. It doesn’t matter which days you pick, what matters is that the days you pick are sacred. It is essential that you block off that time and make it work. Who says it has to be Monday through Friday? You’re in charge here!

I’m not suggesting that you cram everything you’re doing right now into a few days, keeping the same work load. You may be used to working 5, 6… 7 days a week (I know some of you are in this category!) and there is no way you are going to fit all of it into just 3 or 4 days. So here’s where you get out your little scissors and start making cuts. If you want to shed a light on things that you’re doing now that really aren’t essential to your business, shortening your work week will do it. What needs to get done will get done. So you really have to commit to these work days, making them productive, power-house days, protecting them from any non-essential distractions like a mama bear protects her baby cubs.

Now here’s the flip side. You need to be as protective about your days off as you are with your work days. Right now, take out your calendar and plan how many vacations you want to take this year- even if you don’t know where you want to go yet! Figure in your long weekends, your week to visit family, or lay on the beach for a few days. These dates are not set in stone – that’s the beauty of having your own business and being flexible – but you are 99% more likely to take this time for replenishment if you already have the dates set. If you don’t, chances are you will never go anywhere; and all work and no play makes Jack – or Jackie – a dull person! I can tell you from experience that having specific vacation dates is key. Do it for the rest of the year, and every year after that. In months that have 5 weeks, use that bonus week to catch up on your filler stuff, or special projects that you’ve been wanting to work on.

I love my life, and what my income allows me to do. But my lifestyle is not by accident. I make sure that I do not schedule work activities on my days off, and vice-versa. Do not let your guard down, or you will see your calendar start filling up on those precious “me” days. It takes accountability, and having someone in your life that models this lifestyle for you. You will start to see what you’ve been missing in a very short period. And you will see how you can get more done with less time just by planning your ideal work week.

Step 3 will show you another import time-guarding secret!

About the Author:

Networking

Does Your LinkedIn Profile Summary Soundike a Lame Author’s Bio At the Back of a Book?

Post author By Ethan Theo
Post date July 25, 2011
1 Comment on Does Your LinkedIn Profile Summary Soundike a Lame Author’s Bio At the Back of a Book?

Article Contributed by Kristina Jaramillo

Many LinkedIn professionals simply copy their bios from their website or the back of their book. And believe me you can tell. For example, I recently spoke to Ted Gee about changing his LinkedIn profile. I told him that his summary read like a back flap of a hard cover book. His exact response was, “You nailed it! That is exactly what I did”.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Should Not Sound Like an Author’s Biography…

Your profile should not sound like an author’s bio because it is and old and over used format. Do you remember anything you have read from a bio? No, that is because there is never anything interesting or memorable in an author’s bio. Your profile needs to entice your audience to want to learn more about you. It needs to have strong and engaging copy. It had to make the individual who is reading it scroll down further and eventually visit your website. But none of this can ever happen if your profile is dull and average.

Here are 5 Secrets to Making Your Profile More Exciting and Enjoyable to Your Readers…

1) Make your profile summary in 1^st person not 3^rd person. LinkedIn is a virtual networking platform for business professionals who want to do more business. It is the first step in building a relationship with someone. You wouldn’t introduce yourself in the third person if you met someone at a networking event. – would you? Then why would you introduce yourself on your profile in 3^rd person when writing in first person gives you a more genuine and personal touch.

2) Speak to your audience’s desires, wants and needs. For example here is part of the introduction we created for the summary for PRLeads Founder Dan Janal:

Do you see how Dan’s intro speaks to the needs, wants and desires of a small business owner looking to attract media attention?

3) Reveal mistakes your target audience is making and how you are the solution to their problems. For example, in Skip Weisman’s profile summary we revealed how one of his clients admittedly lost 5 million in ten years before working with him. By showing your audience the types of mistakes they are making (that they don’t even realize they are doing), you will stop prospects dead in their tracks. They will automatically want to see if they are making costly mistakes themselves. The key part of this process is to provide reasons how you can help members of your audience and why they should work with you.

4) Show client results. For example, on Help My Website Sell founder Adam Hommey’s profile we included results like:

* Ross Jeffries (Founder of Speed Seduction) – For every dollar he spends on internet marketing consulting, he earns several dollars back. In fact, with one of his promotions, he made more than $60,000 in less than 24 hours!

* MaryPat Kavanagh – Saved thousands of dollars after Adam reviewed her website and internet marketing systems. He showed her how she’s wasting money on complex solutions that are actually costing her money.

5) Use LinkedIn profile templates. When you use templates like the ones found at http://www.InstantLinkedInMarketingTemplates.com, you get the structure, format and organization you need to create a more audience-focused, exciting profile. Here is just what one user had to say about LinkedIn templates:

Kristina, I wanted to thank you and recommend your products for LinkedIn Profiles. I purchased them and followed your templates and my LinkedIn profile went from completely empty to completely professional. I have had testimonials, been published and still didn’t know how to use those tools to my advantage. Your tools gave me that. Since then I have had more connections, more recommendations, and more conversations with potential customers. Always remembering to use the call to action skills I learned from your templates.

The next time you login to your LinkedIn account read your profile and see if it appeals to you as a reader. If it does not, you definitely have to follow some of the tips you just read to improve upon the copy.

Remember you have to entice the reader to learn more about you and what to work with you or purchase your products. One way to guarantee this is to make sure your profile does not read like an author’s biography.

About the Author: