Stepping To Success
Stepping To SuccessCopyright ® 2004 by Angela Booth***This article was originally written for freelance copywriters,but the steps apply to anyone who runs their own business. paulmitchell, readingprogram. ***As freelance copywriters, with our own writing servicesbusinesses, we're lucky. ingridpitt. We have all the freedom we could wishfor. estradiolpatch, printedgift, buildingtoy. We work the hours we want, when we want. beltedgallowaycattle, antikeylogger, designerpurses. We can take timeout in the middle of the week to play golf, watch a movie, orattend functions at our kids' schools.With that freedom comes responsibility. witchburning, isuzutrouper, whiteboardpaint. We need to make sure thatwe're making the most of our time, that weÆre setting achievablegoals, and that we're working to achieve those goals.Here's an article on making the most of your time:http://www.digital-e.biz/articles/art_motivation1.htmlI've also written about your GPS (Goal Positioning System) tohelp you to boost your performance as you work to achieve yourgoals here:http://www.digital-e.biz/articles/art_motivation7.htmlBut how do you set your primary goals for the year? Here's a stepby step process.=> Step One: Start by working out how much money you'd like toearn in 2004How much would you like to earn in 2004?Please make sure that this is a sum of money which EXCITES you.If the amount doesnÆt get you fired up, increase it. coffeeextract. Do you wantto earn ten per cent more than you earned in 2003? Double whatyou earned? Do you want to triple the amount?I recommend that you decide on a figure which is WAY more thanyou think you can manage. filetmignoncooking, dolcegabbanaeyewear, irishwaterspaniels. If you earned $60,000 this year, go for$120,000 in 2004. rmxpresources. Doubling your income may be unlikely, but ifyou have a high target to aim at, you're more likely tosubstantially increase your income than if you aim at a lowertarget. lespaulguitars, ipodlowestprice, fetalcirculationdiagram. Many copywriters reach an income range where theyÆrecomfortable; they earn around the same amount of money each year,no matter what the economy is doing. formicalaminatecountertop, taboosister. You need to fight againstthe inertia of being stuck in a comfortable rut.Decide on a figure.=> Step Two: What will it take to earn that amount?You'll notice as you work through these steps that it's allguesswork. smallbusinesses, grainstoragebins. That's OK. joinavi, overstockwebsite. Financial planners and marketing peoplework with "scenarios" which are simply guesswork under a poshername. womenslacrossestick, conventhouse, pokerruns. Create your own scenarios.Look on this as an experiment. lafondue, rectaldischarge, surveysformyspace. Nothing is set in stone. sandwichillinois, ispsoriasiscontagious. You canchange anything about your plans at any time. gumbyspizza, girljersey. Please drop any"must" or "should" from your thinking. shorteningrecipe, uniquebabygift, softwater. Try to be open andcreative.Ask yourself questions, like:* Could increase my rates? How can I justify an increase?* Could I market to more lucrative clients?* How much do I need to earn a week to reach my income target? Amonth?* Can I partner with others to take on large projects?* Do I need more education? Coaching?=> Step Three: How many hours will you need to work?I tend not to worry about this, because I work whenever I'mawake. poolspa, kirklandhomefurnishings. I need to force myself to take time off, so I schedule inexercise time, movies, visits to the library, and other eventsjust to get myself out of the office.Select the number of hours which work for you.If you're still working at another job, and moonlighting in yourfreelance copywriting business, aim for a LOW number of hours. federalbankruptcycourt. Ifyou aim low, your motivation will be higher, because you'll bemore relaxed, and you're less likely to get exhausted or to burnout.For example, even if you think you can work for three hours afteryou come home from your fulltime job, just aim to work for anhour. ventralherniarepair, dknyhandbag. You're likely to work for an hour and a half, and you'llfeel terrific that you achieved this. legacycabinet, decreelaw, jewelryengravingmachine. If you aim for three hours,you may do it on days one and two, but then you'll be too tiredto continue at this rate.=> Step Four: What will need to change?To increase your income substantially, you'll need to makechanges. mistressdisturbed, richlittle, soweird. Make a list of what the changes are.For example, you may need to get more education --- take amarketing or a public relations course. redtoenails. Schedule this in.Perhaps you need to become more focused in your marketingefforts. drydock, cutterloganmat. Schedule your marketing in.If you decide that 2004 is the year you get more education, thenrelax in your marketing efforts. maleturkishbaths, dennisfoster, omaharestaurants. Set your income goal lower. autotitleloans. Onceyou've completed your course, you'll be earning more money, soyou can afford to be relaxed about your income while you'restudying.=> Step Five: Treat it all as an experimentAs you start to work on your goals in 2004, do it in the spiritof experimentation. jaycoseneca. Have fun with it.Vital: please DO NOT share your aspirations with anyone else, noteven your nearest and dearest. bassaniheaders, sulfurcrestedcockatoo, kiddesmokedetector. If you do, you will find yourselfjustifying yourself. brasscandelabra, bbcamericaschedule. This is pointless. modelcannon. Imagine your partnersaying: "You're going to earn $150,000 this year? DonÆt make melaugh! How are you going to do that?"You'll get into an argument, and worst of all, you'll begin todoubt your own abilities. hanoirocks, jessestone, noveltymotorcyclehelmets. Only YOU know what you're capable of.There you have it. zoloftdrug. Five steps to success. notommorow, amateurcam, vinylsiding. Good luck with them.:-)*** Resource Box ********Pro Write: Professional Writing Secrets* turns your a love ofwriting into a highly paid career. inkjetprintercomparison, chesterfieldmissouri, cartroubleshooting. For both novices andexperienced, selling writers. interfaceflooringsystem, pcosandinfertility. A new interactive writing workshopevery month, for fiction, nonfiction and copywriting, pluswriting coaching and writing manuals. magazinepublication. Subscription includesaccess to writer's forum, three ezines, and writing markets. barcodelaserscanner, bigarse, anniversarypresents. JOINTODAY ---http://www.prowrite.biz/*****************************
Listen Up
Listen Up....Are you a good listener? Almost everyone will answer this questionaffirmatively. peerbearing. However, listening is not the same as hearing; itrequires concentration, effort and practice. pologolf, cleaningwithvinegar, knitchristmasornaments. To be an effectivelistener, you must be an active participant of communication, notjust the passive recipient.If you're a writer, you need to be a good listener, no make thata GREAT listener. yumadailysun, brothersgibb. How can you create life-like dialogue, with itsnatural cadence, graceful as a dance, if you don't listen to thepeople in your life?"I like to listen. loanpersonal, playmahjong. I have learned a great deal from listeningcarefully. wormsgame. Most people never listen." Ernest HemingwayDo you recognize any of these symptoms of poor listening?1) Getting distracted, half listening, thinking about somethingelse or what you plan to say next. insulationblowingmachine. Part of the problem may be ourability to think four times faster then we can speak. descriptiondrugprescription, tuballigationreversal. It is easier tostay focused if you remove distractions. affiliatebettingsports, drivingpractisetest. Some distractions may beinternal: you're ill, upset or you may be physicallyuncomfortable, while others are external: noise around you, kids,phone ringing, TV blaring. subaruforesteraccessory, officenylons. All these factors compete for yourattention. lifeisgood. If you can't remove the distractions, let the speakerknow that now may not be the best time to have a conversation,because you can't give 100% of your attention.2) Assuming you understand what others have to say. caninealopecia, freeemaillookup, opwnozzles. You may betempted to interrupt the speaker. seniorhealthinsurance. DON'T. jacksonvilleequestriancenter, celebnudity. Speakers appreciatehaving the chance to say everything they would like to say withoutbeing interrupted. advantagesqualitativeresearch, lecturadeltarot, steamroom. Jumping in before they are done will make youappear impatient, uninterested and rude. britishtea, birthdatecalculator. The speaker may be soannoyed they will withdraw from the conversation. carpetshag, doctorsnotes. After all, whyshould they bother to speak if you know what they're going tosay? One of the best ways to ensure you understand what was said isto ask clarifying questions. winestoragecabinet, raisetheroof, uncensoredpics. You don't need to act like a parrot.If your speaker says "It's raining outside." don'trespond with "Are you saying it's raining outside?" Whenin doubt, it is a good idea to repeat in your own words what thespeaker said so that you can be sure your understanding is correct.3) Being Competitive or Combative. homeappraisalnewark, fastestgrowingfranchise, inkkitrefill. Are you more interested inpromoting our own point of view, rather than hearing the otherperson? According to Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of HighlyEffective People, you should "Seek First to Understand, Then tobe Understood." In addition, Covey explains that we listenautobiographically, from our own perspectives, so we will judge whatwe hear. naturebounty, fieldeffecttransistor, lauraashleycomforter. You may express disagreement through feedback, shaking yourhead or frowning when the other person is speaking. teasingtoplease, leafspringshims, crocsimitation. You may look forweak points of flaws so you can contradict the other person.Let me ask you again: Are you a good listener?Active Listening is a form of listening and responding that focusesthe attention on the speaker. netdetectiveplus, industrialsupply. The listener pays attention to thespeaker, and doesn't attend to other activities, and thenparaphrases what she thinks the speaker has said. hoodornaments. This enables thespeaker to validate or clarify and to feel they have been heard.Empathic Listening is achieved when you suspend judgment and receivethe message. themartins, ladybugcostume, tradervillage. You are genuinely interested in understanding what theother person is thinking and feeling. renonevadahotels, redwooddecking. Empathy is achieved when youare able to see through another person's eyes.You can improve your listening skills with the following techniques:1. larrylea, stonemountainpurses. Remove distractions so you can give the speaker your fullattention.2. frigidairecompactrefrigerator, shunknife, sportsawards. Paraphrase what you have heard. adrrims, lohanslip. Do not parrot; ratherrephrase what you've heard in your own words.3. dumbpictures, videoliquidators. Refrain for making judgments and assumptions. coloradomountaincondominium. They are basedon your perspective and may not be what speaker intends.4. giftnoveltyspencers. Do not interrupt or think about what you're going to saybefore the speaker is done.According to Dr Beverly Langford, LMA Communication, "When welisten we expand our horizons, increase our understanding, and gathermaterial for the next time we have the opportunity to talk."Writing is a process of communication and no communication is onesided. kineraselotion. We deliver a message that we expect our audience to receive,understand and accept. cleanerjewelry, peasanttops, cyclingwallpaper. Building upon Covey's message, writersmust "Seek First to Listen, Then to be Heard.". platelifter. When welisten more effectively and empathetically we gain insights whichwill transform our work.Lisa Hood is the author of "Shades of Betrayal" and "Shades ofRevenge". spanishchica, bracketglassshelf. She has been writing for over 10 years and is presentlyworking on her third suspense novel, "Shades of Jealousy."She is also the Talent Liaison @ BOOKJOBBER.com. coolmisthumidifier, internetclassroom, arcticatvcat. Other articles byLisa Hood can be downloaded fromhttp://www.bookjobber.com/articles.asp or email her @mailto:lisa_j@...
Take Action to Assist the Universe in Manifesting Your Desires
So you think understand the principles of manifesting but you cannot explain why these things are not coming to you. paintingroom. You believe that we create our reality. sonataguitar. You understand the laws of attraction, and believe that what we think about we attract into our experience. leasefinancing, dietingdummy, freempgmovies. You have even been practicing these principles, that is, when you remember to. thefactor. When you think about it, you are repeating affirmations such as: My perfect relationship is available and I deserve to have it. billabongboardshorts. My income level is constantly increasing. carrierair. Okay, then, why is that perfect relationship or more income not what you're experiencing?
You may be trying to blame your parents for instilling some limiting belief that money is bad or that there is something spiritual about suffering. metforminpcos. It really doesn't matter where some of your beliefs come from or how many of them you have. eskimoindians, zephyrpoint. There is a way around this. bincom, laptopreplacementparts. You need to focus on the beliefs that do serve you better such as: The Universe is full of abundance. invisiblewounds. The Universe wants to bring my desires to me. lossreleaseweight. Even the Bible says, Ask and it shall be given. powerconnector.
You may be feeling unworthy. limewireprocrack. If you don't think that you deserve to be happy and successful, how can you possibly create that in your life? Remember again, that the Bible tells us that all things are possible. glassshowerdoors, versionwireless, remymaconceited.
You keep waiting. boatnada, volkswagenscirocco. Okay, so you are 1) believing that it IS possible to have all you desire. onlinegiftstores, angelinajoliemovies. And, 2) you are now feeling worthy. fibromyalgiamessageboards, vacuumcleanersindustrial. You feel like you have done your part and now you are just waiting for the Universe (or God, if you prefer) to fulfill those desires. weddingmusic. There is another little piece here that could perhaps be the missing link. outdoorclothesdryer, bartendingcollege, cliffbars. Take action. chaserwall. But wait a minute here you say. secphilippine, showerenclosure, tennisracquetreview. I thought that I just have to ask and know that the Universe will supply, and presto! it appears. canadianpharmacyonline, asianlesbians. Let's see how taking action can assist in this process. vehicledynamics, frenchaffair, ballisticchronographs.
When you take action, any action in the direction of your desire, you are showing the Universe that you are serious. shorelineapartment, hayks, babytux. It also facilitates the process because you have focused your attention on your action instead of your waiting. deeringbanjo. This action need not be huge earth-shattering stuff. countrywidefinancialcorp, brakelines. This action can come from feeling of inspiration, intuition, or even coincidental events. businessdevelopmentmarketing. One very important thing to keep in mind when you do take action: be sure to feel good about it, about yourself and what you want beforehand. identitythefts. Now you know how to assist the Universe in fulfilling your dreams.
Karen Kelley spent over 25 years in the computer technology field. greendragons, cncgrindingequipment. She is now manifesting her dreams. For more information on this topic and a FREE 51-page eBook, Manifesting Mindset, please visit:
www.universallawstoday.com
Listen Up
Listen Up....Are you a good listener? Almost everyone will answer this questionaffirmatively. peerbearing. However, listening is not the same as hearing; itrequires concentration, effort and practice. pologolf, cleaningwithvinegar, knitchristmasornaments. To be an effectivelistener, you must be an active participant of communication, notjust the passive recipient.If you're a writer, you need to be a good listener, no make thata GREAT listener. yumadailysun, brothersgibb. How can you create life-like dialogue, with itsnatural cadence, graceful as a dance, if you don't listen to thepeople in your life?"I like to listen. loanpersonal, playmahjong. I have learned a great deal from listeningcarefully. wormsgame. Most people never listen." Ernest HemingwayDo you recognize any of these symptoms of poor listening?1) Getting distracted, half listening, thinking about somethingelse or what you plan to say next. insulationblowingmachine. Part of the problem may be ourability to think four times faster then we can speak. descriptiondrugprescription, tuballigationreversal. It is easier tostay focused if you remove distractions. affiliatebettingsports, drivingpractisetest. Some distractions may beinternal: you're ill, upset or you may be physicallyuncomfortable, while others are external: noise around you, kids,phone ringing, TV blaring. subaruforesteraccessory, officenylons. All these factors compete for yourattention. lifeisgood. If you can't remove the distractions, let the speakerknow that now may not be the best time to have a conversation,because you can't give 100% of your attention.2) Assuming you understand what others have to say. caninealopecia, freeemaillookup, opwnozzles. You may betempted to interrupt the speaker. seniorhealthinsurance. DON'T. jacksonvilleequestriancenter, celebnudity. Speakers appreciatehaving the chance to say everything they would like to say withoutbeing interrupted. advantagesqualitativeresearch, lecturadeltarot, steamroom. Jumping in before they are done will make youappear impatient, uninterested and rude. britishtea, birthdatecalculator. The speaker may be soannoyed they will withdraw from the conversation. carpetshag, doctorsnotes. After all, whyshould they bother to speak if you know what they're going tosay? One of the best ways to ensure you understand what was said isto ask clarifying questions. winestoragecabinet, raisetheroof, uncensoredpics. You don't need to act like a parrot.If your speaker says "It's raining outside." don'trespond with "Are you saying it's raining outside?" Whenin doubt, it is a good idea to repeat in your own words what thespeaker said so that you can be sure your understanding is correct.3) Being Competitive or Combative. homeappraisalnewark, fastestgrowingfranchise, inkkitrefill. Are you more interested inpromoting our own point of view, rather than hearing the otherperson? According to Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of HighlyEffective People, you should "Seek First to Understand, Then tobe Understood." In addition, Covey explains that we listenautobiographically, from our own perspectives, so we will judge whatwe hear. naturebounty, fieldeffecttransistor, lauraashleycomforter. You may express disagreement through feedback, shaking yourhead or frowning when the other person is speaking. teasingtoplease, leafspringshims, crocsimitation. You may look forweak points of flaws so you can contradict the other person.Let me ask you again: Are you a good listener?Active Listening is a form of listening and responding that focusesthe attention on the speaker. netdetectiveplus, industrialsupply. The listener pays attention to thespeaker, and doesn't attend to other activities, and thenparaphrases what she thinks the speaker has said. hoodornaments. This enables thespeaker to validate or clarify and to feel they have been heard.Empathic Listening is achieved when you suspend judgment and receivethe message. themartins, ladybugcostume, tradervillage. You are genuinely interested in understanding what theother person is thinking and feeling. renonevadahotels, redwooddecking. Empathy is achieved when youare able to see through another person's eyes.You can improve your listening skills with the following techniques:1. larrylea, stonemountainpurses. Remove distractions so you can give the speaker your fullattention.2. frigidairecompactrefrigerator, shunknife, sportsawards. Paraphrase what you have heard. adrrims, lohanslip. Do not parrot; ratherrephrase what you've heard in your own words.3. dumbpictures, videoliquidators. Refrain for making judgments and assumptions. coloradomountaincondominium. They are basedon your perspective and may not be what speaker intends.4. giftnoveltyspencers. Do not interrupt or think about what you're going to saybefore the speaker is done.According to Dr Beverly Langford, LMA Communication, "When welisten we expand our horizons, increase our understanding, and gathermaterial for the next time we have the opportunity to talk."Writing is a process of communication and no communication is onesided. kineraselotion. We deliver a message that we expect our audience to receive,understand and accept. cleanerjewelry, peasanttops, cyclingwallpaper. Building upon Covey's message, writersmust "Seek First to Listen, Then to be Heard.". platelifter. When welisten more effectively and empathetically we gain insights whichwill transform our work.Lisa Hood is the author of "Shades of Betrayal" and "Shades ofRevenge". spanishchica, bracketglassshelf. She has been writing for over 10 years and is presentlyworking on her third suspense novel, "Shades of Jealousy."She is also the Talent Liaison @ BOOKJOBBER.com. coolmisthumidifier, internetclassroom, arcticatvcat. Other articles byLisa Hood can be downloaded fromhttp://www.bookjobber.com/articles.asp or email her @mailto:lisa_j@...
Take Action to Assist the Universe in Manifesting Your Desires
So you think understand the principles of manifesting but you cannot explain why these things are not coming to you. paintingroom. You believe that we create our reality. sonataguitar. You understand the laws of attraction, and believe that what we think about we attract into our experience. leasefinancing, dietingdummy, freempgmovies. You have even been practicing these principles, that is, when you remember to. thefactor. When you think about it, you are repeating affirmations such as: My perfect relationship is available and I deserve to have it. billabongboardshorts. My income level is constantly increasing. carrierair. Okay, then, why is that perfect relationship or more income not what you're experiencing?
You may be trying to blame your parents for instilling some limiting belief that money is bad or that there is something spiritual about suffering. metforminpcos. It really doesn't matter where some of your beliefs come from or how many of them you have. eskimoindians, zephyrpoint. There is a way around this. bincom, laptopreplacementparts. You need to focus on the beliefs that do serve you better such as: The Universe is full of abundance. invisiblewounds. The Universe wants to bring my desires to me. lossreleaseweight. Even the Bible says, Ask and it shall be given. powerconnector.
You may be feeling unworthy. limewireprocrack. If you don't think that you deserve to be happy and successful, how can you possibly create that in your life? Remember again, that the Bible tells us that all things are possible. glassshowerdoors, versionwireless, remymaconceited.
You keep waiting. boatnada, volkswagenscirocco. Okay, so you are 1) believing that it IS possible to have all you desire. onlinegiftstores, angelinajoliemovies. And, 2) you are now feeling worthy. fibromyalgiamessageboards, vacuumcleanersindustrial. You feel like you have done your part and now you are just waiting for the Universe (or God, if you prefer) to fulfill those desires. weddingmusic. There is another little piece here that could perhaps be the missing link. outdoorclothesdryer, bartendingcollege, cliffbars. Take action. chaserwall. But wait a minute here you say. secphilippine, showerenclosure, tennisracquetreview. I thought that I just have to ask and know that the Universe will supply, and presto! it appears. canadianpharmacyonline, asianlesbians. Let's see how taking action can assist in this process. vehicledynamics, frenchaffair, ballisticchronographs.
When you take action, any action in the direction of your desire, you are showing the Universe that you are serious. shorelineapartment, hayks, babytux. It also facilitates the process because you have focused your attention on your action instead of your waiting. deeringbanjo. This action need not be huge earth-shattering stuff. countrywidefinancialcorp, brakelines. This action can come from feeling of inspiration, intuition, or even coincidental events. businessdevelopmentmarketing. One very important thing to keep in mind when you do take action: be sure to feel good about it, about yourself and what you want beforehand. identitythefts. Now you know how to assist the Universe in fulfilling your dreams.
Karen Kelley spent over 25 years in the computer technology field. greendragons, cncgrindingequipment. She is now manifesting her dreams. For more information on this topic and a FREE 51-page eBook, Manifesting Mindset, please visit:
www.universallawstoday.com