Debra Kasowski, Author at Debra Kasowski

Episode 38 – What You Resist, Persists

October 25, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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Resistance shows up in many ways. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist, has been credited for the phrase “What you resist persists”. Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you avoid, hide from, or pretends something doesn’t exist a continuously shows up in your life in some form or another? This resistance is showing up because you are not accepting what is– current reality. Resistance shows up as suffering. You may become angry or resentful because you want something different than what you currently have. This frustration occurs not because of the experience you have had; it is about how you labeled the story of that experience.

45175399_s Whatever you are resisting means you are opposing or against it from occurring. The things that we really need or the lessons we need to learn in our lives are usually what we are resisting. An area in my life I face with resistance when it comes to physical activity is yoga. Now many of my friends tell me that resistance means that I should do more of it. I have attended three classes on three different occasions. I do not enjoy yoga. Each time seems to get better I actually stayed the full class the last time. What I have noticed is that my mind is moving with ideas percolating at any given time and I am challenged with slowing my mind down to match my body’s positioning. I see myself as a person of endurance and that is probably why I enjoy triathlons and running more than I enjoy yoga. With triathlons, I enjoy focusing on the discipline at hand and streamlining the transition to move on to the next activity. Whereas with yoga, I have to focus on slowing down my mental processes to match the movement of my body and I feel that there is a misalignment. I have decided to give yoga another chance and perhaps instead of the class I will create my own environment with the use of video or an app on my phone.

Feelings are transient. They come and go and they only have meaning when we attach to that feeling and give it our attention. The more you focus on what you don’t want, the more you’ll get just that and wonder why it keeps showing up in your life.

I want you to stop for a moment and think about things in your life that you are resisting. This resistance is zapping your spirit and enthusiasm. You will feel discouraged and frustrated. The resistance that you are feeling such as hanging on to old anger or resentment or holding off on a difficult conversation because you hope things will be better or someone will change is holding you back. You may be holding onto comments from family members that still bother you today. Resistance occurs because you believe something different should occur which involves a change to get a different outcome. What really needs to change is not everyone around us but recognizing are blind spots to a situation and doing a self-check on your attitude to change. You can’t change other people; you can change how you respond to a situation instead of reacting to a situation.

There are some people in your life that you may realize are not people you want to regularly hang out with. They are the people who are discouraging you from going after your dreams or putting you down and telling you that you’re not enough. You need to believe in yourself.

What are you resisting now?

What have you been putting off doing?

39761780 - woman training with exercise band assisted by physiotherapist When you make the decision to play a bigger game, you will notice an increase in resistance. These obstacles are there to test you and challenge you. You have the choice to work through them because on the other side of that obstacle is achievement of your goal or dream. Quit playing the “should have” game. “I should have” done this or “I should have done that…” Quit should having on yourself. Beating yourself up does not help you move through resistance. Most people are unaware of what they are resisting until they stop and take stock of what may be limiting them. Persistence will help you push through any resistance that you are feeling.

Resistance often occurs because of fear. You need to understand where your fear is coming from to truly understand “what you resist persists”. What fear is coming up as resistance?

Are you afraid of:

Failure?
Success?
Rejection?
Change?
Uncertainty or the unknown?
Exposing yourself or being vulnerable?
Moving to the next level?

What can you start doing to help you move through this resistance is to:

ACKNOWLEDGE and be aware that you are facing resistance.

FEEL feeling that comes up for you as you face resistance.

IDENTIFY where the fear is coming from?

Is your fear that you’re not being consulted? Is your fear due to lack of communication? Is it that you do not understand why change needs to occur? Is it because you need more information?

LET GO of what you are resisting

These fears are not necessarily bad; they are acting as signals for you to go within and reflect on what you’re thinking and your feeling. The universe has a strange way of ensuring that you events continue to occur and until a lesson is learned. Accept where you are in the present moment. It does not mean that you’re going to be in this space for ever especially if this is not where you’d like to be. Start taking action steps and persisting through obstacles focused on what you want to achieve. Hold yourself to high standards it ensure your expectations of yourself are realistic. Your goal and dream are waiting for you!

We would love to have you subscribed to the Success Secrets newsletter on my website at www.debrakasowski.com where you’re going to get us free MP3 download 10 Surefire Strategies to Power Up Your Productivity and Performance. I would love to hear about this podcast has impacted your life. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com. Thank you for listening to The Millionaire Woman Show where we talk about leadership, business, and human potential to help you live rich from the inside out. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Share it with Your Friends. Give us a 5-star rating!

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com

Time: 10:48 min

Keywords: facing resistance, what you resist persists, acknowledge resistance, resistance to change, reason people resist change, playing a bigger game, Carl Jung, move beyond resistance,

Episode 37 – Exposing Yourself in Your Business

October 20, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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Exposure is one of those things people sometimes get uneasy about. It feels like everything is on display. If you want people to know about your business and the great work that you are doing, you have to be able to expose yourself and put yourself in a spotlight. Again I want to stress this isn’t about bragging “Look what I can do!”, it is about showcasing your products and services and educating the world about how you can serve them – it’s called shameless self-promotion. If you hide or try to cover up any publicity or showcasing of your work, people may start to become suspicious and may not even trust you.

Listen to my story on the audio!

We all have heard about the big brands with the big dollars like Coca-Cola, Nike, and of course McDonald’s. If your small business owner you don’t have the same kind of funds so you need to get creative and this is where exposure comes in. When exposing yourself to the world, you are exposing yourself for three reasons: awareness, credibility, and visibility.

Creating Awareness

You want to be creating awareness so that you stand out from the crowd. Many people think it is like the movie “Field of Dreams” if you build it they will come. However, if they do not hear about you or know about what you have to offer no one will be coming. If you’re a start up, you can’t always afford to outsource services and you may be doing many things yourself. Even though you’re doing things yourself eventually you will be delegating these roles/tasks to other people so it’s a great thing for you to get a handle on what you need to be doing. There are several ways to share some tools and techniques that are to help you create awareness of what you have to offer. Don’t forget to start making your own list as these ideas come to you. Make sure you grab the downloadable where you can keep it all in one spot. Are you ready?

Newsletter– A newsletter is an excellent way to touch base with your prospects and clients on a regular basis. It allows them to see what you’re up to and what events might be coming up that may be of interest to them. Ensure that you have great content and you are providing value. Your newsletter can be electronic or in paper format. Most people tend to be shifting online using providers like Mail Chimp, AWeber, Constant Contact.
Articles-Not only does writing an article bring awareness to what you do it also provides credibility as positions you as an expert. Articles are a great way to share your knowledge. You can post articles on Selfgrowth.com, LinkedIn, and your website.
Testimonials-Testimonials or endorsements are social proof providing evidence from clients stating that what you say is exactly what you delivered. Social proof is very powerful as it adds an extra element of trust. When people hear what others have said about you it influences their decisions. If others have been impressed with your work then they feel that they are willing to take a chance to in and hope that you will do the same for them.
Sponsorship-Sponsorship is a great way to show that you’re giving back to your community or supporting a local event. Sponsors are often showcased throughout the events and in advertising. You may sponsor a breakfast at your local business meeting, conference, or a sports team in your community. You may even get a minute or two to talk about your business.
Joint ventures-You may consider collaborating with others and extending your network as you will both be marketing your program, product, or service to each other’s markets.
Public speaking– I don’t believe that there is anything more credible than someone who positions himself as the expert to speaking. This is an excellent way for people to get to know like and trust you. Your audience can learn your perspective.
Networking and business meetings-Getting out amongst the leaders in your community is a great way to build awareness and let people know what you are doing. Be sure to create intrigue and interest in demonstrating what you are able to do.
Website-In today’s day and age, you need to have a website. When people hear your name, they may not come and speak to you however, they will go home and “Google” you. Ensure that they will find you and that you will be providing value.

These are a few of the techniques that can help create awareness. Start making a list of others that will position you in the marketplace.

GAINING CREDIBILITY

Credibility is one of the important measures in which people decide to work with you. They are not only investing money but they are investing their time and their story. They want to be able to trust you and to ensure that you deliver on your promise.

Post or answer questions on social media-When you can provide responses or post powerful questions on social media, you can grab people’s attention and want to learn more about you.
Blog– A blog is a great way to provide high-quality content consistently and provide valuable information and continue to build that knows like and trust factor. Make sure your writing awesome headlines that people will not ignore.
Testimonial/Endorsements – As mentioned before play a role in awareness and credibility. It is social proof.

BECOMING VISIBLE AND PROVIDING VALUE
Visibility and value are products of exposing yourself in your business and your business. You want to be visible in the community as someone people need to know. Your visibility and value can be demonstrated in the following ways:

Volunteer At Community Functions Or Fundraisers
Volunteer As A Board Of Director for a Non-profit
Donate Your Product Or Service As A Door Prize Or Silent Auction Item
Blog Or Post On Social Media About The Events You Attend
Create Videos Offering Tips And Valuable Content -Top 10 List Are Very Popular
Get Published In The Local Newspaper
Send Out Press Releases So That You Can Be Interviewed On Television Or Radio

There are so many ways that you can be exposing your business to stand out from the crowd and create your unique presence. As you do this and build your tribe, list, or following that is when the people will come and you will be building your field of dreams. Don’t forget that once you start meeting and connecting with these people you want to be building the relationships so the key is to follow-up within 24 to 48 hours of meeting them. Listen to your prospects needs and learn what their goals are-discover ways that you can help. Remember that the more you help others the more in turn people will help you. Exposure is a powerful positioning tool in which you cannot do without.

Time: 12:53 min

Keywords: credibility, gain credibility, know like trust factor, visibility, become visible, creating awareness, awareness in the marketplace, providing value, provide value, answer questions on social media, volunteer, prospects, benefits of blogging, benefits of volunteering

Episode 36 – Networking to Build Connections

October 17, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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Ever since I can remember, I have always been curious about people. Networking to build a true connection is about taking a genuine interest in people for who they are before learning what they do. Networking is not just about meeting people who could help you but also coming from a place of how you can help others. Keep in mind every person that you meet has an average of about 250 people in their network. If they don’t know who the connect you with, there is a strong possibility that someone else in their network will be able to. You must take the time to build those relationships.

Focus on Quality versus Quantity

When you go to a networking event is important to focus on quality versus quantity of connections and business cards you collect. Steer clear of the person handing out as many cards like a blackjack game. It is not about how many cards you have is about forming deeper connections that are real, they are authentic, and about relationships that you connect with more than once a year. Take time to learn about who they are and what matters most to them. Learn what their interests or hobbies are or their favourite sports. Discover what charities they like to support. Above all, if you can learn what their goals are and help them achieve it you will build a strong relationship that can last a lifetime. When you help people achieve their goals, they will be happy to help you achieve yours. People enjoy sharing what interests them. Strike up a conversation.

“There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it.”
― Bernard Jan

Create Interest & Intrigue

When initiating the conversation create interest and intrigue, don’t just say, “Hi I am… and your profession.” People have their own perspective of what the profession is and what they do based on their own experiences or what they may have been told. Let them learn from you and your approach to life and business. I’m not a fan of the traditional elevator speech as it comes across as being rehearsed and not genuine. After powerful question sharing a solution you provide that could be a potential pain point for the person you’re sharing this with. You are educating others that you can be a solution and if your question resonates with a pain area or missing piece in their lives they will be intrigued.

Nurture Existing Relationships

Spend time nurturing the relationships that currently exist in your network. You never know who someone will introduce you to. Stand out from the crowd by sending articles of interest or magazine of the person’s hobby. You may choose to send a Christmas card or birthday card. Invite your current clients to a charity function or fundraiser or a workshop you’re tending. Be memorable.

Get Social

Don’t forget to network on social media such as LinkedIn. Provide an update on your status at least once a day, answer questions or comments on article or post, engaging groups and contribute to the conversation. It’s about engagement and learning more about the other person.

Network with Intention & Purpose

“Networking is not a part-time or occasional exercise. Everywhere we go, we have an opportunity to network with others.”
― Timothy M. Houston

One of the most important things is to network with intention and purpose. Don’t always hang out with the same people your network at a networking event does not expand and others may see you as having an exclusive club or even a clique. Focus on meeting 1-2 new people at each event. Remember networking doesn’t just occur in associations, trade shows, and conferences. Networking can take place anywhere from the gym, grocery store, kids sporting events, charity balls or fundraisers. Wherever people are there is a chance to have a networking opportunity.

Your net worth is proportional to your network. Ensure that you are following up with an email or phone call within 24-48 hours of the conversation. Pick up where you left off from your conversation and learn at least 1-2 new facts about the person. Think about who in your network needs to know them – make a virtual introduction.

Network to build long lasting relationships that will have an infinite return on investment in the future.

Grab your downloadable and start making a list of the places you can meet people to network with.

Time: 9:30 min

Keywords: networking, building relationships, connections, creating connections, network, expand your network, meeting people, place to network, business, organizations, net worth, nurture relationships

Why Your Attitude Matters

October 15, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

Although skill, ability, and having the right opportunity seem to be stepping stones to success, the one game-changing quality that makes the biggest difference is a person’s attitude. A person’s attitude will determine their altitude in achieving success. If someone needed a tiebreaker in determining the best-qualified candidate for the position, the selection would come down to a person’s attitude. Your attitude is how you approach life.

“Life is 10 percent what you make it
and 90 percent how you take it.”
― Irving Berlin

Attitude Awareness

Attitude is one of the most important predictors of your success. Your perspective on life will determine how you cope with trials and triumphs of life. Your attitude awareness impacts your thoughts and how you feel. How you feel you translate into your actions. If you are feeling positive and upbeat, you are more likely to greet people with a compliment or a simple, “Good Day!” instead of responding negatively, “What makes it a good day?” People are attracted to positive energy; they want to be around people who uplift them and make them feel good about themselves and the world around them.

When you recognize the attitude that you are portraying, you can adjust it accordingly when you notice that it’s tending to the negative. Negativity as well is positivity can permeate the environment around you. As a leader, you want to ensure that you bring forth a positive attitude so that the people who follow you do so in turn. This impacts the people that you serve not only each other but who you’re ultimately there for.

Attitude Determines Your Resiliency

Your attitude is a foundation to your success. Although we would love for life to stay at the all-time high, we know that everyone in life faces challenges. It is how we move through that challenge that makes the difference. Attitude is a choice. Sometimes you may forget that you have a choice as to what attitude you wish to have. When you realize that you have a choice, you can then get on the right track. You become more resilient when you choose a positive outlook because you will be open to possibility and opportunity. If you choose to have a negative outlook on life you will be inclined to focus on problems, not solutions. Seeing the possibilities encourages creativity and innovation and allows you to move through challenges more quickly.

Attitude Conquers Fear

Developing a positive attitude means that you are developing an attitude that is stronger in faith than the fear. When people make decisions or take actions based on fear, they often make the wrong choices and do not get the results or outcomes that they hoped for. When you are able to maintain a positive attitude, you are not driven solely on the emotion you are able to look at facts, and you’re able to think clearly about what direction you want to take. Your attitude will determine how persistent you will be in the face of obstacles and you will be able to trust yourself and your ability to move through them. You have faced obstacles before. Think about the patterns and your approach to how you face those obstacles in the past. They will help you determine some of the actions that you need to do moving forward when making decisions or taking the next steps. Be open to new information that will support you in reaching the outcomes you want to achieve. Let your faith in yourself and your people be stronger than the fear of uncertainty or failure.

“We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
― Charles R. Swindoll

The attitude that you choose to have can take you on the ascent of new heights or can pull the rug from under you and descend you to the beginning. Your attitude is a choice. A choice to rise above any challenges you face and to persevere knowing that you will achieve what you go after.

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Debra is the host of The Millionaire Woman Show podcast focusing on helping people live rich from the inside out through leadership, business, and human potential. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com

Episode 35 – The Power of Testimonials

October 13, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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Let’s face it we all have been influenced by feedback or testimonials offered by credible individuals who must know the benefits of using a product or service. You see celebrities and athletes endorse products and services so they must be great right? You figure in their putting their reputation on the line. Learn how you can use the power of testimonials or in other terms references to get more clients and stir up interest in what you have to offer. You can do this by using the stories from past and current clients.

What do testimonials do?

Testimonials build trust and credibility. If people are putting their name to a product or service, you start to believe that the person who’s endorsing is credible so the product or service must be credible too.

Testimonials help people relate to that outcome and results. People want to see themselves in the story. They want to see growth, an increase in the # of clients, any increase in money gained, and the solution to their challenge or problem. They want to experience similar success.

Testimonials offer social proof and often address objections about whether or not a product may work for them or not. When people see that others have benefited from a product or service, they start to believe that it might be possible for them as well.

Testimonials make your product or service come alive. If people haven’t had a chance to meet you or have been exposed to your product or service. .A testimonial could be very powerful in building that know- like and trust factor.

Many individuals do not use testimonials enough to promote their business. Testimonials are a free and powerful marketing tool that can be pivotal in your business.

What does the great testimonial look like?

Testimonials are stories of a person’s experience with you. A great testimonial is relatable and specific to the problem being solved. It addresses objections or skepticism that a person may have in using your product or service. It explains how you helped overcome someone’s challenge or hurdle to be successful.

The best way to get a great testimonial is to tell people what you need specifically. Think about some of the objections that customers have happened or one’s that you believe people may have in the future.

A great testimonial will:

Describe the benefits and results of working with you or your products and service,
Address obstacles or objections that have been overcome and how you were the solution to the problem.
Persuade others with the reasons why someone should use your product or service.
Draw an emotional connection.
Increase engagement and social media efforts.
Focus on why the person chose your product or service and what they liked the most.
Focus on the timeliness and the impact of working with you, your product, or service.

Testimonials need to be believable before people can see themselves in the story. Some people make claims that are so outrageous that this will just add to the skepticism of whether or not your product or service will work for the person reading it. Position your powerful testimonials on your website, in your newsletter, and on your social media. Get testimonials on a regular basis and have them rotate in your marketing.

Are you just getting started? No problem. Provide the prospect or customer with a sample of your product or services either for free or discounted rate in exchange for a testimonial. Make sure your client or customer is aware that you will be sharing this testimonial for marketing purposes. Ask people to write, record audio, or video testimonial to be used on your website and other marketing materials. Audio and video have a big impact in creating engagement and credibility. If you get a written testimonial, ask if you can use a picture beside it. People like to identify with where the positive feedback is coming from.

Start leveraging the power of the testimonial in your marketing materials. Start positioning yourself and stepping into your own power.

Time: 10:00 min

Keywords: endorsements, power of testimonials, testify, review, rating, reference, word of mouth, credibility, testimony, recommendations