• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content

Debra Kasowski

  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast & Blog
  • Work with Debra
    • Speaking
    • Coaching
    • Workshops/Course
  • Media
  • Connect

Are You Giving Away the Farm?

February 8, 2017 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

How much is too much? As a business owner and entrepreneur I have asked myself this question over and over. In my mind the voices battle it out saying, “Don’t be too salesy. You are a teacher at heart.” When it is right to sell and when is it right to educate?  How much should I be sharing?

I say…give it all away!

No, I am not talking about giving away all your products and services for free!

I am saying you need to be sharing your best stuff! Your best information, tips, and techniques!

I can hear you from here…What? Has she gone mad?

No I have not gone mad!

I want to share with you what sharing your best stuff does!

Breakdown Barriers and Build Trust – As people see you interact online, read your articles or books, or hear you speak; they get to know you, your personality, and what matters to you. Ensure that you are sharing content that speaks to your core values and about what you stand for. People get to know, like, and trust you when you share content that resonates with them. It can about anything from the challenges you face whether it be creating engaging teams to your personal journey of empowering yourself at the gym. They want to know that they can trust and believe in you to do what you say you’re capable of doing. That is when they will consider working with you. Building the connection and relationship is important.

Establish Credibility – When you write articles, speak on stage, write a book, or share information with others even one on one, you are building your credibility. You are perceived as someone knowledgeable and helpful. If people implement what you share and get results, BOOM! You create loyalty. They will want to tell others about you and the VALUE you provide. You never know who you may inspire.

Extend Your Reach. Ideas are abundant. You will be continuously coming up with more awesome high value content. If your content helps people take a leap in the business or take the next step in their career and get the results they are looking for, don’t you think that they will want to share what your information, tips, and techniques have done for them? They will be champions of yours and want to share your content. The more people who have your content, the more chances your content will get shared with others. Be sharable!  At some point, you may put out an offer and people may jump at the opportunity to work with you directly because they have gotten to know you and the social proof is already there.

The question comes back to selling versus educating…

It is important to meet the emotional needs of your clients by sharing information with them that will help them make an informed decision. Is that selling or educating? There is a fine line. Can you do both? Absolutely! Pay attention to how you feel in the process and take note of the body language and how your clients appears to be feeling. If you notice that they seem disinterested or they are turning their body away from you, you may have given them too much and they are overwhelmed or you are not meeting their needs. You will know if you hit one extreme or the other.

Ask questions to make sure you are on the right track in meeting their needs. Find the right balance for each conversation you have and have them coming back for more of your great content!

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

 

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: breakdown barriers, build trust, business, content, credibility, expertise, information, marketing, sales

Episode 37 – Exposing Yourself in Your Business

October 20, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

https://media.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/content.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/Episode_37-_Exposing_Yourself_in_Your_Business.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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

46792588_sYou 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 TMW_PDFways 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Testimonial/Endorsements – As mentioned before play a role in awareness and credibility. It is social proof.

BECOMING VISIBLE AND PROVIDING VALUE
10767664 - door keyhole of golden metal with eyeVisibility 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:

  1. Volunteer At Community Functions Or Fundraisers
  2. Volunteer As A Board Of Director for a Non-profit
  3. Donate Your Product Or Service As A Door Prize Or Silent Auction Item
  4. Blog Or Post On Social Media About The Events You Attend
  5. Create Videos Offering Tips And Valuable Content -Top 10 List Are Very Popular
  6. Get Published In The Local Newspaper
  7. 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.

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: 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

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged With: answer questions on social media, awareness in the marketplace, become visible, benefits of blogging, benefits of volunteering, creating awareness, credibility, gain credibility, know like trust factor, prospects, provide value, providing value, Visibility, volunteer

Episode 35 – The Power of Testimonials

October 13, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

https://media.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/content.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/Episode_35_-_The_Power_of_Testimonials_.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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.

TMW_PDFclickhere.fwTestimonials 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.

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: 10:00 min

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

 

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged With: credibility, endorsements, power of testimonials, rating, recommendations, reference, review, testify, testimony, word of mouth

EPISODE 17: Harness the Power of Momentum

August 11, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

https://media.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/content.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/Episode_17-_Harness_the_Power_of_Momentum.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Episode 17 – Harness the Power of Momentum

There are no limits to what you can achieve if you stay focused on what you are trying to achieve. You need to believe the impossible is possible for you. Your results may be better than you expect. Success has no guarantees; each action you take starts creating a momentum. If you stop taking action, you stop the momentum.

“Always work hard.  Intensity clarifies.  It creates not only momentum, but also the pressure you need to feel either friction, or fulfillment.” 

— Marcus Buckingham

TMW_PDFclickhere.fwDuring my coaching program, we learned about Creative Tension – It moves us to take action. It helps us get out of our comfort zone and stretch us. Challenge us.

Why do we need it? What does it do?

Momentum helps us:

  • Push through and overcome obstacles. You may have heard about runners or even swimmer pushing through a certain distance to push forward what they may not have thought possible exclaiming, “What else can I do? What else can I do?” What else is possible for you?
  • Increase your motivation and confidence in your abilities. It helps you to try new things!

You are responsible for creating it through consistent actions. A rapid succession of successes and lessons drives momentum. Energy increases; it will be natural for others to want to follow you. You will become magnetic. You will start to inspire others around you.

Momentum is ignited when you have a clear vision – you know what you want to achieve, you are able to articulate and share your vision, and you can enroll others in your vision.

GPS_COVER10Do you want to get more clarity? Read my book GPS Your Best Life 

Believe in your ability to make things happen. Your confidence, energy, and enthusiasm with excite others around you.

You are probably thinking to yourself – but how do I create a momentum – especially when times are tough or you are feeling challenged more than you think you can handle.

I want to share with you some of the ways that have worked for me and some of the clients I have worked with.

  • Challenge yourself – Be committed to continuous learning, stay curious and have a learner mindset. Try new things regularly.
  • Make a rule to quit complaining, blaming, and stop making excuses. You either get results or excuses.
  • Reduce your distractions. Declutter your space or your email. Clear whatever is in your way.
  • Be grateful for what you have; the more you will have to be grateful for.
  • Celebrate your successes – little things lead to big things! It will drive you to take more action. Breath in and acknowledge the successes before moving on to the next thing.
  • eastthatfrogDeliver value and look for ways to exceed expectations. You will generate excitement in others and they will be grateful and share their experience with you – with others.
  • Do you least favorite activity first – EAT THAT FROG – Brain Tracy

Everything will move so much quicker with the momentum.

  • Set Milestones – You create anticipation. You may even meet goals quicker.
  • Measure your outcomes – what gets measured gets managed.
  • Fake it until you make it – take the actions you need to get to where you want to go. Who is a leader you admire? How can emulate some of the actions that they have taken to achieve success – do your homework. If you want to be a great leader, start being one now.
  • Make a plan – Work the plan. Otherwise, you will be chasing butterflies. Do you due diligence and your resources.
  • Don’t forget to dream – Sometimes when people are too realistic to the bone, it drags people down. Dreams can propel you further rather than looking at your current circumstances.
  • Follow up with people you have met at events or make inquiries – you will be surprised when you connect with others. They energy rises and people take an interest in what you are doing.

54018600 - young multiracial people training in the gymWhat happens when you stop running on a treadmill or riding a bike?

You stop moving – you fall off.

Worry and doubt can paralyze you from taking forward action. They drain your energy. Challenge yourself – test your theories. Ask questions. Gain knowledge – but don’t stop unless you know you are in danger.

No one is going to jail or getting hurt or killed in the process chances are whatever happens you can course correct.

We all start somewhere. There have been many successful people who did not start with any resources – no network of people, no money, no knowledge, did not know English or a language of the place they settled in. They built it and so can you.

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” — Og Mandino

Success is not about how many resources you have; it is about being resourceful and leveraging your resources in the most effective way. Focus on taking action and over time a compound effect with occur. If you are focused only on short-term activities to get immediate results, you will lose momentum quickly especially if you do not set a new target that stretched you.

Your efforts make a difference in how you feel about your progress and what you are going to achieve.

Let your efforts multiply!

Success comes from taking the initiative and following up…persisting…eloquently expressing the depth of your love.  What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life? 

— Tony Robbins

You need to continually set new challenges to learn and grow. Acknowledge how far you have come. Reflect on what you can do better and work to improve.

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: 16:31 min

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged With: achievement, ai, align with your values, appreciate, appreciation, appreciative inquiry, appreciative living, behaviours, blogging, building relationships, building trust, business, challenge your assumptions, challenges, connection, conversation, Core values, creative, credibility, dedication, dolce vita, effort, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurs, feelings, goal setting, gratitude, harness the power, hone your skills, imagine the possibilities, initiative, innovative, integrity, itunes, law of attraction; communication, leader, leadership, leadership development, leadership development; decision making, leaderships, learning, living the sweet life, look for opportunities, momentum, motivation, motivations, networking, organizational culture, overcoming challenges, perfect day, permission to dream, perseverance, personal development, personal responsibility, Podcast, positive, positive outlook, positive thinking, possibilities, power of momentum, practice, preparation, professional development, reframe your thinking, relationships, resilience, responsibility, risk taking, set goals, stretch out of your comfort zone, success, support system, talent, Talent is not enough, team, teamwork, thoughts, trust, value based leadership, values

EPISODE 16: Challenges Make You Stronger

August 9, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

https://media.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/content.blubrry.com/themillionairewomanshow/Episode_16-_Challenges_Make_You_Stronger.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

EPISODE 16 – Challenges Make You Stronger

37602986 - female rock climber climbs on a rocky wallChallenges are a part of everyday life. A challenge is something that pushes you out of your comfort zone. It can be something you challenge yourself with such as a goal or it could be something presented to you such as learning something new, getting a handle on finances, acquiring your next client, or seeking a promotion. Some challenges are easier than others. Some challenges knock us down for the count. Think about how many times you get up to face a challenge – that will determine whether or not you will push through it.

If you let the first time you knock you down; you will be paralyzed. I remember the first time someone unsubscribed to my newsletter. I was just devastated because of the one subscription. In that moment, I had forgotten about the hundreds of people who were subscribed. Maybe it was not the right fit for them. What I realize now is that people come into your life for a certain amount of time, a reason or a purpose and some people fade away. Understand that when we face those challenges not to take it so personally and feel defeated. It is about being able to rise up and embrace the challenges and move forward.

It was once said by someone that, “Challenges make you more responsible. Always remember that life without struggle is a life without success. Don’t give up and learn not to quit.”

Challenges make a person more resilient. You recognize your emotions that arise in different situations and how to manage them to become a better communicator or influencer. You become more self-aware of what you want and what you do not want. You develop clarity. You learn from mistakes. Don’t punish yourself. You are growing and stepping into the potential of who you are meant to be.

You can either let a challenge pull you down or you can use it to rise up.

45535742 - woman holding shopping bags at a boutiqueThere was a personal challenge I faced when swimsuit shopping with my daughter. I had sent my daughter to go and purchase herself a swimsuit for a surprise trip. I was unable to go with her. She came home a tossed the bag to me and I did not think anything of it. She did not even show me what it looked like until we were leaving and then I realized that there was a $200 + price tag to this swimsuit. I was like, “What?” I am sorry I do not understand what 16 year old needs a two hundred dollar swimsuit. Anyhow, we ended up going on our trip and did not end up going swimming anyway but I knew a swimsuit you cannot return.

We had come home and we were leaving in a couple more weeks to go on vacation.  We ended up going back to the same store where she had purchased the swimsuit. As she was trying on bathing suits, I could feel myself boiling inside even though the staff was wonderful to her. I was thinking to myself, “Why would anyone want in in a suit that makes her so much older that she did not feel energized and excited in?” She did not even feel comfortable in it. We ended up going swimming shortly after our surprise trip and she discovered that the suit did not fit properly.

As I was standing there, I could feel myself boiling inside. It is about being able to recognize those emotions. It was a challenge for me to think about how I was going to manage these emotions. It was my problem. The people in the store do not know what is bothering me. As it was getting close to closing time, the staff was being very patient and had no problem waiting for to finish trying on another suit. We did not end up buying a suit. [We had gone to another store and paid $20 for a swimsuit and going on our vacation. She was youthful, energized, and loved the suit that she had.]

ID-10089448Meanwhile, I was quite frustrated as I was waiting for my daughter to finish up so I started to talk to the clerk. I proceeded to tell her about how I was feeling and how I was boiling inside. If I felt this energy, I could not imagine how and if they felt it. I began to share the story of what happened when my daughter had come for a swimsuit. The young lady at the till was phenomenal. She said “You should not have had that type of experience that is not how we work here.” She took my information. I informed her that we were leaving the next day on vacation. I told that I would not be able to deal with this right now. She said that it was okay and that she would speak to her manager to see what she could do for me.

She had phoned the very next day explaining that they were going to be doing something for me. I decided while I was on vacation that I would not deal with it until I got home. When I came home I called them, they had offered me a 20% discount. I thought you know it is a swimsuit; they are not going to return it. We already spent $200 in their store for something we were not happy with. She asked me if I was going to pick up the 20% off coupon and I stated, “I am not sure I am going to but thank you very much for your time. We will just take this as a loss.”

TMW_PDFclickhere.fwNot even 5 minutes later, she had called back. A district manager had heard her talking to me; she had explained that she could not return the bottoms. I stated that I understood based on my healthcare background. If I brought back the top, they would give me a full refund for the cost of the top to purchase anything else in the store. I said that was reasonable and that was something I could handle.

Again I was unable to go with my daughter so I spoke with the young lady that was working with her that I would be unable to be there. My daughter went in and they spent a lot of individualized – personalized attention with her. She came home with a new top to match her bottoms and a racer swimsuit for swimming lengths. She pulled it out and went to try it on to show me right away. She ended up getting two suits in the end.

What impressed me most was the young lady that was working with us. She put in a lot of effort; she was phenomenal. When I speak in front of groups, I talk about this young lady all the time. I went into the store a few days later and I had asked one of the other girls, “Can you tell me who the top person is, that I can talk to in your company? They gave me the President – they gave me all these people. I sent the lengthy e-mail. They are just in the swimsuit industry. They are in the industry of self-esteem, confidence, and help people feeling comfortable in the skin and that they are in.

I find it so powerful to be able to know that you’re doing more than just providing a product – more than a business transaction so I e-mailed a lengthy e-mail. I wanted this individual to be recognized. We were going to recognize her in our own way but we wanted somebody you higher up to realize the potential of this young lady and the difference she was making them from of life. I received an e-mail back from the owner of the company and she had forwarded our e-mail to the whole distribution list of all of their employees to realize that this is what they’re in business for and that they would recognize this young lady and in some way.

My daughter had gone a few days later and handed a little gift to this employee. She was nearly in tears for being recognized for going above and beyond her call of duty. How often do we do that – where we want to go the extra mile for our clients or customers making them feel that they matter?

These challenges that we face make us so much better. They make us so much stronger and we would never realize the impact it can have on other people because what I realized is that if I never speak up when I recognize an emotion that I have, either to clarify something with someone or to express how I’m feeling about a situation, this all would never have happened. When we talk about emotional intelligence, people say, “Oh, that’s the soft stuff!” Even though it is soft, it’s about people and making sure that people matter and how were communicating is a big deal. Think about how you communicate and how some of those challenges have come through communication.

Big Breath! I know that was heavy!

SPONSOR – LET’S BE CURIOUS! www.letsbecurious.ca

It really does amaze me how including me, can take things for granted until we are faced with a challenge. I remember completing a triathlon after not putting in a lot of training several years after I had done the course. Holy Man! I was in awe of what I had accomplished that I never credited myself for. The hard work and dedication it took to take on the challenge and to really acknowledge the sacrifices that went with it. Swim, bike, run. I was never a star athlete. I challenged myself to do what I saw other do. If they could do it, so could I.

One of the biggest challenges I see people face is often self-induced through the comparison trap. Comparing our self to others leads to a no win situation. Your intentions end up reflecting a competition and beating someone versus becoming better and being a natural choice. Start turning inward and set challenges for yourself – each day to become a better version of your Self today than you were yesterday. Become a better listener. Become a better employee. Become a better spouse. Become a better parent. Become a better boss. Hone your skills. Fine tune your strengths. The competition is with your Self. Beat your old self – running your own race.

Stop complaining about your circumstances. There are people who are in more delicate situations that you are right now. Some people are wishing they could walk or even run a race. Some people are fighting for their breath. Some people would love to have the job or business you do; due to health issues may not be able to do so.

Quit making excuses about all the reasons success has not happened for you yet. True success – sustainable success takes time and consistency. Are you using your time productively or are you getting sucked into the vortex of social media? Following blue links or just checking to see if someone just someone liked your post.

Stop blaming others for your position in life. You may hear people blaming their parents, spouse, kids, or boss for their position in life or their lack of resources for not being further ahead. You are in charge of you and the decisions that you make.

Who you are… is directly related to the life you have led and the choices you have made. As a child, your parents may have taught you a certain way of doing things. As you became your own person, you started to make your own decisions and choices. You could believe old patterns and beliefs or you could choose your own story of how things played out and how things have yet to be. Others have made choices and passed on their beliefs based on what they believe to be true. Do not be afraid to question, challenge assumptions, or offer a new perspective. You may have heard the story about a young adult preparing a roast after they were newly married. They cut off each end of the roast and placed in the roasting pan. When questioned and the person asked, “Why did you cut the ends off?” They replied that is how we have always done it – my mother did it that way and her mother did it that way.

What are you doing just because others do it that way?

Start viewing your challenges as blessings or opportunities. Write in a journal and start coming up with solutions to your challenges. Choose the story you want to hear and live. Remember your perception and what you believe is your reality. Is it the right belief? Is that what you want to believe?

Stay focused on the positive aspects of what you are trying to achieve. Be a “positive Choose to approach each day – “Today is going to be a great day!” – Speak it into existence. Connect with others and build relationships now – before you need them. If you do not have a support system, start creating one – people you know, like, and trust and who challenge you to become a better version of yourself.

“Handicaps often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

C.S. Lewis

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: 19:34 min

Filed Under: Podcasts Tagged With: achievement, ai, align with your values, appreciate, appreciation, appreciative inquiry, appreciative living, behaviours, blogging, building relationships, building trust, business, challenge your assumptions, challenges, connection, conversation, Core values, creative, credibility, dedication, dolce vita, effort, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurs, feelings, gratitude, hone your skills, imagine the possibilities, innovative, integrity, itunes, law of attraction; communication, leader, leadership, leadership development, leadership development; decision making, leaderships, living the sweet life, look for opportunities, motivations, networking, organizational culture, overcoming challenges, perfect day, permission to dream, perseverance, personal development, personal responsibility, Podcast, positive, positive outlook, positive thinking, possibilities, practice, preparation, professional development, reframe your thinking, relationships, resilience, responsibility, risk taking, stretch out of your comfort zone, support system, talent, Talent is not enough, team, teamwork, thoughts, trust, value based leadership, values

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Next Page »
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Aspire Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in