What is the "Know, Like and Trust Factor" and how does it grow your business?

The Know, Like & Trust Factor is a proven marketing component focused on establishing long-term connections with prospects and clients. Customers make initial and ongoing purchasing decisions based on a strong relationship foundation of dependability, respect, mutual understanding and shared history.

The Know, Like & Trust Factor grows your business because once you have established a relationship, you have a champion for life. Not only are they direct beneficiaries of your offerings, as the Faberge shampoo commercial from the 70's says, "... they told two friends and so on, and so on, and so on...." People talk and it's to your advantage to have them saying that your products or services enrich their lives.

The Know, Like and Trust Factor

This relationship-building approach in business is growing exponentially because it works to consistently build loyalty, sales and a solid platform for all future product or service launches.

Customers or clients must have a connection to you on all three levels before they purchase from you and become long-term buyers. You can be in front of prospects for many months before they purchase from you. Experts say that seven or more impressions are required before people feel they know, like and trust you enough to give you their money.

Think about it; it makes sense. The evolution of any relationship takes time to establish and maintain. It may seem odd at first to transfer personal relationship concepts to business connections, but it's not. Genuine connection to each other is an essential component in any relationship. When we conduct business as an extension of our personal lives and philosophies, this is a no-brainer. It's simply good business to establish a method by which prospects can get to know, like and trust you as a proven, strategic method of achieving results.

Here's how to become known, liked and trusted to build long-term client relationships:

1. Know
   • Be as transparent as possible.
   • Share appropriate bits of your personal life.
   • Reveal yourself over time.
     
2. Like
   • Use humor in your communications when appropriate.
   • Be authentically YOU... always.
   • Use your own voice.
     
3. Trust
   • Consistently deliver on all promises.
   • Give content-rich information that is purely philanthropic.
   • Establish that you're an authority based on measurable results.

Why does this work? When clients know, like and trust you they:

• feel comfortable (know)
• want to support you by purchasing your products and services (like)
• feel confident in their decision to give you their money and refer you to their family, friends and colleagues (trust)

When prospects feel that you genuinely value the relationship with them--not just their potential purchasing power--they'll be devoted followers forever.

Are you focused and fully present with what's right in front of you?

Whatever you do, do it with your full, focused attention.
~Charlon Bobo

We live in busy times and yet precious moments are slipping past with us engaged in most activities with our half-attention, or less. Here are only a few recent examples:

1. I see children with their parents completely distracted by technology (cell phone, iPhone, etc.) instead of engaging in conversation, and yet we have the audacity to demand that those same children snap to attention when we want it!
   
2. In restaurants I see couples sharing a meal with both people obviously distracted by private thoughts instead of enjoying the moment of now fully engaged with each other.
   
3. I responded to a request from a prospect and in those 10 minutes of trying to connect and give her something of value, she took two other calls. (Needless to say, this is all the information I needed to decide she is not my next new client. When we cannot give our full attention to someone who genuinely wants to help us, our priorities need a major adjustment.)

I see the inefficiency of fragmentation. Checking and responding to emails as they come in; acting on every mental impulse to do something other than what you're currently doing; telling others you can focus on them while you're doing two or three other tasks (and believing the lie, because if you called a bullshit on yourself, you'd have to actually take responsibility and change your behavior).

I'm not exempt. Believe me, I get distracted by the next shiny object as much or more than anyone else on the planet. And I pride myself on efficiency and my ability to manage many tasks at one time. BTW, when did that become an admirable trait?! (It's the perfect recipe for fragmentation at its best and insanity at its worst.)

However, when it comes to engaging with others in a meaningful way--whether in person, via telephone or via email--I am committed to consistently being fully present; giving those in front of me my very best... now that's a present!

You can never give your kid another childhood. You can never re-do an evening out with your beloved. You never get another chance to make a first impression on someone who can help you thrive in business.

Whatever you do, do it with your full, focused attention.

Hey, give me back my wrinkle!

These were my words to the photographer who touched-up my recent business headshots. She did a beautiful job editing out my wrinkle and had no idea that with a few strokes of her mouse, she was erasing something I value. Assuming I would want it removed, I was adamant about having her start over again, making any other changes she wanted, but leaving my adored wrinkle.

You see, that wrinkle represents something... something important: It represents the 45 years I have invested in understanding who I am and how to make a positive contribution to this planet, and leave her inhabitants better for my being here. I EARNED that wrinkle!

With so much emphasis in our society on youth and flawless, external beauty, I stand for something else: a more graceful, peaceful journey to embrace and adore the many indicators of aging. I may be bald, but I have gray hair. My skin is thinner. Hair is sprouting in the strangest places and is sparse in others. And what happened to my upper arms? My Pilates teacher says it's changing hormones. Whatever the explanation, it's kinda weird.

Committed to being an excellent steward of my precious life resources, it just makes sense to invest my time, money and effort in celebrating the work-in-progress that is I. Honestly, even the thought of how much energy it would require to struggle and fight the process of maturing leaves me yearning for a nap. Yes, there are changes and adjustments, but looking back, no stage of life was free of the necessity to be flexible, so why should this one be any different? Life is, after all, in perpetual motion. Change is inevitable and the more willingly I bask in the truth of what is, the more free I am to be the most glorious and free version of myself.

Besides, removing the inevitable indicators of our age with technology changes nothing. As time goes by, it only reflects our inability to embrace what's real and true, and prevents us from loving what is so lovely about ourselves when we love ourselves without condition. When you think about it, can you expect others to love you when you don't?

I am leaving a legacy and sometimes that is represented in the most peculiar ways. For me, it's reflected by my forehead wrinkle. So, lady, give me back my wrinkle!

(BTW, she did.)

This is why women rock this planet!

I just asked a dear colleague, friend and confidant for her help in spreading the word via social media channels about an inspired project that is rocking my world. It is the work-of-a-lifetime and not only does it have me fully engaged and captivated, it is blossoming with a life of its own as the message travels worldwide. Anyway...

Her response? on it! That's it, just, "on it!"

It doesn't take much to support the women in our lives who assume the many diverse roles in shape-shifting the existing paradigm. Sometimes the fullness of support is contained in 4 letters, 2 words and 1 exclamation point. Thank you, dear friend.

Right now, think of one thing you can do to encourage, inspire or support a smart, savvy, strong woman in your life and go do it! Yes, now. Sense the urgency? It's that important.

Life’s Experiences Go Deeper Than The Surface: What An Overweight Personal Trainer Taught Me Today

On my daily walk/run today, I noticed an overweight personal trainer. She was teaching a group of moms with strollers how to exercise with stretch resistance bands. I wondered what each of them thought the first time they saw her. Could it have been something like What can *she* teach me about physical wellness, strengthening, toning, etc.? She doesn’t even have a masterful grasp on it herself!

And yet, this trainer obviously has some expertise because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen her with what I assume are clients. As the babies watch their Mommas stretch, grunt and bend, laughing often and enjoying the camaraderie, the Moms are focused on following the instructions from their trainer. They know there’s more to this experience—and their trainer—than how it appears. There’s more; so much more.

I’ve started to say, “It’s never the thing.”

What I mean is: regardless of the situations in which you find yourself, it’s never about what you initially think it’s about. It’s about something much bigger than the current circumstance. It’s about attracting yet another experience so you can exercise the muscle of self-mastery.

For those women, this experience may be about setting aside prejudices, or taking the most positive benefit from everyone who crosses their path. It may even be about being a teacher themselves… of compassion and acceptance. And that may be the biggest gift that trainer receives all week.

No matter what you see in front of you, consider that there’s so much more going on if you’ll take even a moment to look and simply wonder about that possibility. Approach every circumstance by posing this question: If this isn’t what it seems, what IS it… what IS it about?

With this question, you lift the veil that conceals the energetic component behind or beneath experiences to discover the delightfully unexpected; what you could never have anticipated! As a usual practice, it’s fun and a true delight because you see that which is rarely seen by others; they just don’t take the time. You experience a rich fullness that is always there, but often goes unrecognized because most of us think that what’s on the surface is all there is.

And what happens when you see the true energy (the purpose, the value, the dynamic, etc.) behind what is?

When you honor the energy of what is with your attention, it responds in recognition. Because you acknowledged its presence, it wants to continue the conversation. In response to it, your gratitude floods and infuses it with your unique vibrance. Then what? With your genuine curiosity, you have established an invisible yet powerful connection to duplicate the process again and again! Essentially, you are inviting it to guide you to refining this skill through more opportunities to practice. Just like practicing anything, the more you do it, the easier it is and the better you become. With practice, this can become your first-nature. This insider knowledge can be yours instantaneously.

The better you are at this technique, the quicker you will know in any situation what’s really going on and can immediately attune yourself to bringing in the highest benefit for all parties. Whether it’s saying something, taking an action or powerfully focusing your thoughts, you are a catalyst for change in-the-moment; where and when it’s needed most.

Thank you, personal trainer. You inspired me today.

The 'Aligned Female' Shape-Shifts Business Based on Innate Feminine Gifts

Entrepreneurship is shifting dramatically and the aligned female influence cannot be ignored. The feminine:

• brings a sense of community to business
• is cooperative because we know that is the road to thriving
• achieves results by nurturing others
• wants all members of our tribe to succeed
• encourages others
• challenges others with love
• champions others with kind accountability methods
• celebrates milestones and goal attainment

There is no doubt—with the shifting business paradigm in full swing—women have made a powerful impression and will continue to do so. Our innate gifts as birthers of new ideology will change the face of entrepreneurship so much that soon the old façade won’t be recognizable. It’s the dawning of a new age and we’re the luminaries.

Allowing intuition, spirituality and pure intent to guide us, we’re in a very powerful position to creative positive and lasting change. The way business is conducted will never be the same.

Now, let's return to the reference of 'aligned female' and elaborate for the fullest understanding.

Being born female (a gender identification) does not an empowered woman make!

It’s vital to understand that being strong, allowing the feminine divine to be honored in our words, thoughts and actions, referring to ourselves as “conscious,” embracing our roles as leaders and visionaries, and intentionally creating our lives, is a journey… the journey of a lifetime.

The aligned woman is so much more than female. She:

• has a vested interest in bringing her best to everything she does
• willingly surrenders her plan to the wisdom of the Universe, when it's appropriate for her to do so
• commits on every level to the ever-unfolding process of life
• pushes on with courage, no matter how hard the task
• walks with herself, if necessary, so as not to dilute her efforts and energy with anything/anyone that might take her off-course
• graciously serves others in accordance with her inner wisdom guiding her to choose if, when, and how to use her innate talents and gifts
• models integrity because it’s the core of who she is and how she conducts the business of her life
• celebrates her unique talents—removing all hindrances to shining brilliantly—because she understands this world benefits from her exceptional contribution
• is bold in her approach to life because there’s no value in standing for nothing
• accepts herself as-is, always

Modeling empowered divine femininity has many rewards and it also comprises great responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required. Wielding power with benevolence requires a solid understanding that true power never attempts to manipulate, dominate or control (or even influence or persuade); only insecurity behaves that way. We are actively defining the future of business with our actions. We are creating something dynamically different.

What is your unique role in this shift and what are the innate gifts you bring to business as an 'aligned female'?

That On Which We Focus, Manifests

This piece is inspired by TUT.com; a Note from the Universe on Monday, March 29, 2010.

Whatever you focus on, you will experience.

When you talk about "what is" or "what was,"
even if you're just explaining to a friendly ear,
you project more of the same into the future.
If you ask more than you give thanks, you'll believe less in your own power.
And if you insist that it's hard and that you're lonely, you'll find that it is, and you are.

Yet, always you can choose to focus on what's good.

It's common to want to share all of life's experiences with those we love; including the "downs." The simple question, "How are you?" by a close friend often opens a pandora's box of the details of what's going on in our lives. Rarely do we stop and wonder about the impact of our words on our future experience.

So, how do we remain authentic AND honor what's actually happening, AND pave the way for manifesting what we really want if it's different than what we are living right now?

As best we can, with our words, thought and actions we must shift our focus to the positive aspects of what's happening in our lives.

Positive thinking is getting a bad rap recently with the launch of a new book. To be sure, I'm not advocating the manufacture of some artificial pasted-on smiley face when we are truly hurting. What I am saying is that if we take just a moment to reframe our responses, we can see something beneficial in what is happening right now. And THAT'S what's worth focusing on and sharing with others.

Fearful, Forceful or Fierceful: Which Is Your Approach To Life and Why Does It Matter?

Admittedly, fierceful isn't a word, but for the integrity of the headline, it stays. Word or no word, it doesn't change the message of this exploration.

Definition of Fearful: Feeling fear, dread, apprehension, anxiety or concern
Definition of Forceful: Acting or driven with force
Definition of Fierce(ful): Extremely intense or ardent

If you're fearful, there is something--usually something BIG--underlying that feeling. Maybe it's conscious, maybe it's subconscious, but either way your actions are steeped in this overpowering and often paralyzing feeling, often to the point that you are incapable of making wise choices. Fear only begets more fear. It festers. It grows. And feeding the monster of fear with your words, thoughts and actions only makes you feel worse. If you're a worrier, you know exactly what it's like. Day in, day out, it is your constant companion and yet you may have an inkling that because of the grief it causes, it's no way to run your business or your life.

If you're forceful, you are constantly pushing people, events and circumstances, to respond to your sheer will that they comply with your vision. You cannot be bothered with how people perceive you or the impact on them of your words, thoughts and actions. After all, you have a vision and it is a driving force! You feel absolutely justified in your approach, regardless of external signs that something is amiss. Sometimes, you and your agenda are literally a force to be reckoned with, making even minor issues, very big ones. You are unapproachable. Life lacks anything resembling effortless flow. You are in charge and it's up to you to make everything work... at the greatest expense imaginable: your peace-of-mind and of those around you. You shoulder the weight of the world and the cracks in the fortress are beginning to split wide open. At it's core, force is fear. It's an attempt to control, driven by the need for safety or security, which never actually manifests peace or flow, but only creates more of the same: fear.

Let's move beyond the many limitations of fearful and forceful living to a whole-life approach based in healthy, powerful resolve: fierceful living.

Using the brief definition above of fierce, notice the word ardent. The definition of ardent includes words like intense feeling, passionate, fervent, intensely devoted, eager, zealous, burning, fiery and hot.

All these words or terms are powerful and positive. They motivate and inspire. They propel and energize. They excite and prompt. They contain the juice that positively moves us from where we are to where we'd rather be.

Neither fear nor force motivates, inspires, propels, energizes, excites or drives. Fear and force are old patterns based in pain. They are our deeply ingrained habits, developed long ago as coping mechanisms. And the truth is they no longer serve us.

So, it's time to let them go. It's the perfect time to step into our fierceness-of-being. It's time to release debilitating habits and create ourselves anew.

What is fierceful living?

1. In its wisdom, it recognizes injustice in its many forms and stands up to say, "No more," regardless of the consequences.
2. It is courage, to the core, no matter how things actually feel inside.
3. It sets personal agendas aside and puts people first, always.
4. It has an unshakable and undeniable clarity guiding its every strategic move.
5. It assumes full responsibility for all outcomes.
6. It continually creates room for more fullness, variety, color, grandness and opportunity.
7. It stands for something, instead of nothing.

You cannot create from fear or force, for they do not contain the elements to deliver such an outcome. With either, you can only create more of the same.

Be fierce. Be bold. Be you. Now is the time.

---

Bringing Consciousness To How We Treat Others

"Treat others as if they are always worthy of the best of you. What you'll discover is that the best of them appears to match that vibration."

---

Building Relationships: Service-based Businesses Go Above-and-Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Email Responses

If you offer services vs. products, you may require much more information from prospects before providing pricing, turnaround time or other specifications.

In the interest of time (don't we all want it now?) potential clients usually want an immediate answer, but you know it's not that simple. And it's best to remain true to the process that works best for you so, in the end, the information you provide is accurate and thorough. To do that, you want to find out more about them, their offerings, their target market and their short- and long-term visions for the business.

"I own two companies with a partner. How can we utilize your services?"

It's a great question; and one that deserves your full attention. Respond immediately with an email to acknowledge receipt and invite them to set up a telephone or video appointment to discuss their specific requirements. Here's an example:

"At XYZ Company we are committed to customized solutions for each client. One-size-fits-all just doesn't work: there are too many variables. We know your time and efforts are valuable and that's precisely why we don't want to waste them. You see, if we don't understand your business, we may not be fully maximizing our contribution to your success. During our comprehensive and complimentary 30-minute consult, we discover how we can best serve you. We want you to experience excellence. Follow this link to our online calendar and set up your appointment today."

Email is limited in its ability to fully communicate either their needs or your ability to meet those needs. During the fact-finding mission (the call), you are able to discern much more than you can by simply submitting your standard price sheet or a link to your prices page. After all, you are building a relationship. That doesn't happen in one email interaction or even one telephone call, but you're much closer to really understanding how your services can benefit them after speaking directly. A personal appointment gives both participants a chance to connect on many other levels.

When you are in a service business, there are no homogenous answers to what you can provide. Fundamentally, what you can provide is based on client requirements. Services can be customized in so many ways and that's where an open dialogue is incredibly helpful.

You take pride in flexibility. You have worked hard to offer value-based services. You owe it to yourself and your potential customers to construct a customized solution and effectively maximize your contribution to their success.

An initial 30-minute consultation saves much time, effort and aggravation in the future. You understand exactly what they need and they know you understand their business. You can provide specs based on that clear understanding. And what better way to begin establishing your connection than to be crystalline-clear from the very beginning. Should they hire you, with mutual understanding, the outcome can only be superior.

---

An Editorial

I read this article and was reminded of how much we reveal about ourselves in our writing, if readers are truly paying attention. My OMG moments within this article are indicated in bold.

Author's point #1 was omitted intentionally. It's not nearly as juicy as the following four points.

Author's point #2: "Love your business more than your family. Put business first. Always! If you're not fully focused--if family, friends, community and church fill up your busy weekly schedule--you are probably failing to deliver real profits for your company. Your cell phone is for taking orders from clients, not storing grocery lists. Weekends are for work. Pray at your desk if you must. Your business is not a part-time job. Be there or be broke!"

Author's point #3: "The best family business has one member. Face it, blood and business don't mix. Profits will always be better when you're not keeping an extra sibling, spouse, child or in-law on the payroll. More than 60 percent of the small businesses we work with are family-owned, and that's where most of their problems start. Fire 'em! Cancel your kid's membership to the lucky sperm club. Keep your family squabbles at home, even if you have to pay relatives not to be there. Then change the locks on the office door. You'll save money in the end."

Author's point #4: "Don't treat sales like your mother-in-law. Don't view sales as an unwanted guest. Focusing on sales is the easiest way to grow your business in good times and sustain profits in bad. Get out from behind your desk and shill. Take names. Build a customer database. Breathe down the necks of your sales team. Go out on sales calls. Foster your own relationship with top customers. The era of easy sales may be over, but there's plenty you can and should be doing. Stop being fat, dumb and happy."

And finally, the author's point #5 (and it's a doozy!): "Give up golf, retreats, off-sites and trade shows. Golf is the biggest waste of time. Trade shows and retreats are just an excuse to goof off and schmooze on the boss's dime. Ban any activities that take you away from the office or a sales call. Business owners kid themselves that hitting the fairway is an opportunity to network, but they're wasting thousands in country club dues and missing important phone calls that could lead to more sales. Eliminate these distractions from your life. Let the competition play golf while you steal their customers."

---

Can I just say a big, "WOW"?

There are so many layers here, but to make this succinct, here's my commentary:

In direct conflict with the author's sentiments, succeeding in business often involves establishing a vital support system including family, friends, social engagements and FUN!

I do agree with the last sentence of the article: "Commit to doing whatever it takes to make your business a success, and everything else will take care of itself." Our ways of accomplishing this task are obviously vastly different, but as the headline above says, "Empowerment comes In ALL colors."

---

A Bright Alternative for Holiday Gift-Giving

With the holidays quickly approaching, I am inundated with holiday gift guides. No doubt you are as well.

The emphasis on purchasing consumer goods as a means to show appreciation or honor connection is a peculiar notion to me. I don’t ‘get’ it. I purchase no gifts; not because I stand on any principle, but because what I have to give is something more valuable than anything I have ever seen offered for sale.

My present to others is my presence, whether or not it’s the holidays. That is the greatest gift I can give. Full presentness is precious. It is rare. And it is something only I can give to those in my life circle.

I understand why people buy gifts. It’s easy. Digging deep, listening attentively, setting aside time to really connect, allowing someone to share their life and inner thoughts, making a memory, and being nowhere but in the moment is a treasure, a true gift with merit and meaning.

Our lives are so frantic that we often miss the many moments of life that bring the greatest satisfaction; the moment of now, here, connecting, time suspended until the experience has served its full purpose.

Give the gift of yourself this season; fully present.

Happy holidays!

---

An Impression In The Ether

Randomly opening a book I found while unpacking, I read this:

"Sometimes we must go on living longer than we'd like with the choices we made before we knew better."

While it's true our outer circumstances don't change the moment our words, thoughts and actions change, the energetic shift is immediate. There is an instant resonance in the ether, with manifestation on the physical plane soon to follow.

---

The Feminine Divine ~ How It Shows Up In Business

Entrepreneurship is shifting dramatically and the aligned female influence cannot be ignored. The feminine:

• brings a sense of community to business
• is cooperative because we know that is the road to thriving
• achieves results by nurturing others
• wants all members of our tribe to succeed
• encourages others
• challenges others with love
• champions others with kind accountability methods
• celebrates milestones and goal attainment

There is no doubt--with the shifting business paradigm in full swing--women have made a powerful impression and will continue to do so. Our innate gifts as birthers of new ideology will change the face of entrepreneurship so much that soon the old façade won't be recognizable. It's the dawning of a new age and we're the luminaries.

Allowing intuition, spirituality and pure intent to guide us, we're in a very powerful position to creative positive and lasting change. The way business is conducted will never be the same.

Let me go back to my reference of "aligned female" and elaborate for the fullest understanding.

Being born female (a gender identification) does not an empowered woman make!

It's vital to understand that being strong, allowing the feminine divine to be honored in our words, thoughts and actions, referring to ourselves as "conscious," embracing our roles as leaders and visionaries, and intentionally creating our lives, is a journey... the journey of a lifetime.

The aligned woman is so much more than female. She:

• has a vested interest in bringing her best to everything she does
• willingly surrenders her plan to the wisdom of the Universe
• commits on every level to the ever-unfolding process of life
• pushes on with courage, no matter how hard the task
• walks with herself, if necessary, so as not to dilute her efforts and energy with anything/anyone that might take her off-course
• graciously serves others in accordance with her innate talents and gifts
• models integrity because it's the core of who she is and how she conducts the business of her life
• celebrates her unique talents-removing all hindrances to shining brilliantly-because she understands this world benefits from her exceptional contribution
• is bold in her approach to life because there's no value in standing for nothing
• accepts herself as-is, always

Modeling empowered divine femininity has many rewards; and it also comprises great responsibility; to whom much is given, much is required. Wielding power with benevolence requires a solid understanding that true power never attempts to manipulate, dominate or control. Only insecurity behaves that way. We are actively defining the future of business with our actions. We are creating something uniquely feminine.

---

Interview with Charlon Bobo of EditCopyProof.com re: authorship of new book Overcomers, Inc.

1. How did you get started writing?
   
   I have loved words since childhood. Writing has been my favorite activity in every professional position I have ever held, but my passion was ignited when I realized I could do it to serve others. My business focus is on inspiring and empowering female entrepreneurs with a conscious approach to wordsmithing solutions, e.g. copywriting, copyediting, ghostwriting, online marketing, etc. With a clear understanding of the responsibility of using my talents to enhance the success of others, it makes the exercise of writing a pure joy.
   
   
2. What do you do when you are not writing?
   
   I am told my interests are eclectic and unusual, but I wouldn’t know because it’s just me being who I am. I love diversity and it definitely shows in my colorful tapestry of activities. When I’m not writing, I can be found making soap, in the kitchen concocting delectable desserts, creating dinner for friends from farm-fresh ingredients, having tea or wine with my girlfriends, reading at the beach, walking in a forest, enjoying cultural activities, gardening or napping.
   
   
3. What would readers like to know about you?
   
   I live my life as a means of enjoying the gift it is, but I am also crystal clear that modeling overcoming behavior is one of my primary purposes. There isn’t any particular magic to it; it’s simply a matter of deciding that every experience will serve a high purpose. Living that helps others find a way to do it in their own lives.
   
   
4. What inspired you to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc.?
   
   Simply? The power of the message. When we share our life experiences as a means to support and empower each other, the possibilities are limitless. I have spoken about transparency for years and it is only in sharing the rawness of life, our low points, our challenges, our moments of heartbreak that we realize we’re not alone and some how, some way, we, too will find a way.
   
   
5. Why is the topic of Overcoming important to you?
   
   Because it’s human. Not one person on this planet will escape the necessity for overcoming something. I am here to assist others in recognizing that overcoming is a choice. Circumstance has no inherent power to dictate our future. We can chose to be overcomers in spite of external circumstance.
   
   
6. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
   
   Because I’ve proven I’m an overcomer; my life experience clearly shows that. The best way to learn how to do something is to learn from someone who’s already done it. I have moved beyond childhood sexual molestation and anyone in that same situation can be empowered by the conscious choice to use the experience to propel them toward health, wholeness and happiness.
   
   
7. How many books have you written?
   
   This is my very first book published by a publisher, although I have two works-in-progress to be self-published in early 2010.
   
   
8. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?
   
   The genres are self-explanatory given the titles. My two soon-to-be-self-published books are:
   
   1. Write Your eBook Using a Trusted and Proven System
   While Maintaining Your Busy Life: a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure a marketable and income-generating eBook using reliable insider copywriting,
   ghostwriting & online marketing techniques
   
   AND
   
   2. From Trauma To Triumph: Beyond Childhood Molestation
   Proven Techniques to Ignite Self-Healing in 30 Daily Explorations
   
   
9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
   
   With strict adherence to the plan I establish at the beginning of the book writing process. Accountability is a key to success!
   
   
10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
    
    Definitely both. To me, writing is like breathing; I need it to live. And I also need money to live so my writing serves me on that level, as well.
    
    
11. What makes you proud about your involvement with Overcomers, Inc.?
    
    I am most proud to share what makes so many people uncomfortable. Unless we begin talking openly and honestly about topics our society considers to be taboo--like childhood sexual molestation--we cannot move beyond and live with the understanding that it’s only external circumstance. It has no true power over us.
    
    I am not minimizing the impact. I am simply saying it does not define me and it doesn't have to define others who have had the same experience.
    
    
12. Will you write more books?
    
    Absolutely! There are volumes inside me bursting to come forth!
    
    
13. What do you have in the works now?
    
    Besides my two other books? A growing list of topics for which there are very few experts, including the new relationship paradigm and women truly understanding the nature of standing in their personal power.
    
    
14. What does the future hold for you and your books?
    
    Greater and greater opportunities to serve others with the insights and inspirations that come directly from the divine.
    
    
15. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
    
    It is raw. It is real. And it cuts to the heart of HOW to overcome. These aren’t polite, politically-correct stories of trivial life matters. They are hard-earned lessons from people who have gone through the fire, come out the other side, and are genuinely grateful for the experience because it showed them how strong and resourceful they truly are.
    
    
16. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
    
    This book is for the human race. No matter who you are, where you live, your annual income, your gender, your profession, your age, your ethnicity, your religion… you will be inspired by the stories in this book because rising from the ashes is a human experience.
    
    
17. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
    
    Water and nature spark my creativity. Also, a necessary break. There is no shortage of ways to get the creative juices flowing, but when I’m stuck and cannot seem to get into the flow, I take a break to do something completely unrelated to the task in front of me. It consistently provides a ‘reboot’ so I can jump in again with a fresh perspective.
    
    
18. What do you think motivates people to become authors?
    
    I cannot speak for other authors. For me, it’s the opportunity to positively impact peoples' lives.
    
    
19. What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
    
    Because it’s time in the evolutionary course of this planet to move from a patriarchy to a system influenced by the female divine. Compassion, openness, communication, collaboration… these are the crucial elements to bring humanity into full alignment and propel us forward to unity.
    
    
20. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?
    
    I don’t believe in convincing people of anything. I trust absolutely that people know when something resonates for them. When that happens they will make a purchase.
    
    
21. What is your final message to our readers?
    
    Within you lies a vast well of resources to live the life of an overcomer. As the authors of Overcomers, Inc. we have done it. Now’s YOUR turn! Join us.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

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The Weed That Broke Through the Sidewalk

by Marifran Korb

Starting over has resulted in both of us being happier beyond our wildest dreams. We found the delight and self-expression we wanted. Once apart for five years, now we have been back together for twelve delightful, fun-filled, precious years. As a Joint Adoration Society, our motto is:

Together we evolve, joyful, healthy, triumphant partners in the dance of life!

Here are some things I learned through my journey:

· Staying in an unsatisfactory marriage kills your spirit and your spouse's, no matter who is the primary cause.

· You cannot take responsibility for a spouse who refuses to address his health issues. (Chronic depression is a physical problem manifesting emotionally).

· The universe is always supporting you, even though you often resist the next step.

· You own your life, and must take responsibility for your happiness and satisfaction.

· Despite the fact that you have not lived on your own for decades, as a single person again you can find your talents, support yourself financially, and experience full satisfaction.

· Friends are everywhere. Many old friends and new people show up.

· Separating can result in blessings you never imagined.

· Eventually, you may support others who have similar experiences.


Every marital situation is different. My story is not a prescription for other unhappy marriages to follow. It is an example of what may be a possible solution in some situations. What I recommend is applying courage whenever needed. At every juncture in your life, tune into your courage by listening to your inner guidance.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

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The Violence of Thought

As women we inflict violence on other women; the violence of thought.

Do we really believe our thoughts are harmless; that they have no power to inflict great damage? Do we fail to fully understand that we actively nourish or starve each other with the energy of our thoughts? Have we forgotten we are all connected? Do our synapses fail to fire with the clarity that even if we hold our tongues, we actively participate in the enslavement of each other as long as the undermining thoughts remain?

We sit smugly, silently thinking because we suppress our words, we have exhibited some gracious act; that we are innocents. In fact, we have actually committed a worse offense than giving voice to our thoughts.

The violence of thought is worse than the expression of words because it politely veils our cerebrations; the truth of our own thinking.

While desiring to appear pious and self-restrained, WE STILL HAVE thoughts of judgment, criticism, correction, blame, faultfinding, condemnation, persecution, accusation, disapproval, objection, opposition and harsh opinion.

How scheming, and how preposterous to assume we have fooled anyone but ourselves.

If we are not to speak, let us neither taint the ether—and each other—with our silently poisonous thoughts.

May we instead become consumed with the truth that the cost of toxic thoughts is too high to entertain them for even a moment.

May we consciously replace them with the power of thought-vitality that nourishes, builds, supports, comforts, cherishes, honors, nurtures, encourages, cultivates, mentors, attends, sustains, educates, shelters, reveres and values.

For it is a woman who truly understands the power of her thoughts who changes the world moment-by-moment by wisely managing every one.

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One Aspect of a Full Life: Romance

Recently I met an extraordinary woman while attending a local weekly luncheon for female entrepreneurs.

Her name is Kimberly Mylls and she is the founder of two innovative and timely businesses. The first one grabbed my attention because the name is intriguing and captivating.

Author of the new book Boys Before Business: The Single Girls Guide to Having It All, Kim found a way to empower every woman who wants to have her dream man AND a great career.

Kim met the man of her dreams just 6 days after using one of the principles in the book. Nine months later she was married. Co-author Jennifer Wilkov followed the same practices and she is now in the relationship of her dreams.

I have no doubt Boys Before Business delivers based on the results of both creators and many devotees of the Boys Before Business system. Check it out.

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"After reviewing just the first couple of lessons I realized that I am dating the wrong person. I now know my top 5 values that I am looking for in my relationship." Jody

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"I don't have to settle for who wants to date me or who comes along I can decide who I want to be with. I was accepting the men that were coming into my life instead of choosing who I want to be with. I can't wait to learn more about manifesting my relationship." Deb

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"What I want isn't shallow, it's just what I want. I was constantly worried about men being intimidated by me and I know that I need to find a man who is confident so I don't have to compromise. Where were you 10 years ago?" Karith

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"I got a lot of value from just the first few steps. Going through the Dear God Letter process was eye opening." Meg

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"I was so stuck in figuring out if I want to have a child first or a man first. Now I understand how important it is to get really clear about what I want and I now have the tools to do it." Heidi

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Life-enhancing Dynamics of a Tribe

Call it a clan. Call it a network.
Call it a tribe. Call it a family.
Whatever you call it, whoever you are,
you need one.

Jane Howard

I immensely enjoy the benefits of my connection with the women of my tribe. They inspire me. They motivate me. They support me. They help me bring my ideas to life by actively listening and providing objectivity. This experience has provided an opportunity to look at the value of these connections to offer you insight.

What are the essential components of being in a tribe and maximizing the benefits of such an experience?

Essential components

• Trustworthy colleagues who have something to offer you in business and in life
• Colleagues for whom you have something valuable to offer (complimentary talents)
• People with whom there's a good fit, e.g. similar work ethic, integrity, sense of humor, etc.

Obvious benefits

• Personal and professional comradery
• Support in forward thinking/trendsetting
• Rapid results for goal achievement
• Business propulsion
• Brainstorming opportunities
• Complementary, objective perspectives
• Exposure to an interesting variety of personalities, ideas, and energy

How to maximize benefits of a tribe

1. Think of giving first
2. Be respectful of the time of others -- limit email and telephone inquiries to those of the most important
3. When possible, make yourself immediately available when others need your help - this experience makes a lasting impression because people make the link to you helping when they need you most

As you can see, establishing and maintaining tribal relationships is personally and professionally advantageous.

Connections may last days, months or years based on what each person needs, but the longer these relationships are fostered, the stronger the dynamic because you create history -- and memories -- together.

I highly recommend getting a tribe of your own to serve and be served.

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Thoughts On Self-Value

I write on this topic often, but it keeps coming up, so I keep writing.

A prospect contacted me recently and wanted to set up a free consultation. My expertise is not free. More than two decades of sweat, time, energy and money leaves me with this amazing skillset. And it's worth every penny of my hourly rate... and MUCH MORE! But only if I know this is true and remain committed to this clarity.

This comes up often for female entrepreneurs. How often have you been approached for a barter? How often do you feel at least temporarily obliged to say, "Yes," without stopping to assess how this response relates to your self-value?

In my experience, the more I say, "No," the more free I am to pursue those opportunities that truly honor and support my knowing that what I have to offer the world does indeed have value.

Until our culturally agreed-on method of fair exchange goes from cash to bartership, I remain committed to exchanging my time and expertise for it's fair and inherent value in the form of cash.

It is my sincere wish for you that you see the importance of doing the same.

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