Using Yoga to Manage ADD

Exercise is a powerful tool for ADD management. Medical professionals recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (such as running or biking) 3-5 times per week to improve their general health. For ADDers, this type of exercise is particularly beneficial, because it may balance production of neurotransmitters and reduce stress levels. Another form of exercise that ADDers are finding valuable is yoga. When practiced regularly, yoga offers numerous health benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility, and decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, the greater benefits of yoga are arguably the psychological ones. Yoga combines physical activity with self-awareness, which promotes a mind-body connection that many ADDers lack.

When ADDers report challenges with impulsivity and hyperactivity, they often describe feeling like they don't have control over their own bodies. They find themselves speaking before thinking their thoughts through, and often regret their words. They constantly fidget, unaware that their bubbling energy can be disruptive to others in work and social situations. And they feel as if they simply cannot stop the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in their heads.

Yoga can help ADDers learn how to forge a mind-body connection that promotes self-awareness and self-control. Yoga practitioners are taught deep breathing and relaxation techniques that help center the mind in the present moment. Practitioners are also guided into holding different postures, called asanas. Each asana is held for an extended period of time, as the practitioner focuses on holding the best posture that they can, while breathing calmly and deeply. The asanas promote stretching, strengthening, and balancing, as the deep breathing promotes relaxation and mental awareness.

It is important to remember that yoga is not meant to be stressful or taxing on the body. People should be encouraged to concentrate only on themselves and not the others in the class, and to do only what feels comfortable. A practitioner should never feel pressured to perform. If an ADDer finds him/herself at a yoga class that moves too quickly, or focuses heavily on strength training, they will not reap the intended benefits, and may find themselves overwhelmed. The best place to find yoga instruction is at a yoga center, where the instructors practice yoga as a way of life, and teach both the physical and psychological components.

Yoga can help ADDers feel calm, centered, in control, and in touch with their bodies. Practiced regularly, ADDers will find that yoga is a powerful mental and physical refresher that they can retreat to when feeling out of control or overwhelmed.

Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents, and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm

Where to Find Lodging and Accommodation in Whistler, BC

Are you thinking about a great place to go for a winter holiday? For avid skiers or anyone looking for a cozy winter getaway, the many chalet and condo rentals around the Whstler Ski Resort in British Columbia can be a great way to relax this winter. The Whistler Ski Resort is located in the province of British Columbia, in a natural mountain environment. Around the resort there are a wealth of luxurious condos, townhouses and chalets available to rent. Many of these can be found online and booked easily.

When you are looking for a rental in Whistler, there are many options at your disposal. You may want to look for lodgings that include the array of amenities available. Some offer relaxing facilities like hot tubs and saunas, or home entertainment rooms with large screen televisions and surround sound speakers. You can choose a Whistler condo rental by size, by the number of renters or by bedrooms, with up to 6 bedroom, 5 bath chalet rentals available. You may also want the detailed facilities such as refrigerator/freezer space, washer/dryer, storage, or decks and barbeques for cooking.

Some Whistler rentals are located specifically for great mountain views. Others are set directly by the ski lifts, and some advertise ski-in ski-out access. Others are located on or around golf courses for convenient access to the greens in the golf season. You may want to look at the pictorial listings available on many sites to get a picture of how your Whistler condo rental looks from the inside; many have been newly renovated and are beautifully decorated for a really nice atmosphere.

So if you are interested in a great way to relax this year, consider Whistler, British Columbia, and take advantage of its great winter resort and comfortable lodgings. It just might be what you were looking for.

Great choice of Whistler chalets and townhomes offering fireplaces private hot tub and every amenity for a great holiday in http://www.skiwhistler.co.uk. You can find additional resources in the website for other whistler chalets as well.

Mind, Body, Spirit Healing vs Traditional Psychotherapy/Psychoanalysis

The word "psychology" is the combination of two terms - study (ology) and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it this clear and obvious meaning:

The study of the soul or mind.

This meaning has been altered over the years until today, this is not what the word means at all. The subject of psychology, as studied in colleges and universities, currently has very little relationship with the mind, and absolutely nothing to do with the soul or spirit.

It is important to understand that words and ideas are supposed to refer to something. "The tree in the yard" refers to an actual thing that can be seen, touched and experienced. "The walking his dog at dawn" refers to an actual event that can be seen, observed and experienced. The realm of mind is an actual realm that can be experienced, and at one time there were words that accurately referred to this realm.

Dictionaries define "Psyche" as:

The spirit or soul.
The human mind.
In psychoanalysis, the mind functioning as the center of thought, emotion, and behavior.

Dictionaries define "Soul" as:

The spiritual or immortal elements in a person. A person's mental or moral or emotional nature. Traditional psychotherapy/psychoanalysis fails to address the all-important relationship to one's true spiritual nature.

Traditional spiritual practice often bypasses -and thus fails to transform - the psychological conditional patterns and unconscious beliefs that arise from our personal histories and adaptations.

In modern psychotherapy we treat symptoms because symptoms can be quantified and identified, or so it is claimed by traditional modern medical and psychiatric practices.

Thus Emotional Pain is described in terms of symptoms-Depression, Anger, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem issues, Mood Swings, Compulsive Behavior, Chronic and Acute Fear, Self-Injury, Suicidal Thoughts, Shame, Guilt, Eating Disorders, or Addictions) does not heal itself. Time, marriages, children, success, wealth, buying a bigger house, or faster car, changing jobs or relocating will not CURE it. The damage is sometimes very deep, pervasive and profound. It is a soul injury. The person has been robbed of his or her integrity, core identity and trust.

Emotional, Physical or Sexual trauma in childhood is 'violence' that does not require force. The child is thrown into a 'state of shock.' For some the memories remain conscious, while others drive them beneath the conscious level. The coping mechanisms the child used are carried into adulthood and impact the person's life on every level-Emotional, Physical, Mental, Behavioral, Spiritual, Sexual and Relationships. While these coping mechanisms were appropriate then, they are a 'problem' in adulthood.

Traditional mental health professionals ask: "What is wrong with you?" or "What happened to you?" Asking, "What is wrong with you?" or "What happened to you?" implies blame, sickness and fault. Asking, "What did you experience growing up?" -allows the person to begin the process of discovering the source of their pain and healing the wounds.

Traditional psychotherapy/psychoanalysis neglects the fact that we feel, sense, and experience global political mass consciousness, as well as our individual consciousness, like never before. A Mind, Body, Spirit approach addresses all three, therefore opening the door to true balance and healing.

Well-being comes from the understanding of the Self, the family, the local community in which we live, and the global community of which we are part. We are each one heart of the Whole; each heart here to express its unique piece of the Whole. Knowing Self creates a sense of "I as a piece of this Whole," different and one at the same time. The process of understanding the Self, the family, the local community and the global community has its foundation rooted in metaphysics.

Metaphysics is the science, which investigates first causes of all existence and knowledge. It seeks to explain the nature of being, the origin and structure of the world, in relationship between the ethereal and the physical. Metaphysics holds that the soul or spirit and the physical body are one yet separate; here the applied psychology of religion comes to bear. The metaphysician's teachings help soothe the emotional and physical problems of youth and maturity, illness and death. Herein, a transformational process occurs between the work of the Facilitator and that of the individual. Because the metaphysician or doctor of metaphysics can serve as both a facilitator as well as a source of spiritual comfort, he or she espouses universal spirituality through holistic health.

Metaphysical Healing a.k.a. Transpersonal Healing is the process of reconnecting the person with their inner being. Reconnecting can be achieved through meditation, introspection and over time accessing our inner self, however, few people have the discipline, inclination or know how to affect this process. Therefore, employing the help of a professional who practices Mind, Body Spirit Healing/Transpersonal Healing will quickly establish the foundation for empowerment, self-esteem, peace of mind and on-going spiritual and emotional growth.

The facilitation of the process is exceedingly easy. The person sits in a slightly reclined position with eyes closed while the facilitator assists the person to access their "Higher self." The "Higher self" refers to the part of you that has the highest possible perspective of who and what you are and why you decided to be here this lifetime. Your higher self loves you more than you can possibly love yourself consciously, and strives constantly to direct your personality self. The "personality self" is who we think we need to be in order to be safe here; the opinions and instincts of our personality self have developed since the moment we individualized in the womb, and perhaps before.

The higher self has somewhat of a higher perspective of our human "doings" here. This can be likened to a view of our life path and actions from a helicopter above us. This higher self is akin to our "soul self." I like to call it the "all seeing self"...constantly moving us around on this chessboard of life. This soul self or "higher self" knows just exactly what we need to do at any moment and strives to tell us through such things as dreams and instincts. Connecting with this "higher self" consciously is very empowering. Working with this metaphysical principle is often called "transpersonal" because it transports us to a direct contact with the highest part of ourselves. Consciously connecting the higher self, the subconscious mind, and the conscious mind allows us to have a balanced and complete metaphysical healing. (The subconscious mind is the inductive computer that cannot deduct, but merely remembers all perceptions we have ever had, from any lifetime.)

Metaphysical and Mind, Body, Spirit Healing

In metaphysical healing, the Facilitator assists the person to connect with the three major parts of themselves-mind, body, spirit, and to go back to the inner child, or "child of the inner light." All things came from light, so internally we are all light, no matter what camouflage (depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, shame, guilt, sadness, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc.) we have adopted to keep our "inner child" safe. We ourselves often do not know any of this consciously, but when you learn it, and consciously give this "trilogy" our empowerment to act in our lives, amazing healing occurs. This is true spiritual healing.

We have many bodies that all empathize and work to help one another. The physical is the lowest or most "base" of these bodies, so that when these different bodies have problems that hurt us, they eventually show up in this body. Since all the bodies help each other by drawing attention to some special part of us, we cannot avoid dealing with a problem. The soul directs the attention there by running the "most powerful" emotional experience over and over again - at least vibrationally - so that we will eventually "get it" and look for the original cause...

In this the soul reclaiming technique of looking for the damaged "inner child" becomes very important. This is because when we are hurt too badly we sort of "splinter off" or "cocoon" into the child we are at that moment of the most hurt and dis-empowered self. The person we are just continues on doing the best we can to grow and develop. When we become strong enough, the soul urge to become "whole " again becomes empowered, seeks out the means by which we can "reclaim" this "inner child," who seeks to help us become whole again.

Metaphysical healing is a very simple process, though its explanation is lengthy. We consciously know of this child part of us and it's pain inside. Unfortunately, we are seldom given the tools with which to reclaim this part of us and unite this inner child with the person we have become now... This transpersonal healing is very complete, much easier and more efficient than you can believe, and wonderfully fulfilling. This is the original abandonment: when we separate off from ourselves because we simply are seeking to learn and grow and the lesson seems way too hard, we become "segmented off," less powerful, and believe we have to be victims. We are all very powerful, incredible "beings of Light," and it is time we took control of that loving power and help each other heal and recognize the beauty of all our "inner child self;" help them become reclaimed and we, therefore, become whole, healed, beautiful beings with a higher perspective of our true spiritual wholeness. Only then, can we accomplish what we have come here to do and recognize our soul's real purpose for being here at this time.

The benefits of healing are all encompassing. In working with people for 23 years, I have learned, no matter how urgent or grim a person's predicament seems to be, I know without doubt if they are WILLING to do the mental work of going within to release old beliefs, feelings, thought patterns and forgiving, anything can be healed. The belief that some issues or conditions are 'incurable' whether it is emotions or physical illness, which is so frightening to so many people, only means that the particular issue or condition cannot be cured by 'outer' methods and that the person needs to GO WITHIN to effect the healing.

Whether the issue is anger, sadness, fear, guilt, shame, or humiliation there is a negative thought pattern that produces them-thus these consistent thinking patterns create our experiences. A condition can be as annoying as acne or as dreaded and frightening as the 'C' word-Cancer. By changing our thought patterns, we can change our experience, thus healing the condition. The issue or condition came from the inner trauma the person experienced and can be healed-never to return again.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing for Individuals, Special Issues and Professional Coaching. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.gen-assist.com

Leave a Better Voice Mail Message

Yesterday I received a call from a financial planner named Richard doing a cold call. My policy is to always return those calls which help me to understand why I would personally benefit from doing business with a sales person. This one didn't, so it ended up getting deleted.

This is what he said.

"Hello, Scott. My name is Richard ______ and I'm with ABC Financial in Phoenix, Arizona. We do 401K's for employers. My number is 480-555-1212. Please call me back."

That was it. Nothing compelling. No benefit for me in there somewhere. Nothing to incite me to return the call.

The next time you are making a cold call and leaving a message for a prospect, consider these four steps in the call.

First, state your name and your phone number first. The prospect usually has a pen in his or her hand when checking voice mail, so if you start with your phone number at least you'll get on the list of people whose calls might get returned.

Second, tell him what is unique about your firm. This sales person could have said something like "Our business takes the headache out of financial management for companies by being the sole outsource provider of employee investment programs. In other words, we do all the work, and make you look like a hero with your employees." Within your unique selling proposition, or elevator speech, there must be a personal benefit for the end user. For example, when I leave a message for a sales manager for my sales training, I say "I improve sales performance of organizations by showing sales reps how to become more disciplined, more focused, and how to sell from the heart." The focus of my USP is on them, not me. I start with their benefit, and then tell them how I do it. The personal benefit of your features is more important than your features, and nobody cares what you do, only how that benefits them.

Third, drop a name or two. Use Robert Cialdini's principle of social proof in getting your calls returned. In his book Influence: Science and Practice, Dr. Cialdini explains the six reasons why people are influenced and puts them in the form of malleable principles. (For a free special report outlining those six principles, email me at scott@scottlove.com and I'll send you the executive summary). "We work with organizations such as Pineapple Computers?" If you work with a competitor of your prospect, state that name in your voice mail. Remember that trust is a byproduct of rapport, and rapport is a byproduct of common areas of interest. By establishing a common bond with someone you have never even talked with before, you are leveraging the principles of social proof and rapport to increase the likelihood of a call back.

Fourth, give them a time to call back, such as between three and five o'clock. This makes you sound busy, and if you are busy you are important.

Bonus tip: Tell them that if you don't hear from them by Wednesday (assuming it's a Monday), then tell them that you will put another call in to them on that day. This keeps you from appearing desperate and increases the likelihood of a call back because that person knows that you are serious about talking with them.

And if you every run across a guy named Richard in Phoenix who does financial planning, please forward this article to him.

Copyright ? 2004 Scott Love

Scott Love improves employee performance by showing managers how to put meaning back into work, how to build authentic employee motivation, and how to lead. To have him speak at your annual franchise, association, or corporate meeting, call him at 828-225-7700. To access his leadership resources and archive of leadership articles, visit www.scottlove.com.

How To Get Press To Come To You

Have you ever noticed how the same people's names always seem to appear in magazines and newspapers articles which quote them as a source of info and advice on their own particular subject, whether it is web functionality and design, cosmetic surgery or investment banking?

They don't just get there by accident. They, or their PR Company, have put in a pretty concerted effort to become an expert in their field. And here's how you can become one too...

1. Your first step is to define your niche. Don't just choose the whole of your industry. Choosing a particular area that has relevance for people's lives (or their money!) means that you will be more appealing to a journalist or editor. For instance if you are a life coach choosing one area of coaching (say helping people find a new job) is going to be more successful than trying to set yourself up as an expert on everything. Likewise if you deal with investing people's money, talking about investing for your children's education and further education will bring you better results as specific situations and articles will bring you into the mind of the journalists.

2. Get your press release written ? who you are and what you do should be summed up clearly and precisely. If you can't handle writing a press release get hold of a copywriter or contact me for details of my press release writing service. Make sure it has a vibrant and attention grabbing first paragraph as many journalists are too pressed for time to read beyond it.

3. Identify your target publications. This might involve some research into what your potential clients read, watch and check out on-line. Don't be distracted by the thought of getting into gorgeous glossies or huge consumer publications if your clients are more likely to be swayed by something they read in the trade press. Focus.

4. Sort out your press release (or get me to do it for you!) and send it, together with your tip of the month/week on investments, caring for your teeth, getting new clients, or whatever your particular niche may be. Experts have to be adept at putting difficult ideas and concepts into layman's language so keep tips practical and easy to read. When sending to journalists keep it in the body of an email, no attachments, no fancy pictures or logos.

5. Make a date in your diary to send a new one out every month/week. Don't forget to include your press release at the same time.

6. Make sure you have your extras (photograph, biography, logo) ready to go at all times if requested by a journalist.

7. Give the press a valid number, possibly even your mobile, where it's going to be easy for them to reach you without having to navigate switchboards or assistants.

8. Don't forget radio. Even if you think that you're unlikely to reach a large number of your potential clients by appearing on a particular show (and you can usually do this from home or the office if time is a problem), it's great to be able to say "as heard on.." and it's good practical media practice for you. Finally, even though your clients may not be listening, potential press contacts often are!

9. Advertise the fact that you are available for media comments and articles in as many places as possible ? on your website, on your business card, in your email signature - and use your published tips to create a portfolio (both online and in a nice funky folder!) to further enhance your reputation as an expert.

Copyright ? Paula Gardner 2004. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Paula Gardner is a PR and marketing coach who works with people who are passionate and serious about getting their business noticed by the media. You can read more articles on PR and marketing at http://www.doyourownpr.com.

Internet Dangers - Protecting Children from Internet Jeopardy

Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's internet activities and to observe their behavior with respect to any actions generated by the child's internet use. If children are hiding something from a parent, usually an astute parent will sense that something is askew... in these times it may well be internet associated. This is a delicate balance of empowerment and trust. And it is a wise parent that verbalizes this balance and discusses it openly with the child, especially teen age children.

The internet is a powerful tool for schoolwork and knowledge. It is, at the same time, a significant danger, offering pornography to underage children and the real danger of a personal contact with an undesirable internet "friend."

Here are some ways that a parent can thwart the jeopardy:

1. The computer needs to be in a family room, not in the child's bedroom.

2. Parents should get computer smart and learn how the internet functions.

3. Be aware of your child's use of the computer.

4. Ask your children about their online friends.

5. Obtain programs that will block undesirable, "adult" sites.

6. Pedophiles use teen and preteen chat rooms to prey on children. Do not let your child enter any personal information in a chat environment. Chat rooms allow for one on one conversations... do not permit your children to engage in such conversations.

7. Be sure your child reports anything unusual that they observe on the internet, and, certainly never to answer any rude or offensive e-mails or messages.

8. Be sure your child knows that it is very dangerous to actually meet anyone that they have talked with on the internet.

9. Do not allow your child to send or receive any pictures on the internet from anyone not personally known to you.

10. Do not allow your child any "late night" sessions on the internet.

There are many jeopardies in which children can be trapped. Many are discussed in a new book by Dr. Stuart J. Malkin, "Empowering Children." More information at: http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2331-6

Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentoring programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.

Stevia 100% Natural Herbal Sweetener

Artificial sweeteners are developed in organic chemistry labs. Stevia grows wild in the rain forests.

Finally, a sweetener that I think has yet to show any real toxicity. It has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians both as a sweetener and a medicinal. It does not have any calories, is suitable for diabetics and does not cause cavities. It is obtained from the leaves of the stevia shrub which grows wild in the Amambay Mountain region of Paraquay.

Introduced in Japan in 1970.

Stevia was first introduced to Japan in 1970 and by 1988 it represented 41% of the sweetener market in Japan. To date, there have been no ill effects or health related problems. It is also used in Japan, to sweeten other foods such as ice cream, bread, candy, pickles, seafood, vegetables and soft drinks. The safety of stevia is accepted in Japan. Besides being grown in Japan, it is now grown in China, Germany, Malaysia, Israel and South Korea.

1991 Stevia Banned by the FDA

Sometime in the late 1980's an anonymous interest filed a trade complaint against stevia when it began to show up in the US. One of the companies using stevia at that time was Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea Company. The FDA ordered them to stop producing their teas, which they said were "adulterated." Another tea company, Traditional Medicinals, had their entire inventory of teas containing stevia confiscated by the FDA in an unexpected raid. The FDA even ordered a "book burning" in Texas, of stevia related books. Fortunately, the ACLU and the public heard of this and the FDA backed down.

1995 The FDA reverses its decision (halfway)

Stevia can now be sold as a nutritional supplement, but not as a food additive / sweetener. It is available in health food and vitamin stores usually in the vitamin department. It can also be bought online. So far there do not seem to be any real problems with stevia. There were some poorly conducted studies done with enormous quantities of stevia administered to some lab animals with resultant ?mutagens and problems with carbohydrate metabolism. Generally, studies that are done to find something wrong with a product, will either find something wrong by utilizing poorly designed experiments or invent some questionable findings. Besides, what study done in a laboratory is more significant than hundreds of years of use in South America and well over thirty years of use in Japan, with no known ill effects on human health.

Stevia is even known to have good medicinal properties.

In fact, stevia has been shown to have good medicinal properties in well designed studies, such as lowering blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance in diabetics.

Today's Health Tip

If you like to have added sweetness in your teas, coffee and other foods, definitely consider stevia. It appears to be a whole lot safer than any of the other sweeteners both sugar based and artificial, that we have recently reviewed.

Reference

Stryer Biochemistry Fourth Edition

The Practical Hippie http://www.practicalhippie.com/stevia.htm

The url above contains a lot of good information on stevia and has a lot of good links.

*******************

The MericleDiet

The MericleDiet makes it easy to go without any added sugars or sweeteners. To visit the MericleDiet follow the link below:

http://DrMericle.com

Thanks for your attention.

Copyright 2005 John Mericle M.D. All Rights Reserved

http://DrMericle.com is devoted to achieving optimal health and peak performance through diet and lifestyle change. Dr. Mericle brings together a unique blend of formal training in organic chemistry and biochemistry, medical education, 29 marathons, 3 Hawaii Ironman competitions and a lot of practical real life experience.

What To Consider Before Applying For A Loan

Here are some useful tips on what to consider before applying for a loan. If you need money to pay bills or make home improvements, and think the answer is in refinancing, a second mortgage, or a home equity loan, consider your options carefully. If you can't make the required payments, you could lose your home as well as the equity you've built up. That's why it's important not to let anyone talk you into using your home to borrow money you may not be able to afford to pay back.

Contact several lenders - including banks, savings and loans and mortgage companies. Ask each lender about the best loan you would qualify for then compare the following:

The annual percentage rate (APR):

The APR is the single most important thing to compare when you shop for a loan. It takes into account not only the interest rate, mortgage broker fees, and certain other credit charges the lender requires the borrower to pay, expressed as a yearly rate.

The term of the loan:

How many years will you make payments on the loan? If you're getting a home equity loan that consolidates credit card debt and other shorter-term loans, remember that the new loan may require you to make payments for a longer time.

The monthly payment:

What's the amount? Will it stay the same or change?

Prepayment penalties:

Prepayment penalties are extra fees that may be due if you pay off the loan early by refinancing or selling your home.

Whether the interest rate for the loan will increase if you default: An increased interest rate provision says that if you miss a payment or pay late, you may have to pay a higher interest rate for the rest of the loan term.

The best piece of advice would be to ensure that you can afford the loan. Figure out whether your monthly income is enough to cover each monthly payment, in addition to your other monthly bills and expenses. If it isn't, do not take out a loan.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Change Begins With Choice

Any day we wish we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices.

We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com

Discovering the Amazing Secret Benefits of Womens Shoes

I love womens shoes and in my lifetime will never own enough pairs.

Thousands of women every month search online for womens shoes. In turnthousands of listings come up and compete for that visitor. You could spend an entire day browsing page upon page of beautiful, colourful and stylish shoes.

Shopping online for womens shoes allows you to view an enormous range from designer shoes, dress shoes, high heel shoes, summer sandals, flip flops to running shoes, boots, golf shoes, slippers and pretty much any style of shoe you could imagine.

Online shoe shopping gives you shoes at lower prices than in offline shoe stores. Most give discounted or free shipping and lots of sites offer a free gift of some kind as an incentive to shop with them. Free handbags are the most common gift you can expect to receive with your new shoes. Bags are another story altogether but what's a shoe without the bag to go with it.

What you might not know however that in addition to the advantages of shopping online, there are some secret benefits to womens shoes.

Now I know it sounds a little odd that womens shoes have secret benefits but having researched this quite extensively I have come across some pretty amazing facts that in turn improve various aspects of your life.

Once you discover these facts you will change the way you choose your shoes and perhaps transform yourself a little too.

Something good is always worth sharing.

Some Secrets

Womens high heel shoes increase the lift of a woman's bottom by 25%. Amazingly true when you wear a pair of high heels the height of the heel creates this lift. High heel shoes also lengthen the look of your legs and make them appear slimmer.

Womens cowboy boots will make any woman look sexier. Worn with knee length skirts these boots will give you a little heel height to create slimmer legs and give you sex appeal.

Finding the right pair of womens golf shoes could shed you 600 calories!

Investing in a pair of decent womens running shoes will lead to major life improvements generally and where your health is concerned.

Choosing the right colour shoe will improve other aspects of your life.

For example of all the colours in the spectrum green is easiest on the eye. Pastel green and other pastel colours will tranquilize energy whilst reds and purples will draw energy. Pinks will soothe emotions.

Womens shoes are about fashion, trends and style but there are major advantages to you if you choose them carefully and become familiar with some of the benefits they can give you.

Shelley Costello is webmaster and author of Womens Shoes Guru. An honest guide to choosing womens shoes online. Discover the benefits to womens shoes and gain an understanding of shoe designs.

http://www.womens-shoes-guru.com

Credit Reports Inside and Out

The Credit Report is like your scorecard in the lending world. Every time you prepare yourself to acquire or purchase something that requires financial assistance from a lending institution, your credit report will be your "presentation card".

You also need to realize that other entities like employers and insurance companies often use your credit score to determine if they want to do business with you.

There are three credit bureaus where you can request a copy of your credit report (Equifax, Trans Union and Experian); and the information that you'll get with any of these three bureaus it's basically the same: your current and previous address, social security number, date of birth, current and previous employers and of course a list of every single open account you have with data like: credit limit, current balance, minimum payment, and your payment behavior.

Once the Credit Bureaus gather all your information, they give you a rating between 300 and 850, being 850 a perfect credit score. Each Credit Bureau makes its rating individually, and you will want to get the blended credit score at least once a year.

You can't assume that because one of your reports is showing accurate information that the other two will be showing the same. In fact, it's very common to discover discrepancies between the three reports.

Also, you must know that a credit score under 600 is consider very risky and a credit score above 700 is consider very good.

You should set a goal of keeping your credit score above 700 at all times, because excellent credit will lead you towards a better life.

Copyright ? 2005 Excellentcreditnow.com All Rights Reserved

Carmen Shearer is the President and CEO of S&S Financial Services. She has worked in the finance arena for over 10 years and holds two engineering degrees and an MBA from a branch of Harvard Business School. S&S Financial Services offers you credit repair tools and information with a lifetime guarantee. For more credit related information go to: http://www.excellentcreditnow.com

How to Write Classified Ads that Get Results Now.

SELLING DIRECTLY FROM A CLASSIFIED AD

Classified ads can be used to sell products directly from the ad.
This works best for items costing no more than
approximately $5. The best use for classified ads is to utilize
them in obtaining inquiries. This is called the two step
approach. The first step is to get maximum inquiries from the
classified ad, in the second step the promotional package is sent
to the prospect and as many inquiries as possible are converted
to buyers.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR MAXIMUM INQUIRIES

Classified ads are substantially less expensive than small space
ads, but by no means are they cheap. Most national publications
catering to the mail order business charge from $3 to $8 per
word. A well laid out ad should consist of about 20 words which
includes the company name and address. It is important that you
remind yourself that only the purpose is to get the prospect to
take immediate action and write for more information.

Before you write the ad know exactly what it is you want to sell.
You must know very specifically what you are going to accomplish
through this ad. Once you have determined what you want to get
across to the reader, write it out in one or more complete
sentences. For example, you have the reproduction rights for
several reports and want to market them. So the objective is: "I
want to get the maximum number of responses to inquire about my
self-publishing material which has excellent income potential and
is easy to market, especially for a newcomer to the business."

This ad may read as follows:

TREMENDOUS PROFITS THROUGH SELF-PUBLISHING! Start part-time. Easy
to do. Request free Special Report! XYZ Publishing/E, PO Box
1000, Frederick, MD 20908.

THE OPENING LINE

The first 3 or 4 words-- are critical. Since there are hundreds
of classified ads in any given publication you must be able to
get the reader who scans all, or some of them, to stop in his
tracks when he gets to your ad and read your ad and then take
action.

Open any publication and review the ads and you will see that
many of those ads have absolutely no purpose. They are a total
waste of money. But that is good for you since I am sure you will
make a real effort to get your message across. Here are a couple
of examples of useless ads:

Still Looking For A New Beginning? Write.......

What do they mean by that? How does any of that pertain tome and
what am I supposed to make of that? Here is another one:

The Easiest Business On Earth. Valuable information mailed
free.....

Do you think many people are going to write in for an ad like
that. Especially not since there are hundreds of other ads in
competition for the readers' time.

THE OBJECT IS TO GET THE READER TO TAKE ACTION - NOW!

In less that 25 words you have to create a message that will make
a reader stop; give him a reason - benefits to him - why this is
for him; tell him what to do - action; and provide the vital
information. It is as simple and as complicated as that. Simple
because you know what you want to accomplish, but complicated
because it has to be done with so few words. I think you can see
why it is virtually impossible to sell a $10 or $20 item from a
classified ad. You just would not have enough space to tell a
story compelling enough to convince someone to part with $10 or
$20.

SELF-CENTERED ADVERTISING COPY IS INEFFECTIVE

With some practice you should have no problem getting lots of
inquiries from your ads. Stay away from "Self-centered
advertising copy", copy that speaks about you. How great you or
your company are, or how great your product is.

The only thing the reader cares about is himself. What's in in
for Number One! Nothing else.

SOME COST SAVING TIPS

Almost all weekly and monthly publication will charge for each
word including your company name and address. Most daily
newspapers have a per line rate. Since just the address can take
up from 6-10 words here are some ways you can save money.

The following ad has 23 words.

TREMENDOUS PROFITS THROUGH SELF-PUBLISHING
Start part-time. Easy to do.
XYZ Publishing Co.
Dept 12 P.O. Box 1000 Frederick, MD 20908

This ad has 21 words.

TREMENDOUS PROFITS THROUGH SELF-PUBLISHING
Start part-time. Easy to do. Free details.
XYZ Publishing/E (The E becomes the code instead of Dept 12
PO Box 1000
Frederick, MD 20908

Or this one which has 18 words

SELF-PUBLISHING, TREMENDOUS PROFITS!
Start part-time. Easy! Free report.
XYZ Publishing/E
PO Box 1000
Frederick, MD 20908

Some publications charge 2 words for the zip code and state, some
only one. If you live in a city which consists of several words
such as Palm Beach Gardens you are only charged for 1 word.

Evaluate the cost effectiveness of your ad by the cost per
inquiry and not the cost of the ad. Example a $150 ad generates
170 inquiries $0.88 per word versus a $28 ad which generates 15
inquiries at a cost of $1.87 each.

WHEN THE INQUIRIES START ARRIVING

If you have written and placed an effective ad and the inquiries
start rolling in, the most important job, or actually several
jobs have to be done. They are as follows:

1. Your sales/promotional package must be ready before the first
inquiry arrives and it must be answered promptly, preferably the
same day but certainly within 48 hours. The longer you wait the
more chances are that a competitor will win out over you.
Although some people will wait for weeks before they make a
decision, many will act within days.

2. The ad you are placing is just the beginning. The names which
are generated from the ad must be used again and again in order
for your total advertising effort to be effective in the long
term.

3. A percentage of your inquiries from this first ad will become
buyers. You need to send these buyers additional offers within
several weeks after their first purchase and thereafter mail at
least 3 times per year to them. You drop them from your list if
they have not bought anything for about 8 - 12 months.

4. The inquiries that did not buy buy this time may still buy at
a later time. You can send them the same material again, or a
similar offer. It is advisable to send 2-3 more mailing to them.

Many mail order companies may only make a small profit or just
break even when the actual sales results are measured against a
single ad. But over the life of the customers which are converted
from those inquiries and the subsequent purchases from the
inquiries who were not converted from the initial ad many
hundreds or thousands of additional dollars will be generated.

Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

This article may be reproduced freely on the Internet as long as the resource box remains intact.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
DeAnna is the publisher of the ezine, Prospecting and Presents.
Subscribers get one free ad per week.
Subscribe today by visiting http://www.pnewsletter.com
To thank the publishers/webmasters that use my article, I offer
one free solo ad. Simply fill out the contact form on my contact
page listing the url it was used on or sending me a copy of the
ezine it was used in. Once I confirm the location of the article,
then we can make arrangements for the solo ad.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Note to publisher/webmaster: Feel free to remove the part about the solo
ad when you get ready to publish the article.

Improve Your Promotional Flyers And Improve Sales

Admittedly, I have not seen your advertising flyer. Then again, I probably don't have to. I have reviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of advertising flyers for small businesses. After 30 years I have found that nearly every small business ad flyer contains the same mistakes and missed opportunities. Avoid these seven common mistakes, and your advertising flyer - and your marketing in general - will be stronger for it.

Advertising flyer mistake #1: A Blah Headline (Your Company's Name)

Remember, your flyer is an ad. It needs to SELL. Your potential customers aren't interested in your name. They're not even interested in what you do. Sounds cruel? Well, it is but that's life. Get over it!

Prospective customers are interested in their own needs and wants. So, hit them with a headline they can't ignore, because it addresses their needs.

Instead of:

Sheri's Pet Grooming

Try: Smelly Pet Stinking Up The House?

Or:

We Treat Your Cat Like The Royalty They Are!

Or:

Man's Best Friend Deserves Something Special!

You get the idea. Figure out what's important to your potential customers. Then, use your headline to immediately answer their question: "What's in it for me?"

Advertising flyer mistake #2: Not Solving A Problem!

Although your ad flyer copy should include your key features or services, each feature or service should be attached to a clear, customer-oriented, benefit that addresses a problem, or hassle, or pain. Also, tell - or, better, show - how those benefits prevent or solve problems for your potential customer.

Think about all the problems, both real and potential, that could stem from not using your product or service. Put yourself in your customer's shoes. Talk to them. Listen to them. Learn what their problems are. Identify benefits about your product or service that make a difference to your potential customers. Emphasize in your flyer the problems and solutions that set you apart from your competition.

Advertising flyer mistake #3: Be A Friend!

People buy from people they like. One key thing your potential customer needs and wants is to feel good about you. Are you knowledgeable? Are you trustworthy? Do you understand my problems? Am I comfortable doing business with you?

The more comfortable someone feels about buying from you, the more likely they are to do so. That's why I recommend that you have an "I" section - a section where you talk about yourself, your qualifications, your values, your personal commitment. Help them understand who you are and who they will be doing business with (hopefully).

Advertising flyer mistake #4: Going Quietly Into The Night!

This is the typical close to a flyer: "for more information, call 555-5555." Instead, create a "call to action". Here are three basic, proven closers:

? Buy before (DATE), and receive $10 off. This closer is effective at getting immediate action, and works especially well for one-time purchases or regularly purchased items.

? Act before (DATE), and get (VALUE-ADDED PRODUCT/SERVICE), FREE with your purchase! This closer offers an incentive for fast action. It also works "free" into your flyer. "Free" is a very powerful word.

? Purchase before (DATE) to take advantage of our slow-season! This closer attaches a negative consequence to any delay or hesitation. Note the more believable the reason for the limit, the more powerful this closer becomes.

Advertising flyer mistake #5: Forgetting There Are Two Sides!

With an advertising flyer, the printing or photocopying is but a small part of the overall expense. The larger expense, in time or money or both, is distribution. So, distribute a two-sided flyer, for twice the opportunity to make a sale! Just make sure your second side doesn't compete with your main message side.

The second side could be used for:

? A comprehensive list of your services

? A map with driving and parking directions

? Customer testimonials

? Relevant tips or advice

? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Use the second side to support, expand upon, or enhance the message on the main side.

Advertising flyer mistake #6: One Good Shot!

One-time advertising efforts are seldom effective. It is a rule of thumb among marketing professionals that you need to reach people at least eight times before they really notice you. Your prospective customers need to see the your ads over and over.

So, plan a series of distributions as part of your strategy. I recommend that you plan to hit each household at least eight times with an ad flyer. Mix the message up a bit! Change the color of the paper you use. Change the headline. Keep track of which flyer drives the most business.

If possible, combine your flyers with other localized advertising, so you reach those homes through a variety of media channels. At the very least, combine door-to-door distribution with posting in public areas where allowed. Community centers, schools, stores, and libraries often offer public bulletin boards.

Advertising flyer mistake #7: Flyers Gone Astray!

You should keep two objectives in mind when targeting neighborhoods for your flyer distribution.

? It's much more cost-effective for you to have clients in convenient clusters instead of scattered all over town. Concentrate your ad distribution within and around your existing clusters of clients.

? Reaching the right people within the target area is also critical. An advertising flyer for a landscaper is largely wasted if it's delivered to residents of an apartment building. The added advantage to walking your "territory" house-by-house will be giving you a better understanding for what services or mix of services you should offer.

Promotional flyers are one tool in the small business' marketing arsenal. Learn to use them well and you will create customers while saving yourself time and money.

Michele Schermerhorn calls herself a "Corporate Freedom Fighter" dedicated to freeing cubicle prisoners. She has over 30 years experience in the business world and over 12 years running her own successful online businesses. She is President of Online Business Institute Inc. (http://www.obinstitute.com), authors a marketing blog (http://www.imarketblog.com), and regularly conducts free online seminars. Online Business Institute Inc. exists to "Create Successful Online Business Owners One Person At A Time".