Archive for December, 2009

Happy Holidays From Sheri McConnell

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Hi Creators and Big Thinkers!

I wanted to take some time today to say thank you for letting me come into your inboxes in 2009!

And more importantly, I hope I was able to come into your heart and that I made you feel more inspired and empowered this year.  That was my goal.

As you and I move through the amazing journey of life each day, I am in awe of the power we each have to create positive change in the world. We have the power to create positive change in our communities, in our families, and in ourselves.

I know we do, because over the last 10 years I have been experiencing it first hand through my work online and offline as a mompreneur, writer, and “coachsultant” to many of you!  And it fills my heart to see so many of you out there doing the same powerful work.

You are helping other people live their passions and create beautiful and wonderfully magical lives for themselves.  And yes, many of you, my clients did this in a very “wonky” economy as if you were given a “lucky pass”.

I knew why some of you were having an amazing 2009 when many weren’t…  and there was no luck involved.  You were thinking big and most importantly taking scary, bold action.

As a gift of sorts to you today, I offer some of the most important and life-altering mindsets I taught (and lived!) this year and I hope they resonate with you as you gracefully move into 2010.

  • You need a group of “invested” like minded souls to hold you accountable.
  • Being successful takes recommitment over and over again along the journey.
  • Surround yourself with people that will expand your mindsets. You can only grow proportionally to the people you surround yourself with.
  • Sometimes to move forward you must trust your intuition and just take the leap.
  • The growth is almost always proportional to the investment.
  • Growth does not come without discomfort.
  • People are open to you leading them because of what they experienced with the 2009 economy. They have let go of their expectations and are ready to finally learn.
  • When your message is your marketing, there is no selling involved.

These are just a few of the mindsets that moved my clients and myself forward at lightning speed this year.  I look forward to continuing our journey together in 2010 and learning completely new lessons!

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your trust and love.

Enjoy your holidays!

Sheri McConnell
CEO of the Global Institute of Associations

http://www.smartwomenprograms.com

Watch Your Language: 7 Tips for Big Results

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Watch Your Language: 7 Tips for Big Results
by Christine Kane

A few years ago, I was in a car with the promoter of one of my performances. He had picked me up at the airport and was driving me to my hotel. On the way, we talked guitars. We got onto the subject of Olson Guitars, arguably the best guitar in the whole world. At one point, the promoter said, “Yea, well, in my entire life I’ll never own an Olson guitar.”

There was a time when I’d let a remark like this slide on by, even adding my own “me either” to the mix.

Now, I can’t. Yoda steps into my head and says, (in his Yoda voice) “So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done.”

So, I turned to the promoter and said, “You are NOT allowed to say that!”

This is because I know the power of language. When you know that words become things, it’s hard to let language slide.

I can’t help it. I have a rule:
Friends don’t let friends speak crappily.

Language is powerful. Words can create reality. Even if my promoter friend doesn’t know how on earth he’d ever get his guitar, it doesn’t mean he should cut off the possibility with his own words.

If you’re wondering how to begin watching your words, here are 7 practical language principles for becoming a better creator of your life.

1 – Eliminate “never” and “always.”
Never and always are words of hysteria. “I always mess everything up!” “I’ll never figure this out!” “I’ll never get an Olson Guitar.”

First off, it’s not true. If you always messed everything up, you wouldn’t have made it out of the womb.

And second off, extreme words are designed to hook you. It’s just your emotions taking a joyride. You’re more powerful than that.

2 – Use AND instead of BUT.
“But” dismisses the statement before it. “And” includes it. For instance, “That’s a good article, but it needs some editing” isn’t nearly as encouraging as “That’s a good article, AND it needs some editing.”

“I love you, but…” is another great example of the dismissive power of “but.”

3 – Avoid “Should.”
Should is a heinous word for many reasons. It is victim-speak. It disempowers its object. It negates desires, thereby making it harder to make choices. It adds a nebulous energy to the decision making process. Use empowered language instead: “I could…” “I would…” “I am choosing to,” “I would like to,” “I don’t want to,” or “You might consider…”

4 – Stop calling yourself depressed.
Also stop allowing anyone to tell you that you are depressed. When you call yourself “depressed” or “obsessive compulsive” or “ADHD” or whatever – you’re claiming this thing. You’re calling it forth with the most powerful two words in our language: “I am.” That creates very little option for the transformation of this condition.

5 – Delete the word “hate” from your vocabulary.
“Hate” has lots of energy. When you use it, you send lots of energy out into the very thing you “hate.” Even if it’s negative energy, it’s still a powerful force, adding its charge to that thing. You’re also depleting this energy from your own spirit as you say it.

6 – Be “great.” Or “wonderful.”
A disease of the creative temperament is a belief that we must be authentic at all costs. So we can’t answer a simple “How are you?” without delving into an in-depth scan of our emotional temperature.

Try this instead: When people ask you how you’re doing, just say, “I’m great!”

I used to think if I said this, then I better have a good reason for saying it, like I just won the lottery or something. I thought it would make me look suspicious, and people would start to wonder if something was wrong with me. But then I did it. And you know what? Most people don’t care why you’re great. You’re saying it for you.

7 – Pay attention to the music of your speech.
You know how some people? They talk in question marks? And you have no idea why? But it makes you think you shouldn’t really rely on them? And it makes you not want to hire them?
The music of your language says a lot about you. If you let your sentences droop like Eeyore, (“Thanks for noticing me.”) or if you do the uncertain question mark language, take note of what attitudes are causing this. These patterns are created for a reason. Even if it feels like faking it at first, generate confidence as you speak.

About the Author:
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her ‘LiveCreative’ weekly ezine with more than 8,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

GIA Member: International Association of Professional Ghost Writers

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

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The International Association of Professional Ghost Writers (IAPGW) is passionately dedicated to uniting, supporting, advocating for and educating professional and aspiring ghost writers worldwide.  As the preeminent organization specializing in the unique needs, challenges and goals of the ghost writers, the IAPGW strives to provide community, encouragement and world-class products and services to all members, regardless of specialty or level of expertise, that will enable them to establish and/or grow thriving, prosperous and fulfilling ghost writing careers.

Website URL: http://iapgw.org

Contact Info:

Mary Anne Hahn
273 Shotwell Park
Syracuse, NY 13206
MaryAnne@iapgw.org

Ready to Experience A Magical 2010?

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

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Hi Creators and Big Thinkers!

I want to personally invite you to join me on a special, complimentary call to discover how to make 2010 a truly magical year!

A few months ago at our annual event, I pulled back the curtains on our brand new programs for 2010!

The Smart Women Success Programs offer entrepreneurial training and support and they also allow you to choose an emphasis on creating a “membership business” if you want. Nothing else like this exists anywhere else right now!

Our three levels are Membership, Mastermind, and Inner Circle.

And no matter which level you choose, you will receive insider business tips, exclusive networking opportunities, structured training, and access to personally ask me questions each and every month!

If you want to grow a business fast, yet gracefully–I am your “coachsultant”.

If you want to surround yourself with genuine, authentic, caring women–my masterminds are a perfect choice because the women I attract each year are just that!

2009 has been a phenomenal year for all of my clients, many of whom share their successes here: http://vimeo.com/7806109

And here is a picture we took during their mastermind photo shoot in LA earlier this year…

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As I said, during my October Annual Event a few months ago, I debuted next year’s programs, and the majority of our 2010 Mastermind and Inner Circle spots have been filled.  Here are the beautiful women I have accepted so far:

So only a few spaces remain – is one of them yours?

Because our office has received many inquiries I am hosting a special, complimentary call explaining all the details of all three levels of support.

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A Complimentary One-Time Informational Teleseminar:

“Make 2010 a Magical Year!”

LIVE with Sheri McConnell

Monday, December 14, 2009, at 1 pm Central

(11 am Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1 pm Central, 2 pm Eastern)

Call in number: 1-800-662-6992

Code: 1020261

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On this one-time call, I will be sharing:

* all the details on exactly what is included in my 2010 Smart Women Success Programs

* how to know if you are ready to take the leap and invest in your own ability to succeed

* some tips on how to let your brilliance emerge and hit the ground running in January

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Even if you’re just curious, come join us and listen…

And if you are ready to learn more now and try to grab one of the last few slots, visit us now at http://www.smartwomenprograms.com

Hope to “hear” you on the call!

Supporting you,

Sheri McConnell-CEO

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GIA Member: The International Association of Self-Employed Communication Professionals

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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The International Association of Self-Employed Communication Professionals is made up of experts that create marketing and communication materials. Our members are writers, designers, photographers and more. Many have come from the corporate world and are creating their own solo businesses or have been working (freelancing) for many years and want to learn to do it more profitably.

Our three-fold mission is to:

  • Create a community where professionals partner to provide a fuller range of services
  • Provide training and education on building sustainable, profitable businesses in the new global environment
  • Deliver mentoring and ongoing support

Website URL:  http://www.iaSECP.com

Contact Info:

Barbara Saunders, Director
5273 NE 31st Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97211
Phone: (503) 282-3694
Email: Barbara@iaSECP.com

GIA Member: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to serve the needs of women who are leaders in their spiritual communities, women who have independent practices working with people on the spiritual / holistic level, and women who are aspiring to be “spiritual leaders”. It is our belief that women are in the forefront of the global movement toward spirituality.

The Association serves as a bridge between women of all faiths and spiritual paths enabling them to communicate with and learn from each other while supporting them in their respective missions.

Website URL: http://www.iawsl.com

Contact Info:

International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders
1135 Terminal Way
Suite 209
Reno, NV 89502
866-975-1112
info@iawsl.com