Posts Tagged ‘business’

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Get Gorgeous Results with Joy

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

The instant fix to look immediately ravishing is feeling joyful. When you radiate joy, then not only do people notice you, but they want to be around you more often. Do you experience joy on a daily basis? Is this realistic? We here at Mars Venus Coaching think it is—and when you’re able to experience and share joy with others daily, then this also makes you a humbler, more compassionate person as well. No need for a trip to the doctor’s or cosmetologist’s office, the answer lies with you—in your head. You may have heard that a smile opens doors, but what we’re talking about here is pure joy.

Wanting or thinking about being happy or joyful does not necessarily make it so. You have to take a concrete step in order to make joy a part of your reality. It alleviates everything from depression to bad relationships. If you have either—or if you are overweight, dislike your job situation, your relationships aren’t as good as you’d like—then creating a 90 day plan with a coach who keeps you accountable just may help. Try it yourself first, then if you’re having trouble sticking to and articulating what you’re wishing and hoping for—then find yourself a coach that has all the qualities you’re looking to possess yourself.

To get started today below are a few daily scenarios with tips to help you reframe how you perceive your situation and see the joy in your daily life experiences.

On the way to work in a train, plane, or automobile:

Commute slow or lengthy or bogged down…focus on your senses. The smells, how it feels, and what you can hear, and what nature you can see. Look for the beautiful and be in awe. It could be a glimpse of green shrubbery, a whimsical cloud, a soaring bird, or a deer peeking out of the woods. Listening to favorite songs and singing or humming along also works!

At work:

Do the unexpected. Settle in to your routine and notice where your body is in relation to what you’re doing. If it feels tight or cramped, do something to alleviate the symptoms—walk outside to get some vitamin D from the sun and notice nature, go to the bathroom and do some stretches, give a compliment to a co-worker or a customer unexpected.

Coming home to a house—empty or full:

Gratitude or Create Beauty. Think of everything you have—shelter, safety, and pick up or look at one of your favorite things. Do something that creates beauty—whether it’s the perfect temperature bubble bath, or the perfect vegetable medley, messy finger paints with your kids, or a crazy haphazard waltz around the house with your loved ones. Engage and immerse yourself in your home and what makes you uniquely you and your family too. Silliness factors in big time!

In a conflict:

Stop. Before you say anything, STOP. Tell yourself STFU or WTF if you need to, but STOP. Before you say anything get into the mindset of the other person. If what you’d like to say will escalate the situation or cause hurt, then don’t. Deflect and deflate the situation by agreeing or redirecting to another topic. Then focus on how you can lift each other up, and how both sides can win.

Listening to the voices in your head:

Run like a kid. And, one of the best remedies is going for a long run in bare feet (or one of those shoes that let’s your arches do what they’re supposed to do and move). What? That’s right—if you can zone out and find yourself in the flow on a run, it doesn’t have to be fast (and it doesn’t have to be without shoes), just start out remembering how you used to do it as a kid. You can also run-walk, but the focus here is to do it like a kid. Remember the thrill of just moving your body and not knowing for how far or how long or how fast you’re trying to do something. The voices will be silenced, and in its place: serene joy.

The more you find yourself throughout the day in the present moment enjoying each sensation and interaction as it happens the more you will be “in” joy. You can do this while parenting, on dates, or all by yourself whenever you need a pick me up. Go ahead, take a picture or dig out an old one of when you were ecstatically happy—I don’t know a picture that isn’t beautiful when joy is present. That’s all it is—is being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually here right now. Are you there yet? Questions, feel free to ask!

Lyndsay Katauskas, MEd

Mars Venus Coaching

Corporate Media Relations

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Assertive Communication with Gender-Based Sales

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

There is often failure and setbacks as we grow and change. All successful ventures which involve other people rely on the strength of our communication skills to hear and understand the needs of others. Being able to put this into practice day in and day out in both our personal and professional lives is what determines our lifelong success rates. Being able to communicate assertively (not passively, aggressively, or passive-aggressively) is critical, but so is saying the right things when you are buying or selling based on gender preferences.

Using gender preferences when selling shows your capability: to tune into your client’s preferences, to be a reflective listener, and see their point of view. An assertive communicator is a good listener. Rephrasing what someone has said before you give your own input ensures (especially if you’re talking to the opposite sex) you hear them, and in return will be able to meet their needs. It gives the other person a chance to say, “yup, that’s what I said,” or “um, no, what I was saying was…”

Below are some gender-based preferences for buying and selling that serve as a guide to being a more effective sales person. Remember these are not absolutes, but guidelines, as there are also: (1) personality, (1) cultural, (3) generational, and (4) religious cues you need to be aware of when making a sale to the client sitting directly in front of you.

Female Preferences:

  1. Female prospects after an initial proposal may place an order and be more talkative after they’ve had a few days to think about it.
  2. During the early stages of a relationship with a new client, a female client is more likely to hold your feet to the fire on your statement that you have made a “casual commitment” to them.
  3. Female clients prefer that you listen with 100% attention when selling to them.
  4. Pausing before presenting your solution (even if you already have a solution) is more socially acceptable to female clients, because they want to be a part of coming up with the solution and do not want the solution rushed.
  5. Female clients prefer to know how the product will meet their needs when buying.
  6. When a female client or coworker is stressed about a problem she is more likely to walk around talking to coworkers rather than shutting the door and working out the problem.
  7. Boasting or self-promoting to female clients can turn them off to a sale.
  8. Female clients may not like it if you have all the answers to their objectives at the tip of your tongue. Female clients may be more inclined to do business with you if you hold back on giving all the answers, and offering to do research and get back to them for some of their questions.
  9. Female clients would most appreciate it if you showed them how to be happier at their job.
  10. Taking time to bond well the first time you meet a female client prior to starting the sales “pitch” is suggested as it shows you are taking time to get to know her as a person, before offering her a product or service.
  11. Female clients may need the most time to think an offer through so they do not feel rushed to make a decision.
  12. Female clients prefer being shown respect rather than appreciation when you are dealing with them.

Male Preferences:

  1. Male prospects make quicker decisions after receiving a sales proposal.
  2. Male clients prefer to know your credentials and dwell on them before making a sale.
  3. After the sales proposal has been made, if the offer is higher than what he expected to pay for your goods or services, male prospects are more likely to be quieter during this meeting.
  4. Male prospects tend to favor being shown appreciation rather than respect when selling a service or product.
  5. When making your point make sure you are clear in your message to male clients.
  6. Male clients prefer quick solutions to a problem.
  7. Male clients prefer people to be brief and come to the point quickly when making a sale.
  8. Male clients need the most space to think alone after a proposal submission has been made.
  9. You may bond better with male clients if you show how your product will meet a specific need.
  10. It tends to matter much more to a male client that you demonstrate extensive product knowledge than it does to female clients.
  11. Male clients prefer to have all the answers ready.
  12. Male clients appreciate and are more inclined to deal with you when you focus on showing them how to be successful at their job.

Did these preferences make you smile about your own buying habits too?

Whether it’s growing a business, achieving your dreams, pursuing professional objectives, or having quality relationships—it takes sweat, effort, and work. I apply these principles of assertive communication and gender-based sales with friends and clients whether they are growing their small businesses or working on finessing themselves and finding compatible life partners. Why? If we are not staying true to our client’s values and character as they attempt to grow professionally, then we’re offering temporary fixes that are shallow and short-lived. Whenever we make a commitment to growth, before we achieve our desired end state we have to invest in ourselves to bring about the change we desire. Are you ready to invest in your people skills?

Lyndsay Katauskas, MEd

Mars Venus Coaching

Corporate Media Relations

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Google + And Our Relationships

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Google+ builds upon the latest applications and using the technology from previous social media initiatives like Facebook, iPhones, Twitter to create more user-friendly instant interactions with circles, huddles, hangouts, and instant upload. It looks like we’re getting closer to being connected to one another in such a way, that as soon as you have a feeling and a thought–your action of syncing in with social media takes real-time and congruency to a whole new level. My fascination lies mainly in how using this new technology will affect our values and the quality of our relationships.

Reading about Google + makes me wonder if in the future fewer people will have to drive to office buildings to go to work. If you are in the business of providing services, and not products–I see many people working from other locations due to how much time we spent virtually hooked in to one another’s lives. This would help solve part of the environmental/energy footprints as well as provide more quality time to spend with the people most important to you (friends, family, partners, and our children). Google + could also revolutionize the way children learn as well just like encyclopedias and micro fiche helped me out as a kid (am I dating myself?!). As each new product comes out and builds upon the latest technology, I keep looking to the kids now using it–and where we’re going. What are the ramifications and implications of how kids adapt to the technology faster than the adults responsible for raising and instilling social-emotional intelligence, values and ethics in these children? Recent studies show that the highest growth demographic on Facebook are older adults, while teenagers are fleeing, because they want more privacy. What does this say about teaching congruency in thoughts/feelings/actions? How will this affect the future dating and marriage relationships of our younger generations?

The more we’re able to connect on social media platforms like Google+ while incorporating our values and ethics as we interact with users, will I believe determine whether or not we’re able to work more efficiently at work and when we play. Google+ can enhance our experience so we are able to spend more time on the things (which is often our relationships with those closest to us) that matter most to us. If we use this technology intentionally and wisely, then it will help us achieve work-life balance.

Men and women may use these social media tools differently, because of their preferred reasons behind why they communicate and sign on these sites. I get questions all the time from clients on how to interpret texts, facebook posts, etc., from whom they’re dating. Therefore, I think as we increasingly use technology and adapt it to our needs, we should also stay cognizant of how this affects our personal and professional relationships with those around us. I hope it helps people have healthier relationships.

As younger generations pick up the technology quickly, I think the value of learning social and emotional skills will increase. As time goes by instead of social media being a place where you can post your opinions anonymously (and sometimes quite cruelly and untactful), what you say on social media will have direct ramifications in our daily lives, because we’ll leave virtual footprints of what we think/feel/do. We’ll use social media more like a pair of glasses to increase what we can see and influence. Therefore, as our profiles become visible to everyone what we say/do on social networking sites should reflect our values we hold dear, and the good behavior we instill in our kids as they grow up. In an ideal world as we use collaborative social media platforms like Google+, they should help us evolve not become more insular, self-centered, egotistical, or narcissistic. It will bring a whole new level to being able to identify how emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mature people are in their interactions with all people.

Lyndsay Katauskas, MEd
Mars Venus Coaching
Corporate Media Relations

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Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus… Referrals are from YOU!

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Put some extra cash in your pocket while spreading the word about Mars Venus Coaching’s NEW eWorkshops! It’s our way of saying thank you for your kind referrals.  As an expert in the field of communication, John Gray’s focus is to help men and women understand, respect and appreciate their differences in both personal and professional relationships.  By spreading the word about Mars Venus Coaching’s eWorkshops, you can help to share John Gray’s powerful message with the world – and get PAID to do it!  Do you have friends, family, or coworkers that could benefit from eWorkshops on relationships, dating, starting over, raising children, dealing with stress, or help coping with issues at work?  We all do! These eWorkshops provide simple, practical tools and insights to effectively manage stress and improve relationships at all stages and ages by creating the brain and body chemistry of health, happiness and lasting romance.  In fact, these are the same life-changing, workshops that John Gray and his team of Mars Venus Success coaches have given in-person throughout the world.  And now people can benefit from these workshops in the comfort of their own home.

Make a difference in the life of someone you know (or even someone you don’t know) and let us reward you for your efforts!

  • The Mars Venus Affiliate Program pays you 25% of each eWorkshop purchase you refer to us!
  • And when you sign up another affiliate, you’ll earn an additional 10% on each of their referral sales
  • The best part…it’s COMPLETELY FREE to sign up!

Fill out the form to become an affiliate today…it’s FAST and it’s  FREE!

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How to Become Strong Leader

Friday, September 25th, 2009

A leader is not born.
A leader is created and the whole process starts inside the most dangerous place you’ll ever
encounter – your own mind.
How can you become a strong leader who inspires others, drives people toward excellence,
holds people accountable, and instills a sense of trust? Learning what makes a great leader is
your first step.
Here are some things you can do to become the leader you’ve always wanted to be:
1. Control yourself. Every great leader in history has had to become a master of
self-discipline and willpower in order to stay focused on the big picture. If you don’t
have a goal or the drive to achieve it, you can’t lead others to attain theirs.
• Follow through in everything you do. As challenging as it may be, you need to be
disciplined enough to be where you need to be, when you need to be there, whether
you want to or not. By being strong in your resolve and resisting temptation to give up,
you are setting an example for others to live up to.
• Choose your emotional response to a situation carefully. Sometimes you’ll need
to practice the art of silencing your inner thoughts when they’re not appropriate in
order to set a positive example.
2. Project your goals. If the people you’re leading don’t completely understand the
deeper meaning in their work, they won’t share your vision or work ethic. Every step
of the way, communicate with your team to make sure they’re on the same wavelength
and know what you expect of them.
1
• Get your team involved in the planning process and the implementation of your
ideas. This gives everyone a greater sense of ownership toward the end result.
3. Praise highly and criticize constructively. The way you praise and criticize others
can make all the difference in being able to lead effectively.
• Make sure you publicly praise the people who do excellent work for you. You’ll give
the person a sense of accomplishment and the drive to do even better.
• When someone does something wrong, offer constructive criticism and do it
privately. Suggest solutions on how they can improve and take the time to answer any
questions. They’ll accept your input more willingly if they know it’s done to help and
not to harm.
4. Know your people. You can’t truly lead a group of people unless you truly
understand their hopes, dreams, struggles, pains, and goals. All the good intentions in
the world mean nothing unless you have a true sense of the people you’re working
with.
• Talk to your team and get to know them. Getting to know each other on a
personal level will strengthen the bond between you. They’ll want to do better for you
because you’re more than just a “boss.”
• Be their leader, first, and their friend second. You’re their leader and that means
that you have to make difficult decisions from time to time. These decisions cannot be
affected by personal relationships.
5. Make the hard call. There are times when you have to bite the bullet and make
some unpleasant decisions. Firing, demoting, and holding people accountable for their
actions can be very hard at times. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to handle
these matters.
Regardless of where your leadership role takes you, believe that you can be a strong
leader. Remember that in order to lead others, you must be disciplined yourself. After all,
your actions will speak louder than anything you can say.
In order to gain the respect of others, strive to lead by example in every area of your life.
When you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true
leader!

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