Happy Mother’s Day!

 

“Whatever you want to accomplish in life, know that you can do it… you just need the desire most of all, and be willing to work hard”

 

The fabulous words of My Mom…

Sylvia Ferguson

 

Thanks, Mom

“Whatever you can do, or  dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.   Begin it now”

 

Goethe

Are you ready to learn how to relax and shine on camera?

Want to learn to master a public presentation?
 
Is it finally time to increase your confidence and your money-making opportunities?
 
Sandra now offers cost-effective coaching packages.

 

Why train with Sandra? 

You’ll learn:

• To train your “butterflies” to fly in formation, and actually benefit from that fluttery feeling!
• How to gain trust in 30 seconds or less.
• How to stay physically rooted and strong in your intention.
• Develop an ability to experience empathy with your audience.
• Increase your overall confidence by becoming a wonderful, likable communicator.
• How to enjoy the freedom that comes with sharing your story.
• No more hesitation as you accelerate your success by accepting media appearances, knowing that you will shine!
• Not in the Los Angeles area? Not a problem, Sandra works with video, and can coach you no matter where you are!

For a limited time the 5 session package is available for $1875
 
10 sessions will have you looking like the star that you are for $2997
(Substantial savings and includes a  bonus opportunity to have Sandra train you for a specific event or shoot that you may have)
 
A 15 sessions package, and group coaching is also available.  For more information on these, or any of our training, call 310 920 9932 or email info@theMOREYouAre.com

It’s an oldie:

I recently ordered a copy of Dale Carnegie’s book, ” The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking”.  Quite honestly, I ordered it because I am always hungry for knowledge ( see the editor’s note) it was cheap, and small enough to finish in a day.  Of course, I realize that the author with the title of America’s First Billionaire, did know a thing or two about being successful!  I hoped to get one “jewel” out of this little book, but when the first paragraph referred to Mr Carnegie’s first speaking course in 1912, I did hesitate for a second.  ” Can I really find something pertinent in a book this dated?”  The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”  It’s full of timeless tidbits, and tips on presenting yourself.  It’s worth the time, and definitely one of the easier investments that I have made… I found it on Amazon for $3!

Do people like you in 30 seconds?

A potential client shared her concern that her “30 second commercials” are most often a product of “winging it” since she is so busy with her daughter everyday, and she often feels overwhelmed with the need to appear “together” and polished. 

 

I assured her that being a likeable presenter really has much less to do with polish, and more to do with sharing who you are.  While preparing your content should always be the priority, it is most effective to connect with the audience of your “30 second speech” by coming from an honest place.  

 

For example, You have a direct marketing business, and you rush from your kid’s soccer practice to the networking meeting: Share that while you could be stressed, you are so grateful that you found a wonderful company that allows you to have the opportunity to spend time with your children and provide for their college fund!   People resonate with truthfulness and positivism much better than if you were to try and appear “together” while your still flushed from your hectic run through the parking lot!  Relax, you have the freedom to share a bit of you, and that will make all the difference in the way others connect to you. You want to leave them asking for more information about what you do!

Hello From Sandra!

I am such an animal person, and I love all the “fur people” in our house, but lately one has needed a bit more attention. Allen and I have gone back into training mode with our German Sheppard Dog named “Lady”, not because she is biting or destructive…  but because our girl has too much uncontrolled enthusiasm!  She loves people, but quite often they don’t feel the same way when her 80-pound smiling self greets them at eye level!   It seems kind of metaphorical to me, as I watch Lady’s behavior improve with just a few consistent daily rituals:  I can see myself sometimes getting so enthusiastic about what I do, how I can better help my clients and how I can educate myself even more, that I can actually lose focus on the fundamentals that build my business; my enthusiasm has to be controlled, too!  I almost laughed as I realized the parallel one morning… I need my daily rituals as well.  I need to make a “to do” list the night before, and have my “God time” in the morning (as well as my coffee!), and I need to make sure that I exercise every day.  I can’t shortchange myself on any of these things or my mind won’t be clear, and my mood will be affected (my husband will attest to that!).

 

I, like most entrepreneurs, am a high energy person and I need to put my health and well being first, or else I am susceptible to second-guessing, and attention deficit and those are too major things that can really sabotage me at speaking engagement or interview.  So, I am sure those of you who are owners of your own “fur people” can attest… our creatures teach us things when we least expect it!  I am grateful for the lessons.
 
Do you have any rituals that help you focus?  Let me know!  I can share them in a future issue! Email me at Sandra@theMOREYouAre.com 

“Cure for the common life: Living in your sweet spot” by Max Lucado

Max Lucado leads you through a journey of discovery in this book… You discover the talents and abilities that God has gifted specifically to you.  as Max directs you to ” read your life backward”, you will recognize recurring themes and strengths that highlight your life.  These create your “story” and by appreciating these ” a ha!” moments in your life, you will appreciate how unique you are, and put it to work to better your business, and your life.  It is written with a Christian perspective, but anyone willing to achieve understanding of their gifts will be helped by this book. , I have found it to be a great builder of confidence for many of my clients.

For Your Homework… Watch Some TV, Would You?

Here’s an exercise to help you build your specific video/ tv brand:  this is something that I often do with my television-oriented clients to help build a specific image that they feel comfortable with, and it’s fun!   WATCH HOSTED shows that are appealing to your target market.  The reason for this “research’ is to determine not only WHAT your target market watches,( don’t stress too much over this.. If you’ve researched your target market well, it most likely will be shows that you are drawn to) but WHO they watch.  In viewing these shows, Who do YOU feel a connection with? ( For optimum success with this exercise, evaluate the hosts only… not the guests of these shows.)  WHY do you connect?  WHAT is it about them that resonates with you?  Is it their humor, or believability, or  intensity… what?  It may only be their clothing, or hairstyles, and that’s ok…  include all this information on a list of and label it “personalities that attract me and why”.  Don’t judge or edit your choices… just go with it.   Try to build your list to at least 6 personalities, or hosts.  When you review the list and particularly the qualities that attract you, you will most likely find an excellent description of what you would like to display to your target market.  The best thing about this exercise is that it can focus you instantly on the qualities that you want to bring out in yourself, in order to create the camera personality that you will feel most comfortable sharing with your favorite people… your most valued clients!  IF your description of your target market is right on, you should end up with a blueprint of your best assets to highlight in order to reach them most efficiently.  It may sound crazy, but It really works! WHAT IF the qualities that you describe in others are not ones that you see immediately in yourself?  For instance, I’ll share that I thought Kelly Ripa was appealing because of her quirkiness and ability to make fun of herself…  Something that, at the time that I made my list I didn’t think I knew how to do.  With the right coach, though, I discovered that I am like that in so many ways in “real life”, and with a little focused on camera training, I was able to relax enough to let that silly part of me shine through, and as clumsy as I felt at first, it was just what I needed at the time to create my personal style and be appealing to my particular audience (client) that I wanted to attract! So go do what busy entrepreneurs hardly ever do… sit in front of a TV!  If you find that your list has qualities that you don’t think you can harvest on your own… trust me they ARE there in YOU, and with the right coaching, you can find them, too.  Call me for a free consultation if you want, and I can tell you how we do it!   And, by the way, that process of freeing your inner super-star personality is great fun, too….

Hello from Sandra!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the  premier tournament of golf, the Masters.  What an incredible experience to watch the best players in the world compete on the most beautiful courses imaginable.  I have such respect for the skills required for the game but, on this level these players are awe-inspiring.  They are true Masters of their sport.  I watched Tiger Woods tee off, and I thought of what I know of his path to such excellence; his absolute love of the game that started when he was still a toddler, his dedication and his commitment to improvement everyday.  His drive, combined with his passion have allowed Tiger and his top-level competitors  to create uncommon lives for them selves. Isn’t that what we all want?  I have a favorite book that I refer to over and over when my clients want to obtain such a blessed life: Max Lucado wrote ” Cure for the Common Life.” ( I just love the cover, too.. two adorable dogs on a sofa, so cute!)  I have a description of the book under my recommendations this week!
 
I have so many wonderful women entrepreneurs around me these days, and the talent, creativity and desire of these women is so energizing to be around.  I am always surprised, though, when I run into someone that is not grasping the importance of social networking for business growth.  It is true that the technology, and sites are always changing, but it’s unwise to ignore the opportunities that can be found on Facebook, Linked-in, Twitter and so many more… That’s why I have asked my friend kerianne Mellott to share with us a few tips on how to utilize these sites to make your own opportunities to spread the word of your business by speaking about it!  Check out her article and get a feel for what is possible….
 
 It’s officially spring everyone!  The skies have cleared and you should get clear too… clear on how you want to hone your appeal to your audience.  Get that voice warmed up like the weather, and bring some new life to your business with a fresh approach to your target market!   Deliver your message with a new energy now, and reap the harvest sooner rather than later!  I have tips on how here, and in every issue.
 
As always, I wish you success and I am here for your support.  If you are struggling with a specific fear, or have a question pertaining to working in front of a camera, let me know, and I can help you directly, but I can also address common issues in future issues.

“The Art of Seduction” by Robert Greene

I first heard of this book when I read in some tabloid ( more than likely at my Chiropractor’s office) that a female A list Star was seen reading it.  For some reason, I decided to check it out.  I found it fascinating.  It speaks not just of romantic seduction, but of seduction of the masses. Greene analyzes to  Casanova, but also JFK, and  MLK.  It speaks of how to cast a spell, break down resistance and ultimately, compel a target to surrender.