Doom and Gloom

I know that every day it seems another announcement is made signalling the economic downturn and maybe they're right. All we know is that whatever the market circumstances we need to keep going. We need to focus on our vision - where do we want to get to. Recognise that it is only us that can achieve it and we need to be proactive and put together an action plan to make it happen.
It's easy to be reactive to events and it is necessary to respond to emails/phone calls/requests although we also need to make time to think about what action we need to be taking right now to achieve our vision.
Think about your relationships, reconnect with people, network, listen to others and their needs and how you can help them and then who knows the law of reciprocity might just be invigorated and if not never mind. As one of my colleagues used to say "it's a gratuitous act of kindness".
Also think of Key Consultants as part of your team. If you want some help just ask, I'm sure we will have the answer/or contact or know someone who does.
Now is a good time to think of strategic alliances, where is there synergy, what other businesses might link with yours.
And remember to look after yourself. You are your means of earning so look after your body, your mind and your relationships. Enjoy life, stay positive and pass on happy vibes to others.

Sue Lock

Perfect Communication

I recently attended an evening Refer-on meeting with the High Wycombe group. There were about 40 of us there and we had a very interesting speaker Dexter Moscow. Some of you may have seen Dexter Moscow before as he is a host on the TV shopping channel QVC. Dexter's presentation was on communication and I have his permission to pass his presentation on to you. Dexter has sent me his notes for his talk and these follow next.

Personal Impact
You have just 30 seconds to make an impact.
Non verbal communication such as unease, uncertainty or nervousness can convey negative signals to your audience. Know exactly how you are going to start your presentation so that it is powerful and engaging and harnesses the power of positive body language.

Emotional Connection
If you are not passionate about what you are talking about how can you expect any body else to be? When you engage with people at an emotional level then there is a greater ‘buy in’ for your ideas and propositions. When you tell personal stories, use metaphors and let people into your life experiences they will then be more prepared to join you in your ventures.

Right to Talk
What right do you have to talk about the subject you are talking to us about? What is your History? Where and what have you studied, experienced, researched and succeeded at?

Facts
Engaging and enrolling your audience with power and impact is only part of the story. Your presentation has to have defined facts, goals and detail. Don’t talk in terms of hypothetical situations. Make it relevant.

Encapsulate
We live in a sound bite society. In today’s technological world our senses are constantly being assaulted by sounds and images. You need to identify the key elements of your presentation and translate them into succinct, influential language.

Credibility
Don’t make claims, use information or draw on sources that you can’t substantiate. If you are going to use facts make sure you know who said it, when they said it and in what context it was said.

The Company
We explored the importance of establishing your individual right to talk on a specific subject. It is also important to establish the credentials of the company or companies that you are associated with.

I hope this is of interest to you and should you want to contact Dexter his company is Audience Dynamics at www.audiencedynamics.co.uk

Sue Lock