Inch by Inch, Day by Day, Step by Step

Sometimes when we are working toward a particular end result, things may not move as quickly as we would like then to move. Also, life can throw in some real curve balls that frustrate us or thwart our intentions. What can we do at times like that?

Comparing yourself and your progress, to that of another person, is a trap. Your journey is meant to be your own unique journey and the lessons you learn along the way are being presented to you for a particular purpose. Very often, when making comparisons we are not looking at a true picture. You can count on it that the person you are observing will also have had many hurdles to jump, and these may not be evident to you when you see them today.

Overnight success is so often featured in our media, and more often than not, success is portrayed as miraculously instant. People who start a new venture based on that premise or belief are surprised when they are not at their end target before the end of a few weeks. Losing patience and frustrated, they then jump out of that venture and into another brand new one, only to find the same thing happening again.

Can you see Federer, Robbins, Oprah, Woods and others being where they are today if they struggled with that notion and jumped from one discipline to the next, simply because they saw that star studded fame and success in their industry was not yet evident after a few days, weeks and often years?

J. Paul Meyer (considered by many to be the founder of the self-improvement industry as it exists today) once said, "Success is the progressive accomplishment of personally worthwhile long range goals".

One key to knowing that you are moving in a forward direction is to hold a laser focus on what is working for you. A great way to do that is by measuring the specific results that were produced by particular actions that you have taken toward your goal. How else could you know that something is having the desired impact? List them for yourself and then start keeping good records.

One of my favorite ways to regularly remind myself to take my effective actions is to keep handy that list of actions that I know have worked for me, by adding them into my Motivator program. The actions that I need to be taking, pop up for me in the corner of my computer screen at time intervals that I preset. You can download your own free, personal Motivator tool by using the Tell AF26 Friend button at my Forward Steps Life Coaching site.

A next step is to discover what has worked for others in your chosen endeavor. Quit reinventing the wheel if your journey is becoming a struggle. Get yourself a whopper tip from an expert that could leverage your actions and take your project to a whole new level. There are so many great online communities where you will find successful people who are generous with their advice, you will find a few at my list on ClaimId (Google that word, to its link add a forward slash then my name Thea, and you will see my list).

When you set your own targets, make certain that your time lines for these intended results are feasible. If you generally have 3 new people subscribe to your newsletter each day, then it is no use setting an initial goal of having 20,000 subscribers at the end of one year if you currently have 15 subscribers. A more likely goal would be 3,000 at the end of 12 months. You can then go to work on finding ways to double your subscription rates. In the process of working toward that, you may then learn enough to play for a much higher target during the following year and if your goal appears attainable, you will be less discouraged with actions you are currently taking.

It is important to recognize that you grow into success and huge results are correlated to huge changes in yourself and your mindset. The Anthony Robbins during the low period in his life where he was struggling to pay his bills, over weight and without direction, is not the same Anthony Robbins you see today on stage. The Roger Federer who, as a young boy was hitting tennis balls against the wall in the local club, is not the Federer you see today. Similarly with yourself, if for example you are a teacher then I am certain you are a different teacher today than you were in your first three years of that career.

Recognise that true and long lasting success really could take a decent length of time. Develop your level of patience plus your skills of observation and communication. As Jack Canfield suggests, "Every day do five specific things that take you toward your goal. Change up the five actions regularly and be open to feedback so you know when you are off course". Lastly, ask yourself if your actions are REAL actions toward your desired end result, and remind yourself daily that external results are not you. They are events, happenings and results, completely distinct from YOU as the person who has unique gifts to offer.

Thea Westra is the senior thought leader, at her Forward Steps site. She resides in Perth, Australia with her ultra-supportive partner Greg. Thea publishes a monthly ezine (among many other publications and products) at http://www.forwardsteps.com.au Enjoy her life success blogs at http://www.timeformylife.com/blogs.htm and get personally connected here, http://www.ask-thea-about.com

Caroline Myss
Neale Donald Walsch

The Laws of Attraction and Having a Plan B

If you want one year of prosperity, grow seeds. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want a lifetime of prosperity, grow your self-worth.
- Chinese proverb

The Laws of Attraction and self worth are all about what you are able to do and how you go about doing it. Every single person has an agenda and if they tell you otherwise see of their nose is getting longer. Having an open agenda is the best way for your direction to flow towards the areas you intend them to. Developing self worth is as rewarding as giving money to charity and the best part of it is you are giving from the heart of yourself to yourself without being consciously aware of it. That is when you are in sync with your spirit and spontaneity flows like a fresh water stream alive with great ideas.

Layoffs, part time and absolutely no job are self depreciating situations that can literally happen to any one who is dependant on others for their source of employment. This does not have to be the case and before t16ADhis scenario becomes a reality it may be time for you to think about creating a plan B.

This is where your confidence in your self worth pays dividends because you are planning ahead and not waiting for the roof to cave in before you attend to any potential pitfalls in the structure of your umbrella of peace. With a healthy love for yourself and your loved ones it is easier to look at them and say that yes you are not going to let anything take away their security, peace of mind and especially their home and you are going to take the necessary steps to build your fallout shelter. You see once again the Laws of Attraction will work in your favour when you do the right things with the right beliefs in place and for the right reasons; because having a plan B is just like wearing your seat belt.

Coaching like this is a gentle nudge in the right direction to assist you and encourage you when there are doubts and hesitating actions that may be holding you back and preventing you from taking that first step. Because all it takes is a first step and then another, like Jack Canfield portrayed in The Secret when you are driving from NY to CA, all you need is to be able to see 200 feet in front of you and you know without a shadow of a doubt that your confidence rests in the knowledge that you will reach your destination. Any destination begins with one step in the right direction. So go right ahead and prepare for that first step calling The Laws of Attraction because you are creating your plan B. Enjoy the journey because the destination will give you the biggest smile of your life.

Thomas J. Cummins is an entrepreneur / motivational / inspirational marketing professional with a track record of a successful array of businesses. I know you desire a better way of life and would like to know more about incredible resources and a free needs analysis available to you so go ahead and contact me at incaalpacatrail@hotmail.com or by clicking on http://incatrail.unifiedwealthsolutions.com/ for more information

Warmest regards.

Thomas J. Cummins
Founder / CEO
INCA ALPACA TRAIL, LLC

Awareness
Books By Wayne Dyer

The Self-Confident Person - Cause or Effect?

How would you describe a self-confident person? Generally, many people consider a self-confident person to be a perfect know-it-all, who is the center of attention, and never shows weakness.

Some folks confuse the terms self-confidence with self-esteem. The former is cosmetic, and may not be a sign of your true nature. The latter is your true essence; a reflection of your core beliefs. Core beliefs are mostly formed before the age of seven. As youngsters, our subconscious is actually programmed with patterns that influence our behaviors and relationships for a lifetime. Want a simple way to reprogram your subconscious patterns, and strengthen your self-esteem?

On page 96 of Unleashing Your Brilliance, I discussed the technique act-as-if as a means to bolster self-confidence. Children call it pretending, but we'll call it role-playing. Just behave as if you were absolutely sure of yourself, and secure in your view of the world. The reason this works is rather complicated, but a simple explanation is that your neurology begins to rewire itself to match what is being exhibited externally. The benefits of this go much deeper than just the superficial self-confidence. It affects your core beliefs, and influences your self-esteem.

On a recent teleclass, I was asked what one can do to become more self-confident. Well, any of the following will fit the bill:

- Smile a lot

- Distrust doubt

- Embrace change

- Maintain an upright posture

- Become a self-improvement enthusiast

- Acknowledge and develop your strengths

- Consider events as they are - and no worse

- Be willing to make mistakes and receive feedback

- Be willing to give compliments and constructive feedback

Keep this up for a few weeks, and you will begin to notice some confident behaviors becoming routine. Then you'll know that you have rewired some of your neurology. So, my advice is fake-it 'til you make-it.

Bestselling author and international speaker, Brian E. Walsh10F6 retired from a 30-year management career to further his earlier interest in NLP and hypnotherapy. He returned to formal study, and within four years had achieved his PhD.

Dr. Walsh regularly conducts workshops and teleclasses on enriched learning. He is a master practitioner of NLP, an acupuncture detoxification specialist, an EFT practitioner, and a clinical hypnotherapist.

His eZine, "Personal Enrichment Digest" has subscribers around the world. His most recent release is a 90-miniute DVD of his presentation, "Enriched Learning". He has also co-authored with John Gray and Jack Canfield in the self-help book, "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2."

His website is http://www.WalshSeminars.com

Argument From Morality
Acquiring Knowledge

The Key to Achieving Success in Network Marketing

Although believing in your company, your system, and your desire to achieve your financial goals are important when getting started in network marketing, achieving success will take more than just belief alone.

There is a component that many distributors are missing from there marketing arsenal. It is often overlooked or simply dismissed as unnecessary to the growth of their business. In actuality, however, it's the single most important ingredient to becoming successful in the network marketing business...the investment you make in YOU.

Developing a short term goals is a great beginning, and combining this with long term goals is even better. Generating targeted leads, people who are interested in your offer and want more information, is another piece of the network marketing puzzle. But the one piece that you need in order to reach your full potential is to invest in yourself.

What Do We Mean By Investing In Yourself?

It's very simple. Without a daily dose of self improvement and motivational exercise, working your way to the summit of the achievement mountain is nearly impossible. Did you know there is a way to 'cheat' your way to success?

There is! Make an effort to hang out with those who have that millionaire or even billionaire mindset. How can you do this? The best way is by reading and listening to motivational material.

There's a theory that if you start to spend time with successful people, your mindset begins to change. You begin to think and act like them, and soon, what you once considered a satisfactory level of accomplishment pales in comparison to what you're really capable of achieving.

That's the power of listening to motivational materials on a daily basis! It literally changes your perceptions about what you are truly worth and helps remove any self-limiting boundaries that you yourself may have put in place.

It can be someone well known on the motivational circuit like a Jack Canfield or Jim Rohn or somebody who has achieved success within your own company or in your upline.

It's amazing. Many consider spending time listening to motivational stuff as simply brainwashing. The truth is, when you're building a network marketing business, it's the difference between being mediocre and become a huge success.

The failure rate in the MLM business is horrendous. Many quit within the first 2-3 months because they haven't made huge amounts of money in that short period of time. Motivational materials will keep you on track and put the any failures you experience into perspective.

Developing the same mindset as the millionaires is as easy as inviting them into your home through books, CDs, DVDs, and other resources. Having this mindset a key element in building your network marketing business, and as you continue to expose yourself to people who have it, it will begin to rub off.

Tremayne Manson is an internet network marketer and MLM success coach who specializes in training leaders and beginners in the network marketing industry in personal branding and Web 2.0. He highly recommends the free training at Renegade University to begin to learn attraction marketing techniques step-by-step.

Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin

In Praise Of Praise

If you manage others, one of the most valuable tools you have in your kitbag is Praise. Along with its counterpart, Criticism, these two instruments can make a massive difference to how people feel. And how they feel can make an even bigger difference15EE to how they work. Here are 5 ways to use Praise and Criticism in effective and productive ways.

1. Praise in Public, Criticise in Private. While public praise can make people feel 10 foot tall, public criticism will make them feel 10 inches small. Whats more, the recipients of public condemnation will simmer a pot of revenge to be delivered at a moment just when you dont need it. Instead, always follow the advice of Catherine the Great of Russia: I praise in public; I criticize in private.

2. Reverse Your Criticism-Praise Ratio. When we dont think about it, we tend to do more criticizing of others than praising. Thats because we take it for granted that people who work for us should perform without any comment from us and we believe that its only when people dont perform that we should say something. As a result, criticism is what we do most of.

Jack Canfield discovered that the average schoolteacher delivers 460 negative comments a day as compared to just 60 positive ones. When Jack reversed the ratio in one school, by simply getting the teachers to praise the children when they did something worthwhile, the results were astonishing. Morale and behaviour went up. And stayed up. And everyone was happier.

3. Add Sunshine To The Shower. If you have to criticize someone because there is little to praise, soften the edges with encouragement. Goethe, the late 18th century philosopher, said that encouraging others after criticism has a much more powerful effect on people than just criticizing them alone. He compared the effect to sunshine after a shower. George Adams, the American newspaper magnate, said that anyone who encourages others has an effect on them that they cant begin to know. It has the power to change lives.

As the Oxford don William Ward said: Flatter me and I may not believe you. Criticise me and I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not forgive you. Encourage me and I will never forget you.

4. Praise and Mean It. Praise alone can work wonders. However, it hits barren ground if the person on the receiving end doesnt believe it or finds it insincere. One of the most effective ways of delivering praise is not just to tell someone what we liked about what they did, but to tell them the effect it had on us.

In "Business as a Game", Albert Carr relates the story of a speech given by a chief executive. The man was not an accomplished speaker and knew it. Nevertheless, shortly after he had sat down, he was approached by one of his department managers. "Mr Rossen, that was a terrific speech. A great performance. Churchill couldn't have done better!" The chief replied amiably: "Thank you, Larry. Glad you liked it."

A few days later, another manager came up to the chief during lunch and said: "Mr Rossen, I've been thinking about what you said the other night. It's got me thinking about some changes we could make in our department. Would you mind if I sent you my thoughts?" "Not at all, Bill," said the chief. "I'm glad the speech got you thinking."

It's not difficult to work out which compliment mattered most.

5. Power-Praising. Richard Branson, chairman of multinational empire Virgin, says he has one simple way to motivate his staff: I pick the best people I can and then I praise, praise and praise them.

There is no doubt that people are motivated by praise. It is after all one of the needs identified by Abraham Maslow in his Hierarchy of Needs. We are motivated by the need for recognition by those who matter to us. Partly because of this, praise can be addictive. People look for it when they do good work and become de-motivated when it isnt forthcoming. Thats also why the combination of praise and criticism together works so well. Make it a habit never to give praise without encouragement to do better, nor encouragement to do better without praise. Thats why the Positive-Negative-Positive sandwich works so well.

One final point. When you give genuine, sincere, and well-meant praise, you raise your status in the eyes of others. Giving praise is so rare that we notice the people who do it to us.

There is nothing complicated about giving praise. It is one of the simplest and most powerful interpersonal skills around. All it takes is to notice what others are doing, take time out to speak to them, and with a little bit of kid psychology, simply tell them something that will make their day.

2005, Eric Garner, ManageTrainLearn.com

For instant solutions to all your management training needs, visit http://www.managetrainlearn.com and download amazing FREE training software. And while youre there, make sure you try out our prize quiz, get your surprise bonus gift, and subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter. Go and get the ManageTrainLearn experience now!

Jerry And Esther Hicks
John Holland

Oprah Misses the Mark - the Secret

Is The Secret just about getting money, losing weight, having better sex or finding your soul-mate? While I was watching the February 8th Oprah Show I received an email that said it was a shame that The Secret was all about getting money. The emailer was looking for a more meditative experience and was disappointed. To bring you up-to-date, The Secret is both a film and a bestselling book. It claims to have revealed long hidden truths that can guide individuals and humanity into a new era where everyone can create their own reality. Oprahs guest included the guiding force of the film and book, Rhonda Byrne as well as Secret teachers Mike Beckwith, Jack Canfield, Lisa Nichols, and James Ray.

As explained in the Larry King series, The Secret goes beyond positive thinking and shows people how they can claim from the unlimited supply of universal energy all that they desire. The notions, supported by recent findings in quantum physics, are that all things are made of energy and that the mind can mold those energies and bring into manifestation ones desires, whatever they may be. Key components of the Secret are to ask, receive and to give thanks for the fulfillment of ones desires. The Universe, like the Genie in Aladdin1493s lamp, will then organize energies and bring into your reality those things that you desire. By utilizing the Law of Attraction, a known scientific principle, the thoughts you think draw unto you those circumstances or events needed to fulfill you wishes. The phrase is basically, your wish is the Universes command and IT will respond.

It is clearly explained in The Secret that humanity has always created its reality. The problem is that it has been done unconsciously by most, and consciously by the knowing few. The result has been a lopsided society with a small percentage controlling the majority of the worlds wealth and power. In essence, The Secret reveals the accumulated wisdom of great religious avatars and mystics of times past. However those who have long been fearful of such power being in the hands of the many, such as religious leaders, kings, nobles, robber barons and political leaders have tried to prevent such knowledge from seeing the light of day. Except for a few secret societies, efforts to suppress the Secret have been successful for thousands of years. The Secret says that the Universe is ready, willing and able to give everyone health, wealth, love, happiness and peace but that age old dogma and misleading interpretations of sacred texts have been used purposely to prevent what may seem too good to be true.

So why do shows like Oprah sometimes miss the mark? If The Secret is true, and there is much evidence and experience to say that it is, its profound nature and potential impact is being trivialized. While many have given testimony to the power of the Secret, it is a shame that the focus is just on getting more money and having better sexual relations. I do believe that nothing is meant to be denied anyone, including wealth, health and better personal relationships. If we live in a Universe based upon love then certainly all are meant to live happy and abundant lives. However, as many would attest, when these things are sought as the primary purpose of life, happiness often becomes elusive. Keep in mind, one of the major reasons that people do not have all of these things is because most have been told that these things are wrong and that true reward waits in some mythical heaven. Of course, these statements come from those that have and are afraid, because of the false concept of scarcity that others desire to deprive them of their riches and power.

The Secret is the most profound concept of our time. Its mode of thinking and wisdom, while not new, has been compiled and made available to the entire world. The appearance on Oprah was that it is just some new self help or inspirational book that is being touted like a new fad by Hollywood celebrities. Even when guests made very profound insights the topics that followed about better sex and losing weight took center stage. There is no question that Oprah is a force for positive change in the world and I am not in the least minimizing her devotion to helping humanity. Perhaps our society is so material minded that ways to achieve more wealth o get that better job would get more attention from a TV audience. Hopefully, those who purchase the book and see the film will come to see that in addition to material happiness and abundance, The Secret also offers a spiritual revolution that could reshape the world. Given the state of world affairs, the latter seems to warrant greater attention by the authors and promoters of this wonderful gift to humanity.

Mr. Harris was born in Massachusetts. He attended The American University in Washington, D.C. and received his degree in Political Science. His graduate work was done at the University of Northern Colorado and Howard University. While in D.C., he spent several years working for local and regional government agencies. Upon moving to Maine he worked with three governors and served as the Assistant Director of the Maine State Planning Office. He worked on a White House Task Force for the development of a National Rural Policy and later served as Rural Policy Coordinator at the Federal Regional Council of New England. He has worked on gubernatorial and senatorial political campaigns and currently works in Special Education.

Mr. Harris is co-author of the novel WAKING GOD and is a nationally syndicated and featured writer for The American Chronicle. He is working on Book II of the Waking God trilogy and writing features for literary E-zines. His second novel, A MAINE CHRISTMAS CAROL has been released by Cambridge Books. Contributing writer for UPI's Religion&Spirituality web site.

God In Buddhism
Dalai Lama

Fail Your Way to Success

Life can be viewed as a series of failures punctuated by high points successes. What many fail to realise is that it follows that the greater the level of success you achieve in your life then the more failures you experience. And we have to have both the failures as well as the successes for how else would we be able to appreciate our success when it does finally arrive.

Jack Canfield said in an interview that Chicken Soup For The Soul (co-authored by Mark Victor Hansen) was turned down by 144 publishing houses.

nobody wanted it. They all said it was a stupid title, that nobody bought collections of short stories, that there was no edge no sex, no violence. Why would anyone read it?

Their agent gave up after the first 33 rejections New York publishers.

Sorry boys, I cant sell it.

Quite frankly, could you blame him? After all, he didnt have the same personal investment in this product as did Jack Canfield and his co-author Mark Victor Hansen.

But the experts were wrong.

Chicken Soup For The Soul became an international bestseller and inspired a whole series of over 100 Chicken Soup books with titles as obscure as Chicken Soup For The Scrapbookers Soul and Chicken Soup For The Pet Lovers Soul Dog Food. Really!

In the long run, the agents lack of staying power turned out to be an advantage to Canfield and Hansen as they got to keep the agents 15% commission.

It takes a very special mindset to persevere seemingly against all odds the mindset of a goal achiever, the mindset of a winner.

Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are not the only authors to have suffered repeated rejections for their literary efforts. John Grishams A Time to Kill was also repeatedly rejected. A Time to Kill was turned into a major film with a stellar cast including Samuel L Jackson, Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey. Alex Haleys Roots was rejected. Yet, the television serialisation of Roots took the world by storm. James Redfields The Celestine Prophecy was initially self-published. It was its underground success that made publishing houses sit up and take notice. The Celestine Prophecy is a testament to the power of viral marketing. It sold over a hundred thousand copies within months of its first printing primarily by word of mouth.

So you see if you truly believe in something, within reason of course, then follow it through. Keep trying different combinations and approaches and until you will find a way to bring your idea, your dream into fruition.

I was reading recently about Corey Rudyl, the Internet Marketing guru who turned a $25 investment into over $40,000,000 in online sales and, in the process helped thousands start their own Internet businesses. Corey died suddenly and tragically in a car accident last year. Corey loved car racing and he also loved the Inter5B4net business. He was just 34 when he died and it is a testament to his tenacity, perseverance and vision that the company he founded, the Internet Marketing Centre, continues to grow ever more profitable under the leadership of his protg, Derek Gehl.

Did Corey Rudyl make mistakes? Of course he did but he did not see them as such. He had the foresight to recognise that each failure could be turned into a huge success if he simply applied the lessons he learnt from his mistakes.

However, perhaps one of the most famous men who would not give up in the face of repeated failures was Thomas Edison. When Napoleon Hill interviewed Edison he joked that if he hadnt found the secret of the incandescent lamp that at that very moment he would be in the laboratory working on it instead of wasting time talking to him! Edison also said:

I had to succeed because I finally ran out of things that wouldnt work.

We now all benefit from Thomas Edisons invention in ways that Edison himself may have found too numerous to contemplate. Or perhaps Im being presumptuous.

Walt Disney was another great visionary who never gave up. When it was discovered that he was buying thousands of acres of swamp land in Florida folk thought he had gone mad but they didnt have his vision. Walt Disney actually died before his dream could be fully realised.

Someone later remarked to an associate of Walt Disn746ey that it was a shame that he did not see his theme park in all its splendour. The associate smiled and replied:

Oh, he saw it.

Perhaps Thomas Edisons vision of how the incandescent bulb would illuminate our lives was far more detailed and expansive than I give him credit for. Who am I to talk? While I work on eliminating my limiting beliefs I dont know that I would have had the staying power to do 10,000 experiments.

I guess my point is that if you learn from your failures and keep striving towards your goals or dreams you will achieve success because that which you seek is also seeking you. I'd like to leave you with this quote by Thoreau:

If a person advances confidently in the direction of their dream, and endeavours to live the life they have imagined, they will meet with success unexpected in common hours.

Nickolove Lovemore is a Life & Success Coach and a NLP Practitioner. Please visit http://www.SuccessAccessories.com

Cognitive Dissonance
Critical thinking consists of mental processes of discernment

The Publishing Industry - Learn the Secrets

We're excited that you want to become a published author, and we're dedicated to help you reach that goal. The road to publication can be bumpy, indirect, and confusing. Many writers find that they need a guide. That's why we're writing these columns: to give you vital information that you will need and to show you the best routes, short cuts, and approaches to smooth your way.

The competition to get books published is fierce.

It seems as if everyone wants to write and publish a book. To increase your odds of making the cut, we'll be providing you with information we've learned throughout our careers working in the book business, and added insights provided by top experts. From the get-go, we want you to understand what's involved in getting your book published, what you're getting into, and precisely what you have to do.

The world of books is magical and mysterious. Publishing is a special universe. When you try to move inside and work your way th1635rough the publishing process, it can be daunting. Newcomers can easily get lost, swallowed up, and discouraged. Seasoned authors can grow frustrated, angry, and disillusioned. Writers at all levels, from unpublished novices to successful veterans, need help finding their way. That's why we're here, to show you what to do.

For starters, understand that the publishing industry is complex and can be baffling. It's riddled with rules, most of which are unwritten and difficult to decode. The rules were made by publishers, and guess whom they benefit? Why, publishers, of course. The rules give publishers the upper hand.

The publishing industry is filled with insiders: mainly editors, literary agents, booksellers, and publishing company personnel. Most others, including writers, are kept out.

Publishing insiders speak their own language.

Outsiders often feel lost. Many of the rules are inside secrets that are based on old traditions and protocols. The rules may differ from agent to agent, editor to editor, and publisher to publisher. Plus, they can change instantly at the drop of a corporate memo or a bigwig's whim.

Publishing is a mysterious world that constantly changes. It follows and reacts to the media, the current trends, and the news. Recently, the industry has gone through a major consolidation that has left it with a handful of major publishers and thousands of smaller-sized firms. Due to corporate takeovers and consolidation, this industry, which was once devoted to the art of fine writing, now primarily worships the bottom line.

As an industry, publishing is in mortal combat for consumer dollars with the makers of motion pictures, radio, television, video games, computers, recorded music, sporting events, and others. It's also in the clutches of a small group of mega booksellers who have the market clout to influence, if not dictate, what books are published. To make matters worse, publishing operates under an archaic system under which booksellers may return unsold books for full refunds.

If you hope to be a published writer, it's crucial for you to know the rules of the game and the layout of the field before you try to play. Without such knowledge, you don't stand much of a chance. If you want to get your manuscript published, it's crucial for you to understand as much as possible about those you hope to impress: the publishing establishment and especially editors, agents, and publishing houses.

At the least, you should know:

Who they are
Precisely what they do
Exactly what they want
How you can best fit in
Publishing Is a Business

When writers try to sell their books, many start at a disadvantage because they place the book publishing business on a pedestal. They tend to romanticize the industry and approach it with stars in their eyes. Often, they wrap all their hopes in their books, which they see as lofty endeavors that will launch their literary careers and fulfill their dreams.

In doing so, they often project qualities on publishing companies that simply don't exist. They may think that because publishing deals with arts, letters and culture, that the industry operates on a higher plane or its major concern is art and beauty, which certainly isn't true.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to demystify book publishing and explain how it works. We're going to pass on to you the cumulative wisdom of top experts in the field, experts who know all the secrets, the ins and outs, and can explain exactly what you must know. This information will give you a decided advantage in getting your book published.

Rick Frishman, the founder of Planned Television Arts, has been one of the leading book publicists in America for over 30 years.

Working with many of the top book editors, literary agents and publishers in America, including Simon and Schuster, Random House, Wiley, Harper Collins, Pocket Books, Penguin Putnam, and Hyperion Books, he has worked with best-selling authors including Mitch Albom, Caroline Kennedy, Howard Stern, President Jimmy Carter, Mark Victor Hansen, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Hugh Downs, Henry Kissinger, Jack Canfield, Alan Deshowitz, Arnold Palmer, and Harvey Mackay.

In addition to his work at "PTA" Rick has now taken on the new role as Publisher at Morgan James Publishing in New York. David Hancock founded Morgan James in 2003 and in 2007 "MJ" published over 130 books. Morgan James only publishes non fiction books and looks for authors with a platform who believe in giving back. Morgan James gives a portion of every book sold to Habitat for Humanity. (http://www.morganjamespublishing.com) http://www.rickfrishman.com for the million $ rolodex

Florence Nightingale
Franklin D

More Tips On How To Get Your Book Published

Describing Your Book's Benefits

To clearly describe your book, you must know what it's about and whom it targets. What it's about will be what you're selling, and whom it targets identifies the audience to whom you hope to sell it.

Agents and editors tell us that a surprisingly large number of writers can't clearly explain what their books are about.

These authors usually can detail their motivation, philosophies, and their personal dreams, but they can't describe the specific benefits their books will give their readers. For example, they don't say that it will teach novices to hook up computer networks, to bake mouth-watering lemon squares, or to design stylish children's sweaters.

When authors can't clearly describe their books, agents and editors usually conclude-with good reason-that they can't write a salable book. And if writers can't describe their own books, how can they expect agents or publishers to sell them?

Instead of describing their books, many 16BFauthors tend to litter their descriptions with unverified - and often unbelievable - superlatives. They might say, "This is the best, the most informative, the most up-to-date, or the only book on . . ." Or they will claim that it will become a runaway bestseller, an all-time classic, or a great TV series. In describing your book, forget the hype and stick to the facts. Simply state what it will do.

To create an effective publicity campaign, understand your niche. Since the public has so many options and listens so selectively, your first big hurdle, which can be huge, is to get their attention! To make them stop and listen, you must know:

What your book is about

Exactly for whom it was written

Clarify who your audience is - identify the specific group or groups that will be most likely to buy your book and why they would buy it. If you believe that your book has a broad or universal appeal, name the demographic groups that would be most interested in it, according to their size. Don't fool yourself into thinking that it will appeal to everyone, because it probably won't, and it will distort who your audience actually is.

Authors tend to mistakenly believe that it's better to appeal to wider, broader-based audiences than smaller, more defined groups. They don't want to overlook any potential buyers, thinking that if they pitch to larger groups, more people will buy their books.

However, publishing experts tell us that the opposite is true: The shotgun approach seldom attracts as many readers as tightly targeted methods do.

Know you niche. Identify the principal audience that will most likely read your book, and then focus your publicity campaign on it. Then, if you believe that your book will appeal to additional audiences, decide what resources, if any, you will commit to reaching those additional groups.

Your Book's Benefits

Readers buy books because of the benefits they hope to receive. They may want news and information, mental stimulation, or just to escape. Often, they may want to learn how to solve particular problems such as putting up a website, making electrical repairs, or preparing holiday dinners.

When you're competing in such a crowded market, tell potential buyers the precise benefits they will get from your book. Explain specific problems your book will solve, new information it will provide, or hidden secrets it will reveal. Draw up lists of the important facts contained in your book, and clearly identify material that is controversial, shocking, or groundbreaking. Be prepared to rattle off a dozen specific issues that your book addresses.

Don't fall into the trap of generalizing or being vague when you can be precise, even if you think it could attract more readers. In reality, readers whom you address specifically are usually the only ones who listen to your words. So, be specific, exact, and leave no room for doubt. Enumerate the concrete benefits your book will provide.

Robyn Says

First, after you've defined your audience, list the core benefits your book will provide to that audience. State that by reading your book, readers will learn to network at business events, to prevent disputes with teenage children, or to respond promptly to life-threatening illnesses.

Some book titles clearly explain the benefits they provide, such as The Everything Guide to Writing a Novel, but most are not that clear. In an attempt to be catchy or clever, many are vague as to what they provide. Many books overcome the problem by explaining the benefits in their subtitles. For example, in Rick's Networking Magic, the subtitle is Find the Best-From Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs. In Robyn's The Giftionary, the subtitle reads An A-Z Reference Guide for Solving Your Gift-Giving Dilemmas . . . Forever!

Get your free million dollar rolodex at http://www.rickfrishman.com

Rick Frishman, the founder of Planned Television Arts, has been one of the leading book publicists in America for over 30 years.

Working with many of the top book editors, literary agents and publishers in America, including Simon and Schuster, Random House, Wiley, Harper Collins, Pocket Books, Penguin Putnam, and Hyperion Books, he has worked with best-selling authors including Mitch Albom, Caroline Kennedy, Howard Stern, President Jimmy Carter, Mark Victor Hansen, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Hugh Downs, Henry Kissinger, Jack Canfield, Alan Deshowitz, Arnold Palmer, and Harvey Mackay.

In addition to his work at "PTA" Rick has now taken on the new role as Publisher at Morgan James Publishing in New York. Morgan James only publishes non fiction books and looks for authors with a platform who believe in giving back. Morgan James gives a portion of every book sold to Habitat for Humanity. (http://www.morganjamespublishing.com)

Get Million $ rolodex at http://www.rickfrishman.com

Dharma
Eastern Buddhism

Life Is A Balance

Watching a TV program on the past Sunday talking about the addiction of Internet gaming set me thinking? Am I addicted to Internet Marketing to a certain extent that I started neglected other important things in life? Can a person can be too engrossed in doing certain things that he forgets about the balance?

Giving some thoughts about my own questions actually set me thinking. What was the primary reason for me venturing into Internet Marketing? I remember clearly that it was for 3 primary reasons:

1. Achieve financial freedom ultimately
2. Fulfilling relationships with family and friends
3. Pursuing passion in marketing value to the market

However, when I look back at the activities that I have been engaging for the past few weeks since the end of the boot camp in 17th June, I discover that not only did I not balance my activities, the anxiety state of mind got the better of me. I was too anxious in making the Internet Marketing work in the soonest time possible that I neglected my family; I was too anxious in making sales that I wanted t16A2o jump on every affiliate bandwagon even if there was no value in the product and insufficient engagement in personal development resulted in lack of knowledge for necessary application.

Now that I know my challenges, I will be back on track with balance that will empower and equip me with the knowledge and gives me the desired confidence to engage in the necessary activities to achieve what I want in life. Decision has been made to include the following activities in my daily routine: -

1. Morning exercises to keep healthy and fit
2. Enjoying an hour every day to spend with family
3. Increasing my goals list on what I would like to achieve
4. Engage in self development to elevate my self esteem
5. Research on products of great value to market!

I am sure that with all these activities that I have laid out to do on a daily basis and more activities to be added on progressively, I will be living my dreams and will want to show and help others how they too can achieve their dreams.

I Believe In You! I Know You Can Do It Too!

Yours Believingly

Eugene Goh

Eugene Goh has been engaging in personal development since 2002. His first self help book was Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and since then, has been engaging in personal development through reading numberous books and listening to various audio programs. Just to name a few of his favourite books are The Success Principles by Jack Canfield; Your Roadmap to Success by John Maxwell; Great Trilogy by Og Mandino and Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. He has numerous audio programs from the greats of Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Brian Tracy and is in a constant state of learning to learn from everyone who is willing to coach and in turn coach those who is willing to learn. To find out more about Eugene Goh, go to the following website to read his regularly updated blog.

http://www.eugenegoh.com/

Zig Ziglar
Theodore Roosevelt

What Are Key Characteristics Of A Good Coach?

Those that are considering Success coaching may not even know where to turn when searching for the right influence to Coach them to victory. This is a crucial decision because not only will you be investing your money with them, but also your precious time.

Here are key points:

1. A good coach will ask you to step outside your comfort zone. Good coaches have a way of utilizing simple techniques to point out what may be holding you back or blocking you in areas where you hope to be prospering. Requested actions by your coach should provide a simple demonstration when completed.

2. Through conversations, your coach will have special insight about your unique characteristics and hidden strengths. Sometimes an outsider's view can remind you about your silent strengths. This might be why you are drawn to an idea of a success coach. You may have been looking for a mentor who is a more positive influence than your past or current environment. When you haven't had as much exposure to enriching relationships, it's easy to get down on yourself. A good coach will remind you why you are so special and an important part of this world.

3. An effective coach can help design a plan that is right with you and hold you accountable to it. Suggestions that are offered should ring true with your hopes before you agree to them. The "fortune" is in the follow-up, so whether you are going for business results, better relationships, a healthier lifestyle or constant course correction, the plans set forth must be followed for you to succeed.

4. A valuable coach will expect the best for you and want you to win.

In Jack Canfield's book "The Success Principles," he points out that "You only have control over three things - the thoughts you think, the images you visualize and the actions that you take (your behavior). How you use these three things determines everything that you experience." These are the things that you are looking to perfect with a one on one coaching session.

Michael Frazier, Success Coach, brings innovative and refreshing change to the Coaching field. He assists clients in designing and implementing a successful business plan and fulfilling life. Visit http://www.mikefrazierlive.com for his FREE e-book, which will give you the needed tools for Success on the Internet!

Wright Brothers
Abraham Lincoln

Motivation: 6 Tips You Gotta Have

Belief. Is it important to believe in yourself and your own God-given talents and abilities? As a wise friend used to say, "you betcha!" Success comes in CANS, not in CAN'TS. If we argue for our limitations, we get to keep them and fulfill them.

Life tip: Don't ask "can I do this?" Ask "in how many ways can I do this?"

Responsibility. We live in a culture that teaches us to place the responsibility on every one and every thing but ourselves. If something good happens, it's luck. If something bad happens, it's someone else's fault. A significant part of responsibility is being able to think for our selves. If you don't learn to think for yourself, don't worry, there are endless numbers of people who will think for you.

Life tip: Take charge of your life. Think for yourself. Responsibility means being "able to respond."

Asking. Most of us ask really lousy questions. We start our day as we awaken with really good questions such as "Is it a work day or the weekend?" It's downhill from there. We don't ask for what we want, and then wonder why we don't have it. Practice asking. Pick up and read "The Aladdin Factor" by Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, authors of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.

Life tip: Practice asking, because you have to A-S-K to G-E-T.

Action. You can have belief, responsibility, asking, and lots of other good stuff, but if you don't have action, it's not worth much at all. Success comes to those who take action.

Life tip: The actions you take need to be consistent, massive, intelligent and creative.

Vision. There is a proverb that says "without a vision, the people perish." This also is true for relationships, companies and anything else worthwhile.

Life tip: Create a vision for what you want to accomplish. Make sure it is very clear. Keep it in front of you every day.

Opportunity. Louis Pasteur said "Chance favors the prepared mind." Building belief, responsibility, asking, action and vision into your mind set and heart set prepares you to take advantage of the opportunities that will come your way.

Life tip: The saying "opportunity knocks but once" is a lie. Opportunities occur each and every day. Pay attention. Jeff Herring, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical hypnotherapist, writes for the Tallahassee Democrat. You may send e-mail to: mrjeffies@compuserve

Visit The Internet Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Secrets Of The Power
Inspiration

Tips for Network Marketing Success

There are certain characteristics successful marketers have in common. If you are just starting out in MLM or haven't achieved the success yet that you are looking for these tips should be helpful to you.

The first thing is that you must be prepared for people to say no to your opportunity. Many people start out in network marketing by talking to their friends and family about their business. If some or most of these people say no, there is a tendency to take it as a personal rejection, which it isn't. Network marketing isn't for everyone, even if people know and trust you it might not be for them, when you understand that you can take a "no" as a "next" instead and not dwell on it.

You must also be realistic in what you want to accomplish and when. All successful people have goals and they write them down and refer to them regularly. It's a great idea to talk to you sponsor or upline about your goals in your network marketing business, and how quickly you want to achieve them. While some people enjoy great success quickly in MLM, the majority of people take several months or even a few years to acquire financial security.

It's also important to pick a network marketing company and be committed to it. It can be tempting to jump into the "next best thing" on the internet, but going from one MLM to the next seldom leads to success. There are times when it might make sense to join another company, but this is not something that should be done lightly or without serious thought. You should commit yourself to at least a year before making a decision either way.

Do not make your business more complicated than it needs to be. Learn what successful people in your upline are doing and then duplicate it. There is no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel, if what they are doing is working for them and for others.

Be prepared to lead by example. This means you should not ask or expect your downline to do what you are not willing to do. Duplication happens when people you sponsor into your MLM start doing successfully the same things you are doing. Anyone on your team should understand that their efforts are required for success and that you aren't going to do it all for them. Trying to motivate a downline who is either unmotivated or not working for whatever reason will only frustrate you. If you have people on your team not putting forth effort then the best thing is to find new people to sponsor who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. People want to follow a leader and they will know you are one by how you present yourself.

The real power of network marketing is leverage, which is when you have many people in your downline who are trained and sponsoring as well. You might be fortunate to find leaders quickly, or it might take some time. In any case you always want to be sponsoring new people in your business each month and teaching them to do the same.

It's important not only to enjoy working with others, but to have excellent listening skills as well. This is especially important when you are talking to prospects. Find out what their needs are, and how you can help them. When we focus on helping others, we are helping ourselves as well. We get back what we give to others.

Of vital importance to your success is to be committed to personal development. There are many coaches who have excellent books and CDs you can purchase, and this should be a daily habit. Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield are some examples of people who have written excellent books that will help you grow as a person and be able to face the challenges that network marketers face.

Joanne Ott has many years experience in network marketing. Discover the revolutionary MLM prospecting system to generate new leads, build multiple streams of income and promote your primary business at http://1kprofit.com

Jehovah
Shamanism