Monday, October 31, 2016

What's Your Brand?

 
When people hear your name do they immediately think of certain qualities you portray? Does your reputation go beyond those who know you personally? Your personal brand is how you appear to the world. It is the essence of what separates you from everyone else.

       You may not think you have a brand, but you do. Every action you take, every opinion you proclaim, and every social media post you make shapes your brand.



It’s a Brand New World
 
If you wish to develop yourself, your career, or community standing you must not only be aware that you indeed have a brand, but you must also manage your brand to come across in the exact manner you intend to be portrayed.



Every one of us has the power to create and conscientiously improve our personal brand. How you manage your personal brand will determine how others view you, whether or not they will do business with you, and ultimately what level of influence you have. Like it or not, your personal brand plays a critical role in shaping the level of success you have in life.



“Be yourself, because everyone else is already taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde


       Every strong brand is based on truth, sincerity, authenticity, and passion. Your personal brand will crumble if it is not based on these tenets. There is no other way around this without the threat of eventual compromise to the brand…and to your reputation. Trying to project anything other than your true self will result in frustration and sheer exhaustion. So relax, be yourself, and enjoy the ride as you project the genuine passions you already have.
 
       Is your brand working for you? If not, it may be time to re-brand. To do that, you must first determine just what it is you’d like to be known for. What sets you apart from everyone else with similar backgrounds and interests? Are you particularly good at something? Do you have broad experiences that generate interest or a following? If so, great start. If not, consider some or all of the following elements as you shape your brand into something that connects with your audience.

What is your Superpower?


Your Superpowers are the things you do better than anyone else. These are typically your natural gifts or talents, but they can just as easily be those skills you develop based on your passions and interests. Because these are the things you do with little effort, you may have a tendency to take them for granted or overlook them. Don’t miss the opportunity to use your superpowers to your advantage when crafting your brand.


What drives you?

Your passions energize you and can make you attractive to others. Your passions evoke a real and noticeable connection to an informed position the likes of which others perceive to be an authority. Use that passion and form it into a well-respected brand.
 
Knowledge projects power. Power attracts attention. Attention is the essence of brand recognition. CAUTION: the wrong kind of attention will destroy your brand. Be careful to keep drama, chaos, and overt opinions at bay as you craft your brand.



Every tweet you send, every picture you post, every opinion you offer incrementally reveals what you value and lends itself to establishing your brand. Understanding how your posts influence your brand is critical in guiding the direction of your brand.

       The strongest brands are those that generate trust, hope, enthusiasm, drive, determination, compassion, and other positive ideals that lift the human spirit. Does your current brand speak of qualities that support these tenets? The good news is that everyone has a chance to project a strong brand. Everyone has a chance to be a brand worthy of remembering.

What do you value?

Your values are your operating principles. They drive your brand and support the integrity of your word. Your values are directly connected to your conscience and affect how you feel, behave, and react. When you are living in alignment with your values you are energetic, confident, and happy.
      


Your personal brand is influenced by your connection to other brands. Look for strong brands and align and leverage yours by associating yourself with them. Look for the hidden opportunities that are available to you to support, get involved, or connect with strong brands.
 
       You must know your values and strive to operate in alignment with them if you are to have a strong brand. Do your social media posts support the brand you are trying build? Do they confuse, conflict, or clash with your intended brand messaging? To create a strong brand, all aspects of your life must be congruent with the intent of your brand and to the values you support.

What is your purpose?

An entire narrative can be written on this one question. Each and every one of has a purpose on this earth. Our purpose is connected to WHY we feel we are here and WHAT we will leave behind in terms of a legacy. You may not feel as though you have a legacy to leave behind, but in varying measure, we all do.

       Your purpose helps you to identify what to pursue and to the extent you will go to make an impact. Purpose is typically connected to some kind of service. To discover your purpose, think about your deepest hopes, dreams, and desires, and connect them to service. Be quick to recognize the thoughts that move you emotionally, spiritually, and compassionately. Doing so will lead you to the discovery of your purpose. Finding our purpose is perhaps one of the deepest connections we can have with our innermost self. Discover it and the path to your legacy will be revealed.

Offer genuine value.

       People are attracted to things they value. If your brand projects value, it will resonate with the masses. Strive to offer the greatest value in everything you do. Offer positive, uplifting, and empowering messages, products, and services that improve the lives of others, and do it better than everyone else. Don’t resist the tides of change. Change is inevitable. Avoid or resist it at the risk of your own peril.


“For things to change, you must change.”
     ~ Jim Rohn


Whatever your mission or objective in life, projecting the right brand is everything. In today’s world, the question is no longer IF we have a personal brand, but whether you choose to define and cultivate your brand or allow it to be defined for you.

       A strong personal brand is something you must be consciously aware of and is dependent on a strong narrative. It rests on the story you have created for your life. It must be well cared for, consistently monitored, and adjusted as necessary. When you begin to see yourself living through the lens of a brand, your perspective will change and you will become more mindful about how you approach the personal brand you are trying to define and aiming to live.
 
Until Next Time...

~ G ~



"If people like you, they will listen to you. If they trust you, they will do business with you" ~ Zig Ziglar



***********

Click Here to Find out more...



for More Information!



 
Looking for a proven way to skyrocket your income while gaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle? If so, then we urge you to take that step today by joining our team.
 
We’re creating a movement of motivated people who are ready to take life to the next level and to Experience More…
 
Kyäni’s strategy is to attract the very best business partners. Our business partners have created an outstanding series of revenue streams that provide flexibility in how they build their Kyäni business. Distributors can build income quickly with cash flow growing in size and stability.
 
The Kyäni philosophy is to build a strong business once, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of business ownership for a lifetime.
 
Enjoy the freedom of working your own hours and spending time on the things that really matter – family, friends, and good health. With Kyäni’s unmatched Dream Car Program, exotic retreats, and unmatched lucrative compensation, Kyäni helps you create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!
 
Begin today and start to Experience More!

More Health...More Wealth...More Life!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Introspection is proud to announce its affiliation with writer ~ Elisabeth Auld ~
 
Check out her wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives inside the edition of Gals in Blue.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 

 
Get your copy of Gary's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!


FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

 

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Mastering the Power of Influence

Influence is part of every interaction. Anyone refusing to admit that it’s not a part of their life is likely the one who is being influenced. Influence is so powerful that it has become a vital part of an increasing movement of personal awareness and self-improvement curriculums designed to accelerate results across the spectrum of business and personal relationships.

Your ability to persuade and influence people to help you to get the things you want out of life is one of the most important skills you can develop. Learning the fundamentals of influence opens the pathways to greater personal power that leads to your ability to get more of the things you want faster and easier than ever before. Your ability to influence can be a difference-maker between success and failure. It can virtually guarantee your progress and enable you to use all of your other skills and abilities at peak performance levels. Learning how to influence people will earn you the respect of those you interact with and has the potential to make you one of the most sought after people in your community or business.

You either have influence or you don’t. Rarely is there a middle ground on this. Having influence is the difference between being powerful and being powerless. The good news is that influence can be developed quite easily.

Most people are simply unaware that almost every human interaction involves a complex process of persuasion and influence. The unaware are, in most cases, the ones being influenced. So, it only goes to reason that the best starting point for mastering the art of influence is awareness.

Influence through Awareness

Awareness is the key to unlocking the power of most everything, especially when it comes to a better awareness of how our action (or inactions) are perceived by others. So, if awareness is the key to unlocking the power of influence, how do we go about becoming more aware?

We must begin by making conscious efforts to watch ourselves through the critical eye of others. While this may seem a difficult task at first, it is quite easy to do if we will merely get out of our own way long enough for the concept to take hold. We must begin by removing our own personal biases and becoming more consciously aware of everything, from our posture to the tone, inflection, and sincerity of our own voice. One recommended way to do that is to write one word on a piece of paper (it can be anything really: “posture”, “smile”, etc.) that serves as a reminder to a behavior we wish to change. Place that small piece of paper into your pocket to serve as a reminder to begin making the behavioral changes you need to become more aware. You will soon find that this one small act will lead to a shift in your increased awareness that, over time, will develop into a natural ability.

I have learned the power of influence over the course of my life through both trial and a lot of error. I have very often wondered why I was getting nowhere while others seemed to succeed with ease. It was only after I discovered the concept of mastering the power of influence through awareness that I began to understand that I was the one being influenced most of the time. Lucky for me, I learned the basics of this powerful life-changing concept in time to re-direct my own course in life. You can as well.

I have discovered that mastering the power of influence is a rather simple process. That’s not to say, however, that it is easy. In fact, as mentioned earlier, mastering the power of influence takes a conscious effort to understand the principles as we gradually begin to understand ourselves in the entirety of the process of human interaction. Think of the major influences on your life that have shaped the kind of person you are today. It all comes down to the kind of people you have associated with (and continue to associate with) as well as the thoughts you chose to allow into your life.

“You have the power to set the tone of your day through the choices you make and the thoughts that dominate your mind.” ~ Gary Westfal

Your increasing awareness on how others influence you goes a long way in determining whether or not it adds value to the goals and objectives you have set for your life. There is no time like the present to reassess the nature of your associations and the effect they have on you through the lens of objectivity. Be honest with yourself on how these associations are affecting you. How do they influence your thinking, your rituals, your direction, your emotions, opinions, and biases?

An honest assessment will likely reveal that there are both good and not-so-good sources of influence in your life at this very moment. Both will take you somewhere, but only one will take you where you desire to go.

Everything Matters

Attention to detail is essential if we are to develop influence to any great extent. There are as many methods as there are personality types to master the art of influence. I have discovered five powerful ways that have provided the most significant results in the least amount of time. Apply these methods to get started on mastering the art of influence in your own life, and watch closely as your influence produces refreshing new results!

Create Rapport through Mirroring

Mirroring is the subtle act of matching other people’s body language. Most people have no idea when you do this because they are focusing so intently on the content of their own message. When we mirror the body language of others we are reflecting the image and sentiment they are projecting. Body language mirroring unwittingly disarms people through the power of perception. Effective mirroring removes incongruences other people may perceive as threatening or conflicted. Mirroring creates what is referred to as the “Chameleon Effect,” a study proving that we are drawn to people who are most “like us”. This technique provides a familiar reflection of the other person, thereby allowing both parties to be drawn closer together. The closer someone perceives you to be, the more influence you have.

Mirroring is not limited to body language. Mastering the art of influence and the concept of mirroring also extends to a person’s speech patterns. Matching their pace, pitch, tone, and volume—so long as the discussion remains relevant and beneficial—goes a long way to foster effective influence.

Be Convincing

The words of your message should carry the power of your convictions. To do this, create a mental state where you genuinely believe the information you convey. This works especially well if you are sincere and have no ulterior motives aside from influencing someone to do or believe something that is in their own best interest…as well as your own. The absolute best way to be convincing and to form a genuine belief is through adequate preparation and knowledge. If it is action you wish someone to take, be prepared to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge through a convincing narrative that is rooted in knowledge and wisdom.

Project Authority

The title of this technique can easily be misleading, for authority is not to be misconstrued with dominance or a know-it-all personality. This aspect of influence goes hand-in-hand with the first point of being convincing. People have an innate tendency to listen to those who seem important or project authority. So dress and act sharp if you wish to influence others. First impressions are lasting impressions.

Leverage Yourself

Influence allows you to persuade others by using leverage. Through leverage, you learn  how to multiply yourself and get far more out of the hours you put in rather than doing it all yourself. You leverage yourself with the assistance and efforts of other people by getting them to work with you and for you in the accomplishment of your objectives that are in everyone’s best interest. In business and in life, this is also known as leadership.

Bottom Line – Be Genuine

Most people can see right through insincerity like a crystal clear window. Make this mistake and you’ll have difficulty influencing anyone for quite some time. Influence is not some game or trick we play to deceive. It is a tool to be used to help others make what you feel is the best decision.

Your ability to persuade others through influence is a personal power that will pay huge dividends. Master it and watch the results take on a new life of their own, yielding fruitful changes that will quite simply convince you of the power of this amazingly simple philosophy.

Until Next Time...

~ G ~


"You will never influence the world by trying to be like it." ~ G. Westfal




***********

 
 
Looking for a proven way to skyrocket your income while gaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle? If so, then we urge you to take that step today by joining our team.
 
We’re creating a movement of motivated people who are ready to take life to the next level and to Experience More…
 
Kyäni’s strategy is to attract the very best business partners. Our business partners have created an outstanding series of revenue streams that provide flexibility in how they build their Kyäni business. Distributors can build income quickly with cash flow growing in size and stability.
 
The Kyäni philosophy is to build a strong business once, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of business ownership for a lifetime.
 
Enjoy the freedom of working your own hours and spending time on the things that really matter – family, friends, and good health. With Kyäni’s unmatched Dream Car Program, exotic retreats, and unmatched lucrative compensation, Kyäni helps you create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!
 
Begin today and start to Experience More!

More Health...More Wealth...More Life!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Introspection is proud to announce its affiliation with writer ~ Elisabeth Auld ~
 
Check out her wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives inside the edition of Gals in Blue.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 

 
Get your copy of Gary's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!


FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Overcome the Fear of Failure

What is it that drives you, motivates you, and compels you to do something…to become something greater than who you currently are? Every one of you reading this wants to do something, build something, or experience something more in life. Some of you are already out there doing it. For those who aren’t, what’s holding you back? Chances are, your limitations are defined by an underlying fear of some kind. For most, this fear presents itself as one of the most menacing and intimidating fearful accomplices—the fear of failure.


So there you are, faced with an opportunity to try something new, to seize the moment that will fundamentally change your life as you know it. There is no apparent reason to avoid going “all-in” and fully immerse yourself in the promises that await. Yet, you hesitate, despite everything begging you to take advantage of the opportunity. What’s that about anyway?
 
The fear of failure robs more people from experiencing an elevated lifestyle than most any other form of physiological or psychological obstacle or distraction. Authorities often refer to this as “getting in your own way.” Well, what if there was a method to get out of your own way? Turns out there are actually several things you can do to virtually eliminate this fear. Let’s explore 4 of them.

Your First Time

Think of the first time you accomplished something. It could be anything. It doesn’t really matter if it’s something recent or something from your past. The first time you drove a car to the first day on the job to the first time you attempt most anything, you are unfamiliar with just what it is you’re in for.
 

The lack of familiarity and uncertainty can be a rather fearful experience. When faced with uncertainty, our mind quickly jumps into protection mode and “warns” us of the potential ways we would be better off not following through. “What if you fail?” “What if you get injured?” “What if you lose money or credibility?” These kinds of questions are all indicators of a fundamental fear of failure. However, chances are you did not have that same level of fear and apprehension the second and subsequent times you actually took action, unless you actually did fail miserably at your first attempt. Why? Because you’ve…

Been There, Done That!

Uncertainty affects us more than the fear of failure. That’s right, the fear of failure is actually the result of your unfamiliarity, which is directly associated with inexperience. So, the fundamental solution to a lack of familiarity is to find ways to overcome this aspect of fear. Find a way to expose yourself to the experience of whatever it is you fear. If you want to start a business but are afraid of what it may take, try to find a business you can launch while you’re still able to keep your day job and pay your bills. If you want t learn to swim…you’ve got to get in the water. Just don’t get in over your head (metaphor intended).
 
Once you have “been there, done that,” the task takes on an entirely different perspective as you become familiar with the various ways you can control, operate, or manipulate the situation. The result is typically a set of (familiar) circumstances that gradually begin to empower you as the fear of failure subsides.

Compared to Who?

Have you ever watched from the “sidelines” of life and wondered, “If she can do it, I can certainly do it as well, if not better”? Take a look around and watch those who have succeeded in whatever area you wish to accomplish and ask yourself what it took for them to succeed. Chances are, you’ll eventually see little difference beyond the fact that they were able to succeed despite facing some of the very same fears you now face. The truth is, most of these people have no special advantage outside their ability to face the fear and do it anyway. You can do the same.


How many times have you seen ordinary people do extraordinary things? It actually happens a lot more than we readily care to admit. We pause in awe at their accomplishments while wondering just how they managed to do what they do best. The sad truth in this is, we rarely ever see the hours of preparation, the struggles, and the defeats or setbacks they encounter along the way. These things are what make ordinary people extraordinary. They are typical circumstances in the quest to become someone, to experience more.

Better than the Alternative

I have always had a fondness for the victory I experience after acting in the face of fear and doubt. I particularly enjoy it when I follow-through on something most other people are afraid of doing. But it’s not so much about them as it is me when it comes to overcoming the fear of failure.

“You can have, do, or be anything you want in this life as long as you’re willing to help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Some of my greatest accomplishments have come despite the fear of failure. To mitigate that fear, I do everything I can to consider the choices facing me. I analyze, evaluate, and prepare according to the situation that presents itself. Most of the time I have only the bare minimum of information, but it’s typically enough to provide the gut check I need to act. Then, I act…and adjust as necessary. The strategy has served me well throughout most of my life. Perhaps you can give it try.
 
What if something is (seemingly) so hard, it simply doesn’t feel worth it to pursue? Well, quitting is the easy option, but completely robbing yourself of the chance to try is tragic. The real truth is, we are all going to die one day. Wouldn’t it be better knowing you tried rather than dying with the burden of regret? I know many good person who has expressed the pain of regret on a myriad of missed opportunities along the path of their lives. I don’t plan to be among them when my number comes up. How about you?

Until Next Time...

~ G ~

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."
                                                              ~ Sven Erriksson






Proud to Announce My New Partnership
 
With Writer
 
Elisabeth Auld

Writers write because we are called to do so. We write because we are driven to tell a story, prescribe a theory, formula, or fact. We write what we see, feel, sense, and believe. We do this whether we receive accolades, acknowledgement, or anonymity. We’re seldom long satisfied with the completion of our work as we continue to heed the call of the next thought, idea, or inspiration.
 
I believe we all have a story…each and every one of us. And while some choose to keep that story to themselves, writers are compelled to empty their hearts and minds to eliquate, elaborate, and articulate the messages and narratives that must be written. Such is the case with the writers whom I have had the distinct honor and privilege to get to know on a personal level. One such writer is longtime friend and former Air Force colleague, Elisabeth Auld, who writes a periodical blog entitled...
Gals in Blue.   
 
 
 


 
Elisabeth is a retired US Air Force full-bird Colonel (translation: she was one small step away from the rank of General) whose style of leadership inspired the loyalty of those who followed her and the attention and respect of those who worked alongside her. She is a Naval Warfare College graduate and has garnered several military honors, awards, and decorations. She is the creator and chief contributor to Gals in Blue, a blog principally focused on issues and interests related to a woman’s perspective of serving in the military, although she is known to cover a variety of other topics that catches her interest as well.
 
It is an honor and a privilege to affiliate with Elisabeth and her wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives inside the edition of Gals in Blue. I encourage you to visit her blog and leave a comment or become a follower. I look forward to the new writing connection partnership as we reach an even broader audience together!



***********

 
 
Looking for a proven way to skyrocket your income while gaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle? If so, then we urge you to take that step today by joining our team.
 
We’re creating a movement of motivated people who are ready to take life to the next level and to Experience More…
 
Kyäni’s strategy is to attract the very best business partners. Our business partners have created an outstanding series of revenue streams that provide flexibility in how they build their Kyäni business. Distributors can build income quickly with cash flow growing in size and stability.
 
The Kyäni philosophy is to build a strong business once, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of business ownership for a lifetime.
 
Enjoy the freedom of working your own hours and spending time on the things that really matter – family, friends, and good health. With Kyäni’s unmatched Dream Car Program, exotic retreats, and unmatched lucrative compensation, Kyäni helps you create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!
 
Begin today and start to Experience More!

More Health...More Wealth...More Life!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Introspection is proud to announce its affiliation with writer Elisabeth Auld


-------------------------------------------------------------
Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.