BLOG - STRETCHYOURSELF

Educate Your Customers

8/19/2014

Educate them about what, you may be thinking. Well, consider this, many businesses focus solely on attracting new customers, but you NEED to spend a good chunk of your time retaining current and former customers. These are people you already know to be a good sales potential…they've already bought from you!

Take the time to market and sell new products to your old customers and less time trying to sell old products to new customers and you will see a drastic change in your sales, customer quality and branding position.

Here are a couple of key elements to use to retain your current customers:

Stay in contact: This means by phone, email, e-newsletter, in person-by pigeon if you have too!
Post-Purchase Assurance: This means you need to follow up with customers. Your customers need to feel like they are being supported for their purchase and with the item they purchased. How many times have you purchased a product, then felt completely abandoned? Something as simple as a Thank You note with your contact or customer service information can go along way in retaining a great customer.
Deals & Guarantees: Always offer your current customers the best deals and guarantees you have. Show them you appreciate their business or even come up with a club specifically to reward loyal customers. You can also do this with a preferred pricing option.
Integrity: Using good business practices and simply upholding integrity, dignity and honesty go along way with customers. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of swindling and crap out there and the safer and more confident you make your customers feel, the more they will trust you and that makes for an amazingly supportive and loyal customer.

There are three cornerstone ideas to a successful business:

Quality product/service
Offering useful products/services that solve a problem for or enhance the life of a customer
Offer subjects your customers find interesting

Use this approach of educating your customers and offering them real information and insight and you will be rewarded with loyalty and success.

Stop wasting all your time on new prospects while your current customers fall by the wayside!

As Jay Abraham says, “Your best prospects are your existing customers. If you’ve been putting all your marketing efforts into acquiring new customers, stop and diverts some of your resources into reselling, upselling, cross-selling to those same customers. In every ways possible – through package inserts, regular mailings, special offers – stay in touch with those customers and get them used to buying from you.”

So, there it is! Remember, my FREE business marketing consultation can help you put together the resources and tools to do exactly that. I can help you educate your customers and you can watch the benefits pay offer many-fold.

How to Create a Relationship Vision

8/15/2014

Business and life coaches always talk about creating a vision. They may have you see yourself making the money you want to make, buying the house you want to buy or being the weight you want to be. The reason that coaches insist on people making a vision is because it works- it works because people act in ways that reflect how they are thinking, imagining and believing. If you visualize success, it is far more likely that you will act in ways that will meet your true goals and achieve what you want.

As you visualize and focus on what you want in your relationship, you set interpersonal processes in motion that often seemingly miraculously shift relationships to a better place. I have found very useful tips for relationship visions that will greatly, and I mean greatly, increase the probability that you will have more relationship fulfillment.

Tips for creating a powerful and effective relationship vision:

Look towards yourself first and foremost. Ask yourself how you can act differently towards your business and career goals and what you can do to take the first step towards your goals.
See yourself in the very near future acting in those ways consistently. See yourself acting in the new ways and sticking with it even as things change in your life. Consistent focused action.
As you see yourself acting in these new ways consistently and persistently, see the positives in your life as you make those transitions and how it has benefited you (Note from me- I wrote # 2 and # 3 because in real life, you may not immediately get a better response when you change your behavior to something better. By imagining both you being persistent and then seeing things in a positive life, it gives you motivation to keep trying with the positive expectancy of eventual outcome or reward for your efforts).
Include positive perceptions of your goals and dreams as part of your relationship vision. See yourself already accomplished or achieved your goal in and your reflecting while relaxing at your dream vacation in the absolute best possible light. How do you feel? What emotions are being expressed? Remember emotions drive those results you want in your life with speed and efficiency, so imagine how you would feel and make sure that feeling resonate from your core, your spirit. Having these consistent positive perceptions and emotions I believe is a key part of your relationship vision.
Ask yourself what is important to you by achieving these goals and dreams so that you can feel nourished in your relationship. See it happening. Enjoy it and fill in all the pleasurable details. Doubt and cynicism is human because we give so much power to our history. Let the doubt and cynicism be (don’t try to eliminate these feelings) and focus on the things you DO want.
I cannot say this enough! Give power to your imagination and focus on how you would like you and your relationship to be. Dwelling on doubt and skepticism gives power to your history. Where you are right NOW and what you can achieve NOW is more than what you have manifested in your history. Remember we are living in a residual universe, meaning that we are reaping the benefits of our decisions and actions in the past.

Stretch yourself and have an adventurous, open approach to the relationships you want to achieve in your business, career, personal and social circles.

Here is an example of my relationship vision:

I see myself practicing more relaxation and behaviors that help me be more peaceful and aligned with my goals and purpose such as meditation as well as some other relaxation processes. I can see and feel myself focusing on all the wonderful attributes I bring to my business and how I can be of service to everyone I meet. I easily see myself on stage in front of a large group of people being a vibrant, passionate, confident, and charismatic teacher. I accept the things that happen in my life as learning experiences and understand that I do not need to focus on those things (as I have done too much of in the past). I see myself being consistent in my efforts and being focused on one step at a time; because I know and understand that each step brings me closer to achieving my goals. I see myself gaining new experiences with clients as I help them stretch themselves in their goals by empowering them to make every action towards goal fulfillment with purpose. I see my appointment schedule filled with corporate and business clients, and that make me feel good; knowing that I am living my life’s purpose by helping other realize their goals and dreams. I see myself enjoying the time spent with clients and the time spent with my family balanced. Because my work life has meaning, I am able to maintain a perfect balance, giving attention to each aspect undivided and unclouded with worries, because everything flows into my life with purpose and on time.

Lastly, I see myself focusing on this vision daily as part of my meditation. Of course, like in any visualization, it is a dynamic, changing process and your vision and mind will evolve through time.

As research and experts has taught us, the brain has plasticity. Visualizing your goals benefit you because you mind cannot perceive what is imagined and what is real. New neuronal connections can be made and these changes start with our imagination and creativity. Using your emotions provides one of the best opportunities for this kind of psychological and emotional development (that coincides with the neuron changes in our brain).

The reason emotions are such powerful vehicles for our growth is that emotionally charged actions brings results quickly with laser beam focus and determined action. Creating a relationship vision and giving it your consistent attention is fuel for the engine of this incredible vehicle of growth that is the foundation of Stretch Yourself.

Create a vision, apply it, BELIEVE it, and then give me some feedback as the year rolls on. I expect to hear some great things! If you need help creating your relationship vision, schedule a free consultation with me and let’s see if a collaboration will help your STRETCH your relationship capital.

Thanks and I look forward to connecting with you soon.

STRETCH Your Thinking and Dream BIG

8/11/2014

Dream BIG...I mean BIG -- it's a simple process that leads to success all the time.

Les Brown says "when the dream is big enough, the odds don’t matter."

Most people don't dream BIG... they just think about what they could do and wonder why their lives never change or get better.

“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it” ~ Michelangelo

Thinking BIG is simple... you're probably wondering what BIG is.

Let me tell you when you think BIG and stay on track you'll succeed - no matter what your goals.

Here's what thinking BIG Really means

B - Believe in yourself
I - Inspiration from Others
G - Goal Setting & Go for it TAKE ACTION!

There is a process that you need to apply in order to make thinking BIG work for you - and today I'll show you exactly how to apply the process of thinking BIG so that you get the results you want.

Stay with me - it's pretty simple and straight forward – but there is a method that you have to follow otherwise you won't get the results you want.

When you think BIG and take action you get your subconscious mind focused on bringing you the people, situations and circumstances that will help you succeed.

Thinking BIG is more than just having a few thoughts and big ideas.

The first step is to Believe in yourself

Venus Williams says "You have to Believe in yourself when no one else does, that’s what makes you a winner."

A lot of people want to make more money, they want to be in a great relationship, they want to have a great career, they want to enjoy life - but they really don't believe they can.

Believing and wanting are two different things.
Believing means you absolutely know that you can and will succeed.
Wanting is a yearning - you want something to fill a void, it's a good starting point - but you need to go from wanting to believing.

When you believe and take action based on those beliefs you basically tell your subconscious mind that you're ready for success and that you will accept nothing less than success. It's not about saying I will - instead, believe that you are succeeding and getting what you want (filling that void) and taking action based on your beliefs.

Next - Inspiration from others

Draw inspiration from others. I do this all the time.
Hey if they can succeed - so can you! You can do anything that they can do and you may even be able to do it better. Learn from them but be inspired - there are new achievements being made everyday.

In the recent Olympics we saw records being crushed. Those athletes believe in themselves, and they draw inspiration from their predecessors.

When you're inspired you basically supercharge up your subconscious mind you give it some extra energy and extra drive - it realizes that what you want is important and begins to work harder for you.

When you see somebody succeed don’t throw negative hate on them- praise them and be inspired - because you're NEXT. It's a message your subconscious mind picks up and drives you to succeed.

Step 3 - Goal Setting and GO for it (Take Action) - and believe it or not this is where a lot of people fail. They don't set clear goals, they don't know what they want, and they don't have measurable goals. More importantly, they don’t take action towards the goals they have set.

So set a goal - be clear and be specific. Understand why you want this goal - the why helps you be clear and stay motivated. Make sure you can measure your success - otherwise you won't know if you're making any progress. Then check your progress and make adjustments.

When you have clear goals, you can stay focused - when you're focused on something and repeatedly give it attention you begin to draw the positive people who will help you succeed.

Your subconscious mind sees this as a clear instruction - it needs to get this done. Your goal needs to be achieved. Your subconscious says - this is so important we have to make this happen.

At this point your subconscious begins to work overtime to help you achieve your goal. But success won't happen without the final component.

That's the second G - Go for it (Take Action)

You have to go for it. You have to take action. You can't sit around and wait for everything to come to you. That's not how you succeed.

Those Olympic athletes trained everyday for years... their success didn't come overnight. They had to keep going for it - even when they were tired, when they had setbacks, when they got sick or injured - they kept going.

You have to keep going after it. You have to keep pursuing your goal because the minute you give up - you fail - and that's a certainty.

However, when you keep pursuing your goal, when you believe in yourself, when you draw inspiration from others, when you set clear goals and you go for it and take action - your mind, subconscious mind, and the universe get the message.

They realize that this is something that must happen and they have to make it happen for you. You're doing everything you can to succeed and they have no choice but to help you.

When you think BIG you succeed. When you direct the full power of your mind and subconscious mind you enjoy success sooner and it becomes a habit - so you succeed and achieve your goals more and more often.

Think of it as a way of programming yourself to get what more of what you want. Right now you're probably programmed to not get what you want or get less of what you want.

It's time to change the way your mind and subconscious mind work.
Begin applying a new thought process.
Begin seeing things differently and begin directing your mind and subconscious mind to create more of what you want

Keep Thinking BIG... Remember if you don't do anything - if you don't change the way your mind works and direct your subconscious mind to create the life you want - everything stays the same - nothing changes. I will end this with an old African proverb that says "if there no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm."

This is your life- make the most of it - begin working with the power of your mind and subconscious mind to consciously create the life you want. Starting now.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Be Consistent

8/7/2014

Jason is a longtime STRETCH YOURSELF client... he's used my techniques to create success in his life a few years ago... but recently the economic downturn threw him for a loop.

He got laid off... something he wasn't expecting and it happened just as he was preparing to get married.

Jason remembered that he could call me whenever he had questions so he took me up on my offer.

He explained what had happened and how he was concerned that he wouldn't be able to find a job in such a tough market.

Jason is a nurse and had worked mainly in private care facilities. He asked me what he should do and how he should get started.

When Jason called me one of his first comments was:
"I'm worried about finding a job in this kind of market. Things are tough out there and I don't want to fool myself into thinking it's going to be easy."

My response: "Don't be worried and don't be concerned. The job you want already exists, otherwise you wouldn't want it. You just have to find it. So let's focus on what you want, let's focus on attracting the opportunities and let's be open to all possibilities."

The last part is always the toughest. Being open to all possibilities. Because this means being open to the possibility of doing something other than nursing in a private care facilities or doing something completely different from nursing.

When you're open to all possibilities you trust that your higher self will guide you to what is best for you. What you want is still valid, but now you're open to something even better. The possibilities are endless.

We went over a number of things including the economy.

Here's what I suggested:

“Yes the economy is not great - but people are still hiring.”
“There's always a need for nurses especially good nurses.”
“Everyone suffers when the economy nosedives... but usually there are always jobs... regardless of the economy.”

This belief has to be ingrained... you have to firmly believe that the job you want exists...and if an opportunity passes it is divine order that you weren't meant to have that job, there is something better. It took a few sessions but Jason finally got it.

He called me back a few weeks later and said he finally understood that the job he wanted existed and that he would find it. But there was still that nagging doubt. He was concerned he wouldn't make right impression, say the wrong thing, come across as nervous.

We had to get his mind and subconscious mind to look at the positive side... that way he would attract positive situations and opportunities.

I explained that while he had accepted that this job existed he didn't quite believe that he would get the job. I explained that he had to focus on his positive qualities and his strengths. Being nervous wasn't really an issue because as a nurse, he was used to speaking to groups of people, even in some trying situations.

He realized he had to look at things differently and focus on his positive qualities and strengths... so that his subconscious mind focused on the positive and not the negative.

We then created some specific declarations, targeted an action plan to help him achieve his goal, and create the support that his belief needed to succeed.

We also applied the other exercises outlined in STRETCH YOURSELF.

Jason went to work and applied the material regularly. That was back in June.
Earlier this week I got an email from him (not surprisingly) he got the job he wanted.
Jason explained he had been on 3 interviews and got all 3 job offers.
Petty cool huh? And it only took less than a couple of months.

He knows he's made the right choice.

Jason succeeded because he changed his beliefs.
He didn't let his reality decide his future.
He created his future by focusing the power of his mind and subconscious mind to create the success he wanted and took action to support his beliefs.
He focused on his positive qualities.
Jason believed in himself and his ability.
He applied the material, stayed consistent and stuck with it.
You too can have the same success.

I said Jason had been a long time STRETCH YOURSELF student and good friend. He applied the material years ago to create the success he wanted at that time.

So why did he slip up? Why did things change?

Jason stopped working with the material. He stopped being consistent.
That happens to a lot of people. When things go well, they stop applying what works and start coasting and before they know it, the fall back into their old negative thinking habits. Then things change again and they have to start all over again.

Jason knows he has to stay consistent and keep applying the material all the time.
Even when things go well. You keep applying the material because when you do that things get even better. When you are exercising to lose weight, you don't stop working out because you lost the weight. You maintain by keeping a consistent exercise regiment.

In a month Jason will be married and in a new job. He's heading in positive direction creating the life he wants.

Now it's your turn.
You too can succeed.
You too can enjoy the success and happiness you want and deserve.
Don't let the economy hold you back.
Don't believe that you can't do something just because somebody else says so.
You can do anything you want.
Believe in yourself and your ability.
Remember -- you only get one life and one chance.
Make the most of it. Stop defeating yourself, stop limiting yourself.

Stretch Yourself and create all the success you want and deserve in life.
Starting Now.

Be Inspired....

8/6/2014

Inspiration drives your passion to succeed

Inspiration is what drives you to succeed.

Without it you're likely going to give up with the first obstacle you encounter.

But when you're inspired... when you can draw up on that inspiration that comes from within you... you will be able to stretch yourself to achieve your goals while enjoying happiness in the process.

People often talk about being motivated...
they want to get more done, achieve a goal, meet the right person, finish a project, but they tell me they're just not motivated.

When they tell me they’re just not motivated, I tell them what they are pursuing is not what they truly want.

If you really want to get things done, if you really want to enjoy life, then you need to be inspired by what you truly want. Now I know it's not easy to be inspired simply because you want to get things done.

So instead of thinking about why you want to achieve something, think about the end result of having achieved it.
Think about how you would feel with a project completed or things done.
Think about how you would look and feel after you’ve lost weight or meet someone.

These feelings are what drive you - they inspire you.

If we lose sight of them we lose our inspiration - we lose our reason for living.

Sure goals will change, but inspiration always comes from within. It's the fuel that keeps the fire burning.

It's not just about getting motivated, you want to be inspired.

Every morning I get inspired when I look into my two daughter's eyes. I think about why I do the things I do and I think about the impact I would make touching lives with my inspiration to help people STRETCH to create relationships in business and life that fulfill them and THAT keeps my fire burning.

You to have burning desires (I like to call PASSION)... now light them with inspiration of how you would feel when you’ve achieve your goals... and pursue them passionately.
Live the kind of life you were meant to live... one that's pleasant, filled with joy, success, happiness and harmony.

Fill your mind with thoughts that inspire you.

Give your subconscious mind the inspiration it needs to attract the situations that will help you succeed.

Take positive action and focus on the positive things that happen in your life.

Everyday inspire yourself by thinking about how you would feel when everything you are striving to accomplish has been met, and how they will make your life (and the lives of those around you) so much better.

You were meant to enjoy life.
You were born in passion and love, two of the great emotions, so passion and love is within you.
Spread the goodness you have inside.
Inspire yourself and take a moment to inspire someone around you.
Do something inspirational... or help someone else become inspired.

Once you start the process become infectious... you'll want to keep inspiring because when you inspire others, you'll inspire yourself.

Thanks for reading, BE INSPIRED and STRETCH yourself to make everyday better than the last one. You'll be glad you did

It Is Good To Ask WHY

8/3/2014

WHY?

I get this question a lot from clients that wonder the big WHY? I believe it is good to ask why, but before I get into the reasons why here are some of the questions that I receive;

WHY am I not successful?
I am focused and I am applying everything that you talk about, so WHY am I not seeing results?
WHY hasn’t anything changed?

Reasons for these questions are simple.
Everything starts with the mind. In everything that you strive to achieve, 80% is the psychology, and 20% is the mechanics. If you are not mentally prepared you will fail every time. If you have all the tools and you are applying everything that is taught, and you’re not getting results, or you find yourself in the same situation every time, you have inner conflicts.

The inner conflicts come when what you are doing and what you are practicing are in direct conflict with what you truly believe in.

Examples are:
You want to spend time with your family, but you want to build a million dollar company.
You want to be successful, but you are afraid your success will prevent you from being loved.
You want to be successful, but part of you thinks you don’t deserve success, because of something you did in the past. Or you think having money and being successful is bad and is not spiritually connected.

Whatever you truly believe in is preventing you from achieving. To overcome this, so your intentions and beliefs are in synch, there are three things you would want to do:

First, you have to identify the conflicts and get clear on what they are. Some of the things you need to ask yourself are; what do you truly want? What is most important to you today? What are you fearful of? Don’t think about what you should do based on your parents, society, and what friends tell you. What truly matters for you to be successful and fulfilled?

Second, Align your life with what you truly value. Dispel the old beliefs and replace them with what is most important to you. When you align yourself with what you truly value, you are connected to your true self and everything will come second nature.

Lastly Take action! Again, when you are in a position where you are aligned with your beliefs and intentions, and there is nothing pulling you away from it, you won’t even have to work at. Just go for it!

So create inner beliefs that synch with your true intentions that allow you to succeed.
Fill your mind up with positive thoughts.
Focus on your past and present success.

It doesn't matter if things haven't worked out in the past.
It doesn't matter if you haven't achieved all that you wanted.

You are at a new point in your life and starting today, you must decide right here and now to believe in yourself and believe that you can succeed... because the truth is you can do and be anything you want... but only if you believe in yourself.
Start by making simple commitments to be the best that you can be.

Be the best husband/wife/son/daughter.
Be the best employee or boss.
Be the best partner.
Be the best friend.
Be the best person a stranger could meet
Be the best human being you can.

Change what you truly believe and you will succeed. Dismiss the negative thinking and limiting beliefs that have prevent you from following through. Fill your mind and subconscious mind with possibilities and positive messages everyday.
Let's make everyday truly spectacular... and it starts today.
Take a moment to focus on all the positive things in your life.
Appreciate all the people in your life and all the people you meet everyday.

Remember -- you only get one life and one chance. Make the most of it.
Stretch Yourself! You'll be glad you did.

Stretch Yourself and Finish Strong!

8/2/2014

Just get started...stay consistent! and finish strong!

As we near the end of a challenging year, I can think of no better advice than to stretch yourself and finish strong.

Life comes at you. And during those times life comes at you, you’re certain to encounter obstacles as you pursue your goals. Obstacles that are resolved in a split second, and some over a long period of time based on your perception about the problem. Regardless of the obstacles, only you have the power to choose how to respond to the tasks at hand.

My mother used to tell me that it is not the circumstances in which you find yourself that define you son; it is always the choices you make. I like to call these stretch choices – that moment in time when you must make a choice. Will you lie down, settle, or quit? Or will you stretch yourself towards your goals with focused energy to the best of your ability.

I have some things to share but first, one point about goals:
Write them Down,
Keep them Visible.
I know we have all heard this before but this is very powerful for maintaining focus.

Make them Specific, realistic, measurable, and attainable.

Don’t just say I want to lose 30lbs say
Goal: 30 lbs this year
Specific: By lifting weights 2x a week
Realistic: I am going to lose 2.5lbs month
Measurable: By eating using portion control; walk/run 3 times a week

Take it back to the basics. Assess where you currently are, then ask yourself what is the next immediate step that will bring you closer to your goals. Lastly, go over it, first thing in the morning, review it during the day and lastly, before you go to sleep. This creates a focus that you have never experienced, will keep you positive, and of course, your eye on achieving your goal.

Now I don’t want to paint a fluffy cloud, bright sunny day picture that when you make that choice to stretch yourself and finish strong, all of a sudden your world will change and everything will be easy. The fact of the matter is stretching yourself is hard – rewarding, but hard.

You see, when you break out of the comfort zone and develop that mindset and hold yourself accountable for all your actions, you’ll find yourself being more committed, disciplined, passionate, and focused. You will perform to the best of your ability. And if you can’t handle the pressure, then you’re resigning to mediocrity that has made you unhappy so far. But if you resolve to stretch yourself and finish strong in all your endeavors, I can promise you that you will be totally satisfied with your life based on making that choice. After all, life is all about choices; why not choose to be completely happy with where you want your life to lead you?

Stretch Yourself and finish strong...You'll be glad you started and when you look back, you'll see how far you came.

How You Can Live In The Now

8/1/2014

If you're ready to start living and begin creating the life that you want then take a look at your present situation and ask yourself what's wrong with the very moment you are in. You should find nothing wrong with the present moment it is what it is and once you accept it you can start living again.

Let's face it you can't turn your mind off but you can make a conscious effort to start thinking differently. If you don't take control of your mind your mind will control you and that's not going to help you improve your life.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you find yourself waiting for something to happen, just reacting to the push and pull of circumstances?
Are you waiting till you have more time?
Make more money?
Meet the right person?
Are you procrastinating?

Procrastination is another game the mind plays because it is comfortable in the current situation you are doesn't want to stretch out of that comfort zone.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then you're not living in the present moment you are focusing on anything but the present moment. I know you can't focus on the present moment or live in the now 24 hours a day. But start by doing this for a few minutes a day and then continue expanding the exercise everyday.

Then track your progress. See how you feel when you only focus on what is happening right now. As you continually do this you'll see yourself starting to enjoy the process.

Here's a suggestion. The next time you are driving or walking pay attention only to what is happening around you. Listen to the sounds, observe the people. Don't think about what you have to do or what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow or what might happen in five minutes. Focus your attention only on what is happening right now. Doing this will get your mind to start living in the present moment and before you know it you'll be able to focus your mind and be in the present.

Start being in the present - you'll be more focused and you'll enjoy the present moment. Best of all you'll start moving toward achieving your goals and living the life you want.

Remember to have some fun. Enjoy life. Do things differently.

Act like a kid when you can; kids are always living in the now; that's all they know. They don’t worry about the next day or even what happened to them a couple of minutes ago!

Forget about your troubles and just do something completely different and have some fun. Once you start doing this you'll see things begin to fall into place. If you have a passion for sports then start playing a sport you like. If you have a passion for cooking make a meal or two over the next couple of days. Do what you enjoy and you'll start attracting more positive situations into you life.

This is just one small exercise to start consciously living in the present.
Live in the Now

Remember - be yourself. Focus on the present and what going on NOW.
Push yourself to not focus on the past and to be in the present everyday.
Do what you enjoy.
Live your passion.
Stretch yourself – consciously create the relationships you deserve – starting with you.