Does Change Happen TO You or THROUGH You?

A blog post written by change expert Gary Bradt.

Does change happen to you or through you? Your answer makes a huge difference in how you experience both big and small changes in your life.

If your mindset is change happens to you, you’re in trouble. You’re stuck. This mindset implies you’re like a sponge that can only soak up whatever change dishes out. It’s like change enters your life, and somehow, in that moment, your life is no longer yours. You’re the pawn, change is the King. And Queen. You are small. Change is big.

With that mindset, most change becomes what I call “Big C Change,” an uncontrollable force or phenomenon that just happens. And there is nothing much you can do about it.

It’s a victim mindset. It makes you feel helpless and vulnerable.

There is an alternative mindset. One that reverses the power structure. One that turns the relationship between you and change upside down. A mindset that puts you back in control.

Try this on for size. Say it out loud. (Go ahead, feel foolish, and say it aloud): “Change happens through me, not to me.” Say it again: “Change happens through me, not to me.” Once more, but emphasize “through me.”

“Change happens through me.”

Feel the difference? This mindset- change happens through me- implies you are the active agent. It implies you are the uncontrollable force. It implies change cannot dictate how you experience your life. You are the King and the Queen. Change is the pawn.

Have you heard the anonymous quote from a cancer patient- “I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me”? That’s the mindset we’re talking about.

A mindset that turns all change into “little c change,” or change that is not too big for you to handle. A mindset that says I might not choose change, but I will always choose my response to change.

Are you willing to think about change in a way that puts you back in control? Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Women's History Month: Q&A with Anne Mahlum

March is Women's History Month, and we'd like to honor our very own Anne Mahlum - social change agent, entrepreneur, inspirational keynote speaker and all around dynamo! 

Anne is the founder of Back on My Feet, a national non-profit that uses the power of running to help those experiencing homelessness change their lives for the better. Her personal story and work with Back on My Feet is a powerful example of how real change happens, and she regularly shares this message at corporate events, academic institutions and conferences all over the country, including two TEDx talks. 

So what inspires Anne? Find out in this fantastic Women's History Month Q&A by our good friends over at Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau, where they asked Anne what shaped her as the amazing woman she is today.
Check out the interview below!


Q&A with Anne Mahlum:

Q: When you were a little girl, did you have a female role model? Who?

A: I think for someone to be a role model, you really need to know their character so I choose my mom. I honestly didn’t realize how much of a role model she was and just how much of a work ethic and drive she passed on to me until I got older.

Q: If so, what about her inspired you? Did you apply it to help accomplish your goals?

A: My mom never missed a beat – she is as reliable, focused and responsible as they come. She had three kids within three years of each other, worked full time, saved enough money for all of us kids to go to college, worked out every day, drove us to all of our activities and sat on the prom committee (which I wasn’t so thrilled about at the time)!  I learned, for anything I want to do, to set a deadline and make it public – it makes it real and keeps me accountable.

Q: Since you have become a public figure, is there a little girl that you inspire? If so, in what ways did you help her?

A: Well, I don’t really think of myself as a public figure – although I do get mistaken for Pink quite often. I honestly try and get back to as many people as possible that reach out to me, and many of them are young women who are looking for advice on how to find, create and make something out of their passion. No one gets anywhere in life without help and positive motivation from others, and I think it’s extremely important to pass it on. 

Q: In your opinion, who is the most inspirational woman in history? Why?

A: While there are many amazing women, I choose Hillary Clinton because I have seen her in action. She is bold, she is brave, and she doesn’t let anyone push her around. She stands up for what she believes in, and I think she is true to herself at all times. I may not absolutely agree with everything she says or does, but her confidence and ability to fight is impressive.

Are you still motivated?

This blog post was written by motivational speaker, Marilyn Sherman on January 2, 2014 - but ANY time is a great time to re-focus and set goals for yourself! If you set your new year's resolutions the first part of January, but have maybe slipped a bit - check out this quick video tip from Marilyn to help get back on track:   

 

We're around that time of year where new year's resolutions are starting to ware off.  Well, it's not too late to get re-energized, and re-focused for the new year.  In fact, you can start anytime you want to get re-energized and re-focused! Here is a quick (less than 2 min) video to help you set some goals for making this year your best year ever. 

 

Here's to seeing you in the front-row!

From your never too late to be motivated motivational speaker, Marilyn Sherman

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Want Marilyn Sherman to have the same effect to your group? To learn more, check out Marilyn's website: www.marilynsherman.com. To hear more about Marilyn's customized presentations, check her availability or fees - contact Sarah at Standard Ovation: sarah@thestandardovation.com or 913.498.9775 or you can contact us through the web. Thank you!

If you’re doing it right, you’re smiling

A blog post written by motivational speaker, Marilyn Sherman 

There I was ordering deli meats from a counter inside a grocery store on a recent road trip. Mister McScrooge was doing everything right – offering us samples, slicing our requests to our satisfaction, asking if there was anything else he could do for us. I looked at my husband, wondering what was wrong with this transaction? There was something missing. Then it hit me.

His smile. 

 

He didn’t smile one time! As a motivational speaker by trade, I couldn’t let this go. So I started making comments like 'Thank you very much.  Awesome.  Appreciate it.'  To no avail. No smile. Nothing.

 

Then, as he was wrapping up our final order, a co-worker walked by with a pan fresh out of the oven with a warning; “Hot stuff…hot stuff”. To which Mister McScrooge turned into Mister McSmooth and quietly responded, “Why yes. Yes I am.”

Ha! It was so subtle and so funny! To which I replied, ‘Oh you are, are you?’

And there it was…a huge grin! One of those ‘oh I got caught’ grins! His whole face lit up! He even, dare I say it, laughed! I wondered where was THAT smile when we walked up to his counter?

I don't know what the message is to this post exactly. Is it the importance of a smile? Is it the insistence to hang in there and find a way to make someone else smile? Is it to be more aware of how important human interaction is when serving others? I don't know. But what I do know is that when I saw that smile on the worker as I walked away, it put a smile on my face and it made my day.

From your happy to be smiling today motivational speaker, Marilyn Sherman

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Want Marilyn Sherman to have the same effect to your group? To learn more, check out Marilyn's website: www.marilynsherman.com. To hear more about Marilyn's customized presentations, check her availability or fees - contact Sarah at Standard Ovation: sarah@thestandardovation.com or 913.498.9775 or you can contact us through the web. Thank you!

Ready to become #1 on purpose?

Michael Hoffman: mastering tornadoes, igniting performance and helping organizations become #1 on purpose since 1993. View email in your browser.   Michael Hoffman just spoke at the 2014 Million Dollar Round Table [MDRT] Experience Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He delivered a dynamic keynote full of energy - creating an excitement and buzz around his message (even while eleven languages were being translated simultaneously). Michael's programs are filled with customized ideas and strategies to create stronger internal cultures. This type of collaboration results in better products, top-notch service, and an unforgettable external experience. Michael strives for organizations (employees AND leaders) to become #1 ON PURPOSE. Michael presents impactful content in a humorous way, engaging audiences to their full attention. Because of the contagious atmosphere Michael creates, clients consistently ask him back to energize their people with more of the Hoffman Experience. Michael is stellar at motivating and recharging organizations and is a master for creating long-term results. You can catch a glimpse of The Hoffman Experience here: http://goo.gl/bCq9Xl; or a few demo videos of Michael speaking here: http://goo.gl/JF45om.   CONTACT: Sarah Whitten: 913.498.9775 | sarah@thestandardovation.com Michael's Programs Michael's Demo Video Michael's Testimonials Michael's Biography For Speaker Fees, Availability & Bookings - Contact Sarah directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOPICS: communication, customer service, humorist, leadership, motivation, sales, retail Michael provides the tools on how become #1 on purpose. Michael addresses issues your organization may be struggling with (or challenges you want to overcome), and provides an altering mind-set. He provides implementable tactics [both internally and externally] to get your employees & leaders more engaged AND customers feel like they are #1. Michael provides strategies on how to start with your organization's culture in order to create success.  Michael delivers keynotes, workshops, half-day & full-day training sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael travels from Dallas, Texas ​ Michael Hoffman is proudly managed by Standard Ovation | www.thestandardovation.com | 913.498.9772

How do YOU handle mean people?

A blog post written by motivational speaker, Marilyn Sherman 

 

They are everywhere, aren't they? People who are snappy, short-tempered, rude, and just plain mean. In a perfect world, everyone would be nice, kind, patient, and good listeners. But, we obviously don't live in a perfect world. So, how do you handle the mean ones? Before I give you some suggestions on how to handle the mean people out there, let me share with you one thing that my brilliant husband told me about mean people. Yves doesn't have a mean bone in his body, so I loved his answer on this topic. He said that mean people are in pain. When I remember that one point, I can handle the mean people of the world much better. With that, here are three ideas that work for me.

1. Stop. Don't react. Don't feed into their meanness with retaliation, revenge, or fighting words. Just stop. For one second, imagine that they are not like this all the time – maybe something horrible has just happened to them and you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

2. Respond with love. I know, I know, this one is so positive-Polly. But, it's a universal truth that love can concur so much more than hate. So, respond with love. Maybe it's an understanding nod, a warm comment, a silent prayer that their day gets better. Even an acknowledgement could be in order here – 'Wow – you must be having a pretty rough day'. Sometimes, a loving word or comment can get the meanest person to melt their frozen heart. I can't guarantee it works every time, but try it!

3. Make something up about their childhood. I know this one sounds crazy, but it works. When I speak on conflict-resolution and dealing with difficult people, I offer to my audiences that when all else fails, and people are still difficult, then make something up! The more crazy and horrific, the better. That way, you don't have to go toe-to-toe with the mean person, you can just silently feel sorry for the horrible way they were raised and suddenly you feel so grateful that you have class, manners, and hope for more kindness in the world.

Then, walk away.

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Want Marilyn Sherman to have the same effect to your group? To learn more, check out Marilyn's website: www.marilynsherman.com. To hear more about Marilyn's customized presentations, check her availability or fees - contact Sarah at Standard Ovation: sarah@thestandardovation.com or 913.498.9775 or you can contact us through the web. Thank you!

Keeping In Touch With Kit Grant

by Kit Grant,  1-22-14

YOUR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS:
The secret to a successful business really isn’t a secret at all. There are only three things that matter:

1.    Find customers
2.    Keep customers
3.    Make more money than you spend

There! That’s the secret to ANY business success.

Finding customers includes all your marketing and sales efforts, having a good product, etc. but without any customers, no one cares how good your product or service is. Keeping customers includes having great, well-trained staff empowered to do what it takes to make customers happy, following up with strategic retention plans and building customer loyalty through continuing to “Wow” them on a regular basis. Making more money than you spend is a fundamental requirement. If you are not making money, then you are practicing working!

Make 2014 the year of positive change — everyone wins by following this simple formula. It’s about relationships, not just product and price.

WHERE’S KIT?
Follow me on Twitter @kitgrant.
Now you can find me on LinkedIn too.
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