I have had so many comments about my last blog post on Facebook and my interviews, that I thought I would share some of my own ‘quantum leaps’ with regard to my business. I was sharing some of my stories last week at one my networking meetings, and I was surprised that so many small business owners do not use Facebook because they are ‘not comfortable’ with it, or don’t know how to use it for their business. Hence this post and my group presentation planned later this week in Oviedo. First, here is a stat that not everyone is aware of – there are over 80 million + users on Facebook. From a marketing perspective alone – even if you do not understand social networking – that’s huge! People all over the world can get to see who you are, what you stand for, and what your business/products are. That means, that if someone in the UK makes a connection with you by simply seeing you in a group or listed as a friend of one of their friends – you have increased your exposure. Business development is based upon exposure – but more importantly – it is about creating relationships, developing trust, creating lasting positive memories in the minds of others, and providing value for others. With social marketing, in particular, using Facebook, people can read all about you, see you and what you are interested in, see what you have to offer, and talk to you – all without getting out of their pj’s.
Being a coach, author and educator, I work and live the law of attraction or success principles everyday in every aspect of my life. Facebook is the law of attraction in action. I am member of various groups that are of importance to me, so people who are in the same groups want to connect to share ideas. I have clients and resources online that I could never build (ie: book distributors overseas) normally by working from home in such an easy manner. I shared this story last Wednesday with my networking group to show them the power behind social networking.
The previous Monday, I was on a teleconference about marketing. I am familiar with Facebook as I use it almost daily to talk with my family and friends back home in Canada. I used it to send messages about my first book launch to those who wanted to buy my book back home over a year ago. My friends list has constantly grown as people whom I’ve never met read my book and wanted to know more about me.
As the call continued, I was looking through Facebook at the same time. I recently had a woman befriend me who was a life coach. The new Facebook (just recently changed its look) does not always allow you to read someone’s profile until a friendship has been confirmed. As I was now taking the time to find out more about this woman, her friend’s list was on the page, and one particular pic stood out. The lady in the picture looked like Jennifer Anniston. I clicked on it ( I always trust my intuition) and I told her how I had found her picture and how she reminded me of Rachel from the TV show, Friends. She quickly emailed me back and said that she was a life coach too, and apologized for typos as she was holding her newborn in the other arm. I answered that I had written my first book the same way. We had an instant connection. The conversation continued, and after she asked about my book, she went to Amazon, ordered it, and offered to promote it on her e-zine. Then she added me to her friends list. Up until this point, I could not read anything about her, but we had a great time talking and I was tickled pink that she was interested in my book as well. When I did receive her friend confirmation and reviewed her profile, ‘Jeanna’ turned out to be ‘Jeanna Gabellini’ , one of the Best-Selling Authors of Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction: 7 Essential Ingredients for Living a Prosperous Life, with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Eva Gregory. What do you think of that? I had goose bumps for days. For me as an author, I was humbled, flattered, and unbelievably excited at the connection. But, that is what the law of attraction is about and that is what Facebook is about. Now, from a business perspective, what do you think Jeanna’s offer to help by putting my book in her e-zine means for my business? You do the math on that one – my head is still buzzing. The same thing happened two days later with another person…different circumstances and story – but another huge quantum leap. That is another blog post for another day.
The key of importance is to remember something about social networking sites – they are for social networking. I specialize in relationship marketing and my main tip and warning is always the same – people like people – not products. My experiences are amazing, but they happen because I practice etiquette online and offline. If the relationships and trust is there, then maybe I will mention what I do. You know what to say when you are a party to new people – remember the same guidelines online as well.
NOTE: if you are in Central Florida and want to know more about this…the presentation I referred to will be this Wednesday, October 1/08 at the Daily Grind Unwind Coffee shop on 3100 Alafaya Drive. Our networking group is known as COFFEEEVENT on Meetup.com. you are more than welcome to join us. We start at 9:10.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Facebook, Twitter, and Interviews
This week has been an extremely exciting one! I have met so many awesome people from Facebook and Twitter - that in itself is amazing for someone who is fairly new to this 'social networking' stuff. Facebook for me has always been just for family and friends - and it still is - but I have met some people that I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise (at least for awhile anyway :) ).
I also had the pleasure of having coffee and an interview with a dear friend, Harry Duncan. Harry was one of the first friends I met here in Orlando and he is amazing! He knows more people, I think, than are on Facebook! Harry works in alternative health and is a walking, talking, flashing billboard for me and many others. His passion is meeting new people and helping everyone he meets in some way. You can talk to Harry at harry@neatoweb.com - tell him Leigh sent you!
This interview was printed in a local newsletter/newspaper in my hometown of Louisbourg, NS, Canada. A few people have asked about the interview, so here is the unedited full transcript. Enjoy!
HARRY: Although I know you very well Leigh, I have a number of people in my networking circles who I want to share what you are doing with, so I wanted to have this interview to provide those answers. Since I am aware of your new book, let’s talk about that today ok?
LEIGH: Sure.
HARRY: So this new book is coming out in October right? This is what – book number three for you now?
LEIGH: Actually its number four – two published, one in pre-publishing, and one e-book.
HARRY: All of this in only three years; while still being at home with your children, teaching, and studying all at the same time - That’s incredible! Tell everyone what this newest book of yours is about.
LEIGH: Well, actually it is a manual that I co-authored with my partner, Fred Keebler. It covers the basics and the not-so-basics of the law of attraction through the use of study guides, exercises and advanced coaching techniques – the stuff you often only get with one-on-one personal coaching or mentors. It actually goes along with classes we teach locally in Florida – but the manual can be used all on its own.
HARRY: I know there is an interesting story behind the “Why” you both decided to write The Secret Unraveled: Opening the Secret Once and for All! Can you tell us a bit about that?
LEIGH: Sure. As you know Harry, my passion is with kids – so I find myself answering questions with clients and parents all the time about to apply the techniques I use into their lives and the lives of their children. Fred has a lot of clients, and together we know of so many people who were frustrated because they followed everything in book and movie The Secret, but either couldn't’t make it work for them, or if it did, it only worked for a short while. The Secret Unraveled provides all the tools and techniques we use, as well as what we found to be the ‘best of the best’ in the self-development field to make the Law of Attraction work every time. We have personally used and experienced every thing we talk about in our book.
There is also another reason for me. When I needed help a few years ago, every time I found something that I thought would help, it came with a price tag I couldn't’t afford. This almost drove me insane and put me in a worse depressed state! All the training and information I wanted to use to get me out of my rut - both health wise and financial – was not available because I was in that rut to begin with! I swore that when I had the opportunity, I was going to find a way to help others to get out of the same place as I was. Fred has had similar experiences – another connection between us.
That said, don’t get me wrong – Everything is worth looking at, and the argument in the Law of Attraction realm is that if you want that money to take that program – you just attract it. What they don’t tell you is how to do it specifically. I recommend that as soon as you learn some techniques like those we teach, and you start to see changes beginning to take place – then prepare your goals to take those other programs. That’s how I got started myself you know. (Laughter) But seriously, everyone has a different perspective and something to offer – that is why there are so many different programs and books to begin with. We just wanted to do our best to put it all together and help people get where they want to go a lot faster without having to spend all that money and research just to find out what would work for them.
HARRY: That’s great! Now because I have had the opportunity to experience your program, I have to say that sometimes I wonder about all the people who take it. I mean, our class has life coaches, authors, and business people – a whole myriad of different people doing different things. What I mean is, this program is great for anyone – it has made a huge difference in my life already – and I am so grateful for having you and Fred as my friends.
LEIGH: Thank you Harry, that means a great deal to me.
HARRY: You’re welcome, but as I was saying, people in the same field as you, like other coaches – how do you suggest that this book helps them? I mean – don’t they already know what you teach?
LEIGH: Great question! And the answer is yes and no. People, who ‘work’ in our field, as you say, are always looking for better ways to improve their own skills to help others. Remember, everyone has a different take or spin, if you will, on things. For example, a lot of coaches are familiar with EFT…
HARRY: EFT being short for Emotional Freedom Technique right? Can you just touch on that as in am not sure if everyone is familiar with it?
LEIGH: Sure. EFT is a very simple, yet very powerful technique that can be thought of as acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles to stimulate acupressure points, you simply tap them with your fingertips. I love EFT and use it all the time for all kinds of stuff – from removing feelings of frustration, to goal setting, to allergy relief. The cool thing about EFT, not only does it work on almost everything even if you don’t ‘believe’ it will, but you can do it anywhere at anytime. I wish I had known about EFT when I worked in the ‘corporate world’ to deal with stress! Oh well…another lesson right? (Laughter) EFT is only one of the techniques that we teach in our manual and classes. Fred has actually refined the technique and had added specific short-cuts and combined them with kinesiology techniques to enhance them. That’s would be one thing that other coaches could learn from this. Not only that, but when people learn some of the strategies we show them, and implement them themselves, they can define their own needs and goals in more clarified way. That way, if they get ‘stuck’, then a coach or mentor has the ability to hone in on the exact area they need help with. It helps the tailor to the needs of their clients. We show step-by-step instructions on EFT, but also give people a ‘toolbox’ that includes goal achievement strategies and exercises, creative writing, and visualization techniques – especially for those who have had difficulty with this – this is another one of Fred’s specialties. One lady we worked with had ADD and couldn’t visualize or focus – just be doing one exercise in fifteen mintues and she can! That’s powerful stuff!
HARRY: OK – that is powerful and I never really thought about how it could help coaches that way, but now I understand. Since I have been using your and Fred’s manual and taking the classes, I know what to do when I get frustrated, I, too am more focused, and I see changes in my life everyday now – especially in my business and family life. I know that some others in our class have had some amazing results already too – like phobias disappearing, new friendships developed – all kinds of stuff. That said, I am wondering about the program – for now it is just available in Orlando correct?
LEIGH: Yes, for now. I can’t give you a lot of details, but very soon we hope to have a recorded program available.
HARRY: Fantastic! So where can people get The Secret Unraveled? How can people get the book? I know you have am official launch planned very soon…can you give some details on that?
LEIGH: The official launch date is next month – October 23 – but it is available on Amazon.com now. On the official launch day, we will have some free gifts for those who purchase the book from some incredible people like Pat O’Bryan, Marketing Expert and Best Selling author of Your Portable Empire; Forbes Robbins Blair, Best Selling Author of Instant Self-Hypnosis; Maia Berens, Relationship, Life Coach, and Author of Once Upon A Time There Was You, Timothy M Ricke; Professional Speaker and Author of The Gift, and The 4% Factor, and Maddy Swinnen, Psychologist and Well Being Life Coach…just to name a few. These gifts were hand-picked by Fred and I to compliment various aspects of where to apply this knowledge – whether it be your business, health, finances, spirituality – any aspect of your life. There may be a few surprises too! (Laughter)
HARRY: Do you have a way to get the book offline too? …And what if people have questions – while they are using your manual? How can people reach you and Fred?
LEIGH: Well, I am aware that not everyone is comfortable buying online – I learned that one the first time around – so this time there will be a form that people can print off and mail to us so that we can ship them a copy. And, yes, before you ask, if they email me a copy of the form, I will make sure they get all the free bonuses before they are made unavailable – they will only be there during the few days of the actual launch. As for questions, Fred and I can be reached by email or through our company website http://Living-Success-Now.com. Fred’s email is FredKeebler@Living-Success-Now.com and mine is LeighLeCreux@Living-Success-Now.com . We are also both experts on http://AllExperts.com under the category of Law of Attraction and people can post their questions there if they don’t want to send them to us.
HARRY: That’s great. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today Leigh – and above all, for you and Fred enriching my life. I know this is important to you both, and you are succeeding. You are making a difference.
LEIGH: No, Thank you, Harry. As always, you are a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to me. That’s what life is about though, right?
I also had the pleasure of having coffee and an interview with a dear friend, Harry Duncan. Harry was one of the first friends I met here in Orlando and he is amazing! He knows more people, I think, than are on Facebook! Harry works in alternative health and is a walking, talking, flashing billboard for me and many others. His passion is meeting new people and helping everyone he meets in some way. You can talk to Harry at harry@neatoweb.com - tell him Leigh sent you!
This interview was printed in a local newsletter/newspaper in my hometown of Louisbourg, NS, Canada. A few people have asked about the interview, so here is the unedited full transcript. Enjoy!
HARRY: Although I know you very well Leigh, I have a number of people in my networking circles who I want to share what you are doing with, so I wanted to have this interview to provide those answers. Since I am aware of your new book, let’s talk about that today ok?
LEIGH: Sure.
HARRY: So this new book is coming out in October right? This is what – book number three for you now?
LEIGH: Actually its number four – two published, one in pre-publishing, and one e-book.
HARRY: All of this in only three years; while still being at home with your children, teaching, and studying all at the same time - That’s incredible! Tell everyone what this newest book of yours is about.
LEIGH: Well, actually it is a manual that I co-authored with my partner, Fred Keebler. It covers the basics and the not-so-basics of the law of attraction through the use of study guides, exercises and advanced coaching techniques – the stuff you often only get with one-on-one personal coaching or mentors. It actually goes along with classes we teach locally in Florida – but the manual can be used all on its own.
HARRY: I know there is an interesting story behind the “Why” you both decided to write The Secret Unraveled: Opening the Secret Once and for All! Can you tell us a bit about that?
LEIGH: Sure. As you know Harry, my passion is with kids – so I find myself answering questions with clients and parents all the time about to apply the techniques I use into their lives and the lives of their children. Fred has a lot of clients, and together we know of so many people who were frustrated because they followed everything in book and movie The Secret, but either couldn't’t make it work for them, or if it did, it only worked for a short while. The Secret Unraveled provides all the tools and techniques we use, as well as what we found to be the ‘best of the best’ in the self-development field to make the Law of Attraction work every time. We have personally used and experienced every thing we talk about in our book.
There is also another reason for me. When I needed help a few years ago, every time I found something that I thought would help, it came with a price tag I couldn't’t afford. This almost drove me insane and put me in a worse depressed state! All the training and information I wanted to use to get me out of my rut - both health wise and financial – was not available because I was in that rut to begin with! I swore that when I had the opportunity, I was going to find a way to help others to get out of the same place as I was. Fred has had similar experiences – another connection between us.
That said, don’t get me wrong – Everything is worth looking at, and the argument in the Law of Attraction realm is that if you want that money to take that program – you just attract it. What they don’t tell you is how to do it specifically. I recommend that as soon as you learn some techniques like those we teach, and you start to see changes beginning to take place – then prepare your goals to take those other programs. That’s how I got started myself you know. (Laughter) But seriously, everyone has a different perspective and something to offer – that is why there are so many different programs and books to begin with. We just wanted to do our best to put it all together and help people get where they want to go a lot faster without having to spend all that money and research just to find out what would work for them.
HARRY: That’s great! Now because I have had the opportunity to experience your program, I have to say that sometimes I wonder about all the people who take it. I mean, our class has life coaches, authors, and business people – a whole myriad of different people doing different things. What I mean is, this program is great for anyone – it has made a huge difference in my life already – and I am so grateful for having you and Fred as my friends.
LEIGH: Thank you Harry, that means a great deal to me.
HARRY: You’re welcome, but as I was saying, people in the same field as you, like other coaches – how do you suggest that this book helps them? I mean – don’t they already know what you teach?
LEIGH: Great question! And the answer is yes and no. People, who ‘work’ in our field, as you say, are always looking for better ways to improve their own skills to help others. Remember, everyone has a different take or spin, if you will, on things. For example, a lot of coaches are familiar with EFT…
HARRY: EFT being short for Emotional Freedom Technique right? Can you just touch on that as in am not sure if everyone is familiar with it?
LEIGH: Sure. EFT is a very simple, yet very powerful technique that can be thought of as acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles to stimulate acupressure points, you simply tap them with your fingertips. I love EFT and use it all the time for all kinds of stuff – from removing feelings of frustration, to goal setting, to allergy relief. The cool thing about EFT, not only does it work on almost everything even if you don’t ‘believe’ it will, but you can do it anywhere at anytime. I wish I had known about EFT when I worked in the ‘corporate world’ to deal with stress! Oh well…another lesson right? (Laughter) EFT is only one of the techniques that we teach in our manual and classes. Fred has actually refined the technique and had added specific short-cuts and combined them with kinesiology techniques to enhance them. That’s would be one thing that other coaches could learn from this. Not only that, but when people learn some of the strategies we show them, and implement them themselves, they can define their own needs and goals in more clarified way. That way, if they get ‘stuck’, then a coach or mentor has the ability to hone in on the exact area they need help with. It helps the tailor to the needs of their clients. We show step-by-step instructions on EFT, but also give people a ‘toolbox’ that includes goal achievement strategies and exercises, creative writing, and visualization techniques – especially for those who have had difficulty with this – this is another one of Fred’s specialties. One lady we worked with had ADD and couldn’t visualize or focus – just be doing one exercise in fifteen mintues and she can! That’s powerful stuff!
HARRY: OK – that is powerful and I never really thought about how it could help coaches that way, but now I understand. Since I have been using your and Fred’s manual and taking the classes, I know what to do when I get frustrated, I, too am more focused, and I see changes in my life everyday now – especially in my business and family life. I know that some others in our class have had some amazing results already too – like phobias disappearing, new friendships developed – all kinds of stuff. That said, I am wondering about the program – for now it is just available in Orlando correct?
LEIGH: Yes, for now. I can’t give you a lot of details, but very soon we hope to have a recorded program available.
HARRY: Fantastic! So where can people get The Secret Unraveled? How can people get the book? I know you have am official launch planned very soon…can you give some details on that?
LEIGH: The official launch date is next month – October 23 – but it is available on Amazon.com now. On the official launch day, we will have some free gifts for those who purchase the book from some incredible people like Pat O’Bryan, Marketing Expert and Best Selling author of Your Portable Empire; Forbes Robbins Blair, Best Selling Author of Instant Self-Hypnosis; Maia Berens, Relationship, Life Coach, and Author of Once Upon A Time There Was You, Timothy M Ricke; Professional Speaker and Author of The Gift, and The 4% Factor, and Maddy Swinnen, Psychologist and Well Being Life Coach…just to name a few. These gifts were hand-picked by Fred and I to compliment various aspects of where to apply this knowledge – whether it be your business, health, finances, spirituality – any aspect of your life. There may be a few surprises too! (Laughter)
HARRY: Do you have a way to get the book offline too? …And what if people have questions – while they are using your manual? How can people reach you and Fred?
LEIGH: Well, I am aware that not everyone is comfortable buying online – I learned that one the first time around – so this time there will be a form that people can print off and mail to us so that we can ship them a copy. And, yes, before you ask, if they email me a copy of the form, I will make sure they get all the free bonuses before they are made unavailable – they will only be there during the few days of the actual launch. As for questions, Fred and I can be reached by email or through our company website http://Living-Success-Now.com. Fred’s email is FredKeebler@Living-Success-Now.com and mine is LeighLeCreux@Living-Success-Now.com . We are also both experts on http://AllExperts.com under the category of Law of Attraction and people can post their questions there if they don’t want to send them to us.
HARRY: That’s great. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today Leigh – and above all, for you and Fred enriching my life. I know this is important to you both, and you are succeeding. You are making a difference.
LEIGH: No, Thank you, Harry. As always, you are a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to me. That’s what life is about though, right?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
How can we change the education system?
After working in education for a number of years, it never ceases to amaze me how ridiculous some of the 'rules' of schools are. Today was a prime example.
My son was planning a science experiment involving the intention effect on plant growth. He was already researching some quantum physics, and reading up on The Intention Experiment by Lynn McTaggart. He came home today from school today extremely disapointed as his teacher told him that his experiment was not an experiment at all, 'plants don't have brains'. My child is twelve and is exploring quantum physics on his own accord, and his teacher literally squashed his enthusiasm in one sentence. I talkd him we would have to follow the rules at school, but we are doing the experiment ourselves at home anyway. This made him feel a little better, but he still asked, "why does my science teacher not know about energy mom? everything is made out of energy!?" Good question.
To top it off, he was actually reprimanded for reading the above mentioned book in Language Arts as it was "not considered to be advanced reading". Duhhh? Did they even look at the cover of the book? Quantum theory and science is not advanced reading?? Seems to me there was some science guy - pretty well known - that used to talk about this....oh yeah, his name was EINSTEIN.
So how, do you deal with this? Well, we can always switch to home schooling I guess, but for now, we will just make sure that it is covered at home and we 'appease' the powers the be at school. I reminded my son, Henry Ford was told over and over again that he was crazy, and Einstein was failing in school. No one who was ever noted as exceptional in history listened to what everyone else said. Yes, kids we do have to follow the rules in school, but no one can tell you what to think. As parents, we need to remind ourselves and our children to be free thinkers. I think the end of the year gift for the teachers will be a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or maybe a free field trip down the road to NASA.
My son was planning a science experiment involving the intention effect on plant growth. He was already researching some quantum physics, and reading up on The Intention Experiment by Lynn McTaggart. He came home today from school today extremely disapointed as his teacher told him that his experiment was not an experiment at all, 'plants don't have brains'. My child is twelve and is exploring quantum physics on his own accord, and his teacher literally squashed his enthusiasm in one sentence. I talkd him we would have to follow the rules at school, but we are doing the experiment ourselves at home anyway. This made him feel a little better, but he still asked, "why does my science teacher not know about energy mom? everything is made out of energy!?" Good question.
To top it off, he was actually reprimanded for reading the above mentioned book in Language Arts as it was "not considered to be advanced reading". Duhhh? Did they even look at the cover of the book? Quantum theory and science is not advanced reading?? Seems to me there was some science guy - pretty well known - that used to talk about this....oh yeah, his name was EINSTEIN.
So how, do you deal with this? Well, we can always switch to home schooling I guess, but for now, we will just make sure that it is covered at home and we 'appease' the powers the be at school. I reminded my son, Henry Ford was told over and over again that he was crazy, and Einstein was failing in school. No one who was ever noted as exceptional in history listened to what everyone else said. Yes, kids we do have to follow the rules in school, but no one can tell you what to think. As parents, we need to remind ourselves and our children to be free thinkers. I think the end of the year gift for the teachers will be a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or maybe a free field trip down the road to NASA.
Monday, September 8, 2008
WHAT!?!
I don't often get really angry, but just recently I was literally spitting nickels.
I just received my copy of RTIR(Radio and Television Interview Report) this week. This publication is an advertiser's listing of all those who are 'up and coming'. The magazine is a major issue for publicity hunters looking for the 'Who's who" of the moment. RTIR is a fantastic resource and the people who put it all together are awesome at what they do. I love getting my copy in the mail. However, something in the Should You Advertise With Us section got me really riled up this time.
This section discusses what the media and prime time is looking for - or what creates high ratings on radio and TV. I guess I never really paid that close attention to this before. I was sickened to see the top media choice picks were mostly negative controversial subjects, sometimes just strange or really 'different'. The industries such as going green and self-development / self-help were highly ranked, but family and parenting were described as "much less appealing" for subject content.
As someone who focuses on consciousness and development with family always being top priority, this really put a knot in my jaw. How can we, as a society grow and develop if our emphasis is not on family values? How can relationships develop if our concentration is on controversial subjects like religious separatism and cultural differences?
So , then the next question is how can this be made more positive? How can I do my part? What can I do to make a difference and help family and relationship values to grow in popularity with the media and the masses?
I think back to where I was a few years ago and shudder for a moment at my own contribution to the negative group think tank. Thank God I took time to prioritize my own life. I have broken many rules to get there, but man am I glad I did.
Putting love, tears, and determination in every action and decision I took everyday since is how I won and still beat the battle of negativity around me. I study every tool, technique, and opportunity that is presented to me. I pay attention to every encounter and person whom I come in contact with the intention of heightening that person's day - even if only by a smile. Intention is the key.
I write everyday. I write for myself and to inspire children, and to help others know that they can make a difference. Every new technique I learn, I write about to share it with others.
Now, with a program being developed, I face yet another challenge. Others in the same field as my partner and I want to share the same information for hundreds and thousands of dollars. Again - I am P.O.'d! When I needed help, I couldn't afford it. I don't care what the others say, I know that this is not the way to go.
So, here we go again - breaking the rules. We combined our experienced techniques and tools and published a book on it - no frills, just what works so everyone can afford it and make a difference in their own lives. The publishers and reviewers said to us, "you need a professionally designed cover", "you need fantastic graphics that jump out at everyone", "You need to charge at least $100 for this material or people won't want it". WHAT!?! Then, to make matters worse, when we told them there was a program to go with it, we were told that no one will buy at that price because it is too low and low prices denote low value". "Everyone under values their own work...cahrge at least five times what you intially thought of and then you will be in the right ballpark". I am sorry if I offend anyone, but these people are NUTS! How can you make a difference if the people who need it the most can't use it? Yes, inspiration will move some to start out on their own, but what about everyone else who does not know where to start or do ont have the resources to get even to that point?
For us, this is about passion and making a difference. I do not care what 'they' say, because I have been there. I fought to get where I am now, and I am staying. If I can help someone else get where they want to be...who do you think is going to be more successful? The guy selling a program to a few at a couple of thousand bucks, or my partner and I when we can't keep up with the classes because we actually make a difference and are 'reasonable'? We shall soon see won't we.
NOTE: As I was posting this today, I received a call from someone at the above mentioned publication about a possible TV interview for our new book. He was "feeling' me out and checking out my pitch for a producer should they choose to interview us. I laughed and told him I was blogging when he called and told him what this blog was about. I suggested that maybe the media is 'barking up the wrong tree' in a sense. That I think that the 'market' of families is somewhat overlooked, and maybe they should be barking up the tree of genealogy - the family tree. He laughed and agreed. We shall see what happens when he calls back next week.
I just received my copy of RTIR(Radio and Television Interview Report) this week. This publication is an advertiser's listing of all those who are 'up and coming'. The magazine is a major issue for publicity hunters looking for the 'Who's who" of the moment. RTIR is a fantastic resource and the people who put it all together are awesome at what they do. I love getting my copy in the mail. However, something in the Should You Advertise With Us section got me really riled up this time.
This section discusses what the media and prime time is looking for - or what creates high ratings on radio and TV. I guess I never really paid that close attention to this before. I was sickened to see the top media choice picks were mostly negative controversial subjects, sometimes just strange or really 'different'. The industries such as going green and self-development / self-help were highly ranked, but family and parenting were described as "much less appealing" for subject content.
As someone who focuses on consciousness and development with family always being top priority, this really put a knot in my jaw. How can we, as a society grow and develop if our emphasis is not on family values? How can relationships develop if our concentration is on controversial subjects like religious separatism and cultural differences?
So , then the next question is how can this be made more positive? How can I do my part? What can I do to make a difference and help family and relationship values to grow in popularity with the media and the masses?
I think back to where I was a few years ago and shudder for a moment at my own contribution to the negative group think tank. Thank God I took time to prioritize my own life. I have broken many rules to get there, but man am I glad I did.
Putting love, tears, and determination in every action and decision I took everyday since is how I won and still beat the battle of negativity around me. I study every tool, technique, and opportunity that is presented to me. I pay attention to every encounter and person whom I come in contact with the intention of heightening that person's day - even if only by a smile. Intention is the key.
I write everyday. I write for myself and to inspire children, and to help others know that they can make a difference. Every new technique I learn, I write about to share it with others.
Now, with a program being developed, I face yet another challenge. Others in the same field as my partner and I want to share the same information for hundreds and thousands of dollars. Again - I am P.O.'d! When I needed help, I couldn't afford it. I don't care what the others say, I know that this is not the way to go.
So, here we go again - breaking the rules. We combined our experienced techniques and tools and published a book on it - no frills, just what works so everyone can afford it and make a difference in their own lives. The publishers and reviewers said to us, "you need a professionally designed cover", "you need fantastic graphics that jump out at everyone", "You need to charge at least $100 for this material or people won't want it". WHAT!?! Then, to make matters worse, when we told them there was a program to go with it, we were told that no one will buy at that price because it is too low and low prices denote low value". "Everyone under values their own work...cahrge at least five times what you intially thought of and then you will be in the right ballpark". I am sorry if I offend anyone, but these people are NUTS! How can you make a difference if the people who need it the most can't use it? Yes, inspiration will move some to start out on their own, but what about everyone else who does not know where to start or do ont have the resources to get even to that point?
For us, this is about passion and making a difference. I do not care what 'they' say, because I have been there. I fought to get where I am now, and I am staying. If I can help someone else get where they want to be...who do you think is going to be more successful? The guy selling a program to a few at a couple of thousand bucks, or my partner and I when we can't keep up with the classes because we actually make a difference and are 'reasonable'? We shall soon see won't we.
NOTE: As I was posting this today, I received a call from someone at the above mentioned publication about a possible TV interview for our new book. He was "feeling' me out and checking out my pitch for a producer should they choose to interview us. I laughed and told him I was blogging when he called and told him what this blog was about. I suggested that maybe the media is 'barking up the wrong tree' in a sense. That I think that the 'market' of families is somewhat overlooked, and maybe they should be barking up the tree of genealogy - the family tree. He laughed and agreed. We shall see what happens when he calls back next week.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My Story...for those who have asked
A little over two years ago, I suffered from depression. I gave up the career I thought I had always wanted to be full-time stay-at-home mom.
I suddenly found myself no longer the same person. I was no longer contributing an income and our financial picture became ‘tight’ to say the least. This was a huge change for me – not just for the amount of income change, but also because I had always prided myself as being an independent woman. This importance of financial independence had been instilled by my parents since I was a child.
The guilt over choosing to be a good mother and watching my family struggle was unbearable to me. We still had enough, but it was often very difficult. I had not had to count grocery dollars before.
I often cried for hours on end and sometimes did not leave my house or even shower for days on end. My marriage and my children started to show the stress as tensions were high and conversations were stalled. Not knowing where to turn, I asked my family doctor for help. He said there really was nothing he could do. I saw a psychologist and spoke with a psychiatrist. No one could help me except with the offer of drugs and the promise that it was only temporary – just a bad case of the ‘baby blues’. I was told that every one ‘goes through it’, just at different degrees.
At home, I became a robot. I cooked meals and sometimes, cleaned my house. To this day, most of my friends and family have no idea how much of this I/we hid this from them. I would pass off my withdrawal as being tired from the kids, or I would say that I was just too busy to get out even for groceries.
At this point, my friends began to call less often. I was pushing everyone away without realizing it. My life was spiraling out of control and I was completely overwhelmed by it. The only one who truly knew just how desperate I felt, was my mother. I even managed to keep some of what I was going through from my husband – or so I thought. I could have won an Oscar.
My mom began sending me books about self-help, and names of groups and people I could talk to. She sent me a copy of the movie The Secret. The books and papers sat scattered through the house gathering dust.
Although I do not remember the actual day, I had reached a point that I never will return to again. As I sat nursing my daughter, watching Oprah and eating a bag of Doritos, I wondered if my family would be better off without me. I even thought about how if I was gone, insurance would pay off a lot of our debt. My husband was a wonderful man – I should have been better to him and my kids. He would meet someone better, and that would be good for my children.
Tears streamed down my face. I sobbed and shook in the armchair. My trance was broken as my daughter made a gurgle sound. I looked down at her, and in that very instant, I realized that I had so much to live for. I thought I was going to go insane. As I fought the guilt coming at me from every direction for the thoughts I had just pictured in my mind, I glanced up at the TV. How the hell did people like Oprah get where they are? I didn’t know a lot about her, but I knew she came from virtually nothing. I didn’t think I could ever get to the same ‘place’ as she was, but maybe there was a way to get myself out this mess and I just had to find it. I looked down at my daughter, and then and there, I promised her, my son, my husband and my parents – all of them – that I could fix it. I knew I had to fix me first, because I knew somehow that I had caused all of this. I had pushed the people I loved the most away from me. The problem was me. I prayed and asked God to somehow show me what to do.
After awhile, I got up to change the channel and I saw a DVD on the top of the television. I picked it up and realized that it was the movie, The Secret that my mom had given me. I blew the dust off and put it in the player. ‘I might as well watch it’, I thought. “I’m sitting here feeling sorry for myself and not doing anything anyway!”
I watched that movie three times in a row that day. I cried ever time, but now the tears were from hope and inspiration. That same evening, I explored every corner, closet and bookshelf in my house. I pulled every book mom had given me, or ‘accidently’ left behind and I piled them all in the living room on the floor. There were books by John Gray, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Cheryl Richardson; as well as many others. Cheryl’s book looked interesting, so I decided to start with that one. I read it cover to cover in two days. Then I started again, and did the journaling and exercises in one of my son’s empty scribblers from school.
It was difficult to relive some of my experiences as I wrote them all down. But, I did it faithfully every day while I was nursing my daughter or while she slept in my arms. I watched The Secret again and again, and I kept on writing. I asked questions aloud, and wrote every thought and feeling I had. I analyzed my own entries. What had I learned? How did or can this help me? Where do I go next?
I began to look on the internet for more information. I discovered The Science of Getting Rich Program, and I knew the second I saw it that this was the next step I needed to take. The program was expensive - $2000.00, but when I approached my husband he saw my desperation and told me that ho only wanted ‘his Leigh’ back again. We didn’t have the money, but we would use credit if it would help me. I bought the program.
That program has helped change my life. I began going out again – gingerly at first, but I became more confident and started spending time with my friends again. I started my own business, and I wrote like a banshee every day. My journal entries now changed to a story for my son. That same story became my first published children’s book. The whole process and how that little chapter book has further changed our lives is another novel in itself. The main point is – I got out of that place. I vowed that somehow, I would find a way to help others like me find their way out too.
Now, a different person, yet the same – my outlook on everything is best described as holographic. Even as I write this now, I fell my eyes begin to fill. The difference now though, is that these are feelings of gratitude. If is often hard to imagine being thankful for the pain in our lives and serious conditions such as depression, but if you learn the lesson and can move on – you have learned the secret to life.
I have been knick-named “The Rule-breaker” by some of my new friends. I don’t follow the rules. If someone tells me I can’t, I know instantly that I can and I will find a way. I was told I would never publish my book – I am currently on book number four. I was told that couldn’t change – I did. I was told that I could not get to the point to help others – I do. You can too. Believe.
I suddenly found myself no longer the same person. I was no longer contributing an income and our financial picture became ‘tight’ to say the least. This was a huge change for me – not just for the amount of income change, but also because I had always prided myself as being an independent woman. This importance of financial independence had been instilled by my parents since I was a child.
The guilt over choosing to be a good mother and watching my family struggle was unbearable to me. We still had enough, but it was often very difficult. I had not had to count grocery dollars before.
I often cried for hours on end and sometimes did not leave my house or even shower for days on end. My marriage and my children started to show the stress as tensions were high and conversations were stalled. Not knowing where to turn, I asked my family doctor for help. He said there really was nothing he could do. I saw a psychologist and spoke with a psychiatrist. No one could help me except with the offer of drugs and the promise that it was only temporary – just a bad case of the ‘baby blues’. I was told that every one ‘goes through it’, just at different degrees.
At home, I became a robot. I cooked meals and sometimes, cleaned my house. To this day, most of my friends and family have no idea how much of this I/we hid this from them. I would pass off my withdrawal as being tired from the kids, or I would say that I was just too busy to get out even for groceries.
At this point, my friends began to call less often. I was pushing everyone away without realizing it. My life was spiraling out of control and I was completely overwhelmed by it. The only one who truly knew just how desperate I felt, was my mother. I even managed to keep some of what I was going through from my husband – or so I thought. I could have won an Oscar.
My mom began sending me books about self-help, and names of groups and people I could talk to. She sent me a copy of the movie The Secret. The books and papers sat scattered through the house gathering dust.
Although I do not remember the actual day, I had reached a point that I never will return to again. As I sat nursing my daughter, watching Oprah and eating a bag of Doritos, I wondered if my family would be better off without me. I even thought about how if I was gone, insurance would pay off a lot of our debt. My husband was a wonderful man – I should have been better to him and my kids. He would meet someone better, and that would be good for my children.
Tears streamed down my face. I sobbed and shook in the armchair. My trance was broken as my daughter made a gurgle sound. I looked down at her, and in that very instant, I realized that I had so much to live for. I thought I was going to go insane. As I fought the guilt coming at me from every direction for the thoughts I had just pictured in my mind, I glanced up at the TV. How the hell did people like Oprah get where they are? I didn’t know a lot about her, but I knew she came from virtually nothing. I didn’t think I could ever get to the same ‘place’ as she was, but maybe there was a way to get myself out this mess and I just had to find it. I looked down at my daughter, and then and there, I promised her, my son, my husband and my parents – all of them – that I could fix it. I knew I had to fix me first, because I knew somehow that I had caused all of this. I had pushed the people I loved the most away from me. The problem was me. I prayed and asked God to somehow show me what to do.
After awhile, I got up to change the channel and I saw a DVD on the top of the television. I picked it up and realized that it was the movie, The Secret that my mom had given me. I blew the dust off and put it in the player. ‘I might as well watch it’, I thought. “I’m sitting here feeling sorry for myself and not doing anything anyway!”
I watched that movie three times in a row that day. I cried ever time, but now the tears were from hope and inspiration. That same evening, I explored every corner, closet and bookshelf in my house. I pulled every book mom had given me, or ‘accidently’ left behind and I piled them all in the living room on the floor. There were books by John Gray, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Cheryl Richardson; as well as many others. Cheryl’s book looked interesting, so I decided to start with that one. I read it cover to cover in two days. Then I started again, and did the journaling and exercises in one of my son’s empty scribblers from school.
It was difficult to relive some of my experiences as I wrote them all down. But, I did it faithfully every day while I was nursing my daughter or while she slept in my arms. I watched The Secret again and again, and I kept on writing. I asked questions aloud, and wrote every thought and feeling I had. I analyzed my own entries. What had I learned? How did or can this help me? Where do I go next?
I began to look on the internet for more information. I discovered The Science of Getting Rich Program, and I knew the second I saw it that this was the next step I needed to take. The program was expensive - $2000.00, but when I approached my husband he saw my desperation and told me that ho only wanted ‘his Leigh’ back again. We didn’t have the money, but we would use credit if it would help me. I bought the program.
That program has helped change my life. I began going out again – gingerly at first, but I became more confident and started spending time with my friends again. I started my own business, and I wrote like a banshee every day. My journal entries now changed to a story for my son. That same story became my first published children’s book. The whole process and how that little chapter book has further changed our lives is another novel in itself. The main point is – I got out of that place. I vowed that somehow, I would find a way to help others like me find their way out too.
Now, a different person, yet the same – my outlook on everything is best described as holographic. Even as I write this now, I fell my eyes begin to fill. The difference now though, is that these are feelings of gratitude. If is often hard to imagine being thankful for the pain in our lives and serious conditions such as depression, but if you learn the lesson and can move on – you have learned the secret to life.
I have been knick-named “The Rule-breaker” by some of my new friends. I don’t follow the rules. If someone tells me I can’t, I know instantly that I can and I will find a way. I was told I would never publish my book – I am currently on book number four. I was told that couldn’t change – I did. I was told that I could not get to the point to help others – I do. You can too. Believe.
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