John Lieberman

Why you need a coach now more than ever

Recently, I received a newsletter from a prominent Public Speaking Coach. He's multi-lingual, and has been busy expanding his business in Europe, leaving the day to day operations of his business here to others. Sometimes, even a coach needs a coach, and he is currently working with two, one to help him connect and grow his European practice, the other is here is the states. He understands the 'value' a coach brings to him and his business. In these tough times, if forced to make a choice, he would much rather give up other things, than deprive himself (and his company) of a coach.

With the world in economic turmoil, are you taking stock of your financial, life, and personal business situation? How are you doing? If you own Real Estate in South Florida, are you able to pay your mortgage? Are you about to be, or are you already in Foreclosure? Do you know how long you can 'hold on' or if it's even worth it? What is your best strategy?

If you own a restaurant, are you doing everything possible to bring in new customers and retain those of long-standing? Have you considered opening for an additional meal? Perhaps, creating a lower priced 'small plate' menu to enable potential new clients to taste your cuisine? Maybe, you've thought about bringing back the 'happy hour' to create new business. If you are located in an area frequented by tourists, have you considered creating a 'locals discount card'?

The rent keeps coming due, what to do?

If you're a Sales Manager, are you doing everything possible to assist your sales staff and help them maximize sales from existing clients, and garner new ones? Are you looking at ways to minimize wasted time and effort following up on orders or dealing with problems? Are you streamlining and tweaking the process, in order to give salespeople more time to actually sell? Tweaking the system may give salespeople more time to sell, but have you thought of all the possible 'ripple effects'?

With the world a swirl, are you able to see the picture clearly? Do you have someone with a clear objective perspective to speak with and receive guidance from? Have you thought about where you are, what you need to do, and where you want to be? Do you even know what is possible?

A coach can help you sort through issues and problems, and create a strategy to help you stay afloat and ultimately succeed.

These are difficult times, and even the wealthy have had their credit lines drastically reduced. Are you prepared or preparing for this eventuality? If you are in a confused state, or burying your head in the sand, a coach may be able to help you sort through the morass, clarify what's going on and what isn't, and help you chart a course for your betterment.

A coach will help you look at the picture from a different perspective. You can't always rely on friends and family to give you clear, objective, and workable solutions.

If you begin working with a coach early on, they may be able to help you prevent a 'meltdown'. Remember, a coach is not your Therapist. However, the business acumen and practical pragmatic strategies proffered by your coach, provide you an opportunity to gain objectivity, perspective and clarity. These tools may also inspire you to perform at your best.

A good coach can also help you:

•See the picture more clearly, for both the short and long term.

•Create a working strategy for the short term, while preparing you for the longer term.

•Gain or re-gain your confidence to deal with issues in a productive and fruitful manner.

Today's world demands that all of us function in peak performance mode. A coach can be your greatest ally, and provide you with the tools to help you function at a higher level. A good coach may help you find the best possible solution, and will work with you to create a workable strategy for your ultimate betterment.

At one time or another, we've all had the experience of kicking ourselves asking 'what I've missed' or why didn't I see that'. Retaining a coach, may help prevent you from having to ask those questions, and may just provide you with an 'Ah huh' moment, that will put everything in its proper place.

Imagine, two equally talented executives, one relies solely on their native intelligence and experience. The other, has a secret weapon, a coach! He has a private personal business consultant at his disposal.. He avoids making costly mistakes. He has a well thought out plan. He's well rehearsed, and therefore prepared for almost everything. Given the vicissitudes of the marketplace, he is expanding his network of contacts, horizontally and vertically, both in and out of his field. He is also actively meeting with recruiters before he needs them. Whom do you think stands the better chance of being successful today, tomorrow and in the future?

The decision to retain a coach is an investment in yourself and/or your business, and the rewards are a better today and a brighter future.

Until next time, we're wishing you every success.

All my best,

John

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then what could having the wrong picture be costing you?

Several years ago I was sitting in a small cafe in New York when a woman in her very late 50's began to 'chat me up'. After conversing for a few minutes I learned she was a Real Estate Agent. I also learned she had been quite successful, but the last few years, had experienced a significant drop in income and new clients, even in an up market. She didn't and couldn't understand why?

Since I had already introduced myself, I thought it only appropriate to ask her name. She became a bit edgy, and strongly and angrily asked me: 'Don't you know me? Why don't you know me?' I told her repeatedly that I had no idea of who she was. Then she asked if I went to the movies. Of course, I said. She finally followed with an explanation: 'I'm the realtor featured on the slide shows on the screen in the ads you see before the movie.' I couldn't believe it! Then she said: 'Don't I look just like my photo?"' Being a seasoned veteran of too many dates from singles web sites, I lost all sense of my usual tact and diplomacy, and said 'No'.

It turns out, the photo she used were over 12 years old. After she calmed down, I asked if her clients' and prospective clients held her 'in a position of trust'? She answered, 'yes, of course'. I asked when she began to experience a decline in sales, clients and income? After thinking about it, she admitted it was after she started her ad campaign, using an out of date photo.

In essence, the use of the out of date photo resulted in her unintentionally breaching a trust. What you saw, wasn't what you were going to get. Upon meeting her, almost every potential client saw her as deceitful. For most of us, the purchase of a home is our single largest investment, and we want to work with someone with whom we can relate and trust.

Are you putting yourself in a position where the wrong photo could potentially sabotage your career?

In today's world, almost everything requires a proper photo. You may not have control of your Drivers License photo, but you can assume control of almost every other photo used for business, personal, public relations purposes, your business card and even your passport. It's not an expensive proposition, and in some cases it may be tax deductible. It could even make you money!

Everyone could benefit by virtue of having at least one good head-shot, taken on a yearly basis. You should have them in a file on your computer or on disc, in color and in Black and White, in '.jpg' format. Our lives change more rapidly and regularly than ever, and a yearly record, or snapshot in time can be beneficial.

I spoke at length with top Fine Art Photographer, John Ermer

www.photoprophotographymiami.com

Since their inception, John's 'Shoot Yourself' videos have become required viewing for amateur photographers everywhere. When discussing the value of having a proper photo available, John put it very well. He said: 'Your photo is the first contact with everyone. It should be flattering and truly represent who you are. The value of having a head-shot done annually, is like currency, you are always prepared. Your style and look will be up to date. You will also feel comfortable having it published, no matter the medium. It's a first impression. You should always be smiling."

For a moment, indulge me, and imagine a worst case scenario. You've just been arrested, and the police are releasing your 'mug shot' to the media. No sleep, hair matted, eyes bulging. Yikes, anyone seeing it on TV or in the press says "GUILTY!"

Now imagine, you have a family member or friend or Attorney with access to a great head-shot. you're well groomed, smiling, happy, and present a image that says, "THEY COULDN'T BE GUILTY!"

The above is a deliberately extreme example to illustrate the point. In today's society, people change jobs frequently. A great head-shot can help you or a recruiter, sell you to a potential employer. The photo should convey the impression that you are open, happy, content, a team player, go-getter, cooperative, and possess many other qualities an employer may be looking for.

Suppose you've been chosen to give a speech or lecture. The local newspaper or your firm's web site may want to publish your photo. Do you want to rely on them sending someone with a digital camera and no skills or desire, to take a proper photo that will depict you in the best possible light? What is it worth not to have a column in the building or a plant appearing to come out of the back of your head? What if you've had a bad day? What if the photographer has had a bad day or doesn't care what you look like?

Think, in advance, about the impression you want to convey. You may get a larger turn out based on publishing a good photo. You may even succeed in being booked for other lectures, based in part on the photo and image you've chosen to present.

I had the pleasure to speak with one of the next generation of Paparazzi, Simone Corrado

http://flickr.com/photos/alonewitheveryone. https://www.flickr.com/photos/alonewitheveryone Her shot of model Kate Moss has recently been published in several European gossip magazines and tabloids. Our conversation touched on 'Candid Photography". Simone made a very interesting point. While most of us think the Paparazzi are interested only in debasing a celebrity, she told me that part of her goal is to catch them 'au natural', before the make-up and pampering begin. She wants to capture them looking like everyone else. With one exception. Her goal is to capture their unique and natural beauty. She wants to capture a celebrity in a relaxed state. She tries to find 'the magic moment', just like a song. That one split second where they are truly themselves and off guard.

In today's world, more and more people are hiring their own Paparazzi for private functions, like Bar Mitzvah's, Sweet Sixteens, or to commemorate a birthday or special event or moment. This adds a lot of credibility to Simone's perspective and input for this newsletter.

Both John and Simone agree on few simple things you may want to think about and discuss (in advance) of retaining a photographer for a private shoot:

•Explain what you are looking to accomplish.

•Discuss hair, make-up, wardrobe. A word of advice, don't wear sunglasses or hats for a head-shot.

•Familiarize yourself with your surroundings for the shoot. Get comfortable in advance.

•Make sure the background is an asset to the purpose of the shoot, and your eventual use of the photos.

•Discuss lighting. Make sure the Photographer has a portable lighting kit in case it's needed or relevant. Also discuss the use of shadows. Shadows can augment of distract. Be clear with your Photographer about the intent and use of the photos. Tell them what you like. After all, they want a happy satisfied client.

•When hiring a Photographer, discuss how many corrected photos you will be entitled to, and set a schedule to receive them on disc. Make sure you have ultimate approval in terms of quality.

•Be realistic. If you're 60, you're not going to look 40.

•Have fun!

Remember, if you are single and on one of the many dating sites, or have a page on a social networking site, you want to project a certain image. The photos you display are actually a representation of you as "You, Inc.". You will never truly know who looks at them or for what purpose, or when you may actually meet someone in a business environment who has seen them. If you post outdated, outlandish, or untruthful photos, they may very well come back to haunt you. Employers regularly look through all of the sites to find information on every prospective and even current employees.

A proper photo can make you money. Improper photos, that are ill lit, don't show you at your best, or convey the wrong message, can cost you dearly. So can arrays of multiple photos that look like they are from different eras, with different hair lengths, colors, clothing and facial features.

Be who you are, and have fun doing it.

If you would like to learn more about how to achieve the best possible photo, and speak with one of our guest Photographers, please go to our site to see our premier live webcast and participate in the discussion via chat. We will drop an Email a few days before the broadcast to remind you.

Until next time, we're wishing you every success.

All my best,

John

What could it be costing you, when you answer your mobile phone?

As Dr. John said: "I was in the right place, but it must have been the wrong time". Well, believe it or not, there is a right place and a wrong time to answer your mobile phone.

Answering or speaking on the phone in the wrong place or at the wrong time may be costing you more than you know. Even having a 'sexy' caller specific ring tone, could cost you something you may want to hold near and dear.

Imagine, you're on a date with a relatively new boyfriend or girlfriend. You are beginning to see the person on a somewhat regular basis, and you are both laying the foundation for a future long term relationship. You are in the middle of a great date and your phone rings. The ring tone is "Do you wanna get funky with me?" Oops, it's an ex with whom you still maintain a cordial relationship. You've now un-necessarily created issues of trust and fidelity., and you may have a lot of explaining to do. At the very least, you have also succeeded in making your date very uncomfortable. What did that faux pas cost you?

Now imagine the same ring tone and incoming call, during a business meeting or business meal? In all probability, your corporate counterpart will not see the humor in it. They may also find it offensive, in poor taste, and it may cost you the deal or contract you've been working so hard to obtain.

Perhaps this would be a good time to re-think your phone etiquette and habits. It may prove helpful to think of time spent in the company of others or in public venues, as if you were in a movie theater. Your phone should be on vibrate or turned off, and you may find it beneficial to let the call go to voicemail.

You may want to consider, when possible and appropriate, a variation of a strategy promulgated by author, Timothy Ferris, in 'The 4-Hour Workweek', and that is to direct (via your outgoing message) callers to communicate with you via email. This would serve several purposes. The first of which is that it tends to force callers to focus on exactly what they wish to say and get accomplished. It also creates a written record of their request, and point of reference for you, and it would give you time to consider the request and do the necessary homework before responding. You may also want to consider letting calls from 'unknown or blocked' numbers go to voicemail.

With very few exceptions, I am truly at a loss to understand why anyone blocks their number. After all, you are calling someone you wish to speak with. Don't you want them to see who is calling? When you call someone, it may prove productive to get into the habit of always leaving a message. Otherwise, how is the person you are calling supposed to prioritize when returning calls?

For many years, I have held my most important business meetings in the finest eateries as well as hotel restaurants. People always ask, why I do this? There are several very good reasons:

- My counterpart is on my turf. I know the restaurant staff and environment, and know what to expect and what needs to be done for my guest. I have also created a relaxed atmosphere, permitting my guest to enjoy the meal as well as the ability to speak in a more private environment. If possible, I've taken the time to pre-arrange the meal with the Chef or owner. (Barring any dietary restrictions of course). All of which give me a competitive edge.

- The result being: I've reduced the amount of daily distractions. If we were in a conference room, we might well be interrupted by a secretary, phone calls, and other business matters. I've also given my guest something special to look forward to, a great meal.

- The third reason is that a lot of fine restaurants and hotels block mobile signals. Thus, I will have the full attention of my guest, and we are able to spend time creating a better level of comfort between us.

Sometimes,being a bit less available on the mobile can reap benefits. If you are not a Doctor and are always 'on call', you may be giving the impression that your time has no value, or you are disorganized, or , worst of all, your guest may feel insignificant. If you are constantly interrupting a meal to gaze at or answer the phone, you are not only losing your focus, but the focus , attention and possibly the respect of your guest as well. Even in our phone and technology obsessed world, most businesses still operate a certain number of hours per day. If you are in a noisy place having drinks with friends, or using public transportation, then you may wish to think twice before answering the phone.

First and foremost, you are probably not prepared to take a business call and react in a proper manner. You don't have paperwork and data right in front of you. Secondly, you don't know exactly what the caller wants, so you can only lose by answering the call without being adequately prepared. Third, the noise and fact that you've had a few drinks may well come through to the caller, and you will have to raise your voice to be heard. You may also be putting yourself in a position to unwittingly give away important trade or personal information to people you don't know, who may be within earshot. All of which can be very costly.

All to often while in a public space, I've become privy to things I should not have, by virtue of someone speaking on their mobile. Remember the old World War II motto: "Loose lips sink ships". They can easily sink your best business efforts as well.

If you must take a call, then either keep it short, and do not mention names, corporations, clients, or specific information. One pragmatic solution is to ask the caller if you may ring them back, take your leave of the surroundings, and then place the call and have the necessary conversation.

On a slightly different note, I'm still shocked that people answer and speak on the phone while using the facilities. Yuck! The listener can easily discern from the echo of your voice and other audio cues, that you are, or should be, indisposed. Not exactly a fine time to showcase your ability to multitask, don't you think?

Several years ago I was invited along with my friend and colleague, Dr. Dan Schaefer, to give the opening lecture to the new interns for IRTS (International Radio Television Society). One of the first things I communicated to them, was that the days of idle chit chat on their mobile phones were over. Each was about to become a public figure, and they had to learn that the world is not just watching, it's listening to every word. The damage they could cause themselves, family and co-workers was about to become extreme.

In summary, remember, business is in great part about strategy. You may want to think about and create a workable strategy for using your mobile phone in a public place. If you are not prepared to speak with someone and can let the call go to voice mail, do it. As much as possible, you want to research and rehearse important conversations, just like meetings and presentations. You want to create a plan and let it work for you. Keeping your eyes on the prize of a successful deal. You wouldn't want to place yourself in a position to fail or sabotage your best efforts, would you?

Next time you are in a public place and your mobile phone rings, before answering, ask yourself: What good can come from the potential conversation, and what could it cost?

Until next time, we're wishing you every success.

All my best,

John