Thank you to all the Entrepreneurs

It has been a fantastic year to listen, meet and engage conversations with great entrepreneurs all over the world. Everyone has unique abilities its explored in the book of the same name by Catherine Nomura and Julia Walter with Shannon Waller based on concept by Dan Sullivan.

This approach has allowed me the opportunity to better understand people in a team atmosphere and being able to act upon ideas and suggestions with great success.

Going into the New Year visit your local book store and locate authors on this subject and many more to further explore your internal success.

Your Future Your Success

Get Connected Make it Happen in 2010!
Jim Pagiamtzis P.B.E.

Will Holiday Set You Back in 2010?

By Jack Canfield

Missed TargetYou are an accumulation of your habits. From how you get out of bed, how you shower, how you dress, how you shop for food and eat meals, how you exercise, how you walk, sit, and talk, how you respond to the world, how you act in front of others, and how you think; you are living out your habits.

Habits are necessary. Because they typically come naturally and automatically (“through habit”), they free up your mind so you can concentrate on how to survive day to day. You don’t have to think about how to drive your car so you can be on the lookout for danger while you are driving. You don’t have to think about how to walk so you can concentrate on where you’re going.

Unfortunately, habits can also keep you locked in self-destructive patterns, which will limit your success.

This is especially true during stressful periods, like holidays. This is when it’s far too easy to let bad habits take over and multiply with every holiday symbol that you see.

So, what’s the secret to surviving this holiday season, bring in the new year feeling fantastic—physically and emotionally—and have more confidence in the future?

You will need to drop those bad habits and develop new ones that are in line with the life you want to live. This will help you to get through the holidays cheerfully and embrace 2010 with high hopes. People don’t suddenly appear in the life they want to live, habits determine their outcome!

So ask yourself, what are the habits you have that are keeping you from achieving your goals? Which ones seem to become magnified during the end of the year, setting you up for feeling behind and lousy come January 1st?

Really be honest with yourself. Are you always running late? Do you make promises you can’t keep? Do you get enough sleep? Do you make excuses for not eating well and scheduling exercise? Do you plan out your day?

Imagine what your life would be like if all those habits were their productive counterparts.

What would your life be like if you ate healthy meals, exercised and got enough sleep? What if you saved money, stopped using credit cards and paid cash for everything? What if you stopped procrastinating, overcame your fears, and began networking with people in your field? Would your life be different? I bet it would!

So, my suggested action step for you is to write down some productive habits you could adopt and visualize in your life. Step two is to “act as if” you were living these new habits right now!

I know, you thought you wouldn’t have to do this until New Year’s, but I’d like to help you get moving toward creating more successful habits today, so you’re already in motion when 2010 lands.

I’d recommend you plan on developing four of your new success habits each year, one for each quarter. That means right this instant you can map out which four you intend to adopt in 2010, and then create a method that will support your new habits.

Here are some ideas:

You could write it down on a card that you keep with you and read several times a day. You could make it a part of your daily visualization.
You could also enlist the help of an accountability partner who has habits to change.

It’s important to make a 100% commitment to each of your new habits, so be specific about the steps that you’re willing to take in order to drop an old habit and adopt a new one.

Don’t be vague about how you will change your habits. Spell it out for yourself so you can recognize situations that motivate you to act out your new habit.

Just developing four new habits a year will dramatically shift your life to be more in line with your vision. And the more in line it becomes, the easier the other habits are to replace because your perspective is shifting and you can see more clearly how your old habits aren’t serving you anymore.

Get ready for 2010 today! Focus on habits that will launch you forward, not back.

Make the decision. Make the commitment. Then watch your new, positive life unfold!

I'll be back in two weeks with another edition of Success Strategies. Until then, see how you can discover ways to immediately implement what you learned from today's message!


© 2009 Jack Canfield

* * *

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Can field now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Key to a better relationship begins with YOU

The blush of new love has faded. Now it’s time to iron out those problems in your relationship.
One way to set the stage for resolving those mini-problems is first to examine your attitude.
“You must accept that the person is not the problem- the problem is the problem.” says psychologist Susan Heitler.
Take the finger you point at the person and bend it towards yourself, adds psychologist Carl Mumpower. “Admit that “ I have these idiosyncrasies and I’m less than perfect.”
You can’t criticize people into becoming better people. Instead describe the dilemma, discuss your concerns, not your criticism of your partner. And listen, listen, listen.
Make a request, suggest a creative solution, a proactive way that won’t leave you feeling like a victim.
For example, if she likes to run errands on your way to an event and it drives you crazy, make a list of things to do and do them the next day. Re-choreograph your departure.
Be a good role model and don’t neglect your own behavior.
React to patterns, not isolated incidents.
“Above all, put more energy into loving those differences that initially attracted your rather than trying to change them.” says Mumpower. “We’re all unique, molded in different furnaces. We should love those differences.
By Sandy Naiman
Recommended reading
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

 

2009
Picture with Jack Canfield and Jim Pagiamtzis at an event in Toronto in 2009.

" A Lesson in Freedom"

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a Social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, AR did something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with permission of the school Superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks Out of The classroom.

The kids came into first period, they walked in, there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, "Ms. Cothren, where's our desk?" And she said, "You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."

They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."
"No," she said.

"Maybe it's our behavior."
And she told them, "No, it's not even your behavior."

And so they came and went in the first period, still no desks in the Classroom. Second period, same thing, third period.
By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Ms. Cothren's class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom.

The last period of the day, Martha Cothren gathered her class. They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. And she says,

"Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily."
She said, "Now I'm going to tell you."

Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it,

And as she did 27 U.S. Veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that Classroom, each one carrying a school desk. And they placed those school desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall.
And by the time they had finished placing those desks, those kids for the first time I think perhaps in their lives, understood how they earned those desks.

Martha said, "You don't have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you.
They put them out there for you, but it's up to you to sit here responsibly to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk, and don't ever forget it."

Sometimes we forget that the freedoms that we have are freedoms not because of celebrities.
The freedoms are because of ordinary people who did extraordinary things, who loved this country more than life itself, and who not only earned a school desk for a kid at the Robinson High School in Little Rock, but who earned a seat for you and me to enjoy this great land we call home.

MAY IS NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH
Remember our Troops and Veterans...

Stay Focused on Your Core Genius

by Jack Canfield

Focus on your core geniusI believe you have inside of you a core genius... some one thing that you love to do, and do so well, that you hardly feel like doing anything else. It’s effortless for you and a whole lot of fun. And if you could make money doing it, you’d make it your lifetime’s work.

In most cases, your Core Genius is directly tied to your passions and life-purpose.

Successful people believe this, too. That's why they put their core genius first. They focus on it—and delegate everything else to other people on their team.

For me, my core genius lies in the area of teaching, training, coaching and motivating. Another core genius is writing and compiling books. Over my 35 year career, I have written, co-authored, compiled and edited more than 150 books, and I love to do it! I do it well, and people report that they get great value from it.

Compare that to the other people in the world who go through life doing everything, even those tasks they’re bad at or that could be done more cheaply, better, and faster by someone else.

They simply can’t find the time to focus on their core genius because they fail to delegate even the most menial of tasks.

When you delegate the grunt work—the things you hate doing or those tasks that are so painful, you end up putting them off—you get to concentrate on what you love to do. You free up your time so that you can be more productive. And you get to enjoy life more.

So why is delegating routine tasks and unwanted projects so difficult for most people?

Surprisingly, most people are afraid of looking wasteful or being judged as being above everyone else. They are afraid to give up control or reluctant to spend the money to pay for help. Deep down, most people simply don't want to let go.

Others (potentially you) have simply fallen into the habit of doing everything themselves. "It's too time-consuming to explain it to someone," you say. "I can do it more quickly and better myself anyway." But can you?

Delegate Completely!

If you’re a professional earning $75 per hour and you pay a neighborhood kid $10 an hour to cut the grass, you save the effort of doing it yourself on the weekend and gain one extra hour when you could profit by $65. Of course, while one hour does’t seem like much, multiply that by 52 weekends a year and you discover you’Ave gained 52 hours a year at $65 per hour —or an extra $3,380 in potential earnings.

Similarly, if you’re a real estate agent, you need to list houses, gather information for the multiple listings, attend open houses, do showings, put keys in lock boxes, write offers and make appointments. And, if you’re lucky, you eventually get to close a deal.

But let’s say that you’re the best closer in the area.

Why would you want to waste your time writing listings, doing lead generation, placing lock boxes, and making videos of the property when you could have a staff of colleagues and assistants doing all that, thus freeing you up to do more closing? Instead of doing just one deal a week, you could be doing three deals because you had delegated what you’re less good at.

One of the strategies I use and teach is complete delegation. It simply means that you delegate a task once and completely - rather than delegating it each time it needs to be done.

When my niece came to stay with us one year while she attended the local community college, we made a complete delegation - the grocery shopping. We told her she could have unlimited use of our van if she would buy the groceries every week. We provided her with a list of staples that we always want in the house (eggs, butter, milk, ketchup, and so on), and her job was to check every week and replace anything that was running low.

In addition, my wife planned meals and let her know which items she wanted for the main courses (fish, chicken, broccoli, avocados, and so on). The task was delegated once and saved us hundreds of hours that year that could be devoted to writing, exercise, family time, and recreation.

Most entrepreneurs spend less than 30% of their time focusing on their core genius and unique abilities.

In fact, by the time they've launched a business, it often seems entrepreneurs are doing everything but the one thing they went into business for in the first place.

Many salespeople, for example, spend more time on account administration than they do on the phone or in the field making sales, when they could hire a part-time administrator (or share the cost with another salesperson) to do this time-consuming detail work. In most cases, in a fraction of the time it would take them and at a fraction of the cost.

Most female executives spend too much time running their household, when they could easily and inexpensively delegate this task to a cleaning service or part-time mother's helper, freeing them to focus on their career or spend more quality time with their family.

Don't let this be your fate!

Identify your core genius, then delegate completely to free up more time to focus on what you love to do.

I believe that you can trade, barter, pay for and find volunteer help to do almost everything you don't want to do, leaving you to do what you are best at - and which will ultimately make you the most money and bring you the most happiness.




Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Can field now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Success Story

Hello, my name is Vicky Lopez. I am 48 years old and I teach grade one at a public school. In order to keep active during my work day, I have been walking during my lunch hour. When the lunch bell rings, I lace up my running shoes and head out my classroom door. While most of the teaching staff head to the staff room to eat their lunches, I head down the hall and start my rounds. I walk all around the school and up and down the stairs for about 25-30 minutes. Sometimes I am joined by my very fit 62-yr-old good friend Geni. Believe it or not, I have to run to keep up with her! She is an amazing walker. I recently bought myself a pedometer to count my steps, and by the end of my work day I have usually taken 10,000 steps. I have been walking during my lunch hour for over six years and I love it. It gives me the energy to return to the classroom and take care of my students! I also attend a gym a few times a week. I think that exercise has definitely improved my physical health, as well as my mental health. I just love it!

Story submitted through the ParticipACTION Wall of Inspiration - Quebec


If you would like to submit articles, events/programs or news to our e-newsletter or for more information on ParticipACTION, please feel free to contact us by email at info@participACTION.com or visit our website at www.participACTION.com

Meeting with Jack Canfield in Toronto

Jack Canfield of author of Success Principles was at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto doing a seminar on principles from his latest book.

Had the opportunity to speak with Jack briefly in the hallway and later on took picture with him during book signing.

Thanks Jack!

Jim Pagiamtzis

Advice for Youth: Slay or Sleep with your “Giant”

The "Giant" is an event/activity that we know we MUST perform frequently, in order to create our desired future, yet because we feel uncomfortable doing it, we constantly look for reasons to resist it at that moment in time. We procrastinate mainly because we know there is no immediate reward for doing it now and there is no immediate painful consequence for NOT doing it now. There's no instant gratification and it won't hurt if we leave it until later. However, every time we procrastinate, our guilt over not doing it grows and we feel even worse. This in turn decreases our motivation and drive to do the other things we also need to do. It's a downward spiral of despair and discouragement. "Procrastination is an invisible disease which takes a talented individual with great potential and turns him/her, slowly, bit-by-bit, over time, into a complete and utter failure." So what is the solution? The solution is the "MCR" Technique: Develop the right Mindset Create a Consequence Create a Reward 1. Always focus on slaying your Giant first, as early as possible in the day, while you are the strongest. The longer you leave it to slay your Giant, the weaker you are and the harder it will get. Repeatedly affirm to yourself and program your mind with these words; "I always do first, that which creates my future." 2. You must understand, deep inside your core, this absolute fact: You either choose to SLAY your Giant or you choose to SLEEP with your Giant. It's YOUR choice. At the beginning of each day, your Giant will jump up and climb on to your back with his arms around your neck and his legs tightly wrapped around your waist. If you don't get him off your back as quickly as you can, you will exhaust yourself, dragging him with you every where you go. If you don't get him off by bed time, he'll be joining you in bed. The Giant in bed represents the guilt you will feel for not doing what you know you should have done. He'll still be on your back as you get into bed. As you toss and turn he's still there, tossing and turning with you. Imagine the kind of sleep you will get with him there all night long. Hopefully, having to sleep with your Giant is now a consequence big enough to motivate you enough to slay your Giant before you get to bed! 3. If scheduling to slay your Giant after dinner is not working for you, change it. Set the reward of, "I'll only eat after I slay my Giant." Now you have an immediate reward for slaying your Giant. Be creative and come up with your own personal "reward" solutions.
About the Author
Terry Gogna
A powerful and passionate presenter, Terry is also a Personal Success Coach, Sales Trainer and Entrepreneur. He is the author of "How Can I Get Myself to Do What I Need to Do?" and creator of the "Priority Event Management System." Terry’s passion is to share his unique “P.E.M. System” with success-oriented people around the world, showing them how to achieve success in ALL areas of their life through self-empowerment. Check out his website at http://www.pemsystem.com

There is No Such Thing as "Time Management"

How often have you heard the phrases: "I don't have time" or "I'll have to make time"? I know what you're thinking, "I just said that today." We've all heard these words so often that we never take the time to listen to what we're actually saying. We hear and use these words so frequently that we never question their accuracy. Instead we convince ourselves, without a doubt, of their truth. I want to make a point here and now: You cannot "make" or "manage" TIME. You can only create and manage personal events. Webster's dictionary says, "To manage something is to "handle", "direct" or "alter" something for a purpose." You cannot manage time because you cannot handle, direct or alter time for any purpose. You cannot speed up time and you cannot slow time down. You can only control and manage the events that you personally carry out in the time that already exists. So, the next time you hear the words, "Time Management", remember, there is no such thing. "Event Management" is the only way to successfully pretend that you are actually managing time. Organizing your daily events in segments of 15 minutes or less throughout the whole day will give you the perception that you are actually capturing and slowing time down. The "Hidden" Principle Of Success It is common knowledge that there are success principles that, when followed diligently, yield great success in any area of our lives. So why is it that so many people who have achieved obvious and significant success in ONE area of their life lack significant success in other areas of their life? If we truly knew how it was that we became successful in one particular area, would we not want to apply those same principles to all the other areas of our life? We would be right in saying that if we are significantly successful in one area of our life and significantly NOT successful in other areas, then we either: 1. Don't care about being successful in those other areas of our life. 2. Have accepted the false truth that, "In order to achieve significant success in any one area of life, we MUST sacrifice all other areas of our life." 3. Perhaps we don't really know exactly how we became successful in that one area. There may be other principles of success in action behind the scenes, of which we are simply not aware, apart from the obvious ones that have caused our success such as passion, determination, perseverance and focus of consistent effort. If we assume that the real reason is point number three, what other possible principles of success are in action behind the scenes? Ones of which we are not aware of or that we refuse to pay attention to. On a daily basis, there are two types of "events/activities", that we all engage in: Present-Based events & Future-Based events. Present-Based events allow us to maintain a certain level of comfort and happiness in our life. However, no matter how much time and dedication we put into these events, they will not cause any SIGNIFICANT change in our present life or lifestyle. These Present-Based events alone will not create a new and better future significantly different from the one we currently experience. Future-Based events are the source of change in our life and lifestyle; they create our new and better future. If we busy ourselves all day long with ONLY Present-Based events, we will be guaranteeing our future lifestyle to look exactly like the one we currently have in the present. The key to success lies in truly understanding and differentiating between a Present-Based and a Future-Based event.
About the Author
Terry Gogna
A powerful and passionate presenter, Terry is also a Personal Success Coach, Sales Trainer and Entrepreneur. He is the author of "How Can I Get Myself to Do What I Need to Do?" and creator of the "Priority Event Management System". Terry’s passion is to share his unique “P.E.M. System” with success-oriented people around the world, showing them how to achieve success in ALL areas of their life through self-empowerment. Check out his website at http://www.pemsystem.com

Self Development Tips

As long as you are still alive, you are capable of changing and growing. You can do anything you want to do, be anything you want to be. Listen to some positive thoughts on how to continue your self development and then apply them in your own life.

· Accept personal responsibility for your own growth; no one can do it for you. What you do today will determine your readiness for tomorrow.

· Take time every day to do something for yourself.

· Take classes to stay current in your field of expertise. The world is changing rapidly and you must learn to manage change to avoid obsolescence. The way Will Rogers put this was that "Even if you are on the right track, if you just sit there you will get run over."

· Never look back to the past-you only can control your actions in this instant, so what should you be doing right now?

· Learn from "other people's experience" rather then having to try everything for yourself. It shortens the time needed to learn.

· Dealing with a problem helps you learn patience and strengthens your management skills; it is good mental exercise.

· Analyze, in a non-judgmental way, mistakes in which you were involved. It will help you to prevent these in the future.

· Reward yourself when you catch yourself working on the most important priorities.

· Never say something can't or won't be done. Keep looking for ways to do it.

· After attending a seminar, report to your boss or other people in your organization, what the most important things are that you learned from the program.

· For all learning experiences, whether it is reading, seeing, thinking or attending, apply the R squared, A squared formula: Recognize, Relate, Assimilate, and Apply. These actions will help you grow in the direction of your goals.

· Eliminate one time waster a week from your life.

· Read a minimum of one chapter of a book a day.

· Read a minimum of one book a month.

· Be hungry for what life has to offer and go for it.

· Decide what you really desire to do-then do it.

· When you have the option of reading a book or listening to the cassette tape version of the program, listen to the tape. It will be more to the point and can be done while you are driving, jogging/walking, or getting other routine things done.

· Develop a "master mind" group of four or five people with whom you can openly discuss ideas in a nonjudgmental way.

· Develop yourself as a resource for others by networking. Find out who does what, when, and for whom. You may find excellent contacts for your future needs and for the needs of others you meet.

· Work for balance in your life goals: family, financial, professional, social, spiritual, recreational.

· Always keep your goals in mind as you start a new activity.

· If you do a lot of work with the calculator, run the machine with the hand you don't use for writing.

· Do not be afraid of failing at something. You can learn and change as a result of it.

· The most difficult projects are opportunities for your biggest successes just as the most difficult people could become your strongest allies.

· Put up pictures of your dreams and goals where you will see them frequently. They will remind you and aid you in focusing and visualizing your goal.

· We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Learn from those people who get more done than you do. Perhaps you can find a way to improve what you are doing.

· Find a nonjudgmental mentor who will help you by providing feedback, suggestions, challenges and support.

· Identify some "models" and observe their style and actions. Do not copy them but learn from their experiences.

· Learn from the errors you see others make as well as from their successes.

· Fill your mind with positive ideas, thoughts and inspirations and you will have no room left for the negative.

· Trade jobs with someone so you gain additional experience.

· Ask for and accept lateral moves in the organization so you learn more about the entire operation.

· Do more than your "self doubts" say you can.

· Have confidence that you can get through and learn from anything and everything you experience.

· Reward yourself with a treat when you have completed a learning objective.

· Keep a daily journal, recording your thoughts, ideas, feelings and personal growth progress.

· Ask questions, listen, then ask more questions. You will learn as well as help others learn.

· Ask yourself, "How can I manipulate my fate?"

· Do things with someone you respect. They will be supportive of you and you will learn from interacting with them.

· Seek new information on projects for which you have responsibility. Look for new "ah ha" ideas all the time.

· Challenge yourself to learn something new every day.

· Remain flexible and constantly adaptable.

· Be open to others and sincerely interested in them. You can learn from everyone you meet.

· Mentally rehearse a new skill. Your subconscious does not know the difference between actual practice and mental rehearsal.

· Keep a record of what you accomplished the previous day(s)/week. If you did not accomplish as much as you wanted, it gives you extra incentive to do better in the next time period.

· Make notes of the questions you want answered. Then as the answers come to you, jot them down next to the question.

· Work on overcoming personal, nonproductive habits; for example: overeating, smoking, gossip.

· Keep an "Idea File" ring binder or notebook in which you record all new ideas. At least once a week in a standing appointment with yourself, review your ideas.

Volunteer to Success

First article that appeared on Empower.ca

Small startups and SOHO business have one big issue, which is common to all businesses, how to promote their business (or their products and services). Obvious solution is marketing and advertisement but you need some budget. So you become a walking advertisement of your business, and networking is the best way to go about it. Again there are many ways but volunteering is a multifaceted method of networking combined with personal development.

“Get ConnectedMake It Happen” that’s what Volunteering is all about if you ask Jim Pagiamtzis, “ you may want to check the dictionary to get another answer” he says.

Extremely proud of his greek heritage Jim decided that he wanted to do more and connect with Greek Community in Toronto. “you mention Greek here in Toronto and everyone mentions the Danforth and the awesome food.” which is great.

He did some research via Internet and talk to few friends who did work in the Greek community and very quickly he found a few organizations which were a great fit. He quickly realized that there was a lot that could be done, during the next few years he participated and promoted many events from greek singles events, wine tasting tour, attended various board meetings dealing with greek issues facing the community and made many personal and business friends along the way.

After that the connection was made and Jim had put together his own website (www.payamgis.com) where he put up links to various Greek organizations and other groups that may been of interest.

“ Looking back I learned so much about many things from business to personal growth, that has help me today to empower others just do a little and experience the difference.

Currently still doing some volunteering in the internet community with the Society of Internet Professionals (www.sipgroup.org) Over the past few years he participated in various events from Symposiums to Trade shows and Conferences.

Below are a couple of benefits that Jim has got from the various shows he has participated in.

1. Networking- being in the environment where you are dealing with different people from show organizers, support staff and fellow volunteers, you have the opportunity to network and build valuable relationships at all levels

2. Skills- developing and practicing effective presentation skills when working in the SIP booth from how to use brochures or explaining various programs and events.

3. Attitude- have a positive and learning attitude to be an effective volunteer in all aspects of participating in various events and activities

Currently Jim still participates in assisting and participating in Trades Shows and Conferences with the confidence and attitude that he shows and tells new volunteers through example that you can volunteer and be successful at it with the key reminder “Get ConnetedMake it Happen”

Get Connected_Make It Happen Newsletter September 2009

Get Connected-Make It Happen!

September 2009 Newsletter

Welcome to all Entrepreneurs. It's September that means time to create value for your customer and clients. Will be speaking in October for Skills for Change and Happen. Check out my blog for new articles on networking and building momentum for your business.

New exciting news!

Millionaire Mind Intensive Coming up in November 27-29 2009

www.peakpotentials.ca enter promo code 323805

Special Event:

Skill for Change (Dufferin and College)

October Oct 14th @ 11am-12:00pm ( followed by Q and A session)

GUEST SPEAKER

Jim Pagiamtzis

Network you way to Career Success

Happen for Professionals in transition

October 29 at the Metro Convention Centre

Jim Pagiamtzis speaking on "Networking your way to Success"

www.happen.ca for more information 9:00am-10:00am followed by Q and A

Click on Meeting then Toronto for details

Longbranch executive office open. Great rates. Call

www.3301.ca for details

Seminar and Office space available at great rates

Call Jim Pagiamtzis at 416-894-7859 ((serious inquires only)

Events:

Small Business Forum by Enterprise Toronto Oct 19,2009

Guest speaker will be Brett Wilson from CUBIC Dragon's Den

www.enterprisetoronto.com for details

www.jimpagiamtzis.blogspot.com

Articles, information and inspiring stories to come.

Articlesbase.com (multiple articles written)

http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jim-pagiamtzis/163965.htm

Centennial College- Article on Journey to Success

http://www.centennialcollege.ca/development/publications/ascent Page 18

Meridians :Natural Health Care

www.meridiansnaturalhealthcare.com

Toll free: 1-866-674-8270

Business of Value:

Make it Fly book Launch at Success on Sept 9,2009 was a great success. Carla Langhorst has produced a great book that should be read by every entrepreneur. Go to www.makitfly.ca form more information on this great book.

Habit for Humanity initiative:

It will promote the project which is to collect 150,000,000 aluminum used beverage cans, commonly referred to UBCs in support of
habitat for Humanity Brampton's build or 10 homes for 10 families by 2010. At 33 cans to the lb that equals 2,272.7 tons.

Asking all donor's to please rinse the can with water, then crush the can horizontally. The first operation insures that the flying insects, Bees, wasps, Hornets and ants will not bother future handlers. that second insures that the can is free from foreign matter and permits the storage of more, 400, cans per 30 gal bag.

If interested in donations please cal Jim Pagiamtzis (contact information below)

Great Website:

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

www.metroactive.org Great info and link to great magazines

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Networking Mixers: Break the Ice, Build Your Contacts, and Grow Your Business

Great article with lots great tips and suggestions by one of the great guru's of Networking

By Dr. Ivan Misner

iLearningGlobal Faculty Member

Founder & Chairman of BNI, World’s largest business networking organization

Sr. Partner of the Referral Institute

New York Times Bestselling Author

Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by CNN

Do you suffer from “Butterfly‐itis”at the very mention of networking at business functions? If you answered yes, you

are not alone! Many business people and entrepreneurs get a bit uncomfortable when it comes right down to walking

up to someone and starting a conversation. Many others are concerned about getting effective results from the time

they spend networking. The process doesn’ have to be traumatic, scary, or a waste of time. When done properly, it

can truly make a difference in the amount of business your company generates. With the right approach, you can use it

to build a wealth of resources and contacts that will help to make your business very successful.

Making contacts that turn into relationships is the foundation of a prosperous word‐of‐mouth business. Neophyte

networkers repeatedly ask me, “hat can I do to meet more people and make better contacts at business mixers?”To

answer this important question,

I’e put together what I call the “en Commandments of Networking”to help master those mixers. These rules work just

as well for events like a Chamber of Commerce mixer as they do for a company open‐house party.

The Ten Commandments of Networking a Mixer

1. Have your networking tools with you at all times.

2. Set a goal for the number of people you’ll meet.

3. Act like a host, not a guest.

4. Listen, and ask the five “W” questions: who, what, where, when, and why.

5. Give a lead or referral whenever possible.

6. Describe your product or service in sixty seconds.

7. Exchange business cards with the people you meet.

8. Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet.

9. Write comments on the backs of the business cards you collect.

10. Follow up with the people you meet.

Now, all of these commandments are predicated on the idea that you actually
meet and talk to people at the event. So

before we even get to them, it’s important to talk about how to do just that.

Many times when entrepreneurs attend the ever‐popular networking mixer, they have a difficult time reading the crowd

and knowing when and where to get started. Sometimes, that seems to be the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs in

networking. They may say to themselves; “ don’ want to just barge in. Where do I start? Who do I talk to?”Being able to assess the room is an important beginning for the process. For example, look at Diagram A, below. Here is

a top‐down view of a portion of the room during a business mixer. For the person entering the room (like the individual

with the “”in the bottom right corner –it’ hard to determine where to start in the networking process.

With that in mind, consider this. The next time you are attending a networking mixer, take note of how people stand

physically grouped together. You will find that people stand with their bodies clearly indicating whether or not they are

open to having someone approach and join them or not. In other words, literally look for “pen”vs. “losed”groups.

What do I mean by open vs. closed groups? Compare the two diagrams below. You will note that in Diagram B the two

people are standing parallel to one another with their shoulders squared off in a way that does not make it easy for

anyone to enter the conversation. It is a Closed Two group. However, in Diagram C. you will note that the two parties

are standing slightly askew which makes it easier for someone to join the conversation. This is an example of an Open

Two.

B. C.

In Diagram D below, you will see an example of a Closed Three group. In this illustration, you can see that they have

closed the circle, thus indicating that they are having a more private conversation or are not interested in meeting

someone else at that moment. This would NOT be the group to break into and introduce yourself.

Sometimes the closed three’ do open for a time and then re‐close. As you watch the group, take the opportunity to

come in the group during the times when they are physically open. This usually indicates the ebb and flow of

conversation and lets you know that there is a break in the intensity of conversation or at least in the privacy of the

conversation.

On the other hand, look at Diagram E. In this illustration, you can clearly see that there is room for another person to

join in the group. These are the configurations to look for in a group of people where the majority of them are business

people you don’ know.

The Open Three’ will stand with a slight break between two of them.

D E

The same principles apply with groups of four or more. When all participants are facing “n to”each other, leaving no

opening for another, consider that a closed group. However, many groups of four or more will have a position open,

with room for another one (or more) to join. That would be an open group.

Being able to read a crowd, any size crowd, and gauge when to come into a group of two, three, or more people who are

networking is an acquired skill. If you aren’ able to learn this concept, you might be destined to attend event after



event and finally make the presumption that networking events aren’ a good way for you to make connections or

develop new networking partners.

This couldn’ be further from the truth. You must put yourself out there into the mix for it to work. As I like to say,

“etworking is a contact sport.”In order to make those connections, you need to successfully gauge the warmth of the

smaller gatherings of people at the mixer.

Below is Diagram A again. Take another look at it. Can you spot the open and closed groups? It’ amazing how the

same diagram makes sense when you look at it from the perspective of open or closed groups.

A

Often people who attend the mixer together will stay grouped together for the entire event. As the event unfolds,

however, they will open and close their grouping. I have seen this happening and watched as networkers who were

savvy to this concept came into the grouping as it opened, met the attendees and then moved around the room meeting

others, collecting business cards of future contacts for their successful networking efforts.

Now that you understand the analogy of Open and Closed Three’, let’ move on to my
Ten Commandments of

Networking a Mixer
. After you master these, you will truly be ready to have an enjoyable and profitable meeting!

Commandment # 1: Have Your Networking Tools With You at All Times

The first commandment is to have with you at all times the tools you need to network. This is the foundation of all that

follows. All successful business people (or what I call “Notable Networkers”) have the “tools of the trade.” These tools

include an informative name badge, plenty of business cards, brochures about their business, and a pocket‐sized

business‐card file that has the business cards of the professionals they refer.

As an effective networker, you need to purchase a commercially‐made badge. This looks much more professional than

the stick‐on, “ello My Name Is”paper badges. Your badge needs to include both your name and your company’ name

or your profession on it. As a rule of thumb, use your company’ name if it describes your profession.



For example:

John Anderson

“EADY‐FAST”PRINT & COPY

If your company’ name does not clearly describe your profession (as is the case with a consulting firm like Carlton,

Donner, & Finch), write your profession on the badge:

Mary S. Carlton

ADVERTISING &

MARKETING CONSULTANT

Badges are now available that require only slipping your business card into the top and—
voilà!— instant badge! These

badges are unique because you are literally wearing your business card, logo and all.

Make sure the print on your card is readable to people standing a few feet away. Many people recommend wearing

your badge on the right side, because people shake right‐handed and the badge is easier to see. While this seems to

makes sense, if you’e that close to someone, it doesn’ matter much. Always look for a profession on the badge.

Knowing someone’ profession or company name makes it easier to start a dialogue, because you can ask about his or

her business. Always carry plenty of business cards with you. I like to stash some in my wallet, briefcase, calendar, and

car so that I’ never without them. I also keep a small metal cardholder in the coat pocket of each of my suits.

Commandment # 2: Set a Goal for the Number of People You’ll Meet

Some people go to a meeting with only one goal in mind: the time they plan to leave! To get the most out of a

networking event, set a goal regarding the number of contacts you want to make or the number of business cards you

want to collect. Don’t leave until you’ve met your goal.

If you feel inspired, set a goal to meet fifteen to twenty people and make sure you get all their cards. If you don’t feel so

hot, shoot for less. In either case, set a reachable goal based on the attendance and type of group.

Commandment # 3: Act Like a Host, Not a Guest

In her book
Skills for Success, Dr. Adele Scheele tells about a cocktail party where she met someone who was hesitant to

introduce himself to total strangers. Dr. Scheele suggested that he “consider a different scenario for the evening. That is,

consider himself the party’s host instead of its guest.” She asked him, if he were the host, wouldn’t he introduce himself

to people he didn’t know and then introduce them to each other?

Wouldn’t he make sure people knew where the food and drinks were? Wouldn’t he watch for lulls in conversations, or

bring new people over to an already‐formed small group?



Scheele’ new acquaintance acknowledged the obvious difference between the active role of the host and the passive

role of the guest. A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Scheele concluded,

“here was nothing to stop this man from playing the role of host even though he wasn’ the actual host.”There is

nothing to stop you from being far more active when you’e with a large group of people, either.

A distinguishing characteristic of self‐made millionaires, according to Thomas Stanley, professor of marketing at Georgia

State University, is that they network everywhere. Most important, they do it all the time —at business conferences, at

the health club, on the golf course, or with the person sitting next to them on a plane. This fact alone should motivate

you to place yourself in situations where you can meet new people. Sit between strangers at business meetings or strike

up a conversation with people at the spa. Make friends, even when you don’ need to.

Commandment # 4: Listen, and Ask the Five “W” Questions; Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Dale Carnegie advised, show genuine interest in the other person’s business. If I meet a printer, I ask, “What kind of

printing do you specialize in? Commercial? Four‐color?

Instant? Copying? Where are you located? How long have you been in business?”The answer to each of these questions gives me a better grasp of the individual and the type of work she does. Thus, I’

in a better position to refer her to others or invite her to different networking groups.

Commandment # 5: Give a Referral Whenever Possible

Notable Networkers believe in the “givers gain” philosophy. If you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet,

then you are not networking. You need to be creative in this area.

Few of the people you meet for the first time at a business mixer are going to express a need for your product or service.

That doesn’t mean you can’t give them something.

If you can’t give people bona fide referrals, offer them some information that would be of interest to them. Tell them

about a speaker’s bureau in their area that could help them get speaking engagements, tell them about another

business mixer that’s coming up soon, or give them information about one of the networking organizations you belong

to. Don’t be a “narcoleptic networker.” Stay awake, and take an active role in the networking groups you belong to.

If you work hard at developing your skills, people will remember you in a positive way. In addition, you will ultimately

expand your Contact Sphere, because, as we discussed earlier, many people who start out as Casual Contacts become

Strong Contacts.

The larger your network, the better your chances of reaching out and calling upon resources you wouldn’t have access

to otherwise. Most important, with this growth comes increased visibility, exposure, opportunity, and success.

Commandment # 6: Describe Your Product or Service

After you’ve learned what other people do, make sure to tell them what you do. Be specific but brief; use “memory

hooks” or basic explanations that they will retain after your brief encounter.



Too often, people try to cover everything they do in one introduction. When you have the chance to be in front of the

same group of folks regularly, don’t make the mistake most people make by painting with too broad a brush. Lasersharp

networking calls for you to be very specific and detailed about one thing at a time.

Sometimes I hear businesspeople say they have a “full service” business. I think saying this alone is a mistake; full service

doesn’t really mean anything to people who don’t understand the details of all the services you offer. Instead, talk about

what you specialize in or what you're best known for. There's something that sets you apart from the competition…let

others know about that aspect of your business.

Whatever you do, however, don’t assume people you meet for the first time will really know your business. Here is

where you need to gauge the conversation, and explain your business in a little further detail to them if they seem

interested.

Commandment # 7: Exchange Business Cards With The People You Meet

Ask the person you’ve just met for two of his cards, one to pass on to someone else and one to keep for yourself. This

sets the stage for networking to happen. Keep your cards in one pocket and put other people’s cards in the other

pocket. This way, you won’t be fumbling around trying to find your cards while accidentally giving somebody else’s card

away.

What do you do with business cards you collect from people you meet at networking events such as business forums,

breakfasts, and mixers? These cards can be instrumental in helping you remember people, initiate follow‐ups, discover

opportunities, and access information and resources.

Always review the cards for pertinent information. It is not always easy to determine what people do simply from their

title or company name. Note whether the products and services offered by the company are listed or summarized. If

you’e just received the card of an attorney, check to see whether the card indicates the attorney’ specialty. To

demonstrate your interest, write the missing information you collect on the front of the card, in view of the other

person.

Commandment # 8: Spend Ten Minutes or Less With Each Person You Meet and Don’t Linger With Friends and

Associates

Recalling Commandment # 2, if your goal is to meet a given number of people, then you can’t spend too much time with

any one person, no matter how interesting the conversation gets. Stay focused on making as many contacts as you can.

When you meet people who are very interesting and with whom you want to spend more time, set up appointments

with them. You can always meet later to continue the conversation.

Don’t try to close business deals while you’re networking; it’s impractical. Set a date to meet and discuss your product or

service in an environment more conducive to doing business. You may be able to increase your business with hot

prospects if you take the time to fully understand their needs.

Learn to leave conversations gracefully. Honesty is usually the best policy; tell them you need to connect with a few

more people, sample the hors d’oeuvres, or get another drink. If you feel uncomfortable with that, exit like a host by



introducing new acquaintances to someone you know. Better yet, if it seems appropriate, ask them to introduce you to

people they know.

Above all, don’t linger with friends and associates! These are people you already know, and you’re there to meet people

you don’t know. I attended a mixer once where I saw several business friends stand and talk with one another for two

hours. On their way out, one actually complained, “This was a waste of time. I didn’t get any business from it, did you?”

No kidding.

Commandment # 9: Write comments on the Backs of the Business Cards You Collect

This helps you remember more about the person when you follow up the next day. I try to meet many people when I’m

at a mixer. Two hours and twenty people later, I can’t always keep everyone straight. Therefore, I always carry a pen,

and when I’ve concluded a conversation with a new acquaintance, I step away and jot down notes, including the date

and location of the event. This information is crucial for effective follow‐up and becomes more important the busier you

are. I also write a note about what the person is seeking; for example:

“…s looking for a good printer,”“…as friend moving out of the area and needs a real estate agent,”or (the most important one of all),

“…ants to set an appointment with me; call on Tuesday!”If the individual doesn’ express a specific need, I may write down something about him or her that I learned from the

conversation —things relating to his or her responsibilities, contacts, interests, or hobbies.

For example:

“…ikes to back‐pack,”“…nows Joe Smith from L.A.,”or

“…upervises ten employees.”Record anything you think may be useful in remembering the person more clearly. As you’l see in Commandment # 10,

the more information you have about the people you meet, the better your chances of a successful follow‐up. One

important note however, some cultures (particularly Asian countries) find it bad form to write on their cards. Be aware

of your cultural surroundings before following this suggestion.

Commandment # 10: Follow up With The People You Meet

I’ve seen people spend untold hours in networking organizations, yet fail at networking because their follow‐up was

appalling. Remember, good follow‐up is the lifeblood of networking. You can obey the previous nine commandments

religiously, but if you don’ follow up effectively, you’e wasting your time! If you promise to get back to people, make

sure you do. Even if you don’ promise, call them or drop them a letter. If you follow up effectively, networking can be

empowering.



I highly suggest that you copy the list of commandments at the start of this article and keep it with you in your calendar,

briefcase, or purse. The next time you go to a business mixer, review the list before you go inside.

These commandments are part of the core of creating a positive message and delivering it effectively. Establishing a

word‐of‐mouth based business requires getting out of your cave and getting belly to belly with other business

professionals.

The next time you have the opportunity to go to a gathering of this sort, use what you’e learned here to break the ice

and build your business!

Special thanks to Martin & Gillian Lawson for their contributions to this article.

About Ivan Misner
: Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking

organization. BNI was founded in 1985. The organization now has over 5,000 chapters throughout every populated

continent of the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 5.5 million referrals resulting in $2.2 billion dollars worth of

business for its members. Dr. Misner’s Ph.D. is from the University of Southern California. He has written ten books,

including his New York Times Best sellers: Masters of Sales, Truth or Delusion? and Masters of Networking. He is a

monthly columnist for Entrepreneur.com and is the Senior Partner for the Referral Institute – a referral training

company with trainers around the world. In addition, he has taught business management and social capital courses at

several universities throughout the United States and now sits on the Board of Trustees for the University of the Rockies.

Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by CNN and the “Networking Guru” by Entrepreneur magazine, Dr. Misner is

considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major

corporations and associations throughout the world. He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and

New York. Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, CNBC, and the BBC in London. Dr. Misner is

the Founder of the BNI‐Misner Charitable Foundation and was recently named “umanitarian of the Year”by a

Southern California newspaper. He is married and lives with his wife Elisabeth and their three children in Claremont, CA.

In his spare time!!! He is also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate.
For more information visit www.bni.com

Differences make us Stronger

“Diversity is our strength” is a simple, yet powerful idea that has been adopted by many organizations over the years. While diversity may seem like a complicated concept, it is quite simple. In the workplace, diversity can be as simple as recognizing that customers have different needs and learning how we can best serve them, or listening to the input of co-workers to develop the best solution possible. Diversity is understanding that differences make us stronger.

“Diversity is taking the different thoughts and ideas of individuals and bringing them together to meet a common goal”. Say Jill Holsted, coordinator-Real Estate Services, based in Harrison general office. As a member of the Diversity Council, Jill has first-hand understanding of how diversity positively influences FedEx Freight regional. “It is great to be part of a company that values the knowledge, skills and talents of all individuals.

Diversity benefits everyone because it creates an open environment of respect where everyone can contribute. There contributions generate ideas and creative solutions that have helped make FedEx Fright regional and FedEx National LTL the industry leaders they are today. This inclusive environment will continue to help us be successful in the future.

An inclusive environment creates opportunities for the talents of all employees to be fully realized. When people feel that they are an important part of the company and they can make a difference in their workplace, employee engagement dramatically improves. Thus, leveraging our diversity to improve employee engagement can increase productivity in the company.

Additionally, the Diversity Council supports employee engagement by boosting morale, encouraging communication and soliciting ideas from co-workers.

Every employee is responsible for diversity, not just Diversity Council members. However, embracing diversity requires an active choice from each of us and each decision you make either builds up or tears down diversity in the company. “When we embrace diversity in the workplace and truly get to know one another, we learn to respect and embrace each others differences. We become a family, and families take care of each other” says Jill.

When you make the choice to support diversity, our company becomes better and stronger-one person at a time.

Article appears in the First Issue of Delivering The Promise.

Jim Pagiamtzis is member of the Diversity Council at FedEx Freight Canada.

 

Have the opportunity during the past year to volunteer with Junior Achievement of Canada and teach the Economics of Staying in School program to grade eight student in the Greater Toronto Region. It has been an experience and lessons for me to share great information on success of staying in school.

Have receiving a certificate for participating in this great program. Thank you goes out to Dionne Malabre, Jim Wedge and Arvinder Singh for partnering up for the day.

 

Terry Gogna has has written great book called "How can I get myself to do what I need to do" wwww.terrygogna.com for three types of people. Students, Leaders & Achievers

 

Few months ago had the opportunity to meet very inspiring lady Carla Langhorst at Enterpise Toronto event at City Hall in Toronto, we talked briefly and kept in touch via email as time passed.

She had told me that she had written this book on how entrepreneurs can test their ideas out. Few months later we were both scheduled to speak at Enterprise Toronto in North York Civic Centre. I was speaking on "Do you have a Mentor" and Carla was speaking on "Transportation 101" At the end her event we had a chance to continue networking and learned more about her book.

OnSept 9,2009 had her official book launch party at a local bar in the King and John area. It was great night of networking and meeting great people and her book was getting some great reviews.

Check out wwww.makeitfly.ca for great information on testing your idea before you go to market. You can also reach her at carla.langhorst@gmail.com or 647-290-7023