But I Am On The Script!

At this point, I've written a number of articles about scripting sales calls, especially over the phone.

Let's recap my main points:

(1) Scripting is inevitable. Even when we think we aren't using one, we are!

(2) Scripts need to be brought to life through special delivery techniques.

(3) Four T's inform the success of scripts: text, tone, timing & training.

(4) Theoretically, you can have more than one script working in your sales unit, providing users are committed to sticking to those they adopt.

(5) There are special ways to craft language so it sounds spontaneous and not canned.

I suggest you take a look at prior articles on this topic to get up to speed.

Here is today's point about scripting,

Reps think they're using them, word for word, when you know they aren't. You've just passed by a desk where the rep is off the mark in several places, yet he, quite sincerely, insists he's on it.

What can you do to set him straight?

The best way is to tape him and to play the tape in his presence and have the script in front of both of you.

But guess what? He still may think he's on it, word for word. Amazing, I know, but it's true.

Example: Your goal is appointment setting and the language in the script reads: "So, what we'll do is stop by to say hello on Tuesday or will Wednesday be better for you?"

The tape reveals the rep said: "So, what we could do is stop by to say hello on Tuesday or will Wednesday be better for you?"

Is there a difference? You bet!

What we "could" do and what we "will" do are dramatically different in the impact on potential customers.

Your job is to sell the rep on the necessity and desirability of doing the script, word-for-word.

When you use scripts, they need to be thoroughly enforced; otherwise, reps will think they're on them, when they aren't!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of www.Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, “The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,” published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

How to Talk to Girls - Get Them to Desperately Want You Through the Power of Words

If you want to be good with women - it all boils down to one thing - you must be able to develop deep rapport with them. If you're able to captivate them with your words, it doesn't matter if you're not too good looking or rich for that matter. Read on to discover how to talk to girls, and make them desperately want you.

Three Ways To Talk To Girls And Make Them Want You

Method #1. The Socrates Way. Guess what is the number one topic for virtually every human that walks on the face of the earth. THEMSELVES. Make the conversation 80% about her, and 20% about you (or less). This way, you will be able to find out more about herself, and also show her that you're deeply interested in her. These are the key components of deep rapport between a man and a woman.

Method #2. Humor. If you're able to make her laugh, you've already won half the war. The rule of thumb is this - you must be able to make her laugh within the first three minutes of conversation. When you crack the first joke and she laughs, then you're more or less sorted. Don't fret about having lots of 'canned' jokes - just make them sound natural (and befitting into the conversation) and you will do fine.

(Advanced) Method #3. Fractionation. This is the art of bringing the woman through an emotional rollercoaster, and thus making her associate herself emotionally with you. This is an advanced technique, but is deadly effective.

Fractionation is considered as a 'dark art' tactic which is the basis of hypnosis-based seduction, and while controversial, it is known to be one of the most effective tactics ever invented by underground seductionists to develop deep rapport with women.

If you are interested in learning more about fractionation to make a girl want you, it is described in a step-by-step system in the Deadly Seduction Tactics free ebook - http://www.DeadlySeduction.com

These psychology tactics are highly unconventional techniques that are used by the secret elite in the seduction community. Use at your own risk. I personally vouch for the effectiveness of these tactics, but care must be taken as they could be outright dangerous in the hands of the unscrupulous.

But if you're ready to make women want you and don't mind dabbling in the 'dark arts', then do this. Click on the following link for a proven system that will get you instant domination of any woman you meet, guaranteed, and for free: Deadly Seduction Tactics

Oxygen to Cure a Hangover

You wake up with an incredible case of cotton mouth and you are very irritable. The sun seems extremely bright and every sound seems heightened to a very uncomfortable degree. Your stomach feels quite queasy and even the thought of food could push you over the line, so that whatever is in your stomach probably won't be for long. You are shaky and limp. Your muscles seem powerless and you have a headache of mammoth proportions. You have a hangover. The newest techniques for this self-inflicted condition involve using oxygen for hangovers.

A very lucky 25% of the population will never get a hangover, despite every effort to thwart nature. For the rest of us, a hangover can be a grueling experience. A hangover happens when a person consumes more alcohol than the system can process. This causes stomach irritation, as it lingers in the bowels, and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, both of which leave the body very dehydrated. Alcohol is broken down through the liver, and a main component of this process is oxygen. During a heavy night of drinking, oxygen in the blood is diverted toward the areas that need it, and can result in a lack of oxygen in the brain. This is hypoxia, and that's the lightheadedness you feel during a hangover. It can also lead to headaches, and may hamper the brain's ability to function. Oxygen for hangovers has resulted as a new method for treating these symptoms.

Knowing this, more and more hangover sufferers are using oxygen for hangover relief to help overcome the worst symptoms. A greater flow of oxygen into the system can increase metabolism, and will help the liver process the alcohol more quickly. Oxygen helps to detoxify the bloodstream, and will work to relieve the headache, fatigue, and nausea caused by lack of oxygen.

Oxygen for hangover treatment was previously only available to those with access to the medical facilities of a hospital or to people who live near an oxygen bar. Now this oxygen therapy is available to everyone via canned oxygen. As a relief for hangovers the convenience of having oxygen on hand at home can only add to the beneficial effects claimed by its users.

Oxygen4energy.com sells 99% pure canned oxygen. Most people use canned oxygen for more energy, faster recovery time, greater mental clarity & focus, hangovers, altitude sickness, jet lag, stress.

A Relaxing Way to Share Poems

Poetry readings are venues where writers can share their works in front of a friendly audience. Unlike other venues like in the classroom or writing workshops where listeners are expected to voice out their criticisms of the poems being read or discussed, in poetry readings, criticism is not encouraged. Poetry reading is a far more relaxed way to share poems than in a structured classroom discussion or workshop setting (where criticism can stifle openness and self-expression).

Mads Bajarias, the author of the poetry book entitled Pepsi Tastes Funny When It's Christmas Eve & You're Alone Eating Canned Tuna, shares that poetry, like other forms of art, is not something you can force on anyone. He also says that he is drawn to poetry but it's something he can't explain. "If young ones aren't interested in traditional forms of poetry, I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. People are no less special just because Shakespeare bores them. Maybe kids today find their poetry in 'Halo,' 'Naruto,' 'Twilight' or 'Call of Duty.'"

Here is the first poem in his book, bearing the same title:

Pepsi tastes funny when it's Christmas Eve & you're alone eating canned tuna.

And you don't even own a phone so you reach for yesterday's paper to look at your horoscope. "Expect heavy psychic traffic," it says.

A line of black ants ends in a pair of shorts lying on the floor. The landlady raps on the door "Are you okay in there?" Her voice turns you on.

Mads is one of the country's famous poetry readers being featured in a bi-weekly event called "Happy Mondays Poetry Nights" at Mag: Net Cafe in Quezon City, Philippines. Other Filipino poets who are also sharing the same ardor in the event are Lourd de Veyra, Angelo Suarez and Voltaire Veneracion. During Mads' book launch of Pepsi Tastes Funny When It's Christmas Eve & You're Alone Eating Canned Tuna during the 38th installment of "Happy Mondays Poetry Nights" last October 20, I was able to witness the gathering of these poets in an unusual, yet artistic setting at the said cafe.

The lights were flickering high above the ceiling, microphones echoing, as poet Voltaire Veneracion reads Mads' next poem:

Watching you fast asleep

This is how happiness happens: next to your sleeping form I am a crumpled stone while crisscrossing light found your face and wove tight squares on a cheek

Minute wimpling suns fused with the stars that people your skin, your cells, every fragment of dream, and fired the lungs in a clamor beyond sound.

I place my hand between you and the light and feel your blood splinter, the stars in your skin blink, flicker, recover their lost rhythm, and start again.

Your brow is after a wordless question lost in flight. I let my hand land on your neck light picking out details of vein and hollow.

My hand slides down and feel the light pushing down the stars on my hand to caress your breathing.

beneath skin, amid bone, over ramparts of muscle and blood the heat collapsing the cores of our combined suns.

After having a collection of poetry and publishing a book with all of them in it, Mads says, "Writing is a lonely art, but readings are ways to get out of your shell and to interact with like-minded artists."

In a hidden place on Lacson Street here in Bacolod City, Philippines, I discovered that there are also souls that share the passion for poetry reading. They call themselves "Voices of the Underground," whose objectives are to bring back people's love in poetry and to revive its art. Created in late July of this year, the "Voices of the Underground" continues to have reading sessions every week in different venues of the city.

Individuals of different ages gather around as one, expressing themselves freely and sharing what they have written according to the theme of the week. According to USLS sophomore student and core group member Patz Ombion, she wanted to institutionalize the local poetry group so that when people go to Bacolod, it will not be just about Piaya and MassKara, but also about how Bacoleños revived the art and continually supported the group's poetry-related endeavors.

Readings are a good thing on so many levels: You get to share your work, gauge the level of audience appreciation for your work, get ideas from other writers, and get to meet other writers in a setting where criticism isn't a top priority. Sometimes, criticism inside classrooms and writing workshops can stifle creativity. In poetry readings, you can be relaxed and just enjoy yourself.

Poems from Mads Bajarias' poetry book entitled "Pepsi Tastes Funny When It's Christmas Eve & You're Alone Eating Canned Tuna" were printed with permission.

RANDELL T. ARANZA
Bacolod City, Philippines
randell_aranza@rock.com
+639162276787

Organic Versus Non-Organic Dog Food - Important Facts to Consider

The basis for good health in our dogs is diet and the key to good health is prevention. The more natural and fresh the diet, the more nutrients are available for your dog's body to use in building a good immune system which will in turn ward off illness and disease. Organic and natural dog food is the best way to start off your puppy's life to give him/her the healthiest chances of long and happy life through adulthood.

The remainder of this article will discuss the pros and cons of using organic versus non-organic dog food. There is a common misconception that organic dog food is more expensive than non-organic (supermarket quality) dog food. This cannot be further from the truth, read the remainder of this article before making that purchasing decision.

Commercial Pet Food The first known commercial pet food that came into existence was first known as wet food or canned pet food. Dry pet food, or what is known as kibbles, did not come into existence until the 1950's. We have always been told that feeding human food to our pet was not healthy. Ironically, feeding the wrong type of commercially packaged dog food to your pet can be just as unhealthy. Certain grades of commercially packaged dog food may need to have additional supplements added to the food just to maintain the nutrient level best for a dog's good health. The exception is with the use of high-quality natural and organic dog foods. Many of the better of commercial organic dog foods have added these to the dog food making them a great choice for your dog.

Ingredients Some of the things you will most often see listed on the label of your non-organic kibble or canned food are different types of grains. Dogs, however, do not fare well on grains because they are carnivores and their bodies were not made to digest grains. The reason grains are added to commercial dog foods is that they are cheap and your dog can survive on them for a while before health problems begin to manifest. Meat is often listed as the first ingredient in commercial dog food which seems healthy at first glance. Unfortunately this meat has been cooked for so long that the nutritional value is gone and the beneficial fats and enzymes are no longer present.

Here are some guidelines to help you make informed decisions for your dog when purchasing commercial dog food:

· Avoid commercial foods that have chemical preservatives such as BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin. Try to choose organic foods that have natural preservatives such as vitamin C, E and mixed tocopherols.

· Try to avoid canned foods altogether. Canned foods consist of the worst junk parts of dead animals, along with poor-quality grains packaged in such a way as to sound appealing. Most canned foods are mostly grains, by-products, and preservatives with flavoring added.

· Try to avoid grains as much as possible. Your dog will have a much healthier and longer life if you leave the grains out of his/her diet. Make sure that grain is one of the last ingredients listed on the package of the dog food you are purchasing rather than one of the first. Always avoid any dog food that has corn in it, dogs have a very hard time digesting corn and will get sick from it over a period of time.

· Choose a food that does not contain any by-products. A By-product is a fancy word for everything that really should be tossed on the slaughterhouse floor and is not fit for human or dog consumption.

· Add cooked meat to your dog's dry food or cooked or steamed vegetables to add flavor.

Be very selective in the foods you purchase and read the labels closely. There are many organic and natural commercial dog foods that are good for your dog so do not just settle for the supermarket varieties. Look at the ingredients and make sure the healthy ingredients are listed first and the grains are listed near the end.

Need More Convincing? Because the lower-end, less expensive commercially packaged dog foods are usually so laden with grains and other undesirable ingredients, your dog will have more frequent and larger stools. The bigger the stools, the fewer nutrients are being assimilated into your dog's body. All the junk in commercial dog food will eventually take its toll on your dog's body, leading to a decline in health. Your pet will also have more offensive body odor and doggy-breath when fed a lower-end commercially packaged dog food.

If you are planning to use the commercially packaged food method for feeding your dog, seriously consider using a higher-quality organic or natural dry dog food. The initial higher cost for the organic dog food will pay off. In the long run, you will pay far more in veterinary costs and experience more behavioral problems with your dog by feeding him/her a lower quality food just to save a few pennies. Your dog also requires less volume of the organic and natural dog foods because of the higher concentration of nutrients. If you start out with high-quality organic and natural dog food you will save money and have a healthier and happier dog.

Making the organic dog food choice for your pet could not be an easier decision.

About the Author

Dan is an Internet Marketer as well as a dog enthusiast. Given the recent issues with the dog food recalls, Dan is using his Internet Marketing interests to heighten the awareness of this issue and help with relevant research. Dan has researched and identified multiple product/supplier sources that offer natural and organic alternatives for your pet's nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additional product/supplier resources will continue to be added to his site as well as important and relevant articles - [http://www.organic-dogfood.com] - please check back often.

Thanksgiving Pies - Homemade Pumpkin Pie

The holidays will soon be upon us, complete with all of the tastes of the season. There is nothing that signifies the holidays are here like pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The thought of making a pie from scratch may be daunting, but pumpkin pie is actually much easier than it sounds. So, if you've just visited your favorite farmers market or harvested a pumpkin out of your own garden, then keep reading for some homemade pumpkin pie tips.

The first step is to prepare your pumpkin. This includes giving it a good wash and slicing the pumpkin in half. Scoop out the stringy part and the seeds inside each half. While you won't be using the seeds in the pie, they make great snacks when roasted and lightly salted.

Bake your pumpkin for an hour, shell side up. The insides will become very soft, almost like butter. Scoop out the insides leaving just the shell. An ice cream scoop works well with this. If the pumpkin does not have the consistency of canned puree, you can puree it lightly in a food processor. It should not need it, however.

Last, but not least, follow the pie recipe for the filling and the crust. You will be able to find many different recipes in various cookbooks and online. Each varies in different aspects like spices and sugar content. Choose one you think sounds yummy and meets any special dietary needs you may have.

Whether you make your pie from canned puree, buy it frozen, or make it from scratch, a pumpkin pie is a great holiday tradition!

The author is a contributor for Popup Gazebos & Outdoor Gazebos, and compares dozens of products & supplies on the internet.

Fiber - Are You Getting Enough in Your Diet?

Most people are not getting enough fiber in their diets, nor do they know how much they actually need. The average person takes in about 10-15 grams per day, when they actually need 25-35 grams. This may not sound like a a big deal, but it can be. Not getting an adequate amount puts you at risk for health problems that could be avoided.

Why is Fiber so Important

People who are not getting enough fiber are more likely to suffer from constipation. Having chronic constipation can also cause you to suffer from hemorrhoids. Lack of fiber intake may lead to high cholesterol, which can then lead to heart disease. Consuming enough fiber can aide in lowering your risk for diabetes.

Weight Control

Getting an adequate amount of fiber can also help you stay at a healthy weight. High fiber foods generally take more time to chew up and this gives your body more time to think that you are full. Therefore when you are on a this type of diet you tend to eat less.

Food

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, but you are much better off to eat them with out removing the skin because doing so decreases their nutrients. Fresh fruits and vegetables have more fiber then canned ones. Whole grain products such as whole grain crackers, cereals, muffins,and breads are good foods to eat. Adding nuts or seeds to you diet is another great thing to eat because they are high in fiber.

If you do decide to increase you fiber intake it is very important that you increase your water intake. Fiber absorbs the water, making the digestive process much easier. You should make these changes gradually over a period of three to four weeks because if you do not currently get enough fiber in your diet and suddenly you are taking in a large amount you may suffer from bloating,gas, or even cramping.

Leaf Vacuum Designs Make Good Environmental Sense

There's something about fresh fall leaves and their colors that tends to bring out the kid in almost anyone. The exceptions generally lie with those who have to clean them up. Raking is a chore. Blowing is often a futile effort. Using a leaf vacuum, however, can be a dream.

The leaf vacuum design is not necessarily new, but it is a concept that hasn't caught on 100 percent. The idea behind one of these vacuums is to suck up the leaves into a bin or a bag, rather then blowing or raking them into a neighbor's yard, a sewer drain or even a pile that likely will scatter again as soon as the first good wind blows.

Although the apparent intent of a leaf vacuum system is to bag up the leaves for garbage disposal, this doesn't have to be the case. In fact, these handy little reverse leaf blower systems can actually be rather environmentally sound.

The advantages to a leaf vacuum rather than a rake or blower are many. They include:

* Speed. It is simply much faster to clean up a yard of dead, fallen leaves using one of these. While the bag or can might need to be emptied a few times, piled leaves won't have to be chased back down if a wind blows.

* Composting. The benefits of using a leaf blower to those who like to compost, rather than throw their yard trash away are amazing. Since they are pre-bagged or canned, the leaves can easily be moved from all over the yard to the compost pile. This beats trying to pick them up a barrel full at a time hands down.

* Water preservation. Many people think it is okay to rake or blow their leaves into open sewer gates. Although leaves are organic in compound, they might have pesticides or other chemicals on them. Putting them into a sewer system or storm water drain system can wreak havoc on a waster water treatment plant's ability to keep up with its incoming flow and disinfection requirements.

While this might seem of little consequence to a home owner or renter, the fact is it can end up costing money down the road if sewer rates have to be raised. One home's leaves likely aren't a problem, but 1,000 homes' messes would be.

* Simplicity. Using a leaf vacuum is about as simple as using a blower or even a wet/dry vac. While raking can be difficult for some people to accomplish, using the vacuum shouldn't be. This means kids can be brought into help and even those who aren't advised to undertake strenuous activity.

* Better appearing yard. Some people spend hours raking or blowing only to find the leaves returning back to their yards a few short hours or days later. When a vacuum is used, the leaves are removed permanent - either to the garbage or the compost pile.

Operating like a blower in reverse, a good leaf vacuum can make yard work a much more enjoyable task. When composting comes into play, one of these devices can actually pay off well for the environment, too.

For more vacuum information please visit http://www.vacuumtips.com - a popular vacuum website that provides tips, advice and vacuum resources. Don't forget to check out our page on leaf vacuums.

Three Stupid Things Guys Say to Women - Stop Making These Mistakes!

This may be hard to believe but there are more guys who fail with women because of lousy conversation skills than we think. It's not the things they say, it's how they say the canned lines or practiced openers.

You have to pack a punch into each line, make each statement shine and turn each pick up line into a finely honed seduction tool that will win her over.

Here are three of the biggest mistakes guys make when talking to women...

1. "Blah-blah and more blah". Women talk a lot when they're around men they like, but this does not mean you have to do the same thing.

Blabbing means being desperate for attention, and being extremely scared of silence. Speak slowly and deliberately to get her attention, then encourage her to talk more about herself by asking pointed questions.

2. "The Ugly Truth." You can turn a critique into a compliment. When she directly asks a question about her dress (is it too tight, does she look fat, etc.), you should know better than to give her a pointed answer.

Sometimes, brutally frank observations don't sound good. You can buffer the critique by following it up with a compliment (e.g. your butt looks flabby in that dress, just the way I like it).

3. "Wanna Make Out With Me?" This is a powerful line that most guys use, but only a few of these guys actually get to make out with the women they ask.

Why? It's in the way you say this line. Some men mess it up by looking and sounding creepy. You must sound inviting and irresistible while dishing this out or it won't work.

When you start a conversation with a girl, mesmerize her by connecting solidly with her emotions. A girl who feels irrational attraction for you will go with you anywhere you want. This is achievable using a hypnosis technique we call fractionation.

But before you use this technique, you must heed this warning...

Fractionation is considered as a 'dark art' tactic which is the basis of hypnosis-based seduction, and while controversial, it is known to be one of the most effective tactics ever invented by underground seductionists. It is described in a step-by-step system in the Deadly Seduction Manuscript (http://www.DeadlySeduction.com).

These psychology tactics are highly unconventional techniques that are used by the secret elite in the seduction community. Use at your own risk. I personally vouch for the effectiveness of these tactics, but care must be taken as they could be outright dangerous in the hands of the unscrupulous.

But if you're ready to get girls without breaking a sweat, then do this instead

Cold Calling Doesn't Work Does It?

I talk to fellow network marketers on a regular basis that think the concept of "cold calling" is some left-over business concept from the 80's that just doesn't work in today's hyper-skeptical society. It's interesting listening to these people give the reasons why they think cold-calling is an absolute waste of time. I hear things like "people hate telemarketers", "it feels awkward", "people only buy when they know, like and trust you."

Really? Is warm-market marketing the only way for a network marketer to grow their business?
When someone tells me that the only way to grow a networking enterprise is to warm-market their product or service, I walk away. The reason I walk away is because I know for a FACT that I'm talking to someone who doesn't know the first thing about marketing.

Let me explain:

When someone buys a franchise, they don't make a list of 100 friends or family as the foundation of their marketing campaign. When a retail establishment opens up a new store in a new location, the managers don't "warm-call" all their friends, and hope to build a six-figure income off that type of marketing campaign.

It's the same thing for networkers.

If a distributor is told to simply go out and attempt to leverage personal relationships in the hopes of attaining some sort of financial benefit, then that distributor will probably fail. Why? Think about it. We all hate being sold stuff we don't need, so when a friend or family member attempts to sell us their product or service when we weren't even looking for it in the first place, we see straight to the bottom line, and the bottom line is this: we understand that the friend or family member doing the selling is attempting to use their relationship to leverage a financial gain. And that is absolutely offensive.

So what is the alternative? Is cold-calling a viable option?

You bet it is!

But not just any type of cold-calling will work. It has to be systematic, and it has to be well planned. Here's the process:

1. Acquire Leads - It all starts with leads. Now, most network marketers are familiar with the "opportunity lead", which costs about $5 - $7 a pop. They're usually not worth the paper they're printed on. Opportunity leads are what is known as a "response" lead, or a lead that simply responded to some sort of message. Many times, the lead actually filled out a pop-up ad to win a free laptop, and then their data was actually pawned off to a lead brokerage firm as an "opportunity" lead.

What a rip.

How about this for a lead. Lets say, for example, I'm marketing a nutritional product that improves the body's ability to heal itself. If I were marketing this type of product, I'd go out and get a lead that has purchased a similar product or supplement in the previous 6 months, so I know that they were recently looking for my type of health solution. I would also specify that they buyer have used a credit card, be between ages 35 - 60, and have an annual income of over $50,000 per year. Why? So that I know the lead is actually looking for my type of solution, is willing to spend money on my type of solution, and has a credit card so that if we get to the point where we want to do business, I can take payment over the phone immediately. And the best part is that when you know how to purchase these types of leads, you can buy them for as cheap as $0.07 per name.

2. Design A Script - Yeah, I know, there are plenty of people out there that say that scripts sound fake or "canned", that you should just be natural, be yourself. Hmmm. Do McDonalds or Honda change their commercials every single time they air? How is it that if I turn on my TV, and you turn on your TV, we each see the same commercial? Maybe it is because that in order to track results, we have to have a consistent message. The people that think scripts sound phony have never used a script. Actors read off scripts all day long, and we spend our hard-earned dollars to watch them read scripts to us. We watch TV shows all night long, with the people on the shows reading scripts the entire time. But they don't sound canned. They sound professional. So instead of just "winging it", design a script that focuses on the benefits and the value of the product to the consumer, and show leadership throughout this script by asking the prospect questions, as well as allowing the prospect to make decisions based on their needs, and not your own. What I mean is this: don't be twisting arms or "selling" your prospect on your product. Educate the prospect. Allow the prospect to participate in the process. And always let the prospect take the next step based on their own desire and curiosity.

Do this, and you will understand the power of scripts. You will also understand why every pro out there uses a script. We don't just "wing it".

The telephone is one of the most powerful business growth tools available to network marketers. In the right hands, it can add thousands of dollars per week into your business. Not utilizing this tool is simply limiting the amount of business you can complete in a days time. If you don't know how to use the telephone, that's fine. Find someone who does, and learn from them. Anyone who doesn't think the phone can grow a business probably doesn't even have a business in the first place.

Use the phone. Your checking account will thank you.

I, Joshua Fuson, accept full responsibility for these words. If you have any questions regarding this material, you can contact me directly at my home office at 641-856-7555. Copyright 2006 Fuson Enterprises.

Joshua Fuson has an extensive background in both the home business industry as well as the public marketing industry. He has worked with a number of individuals on numerous ventures, producing a numerous very successful enterprises. He is most noted, however, for his to-the-point style, his teaching ability, and his no-nonsense approach to business. For more information on Mr. Fuson, he can be contacted at his office at 641-856-7555.

Urinary Tract Infections - Crystals - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The most basic question is,  how do I tell if my dog has UTI? What should I look for?
The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include: [5]

- frequent urination

- dribbling urine

- blood in the urine

- squatting frequently to urinate

- straining to urineng odor to the urine

- inappropriate urination (such as in the house)

- incontinence

- an increase in thirst and drinking.

Ok, If know my pet has UTI, What can I do?  Tell me more about it, how does my dog's diet affect things? 

We have a lot of customers who come into our store and tell us my cat or my dog has UTI Crystals and the vet put them on a C/D, U/D, K/D, or NF formula. As everyone knows prescription diets are far from Optimal Nutrition for your dog or cat, they exist to treat a specific ailment, but continuation on these diets can lead to other serious issues.[1]  Prescription diets are made to treat specific conditions; as with most prescription diets, they are meant for short term us, long term use of these diets have the potential to cause adverse side effects.[6]

Here are some of the potential side effects from long term use of U/D, K/D, and NF formula foods. [6]

• Heart Failure


• Liver Failure


• Kidney Failure


• Pancreatitis


• Hypertension


• Hypoalbuminemia

Did I get your attention? Good.  Now, before we dive deeper into UTI Crystals we need to understand Urine pH.  pH is a scale that ranges from 0 to 14, that measures acid bases.  A score of 7.0 is considered neutral.  Most dogs PH ranges from 5.0 to 9.0.

Got it? Good, now let's talk UTI Crystals.

UTI develops in about 14% of dogs. [2] That's a pretty big number, there are two main forms of UTI Crystals (Struvite and Calcium Oxalate).

Struvite Crystals

Form when there is a bacterial infection that is capable of breaking down Urea that will otherwise be passed in the urine. Urea is a waste product produced from metabolism of protein.  This reaction of breaking down the Urea into Ammonia only happens in Alkaline PH.[3]

Struvite Crystals are more common in female dogs and there are some breeds that are felt to have an increased risk which include Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds, and Bichon Frises.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Form in acidic to Neutral pH Urine, a few things are said to cause these stones to form, the most common is hereditary. The product of defective nephrocalin is usually the culprit. [4]

Unlike, Struvite Crystals, Calcium Oxalate Crystals cannot be dissolved by a diet change; they need to be surgically removed.  However, a proper diet can help prevent Calcium Oxalate Crystals from forming.  

Calcium Oxalate Crystals are more common in male doges and some of the breeds that are felt to have an increased risk which includes;  Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.

Ok, now that you know the basics, let's talk nutrition!

We learned that you can dissolve Struvite crystals with more acidic foods, so dogs that are prone to Struvite Crystals you will naturally want to keep on a more acidic diet.

Fortunately,  most of the good ingredients dogs and cats should be eating are acidic in nature, for example,  chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice (brown and white), beans, nuts and all seafood.  Doesn't that sound like the perfect Kibble or Raw food diet?

Berries are acidic in nature and the lower pH levels and prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder.  Solid Gold Berry Balance is a supplement that's commonly used to lower the Urine pH Levels.

What about Calcium Oxalate Crystals?

The reverse is true, to raise the pH score, you should be feeding foods more alkaline in nature, to include a few squash, beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw endive, dandelion greens, okra, kale and sweet potatoes.

It's been recommended the diets should be lower in protein and oxalates and high in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.  Here's a list of foods and there oxalates level [http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm].  Beef and Lamb cuts tend to have lower protien levels among other meat likes (Venison, Pheasent, etc)

A commonly used supplement to raise the Urine pH level is Potassium Citrate.

Okay Enough Talk.  How do I know if I'm doing the right thing.?

Talk with your vet, ask them what the Target Urine pH should be for your dog. Every dog is different; some dogs might have severe cases, others mild. The dogs breeds will factor in the decision.

OK, I know my Target PH level. How do I know I'm achieving it?

Urine pH Test Strips, you should be able to get these from your vet or a local retailer, or even purchase them on-line.

OK. That sounds simple anything else I should Know?

Yes, water consumption, treats, etc. All factor into the Urine pH levels.  You will notice, throughout the day the levels will change.  Take multiple Urine PH samples to assure your achieving your goal.  Always keep checking.

Sure, you listed out the ingredients, but I don't cook for my dog, I just buy kibble or raw, how do I know what the PH levels are?  

Here's a list of some excellent brands and their pH Levels for Dogs and Cat. We called up these companies and spoke to a representative to get the levels.

Cani-dae Dog - Kibble - pH 7.0

Cani-dae Dog - Canned - pH 6.0

Feli-dae Cat - Kibble- pH 6.0

Feli-dae Cat - Canned - pH 5.5

Fromm 4-star Dog - Kibble - pH 6.2 - 6.4

Fromm 4-Star Cat - Kibble- pH 6.5 - 6.8

Honest Kitchen - pH 7.0

Merrick Before Grain (Dogs and Cats) - pH 6.8

Merrick 5-Star Dry (Dogs and Cats) - pH 6.5 - pH 6.8

Merrick 5-Star Canned(Dogs and Cats) - pH 6.3 - pH 6.5

Orijen (cat and dog) - pH of 5.5

Primal Dog and Cat - pH 6.0 - 7.0

Natura (Evo, Innova, California Natural) (Dogs and Cats) - pH 6.2 - 6.8

Solid Gold - Dog - Dry - pH 6.4 - 6.6

Solid Gold - Dog - Canned - pH 6.0

Solid Gold - Cat - Dry - pH 6.2 - 6.4

Solid Gold - Cat - Canned - pH 6.2

Wellness Dog (Kibble and Canned) - pH 6.5 - 7.5

Wellness Cat - Dry - pH 6.2 - 6.6

Wellness Cat - Canned - pH 6.1 - 6.6

Sources:

1- Wikipedia

2- UTI in Dogs

3- Veterniary Partners

4- Veterniary Partners

5- B Naturals

6- Veterinary Medicine

Researched By: Luke's All Natural

Luke's All Natural Dog and Cat Pet Food

http://www.lukesallnatural.com

NLP Sales Training - The NLP Sales Close

Closing is obviously the most important step in the sales process. Closing is where the commission is made or lost. Most sales training programs do not adequately cover how to close effectively. Instead most sales training course teach very ineffective sales techniques that rely on canned closes that sound more like pick up lines than actual business dealings. Unfortunately the close is also where most sales people lose the sale. In fact, most sales are lost because sales people are too afraid to ask for the close. Even when using a consultative selling model, fear of rejection and fear of making a mistake are major obstacles to closing.

By using an NLP sales approach and putting the fears aside for now the best way to close is to repeat back to the prospect exactly what he or she told you is important to them. That is you need to close with the same words that the prospect unconsciously let you know are important. The benefit of closing with the prospect's own words and values are great. Using this nlp sales technique is much more effective than the standard closes that your prospects have heard over and over. In fact, studies have shown that prospects develop an immunity to certain closes, making the close useless. By using the prospects own words you easily negate this immunity. The other benefit to closing in this manner is the fears involved tend to melt away. This is due to the fact that when the time comes to close, you know exactly what to say.

The trick is to pay close attention to your prospect. Be sure to ask the right questions and prospects will always tell you how they want to be persuaded. Remember it is a sales professional's job to solve your prospect's problems. Rest assured you are doing the prospect an incredible service by helping to solve their pain. They will reward you with the sale and the commissions and referrals that go with the sale.

The problem is most sales training programs don't teach this NLP sales close. Again, if you do not spend the time to figure out what the prospects pain is and more importantly how they represent that pain in their mind, you will not be able to close effectively.

The second step is to link that need that you discover to your product or service. Without linking the need your prospect has to your product or service the close is never going to work. Good sales training programs need to emphasize that the prospect will not be able to clearly link their own need to your product or service. The prospect typically cannot see your product or service as the solution to their problem.

That is why you need to convince them with the NLP sales close. If a prospect could link his own need to your product or service then there would be no selling required. If you fail to follow this advice, your mistake will cost you. The fact is, most prospects are so stuck in their problem, that they are unable to see past the boundaries to actually solving the problem.

As a sales professional it is your job to close ONLY after you have found the need, built the value, and linked the need and value to your product or service. Then just use what your prospect told you was important to close them. The idea and the practice is simple.

Again this applies to any persuasion situation, whether your selling you product or service or trying to convince your kids to do their homework. This NLP sales close works on anyone because it uses their words rather than yours.

Ryan Camana is the lead trainer of NLP and Hypnosis for Dynamic Breakthroughs. He specializes in helping sales people and entrepreneurs learn the most effective forms of persuasive communication. Dynamic Breakthroughs mission is to empower people to take control of the unlimited potential of their minds. We improve the world by training people to be leaders in their field with the most advanced self development techniques available.

Go now to http://www.nlpsalescourse.com for your free video on how to use conversational hypnosis in sales.

Love Cheesecakes? Try Fruit Topping Cheesecakes!

There are some people that enjoy having everything in 'excess'. There are those who put spoonful after spoonful of sugar in their coffee, or bury their pancakes in a puddle of syrup or perhaps even slather their toast with tablespoons of butter to gorge on the delicious sweetness. Maybe it sounds like someone you now, maybe it's you. When it comes to something sweet you like to indulge, however there are others that just like a hint of sweetness. When it's time for a delicious creamy refreshing summer dessert, how to you appeal to these different tastes? Have people serve up the perfect amount of sweetness on their own sounds simple enough doesn't it?

Going back to the late Sixties, the fruit cheesecake experience was a cherry cheesecake with a canned cherry gel layered about two inches thick on top. Yuck! The crust was soggy and you needed to pick through the 'canned' mushy cherries to get to the cheesecake. A better way would be to use the toppings to enhance and already terrific dessert. The smooth New York style cheesecake that comes with separate toppings would fit the bill for a cheesecake connoisseur. People can cater to their preferences for taste. For some a delicate dab to offer a hint of sweet blueberry, strawberry, raspberry or cherry. For others, they can create a pool where the morsel of cheesecake is doing the front crawl to get up on your fork. For those who recall the canned gel that used to cover the top of a traditional cheesecake, these fruity topping will stand head and shoulders above. The topping are smooth fresh fruit flavor, sweetened to work in perfect harmony with the creamy New York cheesecake.

When you are having company, or taking a dessert for a party keep in mind that different tastes and desires will exist. To satisfy the people who like to do their desserts to the 'extreme' or for those that are more conservative, the fruit topping cheesecakes offer the ideal solution to different tastes. Ordering a fruit cheesecake with separate servings for the toppings will insure the cake doesn't get soggy, and mean that guests are at liberty to doctor up their piece however they want. These fruit toppings certainly won't be used to mask the flavor at all, but rather to enhance the delicious experience.

Flowers are a nice gesture but imagine the surprise when your loved one receives a fruit cheesecake delivered to their front door! http://www.moomoocheesecakes.com/

Cranberry Juice for Cavities? Be Careful of What You're Buying

Researchers at the University of Rochester have published information showing that the cranberry may be effective at preventing tooth decay. The research focuses on the inhibiting effect of some compounds found inside the cranberry against a key bacterium blamed in the formation of cavities.

"Scientists believe that one of the main ways that cranberries prevent urinary tract infections is by inhibiting the adherence of pathogens on the surface of the bladder. Perhaps the same is true in the mouth, where bacteria use adhesion molecules to hold onto teeth," says Dr. Michel Koo, an oral biologist and food scientist at the university's medical center.

While this may sound like good news for those who are looking for natural ways to support their body, it's very important to understand what's in cranberry juice before making a purchase. Always remember to read the labels. Most cranberry juice is cranberry flavored apple juice. Sometimes it is also mixed with grape juice. Other ingredients may even include high-Fructose corn syrup. Towards the end of the ingredient list is found cranberry concentrate.

While, drinking apple juice and grape juice is probably a dietary improvement for most people, juices that are made with so much processed sugar are clearly little more than cranberry flavored juices. They're unlikely to contain significant amounts of the compounds that make cranberries useful in the prevention of tooth decay and tend to contain large amounts of the compounds that are blamed on tooth decay.

Purer forms of cranberry juice have a very strong flavor. Some people can develop a taste for unsweetened cranberries, while other people can only handle cranberries when blended with some other juice. If choosing a cranberry blend, be sure to read the ingredient label and avoid juices that are sweetened with processed sugars and diluted with juices that are mostly the sugars that lead to cavities.

Further research will be necessary before cranberries can actually be promoted as a preventative for tooth decay. However others sugars such as Xylose, are already used in "sugarless gums" because of their proven ability to inhibit bacterial development on the surface of teeth. Such gums are of course called sugarless because they do not have sucrose and glucose which are the sugars associated with cavities.

Cranberries have also been shown to have beneficial effects for people with chronic urinary tract infections. The compound believed to be responsible for this is a simple monosaccharide sugar called Mannose. Identified in Harpers Biochemistry as one of eight sugars necessary for normal cellular function, Mannose has also been shown to prevent bacterial infection and development.

These necessary monosaccharide sugars can all be found in a single dietary supplement. It also contains the other sugars identified in Harpers Biochemistry, based of their importance in biological functions. This can provide a more convenient choice for people wishing to improve their diets by increasing their nutrient intake while limiting the intake of food compounds which are not beneficial to good health.

Dave Saunders is a certified nutrition and health educator and the host of a weekly telephone presentation on nutrition. You can receive free nutrition tips by registering for his newsletter, announcements list and current health articles at http://www.glycoboy.com

Going to the County Fair - A Favorite Late Summer Pastime

As the summer winds down and the harvest comes in, the county and state fairs across the USA come alive. With its fried apple pies, pickled peaches, cotton candy, sweet tea, homemade ice cream, and barbeque pork, the fair is a place to find some of your favorite all-American food. Plus, there's music and entertainment for the whole family at a pretty affordable price.

People from the surrounding areas gather at the fairgrounds, park their pickup trucks in grassy fields near the midway, and flock through the gates to experience the sites and sounds of a late summer pastime. And, why not? There's something for everyone of every age.

The rural crowd and some animal-loving city folk may enjoy watching the cloggers at the community pavilion, the cooking demonstration, the livestock exhibits, or the historic pioneer village that recalls bygone days. They may walk on saw dust floors through the air pungent with the smell of dung to watch a hog race or put a sold sign on a couple of roosters before going on to the Ferris wheel-that's if they don't get distracted by the fiddle player along the way.

Most teens don't care who canned the prettiest peaches or who has the best pickles in Building A. No, they didn't come to watch cows in a beauty pageant or caged rabbits on parade. The strobe-lit, neon alley is more their style, and they came to spin, bounce, and twirl on temporarily constructed rides.

Some may try their luck at the carnival booths hoping to impress a girlfriend by ringing a bell at the top of a pole using a sledge hammer. Ten dollars later, they walk away-he's worked up a he-man sweat and she's carrying a fluffy, stuffed animal. Both turn to look when they hear the bell ring again. So quickly? How could such a skinny guy do that so easily? He was raised on the farm and his family depends upon him to chop wood for the winter. He's also showing his first place prize-winning heifer in the livestock shelter on the other side of the park. A might embarrassed, the city pair walk on through the crowd, vendors and clowns barking as they seek the next ticket booth.

Whether it's to see a 29-inch woman, to walk through the fun house, eat a funnel cake, or watch a man dive into a 9-foot pool from an 85-foot perch, each has their own reason for being there. Now, if they can only find Gate C and remember where they parked the truck... Hmmm....maybe they'll just stay until the fireworks are over and theirs is only vehicle left in the parking lot!

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist you with writing and editing for books, Web text, business documents, resumes, bios, articles, and media releases. For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, or to sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter, please visit www.yvonneperry.net. New subscribers receive a free eBook Tips for Freelance Writing.

Rental Car Heaven

Tonight, after nine hours in airports and heavy crosswinds, I found myself wondering what to expect at the rental car counter while waiting for my bags at MIA (which stands for Miami International, not missing in action, although Miami-bound luggage often is). I was on a much tighter budget than Benjy Bluestone when he met Mr. Kim, proprietor of SOBE Supercar Rentals, in my novel Landmark Status:

Wearing a white form-fitting shirt and windbreaker in 1970 Gulf-Porsche team colors, Mr. Kim stood behind the counter under a white plastic sign with neat red lettering that said, "SoBe Supercar Rents Number One Top Big Shot Luxury Lifestyle To Go." He asked if Benjy was sure he wanted a Mustang, because there were far better cars on the lot.

It's rare that I rent a car in Miami, and tonight I had no reason to expect a heavenly experience. We'd lost ninety minutes to a loose panel in the 767 they'd rolled out of an LAX hangar for this "premium" flight. My expertise with duct tape was politely refused while we milled around like Kremlinologists outside the Politburo, analyzing the body language of anyone emerging from the jetway. Holding a coveted upgrade, I'd then spent hours in flight trying to take a nap, which required mastering mystifying controls to a seat from the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

By now its well after midnight, and my fellow travelers are so tired they twitch from ear pain at the buzzer blast signaling the start of the luggage-go-round (unlike Fort Lauderdale, which offers a light show and canned music that sounds like the Macarena). Finally, the laws of FOLO (first on, last off), bring my suitcase rolling lazily around the bend (I swear it's putting out a cigarette, basking in the afterglow of a mile-high tryst with the Gucci makeup case behind it).

Time to get the car, and unlike Benjy, I'm in the airport, not some rich guy's playpen. Holding a reservation for a Pontiac G6 (or equivalent), a decent ride with good road feel and some cojones (if you luck out and get a V-6), I'm fully expecting I'll end up in a (not so equivalent) Hundwoo Marmot LSMFT.

The manager greets me as one Miamian to another, with a sullen, "Can I help you?" which barely conceals her fond hope that the answer is "No." I ask if they have a G6. She says nothing. Now I know I'm home. Then she points to an ATM and tells me to do it myself. When I fumble trying to reject the optional insurance, child-seat and bucket of buffalo wings, she assures me this gizmo is more efficient than the old system, which it plainly isn't when there's only one customer.

And then, something miraculous happens. Papers printed, initialed and signed, the manager points outside and says, "Over there. Pick any car you want." She merely nods with a tired smirk when I ask, "Really?" as I walk backward through the surly gates of rental car heaven.

It's my car lot now, with new V-6 Chevy Malibus the reviewers raved about, and V-6 Pontiacs as well (I know this engine, based on the block that powered my screaming Citation X-11 twenty-five years ago, a car feared by all who drove in or near it).

Striding past some Toyota Bore-olas, I spy a Dodge Avenger (an SXT, with go-fast bits and an iPod jack). If I want to go green instead of fast, they've got Prius sedans, and, can it be? One of them is blocking a gun-metal grey G6 coupe with GT badges.

Jackpot! The top engine, suspension and tire combo, with black leather, sunroof and big audio. It's a close call, but the Avenger's out when I see the Pontiac's got an iPod jack, too. The only problem is moving the Prius. I'm not risking anybody telling me I can't have what I want, so I move it myself. With its weird controls, wiggly joystick and push-button starter, I'm hoping it doesn't blow up while I wait for its systems to respond to my commands, so I can get it the hell out of the way.

At last, I'm in, and soon, I'm out, before anyone's the wiser, enjoying that "number one top big shot luxury lifestyle to go," blasting up the corkscrew to State Road 112, wondering if I'm driving a car they don't really rent, just take home themselves. But there's one thing I'm sure about. If there's a rental car heaven, it has to look like Miami. This I know. I've seen it.

Alan H. Rolnick has practiced law in Miami for twenty years and has appeared in numerous high-profile civil cases. His first novel, Landmark Status, was published in October 2007 and received such ecstatic reviews he wondered if his publicist had scandalous pictures of the reviewers in her safe. Alan consults on legal matters for the entertainment industry, provides trenchant social commentary in any medium, and is Executive Producer of the independent film Canvas. To learn more about Landmark Status or Alan's law practice, consulting and commentary services, visit his web site at http://www.alanrolnick.com

Baby Shower For Twins (Or More) - Peas in a Pod

Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when the mother-to-be is expecting twins or more. Having twins is twice as nice. But it's also twice as much work and twice as expensive. Fortunately for Moms expecting twins or multiples, there is usually someone willing to throw a baby shower to help ease the strain on the wallet.

Two of the most popular themes for a baby shower for twins or more are "Noah's Ark" (two by two), or Peas in a Pod, which can be for any amount of children. For your twins baby shower, Amazon.com has a book on themed baby showers which will give you many ideas on different themes for your baby shower for twins.

Noah's Ark baby shower party supplies and gifts are easy to find. Not only is this a popular theme for a baby shower for twins, but it is a popular theme for single births as well. Search for 'Noah's Ark nursery' on your favorite search engine. You will find an overwhelming number of choices. Decorations for Noah's ark themed baby showers are in abundance. You shouldn't have any trouble decorations for the twins baby shower.

Many families choose to decorate the nursery with tons of colorful animals. If you know that the nursery theme is going to be Noah's Ark, then you can use some of the themed gifts as decorations. Most toy makers sell a Noah's ark toy or two. These will make lovely decorations as well as gifts for the baby shower for twins.

Most baby retailers carry lines of bed linens in this style, as well. Check with the mom-to-be, though, to see which design she is going with. Because it is a popular theme, there are many different Noah's Ark designs out there that don't coordinate with one another. Guests who want to buy Noah's Ark gifts should check with Mom's registry, if she has one, to compare the styles.

Many upscale giftware retailers, like Lenox and Swarovski, make Noah's Ark frames, banks, clocks, hardware, and trinkets of all shapes and sizes. Stationery stores carry Noah's Ark invitations and thank you cards. If you are purchasing Noah's Ark invitations, you might want to purchase the coordinating thank you cards to put in the wishing well.

You can have all of your guests fill out the envelopes with their addresses so Mom has less work to do when she is sending thank you notes. You can also use these pre-filled envelopes to draw for a door prize.

"Peas in a Pod" is another popular theme. This is one that goes with twins, triplets, or even more. Just change the number: two peas in a pod, three peas in a pod, and so on. And this is another theme that has a lot of coordinating party supplies.

You can use twin baby shower invitations from a printer, or as an alternative, you can hand print invitations and attach them to packets of pea seeds. You could also use pea seeds as party favors.

Remember the game "guess how many jelly beans"? You can do a variation on this with "guess how many peas". Prizes can be frozen or canned peas. Sounds silly, but everyone can use some extra veggies!

Decorations in green can include green balloons tied in bundles according to the number of babies. Many online retailers sell "peas in a pod" apparel. That can be personalized with the babies' names for baby showers for twins.

So what are some appropriate gifts for a baby shower for twins or multiples? Diapers. Need we say more? Twins can go through almost 20 diapers a day! Buy the smallest size available, usually newborn, as they are likely to fit into them for a while. Another possibility would be giving a supply of baby cloth diapers and plastic pants.

Moms of multiples can always use an extra hand. You can either give her one of yours by offering to baby-sit or help out around the house, or you can buy her a bouncy seat to keep one of the little ones occupied while she tends to the other. If you offer your services to Mom, make sure that you follow up on that offer. Don't make her ask for help because she may not feel comfortable doing so.

Purchasing more expensive items for the baby shower for twins will help parents a great deal, since they will need two or more of everything. Several people could get together and make one larger purchase, like a double stroller.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has websites dealing with Baby Furniture Reviews and Shaving & Hair Removal.

The 30-Second Speech - Can You Describe What You Do?

Something I have all of my coaching clients do, no matter what coaching program we're working on, is to develop what Thomas Leonard called, "The Elevator Speech". What he meant by this statement was that you have 30 seconds to describe what you do in a way that is not only easy to understand but it is compelling and interesting to others.

On the surface this sounds pretty easy. Of course we can describe what we do in a compelling manner, with passion and excitement.

Or can we?

Whenever I do this exercise at a workshop I am confronted with embarrassed silence, laughter and red faces. Why is it so hard to talk about what you do? In my experience, if an entrepreneur or solo-preneur cannot easily and naturally define what they do, it is impossible for them to market themselves in a way that attracts the type of clients they desire. Did you notice that I didn't say that it's impossible to find enough clients, this isn't about client chasing....it's about becoming attractive so that you draw clients to you.

If you don't have a clear, compelling and easily understood way to talk about what you do you'll come across as not being good at what you do, confident, or worth anyone's time or money. Yikes! Do you realize how many potential opportunities you'll miss?

An elevator speech isn't about creating a canned response to everyone, it's about coming to an understanding of what you offer others so that when asked, you'll find your answer flowing easily and naturally. You'll create a foundation that embraces the essence of what you offer in an easily understood format, and from that format it will be easy to build spontaneous responses!

Let me give you an example that happened to me last summer:

Potential Client: Hi, what do you do?

Me: I help women develop business foundations that unite who they are with what they do.

Potential Client: That sounds great, how?

Me: I offer a marketing and lifestyle coaching program that teaches them my 10 powerful, strategic steps for living and working in balance.

Potential Client: So you're a marketing consultant.

Me: Sometimes, but mostly I encourage them to really evaluate what's important in their personal lives as well as their professional lives and then we co-create solutions that provide clarity, focus and direction. Once their business is in alignment with what's important to them, they begin to attract more clients and their life becomes easier.

Me: Would you be interested in learning more?

Potential Client: Definitely

Me: Great! I'd be happy to talk to you more about the program and the different ways you can participate. I even have a free E-course to help you get started! (At this point I would give them a card with information about the Business on Purpose program, and I would get their card or contact information so I can touch base in a week or so.)

Why would I want to touch base?

Am I being pushy?

No, I'm showing that I'm interested in their progress and I'm available to answer any questions they may have. People like to know you care about them, and they won't know if you don't tell them. Keeping in touch with your clients and potential clients is a HUGE step in growing your business. Most entrepreneurs do not stay in contact and as a result they lose the potential client.

Now you give it a try. What's your 30-second speech sound like? Go ahead and use my example as a template, changing the phrasing to fit your services where needed.

Feng Shui Teacher and Entrepreneur Laurie Bornstein, "The Feng Shui Marketing Queen" is the author and creator of 'Simple Feng Shui Series', her FREE monthly ezine filled with articles and tips on how to live and work in balance, visit http://www.fengshuimarketingqueen.com to learn more.

Copyright © 2008 Harmony Life, LLC. All rights reserved.

Feng Shui Teacher and Entrepreneur Laurie Bornstein, "The Feng Shui Marketing Queen" is the author and creator of 'Simple Feng Shui Series', her FREE monthly ezine filled with articles and tips on how to live and work in balance, visit http://www.fengshuimarketingqueen.com to learn more.

Legal and Free Downloadable Music

Is there such a thing anymore as free downloadable music? I know that with lawsuits and copyright plus royalty laws there is a real push to make sure that artists get their money when their music is downloaded, but what if you just want to put something together for marketing or a business website? It turns out that there is such thing as downloadable music that can be used for marketing at a cheap price. You simple need to get out there and look for royalty free music in a downloadable state.

If you are a web designer or marketer, you likely will from time to time want to use flash or video clips on a website or CD Rom. Likely there will come a time where such materials will need music, and avoiding the high fees of royalties on this downloadable music will be essential to keeping your costs down.

There are, surprisingly, tons of places to find royalty free downloadable music. There are so many sources, in fact, that choosing the right royalty downloadable music may be a real challenge. Your client will likely be requesting music from his favorite album or something he got inspired by on the radio on his way to the office this morning. However, the price tag that comes with those songs will quickly help him get over that. Royalty downloadable music sites use music that sounds up to date and timely, but you will have to sift through all of the canned 70’s sounding music. Take the time to check out all of the music you can, and you will be rewarded with modern sounding music at a good price for your client.

When you purchase a usage license from a royalty downloadable music site, it will likely be very flexible. You will be able to use the music on all of your sites and projects, but you cannot steal it. In other words, the license will entitle you, as the purchaser. It does not, however, allow your customer or anyone else to sell the CD with the music on it. You area also not allowed to transfer the license to anyone else by simply copying the CD and selling it to them. The truth is that you don’t own the music, you have simply purchased, from the original creators, the right to use it.

Music licensing can be very expensive. If your client wanted to hear the latest from Coldplay on his new website, he would have to spend more money than in is likely in his entire marketing budget. So what is the answer? Royalty free downloadable music can offer you the chance to put a hip sounding, newly produced piece of music on the site that may give you and your client the sound you are looking for without the high price tag. The only thing you have to be aware of is the limitations on the user license you will get with your royalty free downloadable music [http://www.trentontelegraph.com/category/computing-new] track. With that in mind, though, you have the solution you need in a world of high priced licensing and copyright laws.

If you would like the latest information on online music [http://www.dlmdownloadablemusictips.info], or find more of my personal articles like the one you just read, visit my computing site [http://www.dmdownloadablemusictips.info].

How to Make More Storage Space

Do you suffer from piles? Piles of dust collectors? These are piles of important items. Not ready for recycling now or maybe never.

I'm talking about photographs, magazine and newspaper clippings and books. You probably have sales receipts, forms for ordering your favorite products and the catalogs that belong to these products. Stacks of business records you dare not throw out or recycle. I bet you have a pile of things you plan to organize and discard. These piles keep getting larger and larger.

What can you do?

Let's start with some storage ideas.

Look around and see what you have that can be used for storage. Perhaps you have an old toy chest you just can't part with. Try this idea.

Paint it any color you choose, put it by a window and toss a couple of pillows on top. Now it's extra seating. It can also hold extra dishes, pots and pans, linens, towels, canned goods, you name it. The toy chest masquerading as a window seat in my home holds the family collection of winter mittens, scarves, gloves, ski masks and hats. Sounds like a lot of winter accessories. I keep extra on hand for the little people who visit my home and desire to play outside in the snow.

Instead of a kitchen table, think kitchen island. Sound expensive? Using this idea I promise you extra storage room and a very affordable price.

Decide an approximate size and location for a kitchen island in your kitchen. Carry your measurements with you, along with a tape measure. Look for old buffets, used cabinets or a bookshelf. I found a wonderful used kitchen cabinet with two slide out shelves. The shelves were concealed by doors. It even has casters on the corners so I can move it around with ease.

I painted it and gave it new hardware. I lined it with brightly colored contact paper. For the counter top I used an old door that was long enough to hang over the ends. The door made it wide enough to allow two or three chairs to be pulled up close.

Now I had seating and lots of extra storage space I did not have before. My kitchen island also has a long wide drawer. The drawer is a great place for napkins and table cloths. There is even enough extra space for the dish towels.

One slide out drawer holds my collection of old mixing bowls, plastic wrap, tinfoil, waxed paper and cookbooks I can not live without.

The bottom slide out drawer holds a winters worth of canned goods and three clear plastic boxes. The plastic boxes contain business records, receipts, ordering forms, catalogs, photographs and article clippings.

Piles be gone.

The Role of Scripting in Telemarketing

If you read my pieces on telemarketing you'll see that I'm in favor of using what I term, "smart scripts."

These are call guides where the essentials are crafted very carefully in advance, including:

(1) Secretarial screening maneuvers and dodges;

(2) Voice mail messages to be left, and escape phrases to break out of voice mail jail;

(3) The credibility statement, a brief phrase touting your expertise and uniqueness;

(4) Some "perfect questions" that get clients to persuade themselves;

(5) A brief description of your product or service,

(6) Transition phrases to smoothly buy time while answering objections;

(7) Answers to key objections; and

(8) Closes-strategic ways to explicitly ask for the sale.

This seems like a large number of details to prepare before you get on the phone, and it can be.

You might be wondering, with so much prepared, won't you sound canned? You shouldn't.

Once you have prepared, you can rehearse for the specific purpose of sounding spontaneous. A script should liberate you to be a performer, just as actors are free to work on interpreting their lines, because their script already exists.

The job of actors is to make it ring true, and a salesperson's job is to make the script ring the cash register.

One of my favorite clients, a top salesman in his own right, taught his people this gem of a lesson: "Before you finish a conversation, ask for the sale at least once!"

To do that, you need to have a few closes, always ready to be deployed. They'll be there for you if you script them, memorize them, and practice them. Leave closing to chance, to mere improvisation, and you're likely to stammer, to over-talk, or to forget about securing the "yes," altogether.

But let me say this. Scripting doesn't mean writing out the entire conversation, because then we would sound canned, and fail.

A script is to telemarketing what an extemporaneous speech is to a public speaker. The key points and flow of reasoning are in front of the performer, but he is free to highlight, to amplify, or to minimize certain points to adapt to his specific audience.

The key is to sound organized, well informed, and professional, while leaving room for the sort of light banter that enables you to sound sincere, as if you are generating your thoughts as you move through the back-and-forth of lively conversation.

That's a lot to ask from a script, but it's exactly what we demand from a great stage play or a good movie, a sense of authenticity, a being-in-the-moment quality, and generally, most entertainment scripts deliver.

So should ours.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top trainer, conference and convention speaker, sales, customer service, and negotiation consultant A frequent expert commentator on radio and TV, he is also the best-selling author of 12 books, more than 1,000 articles and several popular audio and video programs. Visit Gary's web site for product information: http://www.customersatisfaction.com, or contact him directly at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

A Proven Way to Prevent a Sore Throat From Progressing to a Cold

Before I start sharing with you the proven way to prevent a sore throat from progressing to a cold, do you know experiencing periodic cold or flu can actually be helpful to your health? It may sound ridiculous but it is true, as told by my friend, who is a doctor by profession.

He mentioned that during our cold or flu period, our bodes are actually in the healing process of getting rid of those weakest cells which can help us to stay more healthier in the long run.

Here is how you can better prepare in preventing a cold from developing.

Gargle with warm salt water the moment you start experiencing that sore, tickling feeling in your throat. Try to tap your throat (Adam's apple region) with your fingers while you gargle so as to encourage the warm salt water to trickle deeply into your throat.

You probably may not be aware of, your tonsils and adenoids serve as a first line of defense against any airborne microorganisms and substances. It is a important parts of your immune system located near the entrance of your breathing passages. Colds and flu viruses usually get caught by your tonsils and adenoids before spreading through your body, and by gargling warm salt water it can effectively removed the viruses.

If you ever experience chronic swelling tonsils and adenoids at your throat region and is thinking of removing them, please reconsider seriously. It is highly not recommendable. Try alternatives ways liked;

- Adopting a minimal processed diet, rich in fresh plant foods,
- Reduced your sugar intake especially canned drinks
- Get plenty of rest, exercise and exposed yourself outdoor more often.

You may ask does gargling cold salt water works as well?

Either warm or cold salt water will help to remove those harmful viruses from your tonsils and adenoids, but if possible, try warm salt water as it tends to be more effective.

This are just simple and easy ways you can try out without any hassle before you consult your doctor.

Thanks for reading.

The Utter Truth About Telemarketing Scripts

"This telemarketer phoned me the other night and it was obvious he was reading from a script. He sounded so CANNED!"

You've probably heard this complaint in casual conversation or even uttered it. I've heard it in numerous seminars I've conducted as well as from readers of my best-selling books: REACH OUT & SELL SOMEONE and YOU CAN SELL ANYTHING BY TELEPHONE!

Scripts and telemarketing go together like Mother and apple pie. Well, not exactly. We LIKE Mom and apple pie! But we love to hate telemarketing and those that do it, especially the ones that struggle through their poorly crafted presentations.

I'm here to tell you that scripts (and telemarketers that use them) get a bad rap. Working well together, these can be pillars of your overall sales success.

Why Do We Use Scripts in Any Walk of Life?

Actors follow scripts because they lead to better performances that reliably produce positive effects in audiences. Companies, and their managers, use scripts in selling and service because they're supposed to produce consistent and profitable sales and contribute to customer retention.

When management sage Peter F. Drucker studied doctors as they performed medical diagnoses, he stumbled upon a cruel fact of life, and death. Some practitioners buried their patients much more frequently precisely because they DIDN'T USE SCRIPTS, systematic procedures for deciphering maladies. Like the simple washing of one's hands before surgery, when the proper protocols for diagnosis were introduced, survival rates soared.

In a word, physicians became more productive in achieving their main mission: the prolonging of life.

If Scripts Are So Vital, Why Do They Suffer From Such a Bad Image?

Most people don't object to the use of scripts if they are UNDETECTABLE.

As a rule, we don't leave a movie or legitimate theater singing the praises of the screenwriter or playwright. Their well crafted lines are essential, but the better they are, the less noticeable they tend to be to the audience. Moreover, actors and their directors are expected to make the words they've been provided sound natural, as if they're being uttered spontaneously. When a script is well written and performed well, it rises above the ranks of the "canned" talks that so many disdain.

But audiences and customers are unforgiving when subjected to poorly constructed and delivered scripts that sound "phony." When scripts don't ring-true, they compromise the suspension of disbelief or light trace state that is vital in a smooth theatrical performance and in sustaining a productive sales or customer service encounter. Hearing a bad script is a lot like crunching down on an eggshell in one's breakfast. Suddenly the mystique of eating a wholesome meal vanishes, and with it our appetite.

Before You Jettison Scripting, Try to Improve It!

I was brought in to consult to a major manufacturer of consumer electronics.

One of its products consistently broke, and this evoked thousands of calls per day from irate purchasers.

To its credit, the company executives asked me this question:

"Is it possible to turn conflict calls into selling opportunities?"

After giving it some thought I said it was, and I undertook the development of a script that would:

(1) Defuse the anger, and (2) Sell an additional product, all during the same inbound call.

My strategy and the training program I devised to implement it, resulted in add-on products being sold in 50% of the conversations in which the script was used. This turned the customer service function, a cost-center, into a profit center.

So, before you dismiss or derogate the idea of scripting your sales and customer service calls, think again. You, too, might make 100 million customers, and your accountant, sing!

Are you looking for a customized phone script, top training, and the best seminars and audios and video products in telemarketing? Contact the author.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top trainer, conference and convention speaker, sales, customer service, and negotiation consultant, and attorney. A frequent expert commentator on radio and TV, he is also the best-selling author of 12 books, more than 1,000 articles and several popular audio and video programs. His seminars are sponsored internationally and he is a faculty member at more than 40 universities, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. Gary's sales, management and consulting experience is combined with impressive academic credentials: A Ph.D. from USC, an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management, and a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School, his clients include several Fortune 1000 companies.

His web site is: http://www.customersatisfaction.com and he can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

His blogs include: YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS! and ALWAYS COLD CALL! at: http://www.alwayscoldcall.blogspot.com