International Boost Self-Esteem and Expect Success Month

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By Terry Orr

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self. Self-esteem is also known as the evaluative dimension of the self that includes feelings of worthiness, prides and discouragement. One's self esteem is also closely associated with self-consciousness. (Source: Wikipedia)

Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-confidence is having confidence in oneself. Arrogance or hubris in this comparison, is having unmerited confidence—believing something or someone is capable or correct when they are not. Overconfidence or presumptuousness is excessive belief in someone (or something) succeeding, without any regard for failure. Confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy as those without it may fail or not try because they lack it and those with it may succeed because they have it rather than because of an innate ability. (Source: Wikipedia)

According to Psych Center - Have you wondered about what self-esteem is and how to get more of it? Do you think your self-esteem is low? Do you know how to tell? Do you know what to do about it?

Self-esteem answers the question, “How do I feel about who I am?” We learn self-esteem in our family of origin; we do not inherit it.

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Interesting and favorite quotes:

“Believe in yourself and the world will follow suit.”

― Tadahiko Nagao, Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

― Norman Vincent Peale

“How would your life be different if…You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day…You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“You're always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

― Diane Von Furstenberg

“People simply feel better about themselves when they’re good at something.”

― Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

“I exist as I am, that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content.

One world is aware, and by the far the largest to me, and that is myself.”

― Walt Whitman

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Self-esteem and Expect Success Tips:

Count Your Blessing – All too often we fail to appreciate what we have.  Take a few minutes each and every day and give thanks.

Help Others – Is always a good thing to do and frequently you will feel better too

Be True to yourself – You are unique, one of a kind – keep that in mind.

Learn how to relax – Lots of ways to do this…find a few that are just right for you.

Volunteer – Pitch in and help

Smile – Is good for you and those around you.

Laugh – Laughter is the best Medicine – no doubt about it!

Think Positive thoughts – Find the up side of things and keep them your central focus!

Have Fun - Do something that you really enjoy!

Exercise – We hear it all the time to exercise and benefits in doing so – and it works!

Give Someone a Hug – An emotion that really helps. It is a simple act – but an important one.

Get Help – There are times we simply need to get help – Do It!  Best advice I can offer you and yes, been there done that – and it made a huge difference.

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Take another look into that mirror, smile, think positive things and enjoy your day!

References and Links:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/how-to-raise-your-self-esteem/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/self_esteem.html

Get to know your Customer Day – January 17th

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By Terry Orr

Last July, I wrote my first article on this subject – background information, different personal styles, and good examples of successful business people.  Today we will share how others incorporate knowing their customers into their business.

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Salesopedia suggests: How well do you know your customers? Sure you’re good at filling out the contact information on an application or completing the customer data on your CRM system, but to you really know your customers? Do they follow sports, if so which sport? Are they Steelers or Patriots fans? Do they enjoy theater, opera, or do they love jazz?

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A happy customer is one that will spend, spend, and spend!  While specific days this year are designated as Get to Know Your Customers Day – January 17, April 18, July 18 and October 17 – you should take time each day to know your customer throughout the year. You can gain valuable insight into theirs and your business and strengthen profitable business relationships.  Customers are the backbone (and reason) for all businesses.  Without a healthy clientele, there would be no business.  Take the time to know who come to your establishment on this day and every day.

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‘Actions speak louder than words!’  We have all heard this old expression and it is as important today as it was a hundred years ago. The foundations of any good relationship are based upon these key tenets: Honesty, Respect, Integrity, and Trust!

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In closing, please visit The Dogs Bakery blog site – an excellent example of knowing your customer and letting them know how important and special they are.

Three Dog Bakery

References and Links:

http://blog.salesopedia.com/?p=271

http://threedogblog.com/office-personalities/get-to-know-your-customer-day/

Get to Know Your Customer Day

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By Terry Orr

Growing up in the Midwest years ago helped me establish a solid foundation as an adult and businessman.  In addition of knowing our customers, in most instances they were also our friends.  You knew their families, church they attended, what they enjoyed doing and important dates in their lives.

When I started my second career as a consultant after retiring from the Navy, I was very fortunate to meet fellas who own his business in San Jose California – Jerry.  He maintained a very nice record of all his business acquaintances that included: name, business and home contact information; birthdays and anniversaries; name of spouse; children and their birthdays; what type of food, wine; drinks, and favorite restaurants; sports and other entertainment information.  In addition, he kept track of when the talked, met, corresponded and the jest of those events.  He also sent personal greeting cards and notes.

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My brother Dwight sends personal notes to his customers on a regular basis – frequently with a copy of a news article that the two had discussed recently.  This is an excellent example of knowing your customer and taking the extra step.

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From my perspective, both in business and personal, each and every acquaintance I make are considered life-long relationships.  Why?  The vast majority of these people keep reappearing in my life.  So from the get go, I consider each person someone I will know forever.