#123: A Shortcut To Distinction

“Character is formed, not by laws, commands, and decrees, but by quiet influence, unconscious suggestion and personal guidance.”
–Marion L. Burton, President of Smith College

In This Issue:

A Shortcut To Distinction
by Krista Jones

I’ve written to you before about a way (in addition to writing money-making copy) to stay on your clients’ radar: Do things to make their lives easier. Return phone calls in a timely manner, meet your deadlines, be flexible when they’re trying to schedule a meeting or conference call. Do anything—within reason—to take some of the stress off of their shoulders.

That advice doesn’t just apply to clients. It extends to anyone who can help you advance your goals.

Right now, you might be thinking, “Well, yeah…,” but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t get this. I could give you a bunch of examples of things people do that are off-putting when they are trying to get someone to listen to and act on their ideas. But I would much rather tell you about a couple of people who do just the opposite…

In early August, I received an e-mail from a CP reader who was excited about the work I do in the spirituality and self-improvement markets. He explained that he was looking forward to meeting me at Bootcamp and hearing my insights.

He included his contact information in his signature, and I noticed that he also lives in the Atlanta area. So I wrote him back and suggested that we get together for coffee or tea before the Bootcamp.

We agreed to meet at a Starbucks that is ten minutes from my house. When I arrived, Jeff was sipping his drink at a small table. I spotted him, went over to introduce myself, and then excused myself to get a drink.

When the lady handed me a caramel frappuccino, she told me the gentleman had already paid for it.

What a nice surprise! I raised my brow and nodded my head.

I returned to the table, and thanked Jeff for the treat and his thoughtfulness. And then we launched into a pleasant conversation about my work in the self-improvement market and Jeff’s questions about which direction he should take next in his copywriting studies. Before the hour was up, Jeff indicated that he should get going and let me get back to my evening.

I left Starbucks with a great impression of Jeff. After all, he had driven to my side of town. He arrived early. He treated me to a beverage—in a ‘behind-the-scenes,” non-awkward way. He never complained or whined about his current situation. And he didn’t take advantage of my time.

I had known this man for less than one hour, yet I knew that if he ever asks me for help or advice with his career, I will do whatever I can to help him.

And then there’s another local CP reader, Laurie…

I met Laurie at Bootcamp, and she proposed starting a monthly luncheon for new and aspiring copywriters. Last week, Laurie sent me an e-mail that fleshed out some of the details of this monthly event—including the considerable benefits to me.

My very first thought was that it sounded nice, but I worried that between orchestrating the details each month and the drive time, it would take up too much time. But as I kept reading, Laurie explained that the lunch would be held near me and she (or someone else) would do all the legwork. She said all I would have to do is show up to eat—something I have to do anyway. She presented a compelling case, and by making it hard for me to say no, I agreed with her proposal.

My point is not that I want people to do me favors. It’s that if Jeff and Laurie were that way with me, my guess is that they are also like that with others. And their quiet influence will continue to get them noticed.

Jeff and Laurie provide perfect examples of how you can get people to say yes to your ideas. Whether you call it being kind, treating others the way you would like to be treated, or going the extra mile, keeping the other person’s needs in the forefront of your mind is an easy way to get others to help you advance your goals.

Resource Referral: A Mind-Blowing Experience

A few weeks ago, I wrote a promotion for the most fascinating meditation program I have ever experienced. Well, it’s actually more than a meditation program; it’s a six-level progressive program that helps you discover more and more about yourself.

The Gateway Experience® uses a patented technology, which is backed by more than 40 years of research and lab testing, that synchronizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain. When both sides of your brain are working together, you think much more clearly and it’s easier to come up with creative solutions to questions and problems.

I have tried several “mind technology” programs in the past. I’ve even written copy for a few. But unlike the other programs I’ve used, the Gateway Experience® doesn’t just make me feel calm, centered, and creative while I am listening to the program, its effects last for days!

Each of the program’s six levels takes you to a new and heightened state of expanded awareness. The whole process takes about a year. I’ve been very pleased with what I’ve experienced so far. and I’m only up to level two.

If you’re up for an amazing journey of profound self-discovery, I highly recommend that you give this highly-researched program a try.

Quick Survival Tip: Being in Your Power

When you think about moving outside of your comfort zone to follow your dreams, do your palms sweat and your knees get weak?

Lately I’ve been doing something to reverse this process whenever I feel my power starting to slip away. I take a few good, deep breaths. This simple action is enough to calm my mind and body almost instantly.

Try this the next time you’re feeling vulnerable or otherwise off balance: Consciously relax your shoulders and imagine that your next breath is going to be delicious and filled with vitality. You’ll quickly notice extreme calm, peace of mind and clarity of thought.