Finding Divine Gifts – Coming Fully Into the Present Moment

The divine is always with us and always waiting for US to recognize and welcome its presence. That is its gift to us. However, to receive this gift, we must be in the present. An important aspect for being fully in the present moment is “Completing Incompletions.” An incompletion is simply that – something that is not complete. It could be anything: unpaid bills; anger or resentment toward someone or thing; projects around the house; something you said you would do but then never did, etc.

Something in our lives that is not complete holds a portion of our energy until it is complete. At some level we are thinking about it, worrying about it, trying to figure out what to do about it. Even if you think you’ve forgotten about it and let it go, you haven’t. This is the body’s natural tendency toward integrity, toward being complete and free.

To the extent we have incompletions in our life we are being robbed of vital life force energy, energy we could be using to create an extremely fulfilling life. Incompletions also block us from receiving clear guidance from our higher selves. We’ve got part of ourselves holding the energy of these incompletions and therefore we cannot pay full attention to the divine messages trying to get through. Actually, the message that is trying to get through is “complete your incompletions.” That’s why we keep thinking and worrying about them.

When it comes to completing incompletions in relationships (whether with a mother, father, sibling, spouse, friend, or co-worker) a big part is forgiveness – forgiveness both for ourselves and others. Interestingly, forgiveness means to “give as before,” no longer withholding or holding back. (Side note: we all think forgiveness is a great thing, and I agree, however, have you ever noticed that forgiveness has judgment built into it? If you feel you must forgive someone, you have passed judgment on them that what they have done is bad, wrong, and should not have happened. Now who’s the bad guy? Interesting, yes?)

There are a couple of good metaphors that can help us better understand the importance of truly letting go of the supposed “wrongs” we believe another person has done to us. Being angry with, spiteful toward, or withholding from another person is like holding a hot coal in your own hand with the idea that you are going to throw it at them – but you never do. It just burns and burns YOU. Or, said another way, it’s like drinking poison expecting the other person to die. In these examples you can see it makes no sense. All you have to do is drop the hot coal and don’t take the poison.

Incompletions in relationships are some of the most detrimental and life-sucking ones we can experience. However, all the incompletions in our life, from the $10 you may still owe someone, to the book you borrowed and have yet to return, to the projects around the house you keep putting off. They all drain you each and every moment. For truly free and energized living you must complete these incompletions. Identifying and completing your incompletions is a key piece of my coaching system. You can experience the freedom accomplishing this can provide in your life.

Try this:

Look into all the areas of your life. What is obviously incomplete? Make a list of those things. Just making the list and getting these things out of your head and onto paper will restore some energy for you. Then look at the list and select one or two things to complete. Start with a couple of easy ones so you can build momentum, and then work up to the more challenging incompletions. As you complete things, one by one, cross them off the list with a big smile on your face, then take on the next one that feels right – until you’ve crossed them all off the list.

Notice the amazing energy restored at each step along the way, and the exponentially rising access to major good mojo!

Effective Presentations

Everything is coming together. You have prospected, contacted and now, finally you get to do your presentation. You have gathered all the information to present your product or service, but how do you do so in a way that is truly effective? Here are a few tips to help you do an effective presentation:

Keep It Simple

Keep the presentation informative, yet simple. You might know all the minute details on how your product or service works, but now is not the time to go into that in extreme detail for a couple reasons.

If your plan is complex, cumbersome and loaded with details, your client’s decision will also be complex, cumbersome and loaded with details. Keep it simple and make it simple for them to make a decision to work with you.

Also, if you begin talking too many details with someone who is not detail oriented, you will talk them into and out of working with you in the same conversation. Watch for eyes glazing over.

Follow the 4 Steps to the Anatomy of a Presentation

Uncover your prospect’s pain

Before you ever go into what you and your products and services can do, you have to find out what is motivating them as prospects, their why. There is some reason why they are talking to you. What is it that they have too much of or not enough of? There is something in their life that is causing them discomfort or dissatisfaction. What is it for the person or people you are presenting to? It is imperative that you find out. Think about all the features and benefits of your product or service. By asking your prospect some High Yielding Questions, you are able to quickly uncover their pain and check those items off mentally on your features and benefits list that are important to them. You want to make sure you highlight the right things in your presentation.
Present the solution

Tell them why your company, your product or service, or you are a solution for their pain. If you have skipped step 1, then you will spend your time going down a laundry list of all the features and benefits without really connecting to their needs and you will appear to have a one-size fits all approach. Remember to keep it simple and don’t go into too many details, yet give them enough information so they can see that you really do have a solution for them.

Determine their interest

This is where you summarize the main points and recap how these things will be of benefit for them. Then ask them how they see your company or product or service benefiting their challenges. This will insure that you did a good job in steps 1 and 2. If you didn’t make a good connection between their pain and what you offer, this is a good time to go back to step 1 and ask more High Yielding Questions.

Call to Action

Don’t let the presentation just fizzle to an end, make sure you ask the prospect if they are ready to get started today. If they are not, then set up a time to follow up. A “no” is often a “not yet” which is fine, just make sure you follow up.

Practice

“Amateurs practice until they get it right, professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.”

Don’t forget to practice, practice, practice. You will be more confident and relaxed and your prospect will be able to sense that. Learn to LOVE Practice!

Business Presentation Tips – Focus Attention and Get Results

Too much to do? No time to do it? You’re not alone.

Participants are often overloaded, overworked, and preoccupied. They are often distracted by urgent business issues, family matters, sick pets, or other pulls on their attention.

As a presenter, it’s up to you to focus their attention. By giving clear directions, you can focus attention. Learn how to build a message that is easy for people to remember.

This is not rocket science. Instead, it’s a repeatable formula you can use whenever you want to focus attention. Create a strong message and pack a punch. Help participants remember your message, decide to take action, and know what action to take.

Use these 3 tips so you can focus attention and get results. This is absolutely critical if you are serious about winning results.

Here’s how to give clear directions to your audience, so they know exactly what step to take next.

Tip 1: Decide On A Single Action

It’s up to you. Focus on a single action you want your audience to take. Don’t mush things up by giving three or ten possible actions. It will only confuse your audience.

Decide on one action. If you have two, twelve, or twenty — no one will know what to do.

Recently I coached a brilliant and experienced senior sales director. He was confused between two actions for his presentation. One was organizational: a strategic initiative to increase sales. The other targeted sales bonuses and commissions.

Guess which one I recommended for his single action?

The individual one of course! Focus on a single action that individuals are most willing to take. Everyone gets into gear when it’s personal. When you’re talking cash, people get moving.

Tip 2: State The Action In Simple Terms

It’s easy to understand and remember simple terms. When you state directions in simple terms, participants get it. And it’s easy for them to remember what to do.

Speak plain English. Avoid speaking in corporate speak.

Hint: Take a look at your presentation. Ask yourself one question. “Could I say this with a shorter word?”

If you can, do it. If you aren’t sure, ask a friend. Best shot is to ask someone who doesn’t work with you. It’s just too easy to get used to using inside lingo — and not realize you’re doing this.

Tip 3: Use Active Language

Active words ignite action. Passive words encourage contemplation.

You want your audience to jump into action. Your goal is to create an active environment focused on results.

Now is the time for active verbs, active terms, and dynamic language.

Clients often tell me their concerns and objections about giving simple directions to inspire action. These usually run along the lines of:

  •  Is this too simplistic?
  •  Is this right for my highly educated audience?
  •  Is this going to make me look dumb?

The answer is no. Speaking in active language is not ‘dumbing-down.’

When you give clear, focused directions, you are helping your audience. They instantly know what to do next. This is appropriate for audiences of every educational level.

Here’s what you can expect. It is going to make you look smart. Very, very smart. Especially when you ignite action and get measurable results.

Get results fast. It’s smart business to focus on a single action, use simple words and active language.