Please see the press release below announcing the acquisition.  As you might imagine, I am thrilled to be part of the Penguin/Portfolio author family!  We will keep you updated on the details in the months ahead – the new edition is scheduled for release August 30, 2012!

Thank you for being a “first edition” reader of SMBI!  You have been a part of this amazing journey with me, and I truly appreciate your support!

~TS

To read all about it, click on the preview below:

For your review…here’s the piece on How to Make Online Presentations Work, written by Henry Canaday.  Hope your year is off to a great start! TS

Click on the preview below:

To read about the Five Strategies for a Winning Sales Presentation, click on the preview below:

-TS

May your year be filled with hope, good health and prosperity—But, above all this, I wish you LOVE!

Wishing you an amazing 2012!

Order online, by phone or via fax. (Please note: discount will be subtracted upon processing by our staff. Offer valid through SC store only until December 22, 2011.) Please click here to order online.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from Jen, Terri, and Allie!

I kinda liked it.

I enjoyed shopping, driving and dining without interruption.  Guess what? When people can’t text you or get you by cell phone – they will call your home line, and leave a message, so you can call back when you have dedicated time, and give your 100% attention!  I like calls better; I want to hear your voice.  And it made me think…

In our pursuit of embracing technology, to establish contact with our clients, and prospects or even our friends for that matter… have we let the pendulum swing too far to the tech side?

I know it’s important to have a good internet presence –  to have a great website, send impactful emails, employ an effective social media strategy… text, IM, Facebook, Youtube, tweet, etc…but  that’s only part of the “contact” in today’s relationships — real rich communication is about truly connecting!   Unfortunately, for some people, (and organizations) “technology contact” has replaced the “human contact”.

Sharing your message, building and maintaining relationships, networking and then presenting your idea is a contact sport!  You need to engage in “real life” human to human connecting – in person! (or at least in an engaging quality conversation over the telephone!)

So, this holiday season, make an extra effort to “step away from your computer”- get back out in the field – have a really good meeting.  Talk on the phone –don’t send 15 emails back and forth, have a conversation!  Instead of texting, or sending an email…make the call, set up visit!  Take the initiative to invest more of yourself in your contact, with your business and your personal relationships.   It makes a difference. You will be glad you did!

The forced break from my blackberry was a great reminder for me…message received.   TS

[Disclaimer - Now that you have finished reading this missive…it’s okay to step away from your computer. ]

A. I know it can be tough to deliver a sales presentation when you are not feeling well,  but as the saying goes, sometimes… “ the show must go on!”  Now, I am not a doctor, and I would recommend that if you really aren’t feeling well, you should see a licensed medical professional.  That said, I will share a personal experience with you that has literally changed my life!

I was in Chicago, IL for a speaking engagement, and the night before the talk I started feeling achy, had a sore throat and was up all night sneezing…it was horrible.  I went down to the hotel gift shop and purchased the typical over the counter cold remedies and got thru the speech, barely….by the end of the keynote I had almost completely lost my voice.  (Clearly not a good thing for a speaker!)  Plus, I had another presentation scheduled in 2 days in Montreal, Canada.

So, first thing in the morning I got a referral from the Hotel Concierge to a walk-in medical center…  The doctor ran all the appropriate tests and said, “Terri, you have a bad cold…that’s it.  There’s nothing I can do for you.  – You will have to wait it out… and get lots of rest. “

“What? — That is not an option!  I have to get better.” I said, in a panicked whisper.

Then, she asked if I had ever used a Neti Pot?

TS: A what?

DR: A Neti Pot.

For those of you who may not be familiar here is a brief description and a link to a Mayo Clinic article…

“A neti pot is a container designed to rinse the nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications. First, fill the neti pot with warm salt water or an over-the-counter saline nasal solution. Then tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril and gently pour in the water. As you pour, the salt water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side” (Learn more here).

Truth be told, I had seen it on Oprah…however, I had never felt compelled to try it.  But now, I was willing to try anything.  (Plus, it was a natural and holistic option, which I prefer.) So, off to Walgreens I went.

I followed the directions from my doctor (Note: It was awkward and odd at first, but honestly, the relief was almost immediate.) and after 2 days I was able to speak, my sinuses were clear,  I could breathe!   Most importantly, I was able to deliver the Seminar in Montreal!

Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the Neti Pot!

Now, I use it before and after most flights, and it has made a tremendous difference in my flight recovery.    I highly recommend you take the time to learn about the Neti Pot!

I hope this little piece of advice helps you feel better the next time you have a cold, and breathe a little easier when you walk into your presentation!

TS

The official release date is November 1, 2011. I had the pleasure of reading a pre-release copy and I can assure you it is great! Filled with hundreds of “nuggets” to keep you inspired and moving forward in your sales efforts! For more information, or to order your copy today, please visit: http://mackaymba.com/

In keeping with my “Mackay” theme, to follow is a video post that I trust you will find interesting…

Is it time for you to “Get Scrappy!” with your presentations, and ramp up your efforts to “earn the right to be heard”? Here’s a great story (video clip)– Harvey Mackay’s thoughtful and creative “scrappy” efforts lead to him making over $1,000,000 for Mackay Envelope with one account.  Enjoy!  TS

Do you have a specific quote or saying that you like to read from time to time? Post it on my Facebook page! I would love to read it.

As a special added bonus, 300 lucky webinar attendees will receive a free hardcover copy of, Small Message, Big Impact: How to Put the Power of the Elevator Speech Effect to Work for You, compliments of GoToMeeting.

I hope you are able to attend! To register for the webinar,  please click here.

Can’t make the webinar? You can purchase Small Message, Big Impact at bookstores nationwide or
click here to order your copy now!