Your Aid Area

Body language is the meaning behind the words or the
“unspoken” language. Surprisingly, studies show that only
up to an estimated 10 percent of our communication is
verbal.

The majority of the rest of communication is
unspoken. This unspoken language isn’t rocket science.
However, there are some generalizations or basic
interpretations that can be applied to help with the
understanding or translating of these unspoken meanings.
Here are some basics below.

1. Smile

People like warm smiles. Think of a heartfelt warm-fussy, maybe your favorite pet, and smile.

2. Eyes

If you don’t look someone in the eyes while speaking, this can be interpreted as dishonesty or hiding something. Likewise, shifting eye movement or rapid changing of focus/direction can translate similarly.

If more than one person is present in a group,
look each person in the eye as you speak, slowly turning to
face the next person and acknowledge him or her with eye
contact as well. Continue on so that each person has felt
your warm, trusting glance. Some suggest beginning with one
person and moving clockwise around the group so that no one
is missed, and so that you are not darting around,
seemingly glaring at people.

3. Attention Span / Attitude

Other people can tell what type attitude you have by your
attention span. If you quickly lose focus of the other
person and what is being said, and if your attention span
wanders, this shows through and makes you seem
disinterested, bored, possibly even uncaring.

4. Attention Direction

If you sit or stand so that you are blocking
another in the party, say someone is behind you, this can
be interpreted as rude or thoughtless. So be sure to turn
so that everyone is included in the conversation or angle
of view, or turn gently, at ease and slowly, while talking,
so that everyone is incorporated, recognized and involved
in the conversation. Again some suggest the clockwise
movement when working a group.

5. Arms Folded / Legs Crossed

This can be seen as defensive or an end to the
conversation. So have arms hang freely or hold a glass of
water, a business card or note taking instruments while
communicating with others. Be open with open arms. Note: If
you need to cross legs, cross at your ankles and not your
knees. Sitting tightly folded up says that you are closed
to communications.

6. Head Shaking

If people are shaking their heads while you speak, they are
in agreement. If they are shaking, “no,” disagreement
reigns in their minds.

7. Space / Distance -

On the whole, people like their own personal body space. Give people room and keep out of their space. Entering to close can be
intrusive and viewed as aggressive. Leaning – Sitting or
standing, leaning is viewed as interest. In other words, an
interested listener leans toward the speaker. Note others’
body language – While you are with others, note how their
bodies read. If a person suddenly folds his arms across his
chest and begins shaking his head “no,” you’ve probably
lost him. Might try taking a step back and picking up where
the conversation began this turn for the negative and
regroup. It’s all about strategic planning!

Learn how to meet and attract beautfiul women. Stop by The Dating Advice Site today for free dating tips!
http://www.datingadvicesite.com/

Comments Off

The United States Supreme Court has determined that sexual-harassment training had been provided by an organization that desires to use an “affirmative defense” in a sexual harassment claim against a supervisor. In Faragher v. Boca Raton, the Supreme Court decided that an organization could not claim they had created an environment free from sexual-harassment responsibility unless company-wide sexual-harassment training had been provided.

“Affirmative defense” is an approach an organization takes to claim that the organization itself is not responsible for the supervisor’s actions because the supervisor was acting independently when a sexual-harassment occurred. This defense has been successful in eliminating or reducing judgments.

Although sexual-harassment lawsuits are rapidly increasing every year, many companies are playing roulette by hoping to their supervisors and employees will not be caught in a situation where a suit can be filed or defended. In addition to the growing number of suits, the actual settlements are getting larger and larger. A local automobile dealership was assessed $500,000 in a settlement while a beverage distributor was hit with a $1.79 million settlement.

When a company voluntarily provide sexual-harassment training to their employees it is radically more inexpensive than court mandated training. When a court mandates training they require added record-keeping which must be presented by an attorney to the court once the training is successfully completed.

Sexual-harassment training is available from many resources. Classes typically run anywhere from three hours to an entire day. The Supreme Court does not view the length of the class as having an impact on the effectiveness of a class. They look for specific objectives. At the end of a sexual-harassment training class, employee should be able to:

==> Recognize what is and what isn’t sexual harassment.

==> State methods for preventing sexual harassment.

==> Recognize factors that contribute to a hostile environment.

==> Prevent retaliation claims from occurring.

==> Know the proper steps to take in the event that a sexual harassment investigation occurs.

In addition to traditional classroom style some companies, including Rochester Hills-based Max Impact, offer online solutions. Max Impact’s online sexual-harassment training class uses technology made available through Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan. This online class allows employees to work at their own speed in completing the class. At the same time it allows for an interactive learning experience which leads to greater teamwork and camaraderie.

Regardless of the format of the sexual-harassment training at you select the important thing is to make sure that you do select one and implement it immediately. Follow up classes should be provided every other year in order to be able to use the affirmative defense in the event that an employee files a sexual-harassment suit against your company or one of its managers or even a fellow employee.

========

Rick Weaver is an accomplished business executive with a wealth of experience in retail, market analysis, supply chain enhancement, project management, team building, and process improvement. Building on a strong retail background, Rick moved to full supply-chain involvement, working with hundreds of companies to improve sales, processes, and bottom-line results.

As Rick’s interaction in varied industries expanded, he became troubled as he increasingly noticed that people and companies had untapped or unfocused talent.

Coupled with Rick’s passion for training and development, popular style of interactive workshops and seminars, and strong desire for continuous improvement, he founded Max Impact Corporation to be singularly focused on helping individuals and organizations achieve high performance.

Rick is a popular speaker at seminars, workshops, and conferences. He has spoken in 43 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. He is available to speak at groups of all sizes.

Contact Rick at 248-802-6138 or rick@getmaximpact.com.

Comments Off

If you are considered overweight, whether you know it or not, you are in the majority. In America, it has been recently estimated that 65% of the population is overweight with 30% being at least clinically obese. To add to this alarming statistic is the estimate that 15-20% of the nation’s children are overweight. Now, obesity is beginning to spread more and more to countries that have always had a relatively low rate of obesity, like China and Japan. This is one case where being in the majority is not considered a good thing. What really matters is, how being overweight or obese affects your overall health.

According to the body mass index, you are considered overweight if your index is between 25 and 29. If your index is over 30, you are considered obese. The American collage of sports medicine defines obesity as an amount of body fat that increases the risk of disease. As a general rule, more than 25% body fat for men and more than 32% body fat for women is considered obesity.

Let’s look at some of the most likely reasons that so many people are obese.

1: overeating

2: lack of exercise

3: genetic predisposition

4: psychological problems

5: too slow a metabolism

These are some of the things scientists are investigating as to the likely causes for obesity. Most of these can be overcome by lowering the fat in the diet and by exercising.

Regardless of the reasons for overweight and obesity, there is health risks associated with these conditions. According to the U.S.surgeon’s report:

A bodyweight of more than 20% over ideal constitutes a definite health hazard.

Obesity is associated with a reduced life expectancy.

Risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol increase.

Obesity increases stress on the body joints.

Obesity increases the risk of surgery.

The presence of diabetes is nearly 3 times higher in overweight people.

According to the experts, all of these risk factors can be improved by a reduction in weight. Some have estimated that a weight loss of 10% can improve the risk factors for heart disease by 20%. Also, the greatest health benefits are reported to occur with the first 20 pounds of weight loss, which means that even if it seems to be hard to lose weight, it is still worth doing it. If you don’t lose all of the weight you want to lose, you can still improve your risk factors by losing some of the weight.

You can make losing weight a little easier if you just set a small goal at first, then when you reach that goal, set another small goal and aim for that. A good target is to try to lose 1- 1 pounds per week. It is within reason to try to lose 10% of your current bodyweight, or 20 pounds in about six months if you are overweight.

Jim O’Neill gives you tons of valuable information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle. Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at: http://www.mrgymfitness.com

Comments Off

Dealing with all of the environmental toxins today, can be quite aload on the body. A simple way to help combat these toxins is to take a detoxification bath. In spas today, the use of water therapy is very popular. Bathing in waters containg various healing ingrediants can help to release toxins, promote energy, circulation and well being.

This bath can be done in your very own bathtub and does not require special equipment. Hot water helps draw toxins out of the body to the skin’s surface. When the water cools, it pulls toxins from the skin. The ocean, mineral, hot springs and herbal baths have been used for centuries world wide, for their therapeutic effects.

This is the simple recipe that I regularly use to help combat toxins and detoxify my body:

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup Baking Soda
• About 1/2 cup Powdered Ginger

Pour Epsom salt or Baking Soada, and ginger into a warm bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, scrub the skin gently with a natural fiber like a cotton washcloth or a loofah sponge for 5 minutes. Do not remain in the tub for more than 30 minutes. Note the “murky”appearance of the water, this is due to the toxins released in your bath water. Wrap yourself in a large towel or bathrobe and then cover up with a warm blanket. You will sweat for about an hour. The next morning you will feel fantastic!

You can take a detoxification bath often, or at least once a month.In addition to detoxifying the body, this bath is also helps relieve pain.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. For more information visit Danielle’s website Body Wraps Exposed.

Comments Off

On a construction site, three masons were working. Each one was busy with a trowel, cement and bricks. A passer-by went up to the first one, who looked very bored and asked him what he was doing. “I’m laying bricks,” he said sullenly.

The passer-by then approached the second man who looked somewhat more enthusiastic and asked the same question. “I’m building a church,” was the reply.

Walking up to the third mason who was whistling, the passer-by again asked the same question. The mason stopped his whistling for just a moment and with great joy and excitement said: “I’m building a cathedral.” This response astonished the passer-by.

So, what is the point of this brief story. Simply – What are you building? Why do you work for your company or why did you start your company? What is the underlying reason you firm is operational?

We all need a purpose, a vision, a mission – call it what you like – to motivate us to action. A vision is a rallying cry. It is a short, powerful statement. It empowers all the shareholders and makes them believe they can do whatever needs to be done.

Think of the following: We will overcome! Or Workers of the world unite! A famous hotel chain had a simple vision: Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.

What is your company’s vision? It is a rallying cry? Or is it like one of those typical, long winded, expensive, stale corporate statement hanging on the walls in many reception areas? The real question to be answer is: Are you living that vision? HINT: If you aren’t living that vision, this may help to explain why you are not doubling your results.

Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S.

If doubling your results or performance in real time is important to you, then visit http://www.processspecialist.com/smallbusinesses.htm to learn some additional secrets and tips. Sign up for a free monthly newsletter. Please feel free to contact Leanne at 219.759.5601. If you truly don’t believe doubling your results is possible, read some case studies where individuals and businesses took the risk and experienced unheard of results at http://www.processspecialist.com/press.htm

Comments Off

A bad credit auto loan isn’t impossible to find– it just takes a little work! If your credit is a little dented and dinged, it doesn’t have to shut you out of an auto loan. There are those companies that will overlook bad credit. Auto loan options for you if you have less than perfect credit include on-lot dealer financing, getting a co-signer, attempting to repair your credit before you look for a bad credit auto loan and accepting less than ideal terms for a bad credit auto loan.

Your best starting point – before you even start looking for a car – is to check your credit report yourself. A new law passed last year entitles you to get one free credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies every 12 months. The law is being rolled out across the country in stages, but by the end of 2005, whatever state you live in, you’ll be entitled to check your own credit history free once a year to find out if you have bad credit. Auto loan and finance companies will use the information in your credit history to determine whether or not to grant you a loan and on what terms, so it makes sense to check first and avoid being surprised.

If you find errors in your credit report, or if a credit reporting agency is mistakenly reporting that you have bad credit, put off applying for an auto loan until you have a chance to clear up the mistake. If, on the other hand, your credit report legitimately lists problems, you can start looking for a bad credit auto loan through one of several different sources.

Because a bad credit auto loan carries more risk for the lender, it’s difficult to find one with “competitive” interest rates. The best way to get a good interest rate – and begin repairing your bad credit is with a cosigned auto loan. By co-signing an auto loan for you, your co-signer takes responsibility for paying back your loan if you fail to make the payments. The interest rate is likely to be much better than you can get with any other bad credit auto loan – very close to the terms your co-signer would be offered. Just be sure to ask the lender to report the payment history in BOTH your name and that of your co-signer so that you can begin repairing or building your credit history.

If a co-signer isn’t possible, or you prefer a loan in your own name, try to secure a bad credit auto loan on your own before going to the dealer. Your usual bank is your logical first choice. Make an appointment to speak with a loan officer at the bank where you usually do business, as they have an interest in continuing and extending their relationship with you. One possible option through a credit union, for instance, is to make arrangements for a bad credit auto loan that’s tied to one of your other accounts as security.

The car dealer should be your last option for securing a bad credit auto loan. They have a vested interest in getting you into a car – but be aware that you’ll pay premium prices for financing a bad credit auto loan through a dealership. If it’s your only option, however, you may find that you can convert your high interest auto loan in the future if you’re able to repair and improve your credit score.

@Copyrights 2005 – Bill A Smith works as a credit counselor for Ameri credit counseling firm. Bill has 10 years of experience in providing credit repair, credit counseling and credit management services to clients. Visit us at http://www.americreditservices.com/ and http://www.americreditservices.com/0-interest-credit-cards/ for non profit credit management services.

Comments Off

Isn’t enthusiasm a good thing? Aren’t we urged to be enthusiastic
about what we do? To be committed?

We are…but enthusiasm has a dark side too.

When the word first came into the English language (from Ancient Greek, via French) it had a far more extreme meaning. It meant to be possessed or inspired by a supernatural force and was used to describe the extreme religious sects that grew up with the Reformation in Europe. Enthusiast was a term of abuse, like fanatic or extremist today. It took more than two centuries for the word to acquire the modern sense of eager or motivated.

Don’t Get Carried Away

It’s this original aspect of enthusiasm that needs watching. There’s an irrational aspect to it: a sense that emotions have taken over and the mind is on hold.

The dark side of enthusiasm is its ability to overwhelm caution in a flood of eagerness. When that happens, you’re swept along on the current of your excitement, blind to anything that might suggest you’re on the wrong track.

Worst of all, enthusiasm blocks your ears. You won’t hear the warning signs that your audience isn’t with you.

All First Attempts Are Prototypes

Very, very few entrepreneurs get it right first time. The usual pattern is a long series of rejections, leading up to a breakthrough.

Those rejections are necessary. Think of each one as a prototype of your final product. You put it together, show it to some important people and they tell you what they think.

With each rejection, you get feedback to improve your idea, until the final version is reached. If you’d gone to market with the first, it would likely have flopped anyway. Only the final version is good enough to fly.

So, if enthusiasm has blocked your ears, you’ll miss the feedback. What you’ll take to market is still Version 1.0 — the one that wasn’t good enough.

Talking To The “Big Dogs”

At some stage in putting your new business together, you’ll have to sell the idea to some important people — maybe investors or potential partners or others with the power to give you push forward or hold you back.

How do you make sure these “Big Dogs” will support you?

You don’t do it by rushing in full of enthusiasm and nothing else.

Pick Your Time And Place

You get carried away by enthusiasm for a new idea. You tell your friends, but they don’t seem enthralled. You’re bursting to get the idea off the ground, so you rush around trying to win the support you need.

Maybe your idea really is a good one underneath, but if you continue like this, all you’ll get is rejection and frustration.

Present What’s In It For Them

The people whose support you need are busy — very busy. They don’t have time to deal with anything they don’t immediately find interesting. Certainly not with someone whose natural enthusiam has blinded them to clear defects or gaps in their proposition.

Besides, like all of us, they’re mainly interested in what’s in it for them. Unless they see the benefits to them right away, they’ll think you’re wasting their time.

Enthusiasm can be contagious. But it can also make you so carried away by the benefits for yourself you don’t stop to think what’s in it for the people you want to win over.

Stay In Control and Pick Your Time Carefully

Curb your enthusiasm. Don’t stop it or ignore it, just get it under control. Don’t allow yourself to be carried away by all that emotion, even though it’s positive.

Stop.

Think.

Plan and have patience. Pick Your Time.

If it’s truly a good idea, it deserves to be presented how and when it has the best chance of success. If you rush off after a business idea that isn’t properly thought through, it does very bad things to your credibility. Damage done there may have to be paid for far into the future.

Get To The Point — Fast!

Big Dogs have virtually no patience. They’re pressured every moment by people with grand ideas, people who want their support, and many who want their cash. They have no time to approach a idea in a roundabout way.

If you don’t show them, right away, precisely what your idea is, why it’s a good one and what they’ll get out of it — preferably in less than 100 words — you’ve lost them.

Enthusiasts never feel they’ve explained an idea adequately. They go over and over it, adding little refinements and wandering off on fascinating diversions. They never use 100 words where 1,000 — or maybe 10,000 — are possible.

Make Your Best Points — Then Shut Up!

Enthusiasm is like fire: a good servant but a bad master. Only if you remember to keep it within proper bounds, will it light up your listeners and bring them over into your side.

It’s so tempting to keep working away at an unresponsive audience. Surely the next point will win them over. Or the next.

Think like a stand-up comic. If you haven’t got your audience in the first minute or so, you never will. Further effort is digging in the bottom of a hole.

So make your best points, then keep quiet and listen. See how things are going. Respond to objections or questions.

The time for enthusiasm is when your audience is already on your side. If they’re not, get off the stage as fast as you can and keep the credibility to come back another time. If you don’t, you’ll convince them nothing you can ever say in future will be worth hearing either.

All entrepreneurs need enthusiasm. It’s the fuel that keeps you going. Just treat it like gas: A great thing to have in your personal tank, but not something you want to spray over everyone you meet — especially if they may be smoking a big cigar.

Adrian W. Savage writes for people who want help with the daily dilemmas they face at work. He has contributed more than 25 articles to leading British and American publications and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The Chicago Tribune.

You can find his blog on ethics, diversity and living life to the full at http://www.adriansavage.com.

Comments Off

You have been using Screensavers till now. Did you know that you could interact with them? Yes, you can do that now. Do you wish to write your text and read it on a screensaver? You can change the text whenever you want. And it is all for free. Many of us always wished to see our own thoughts on the screensavers but could not do that. With a new range of interactive screensavers, this is easy to do.

Download interactive screensavers and install them. The saver has got an icon saying put your test here. Write your text and save. Play the screensaver and you will view your own text. Such screensavers can be used to write your thought, your quotes, your inspirational messages and your romantic thoughts.

The screensavers come in many designs. You have the freedom to select and download as many as you wish. For screensavers with theme of heart, write love text, and for other screensavers with nature themes, write inspirational text.

Reading one’s own thoughts again and again helps in many different ways. Repetitions is the mother of learning. Writing and reading text that makes us feel good changes our thoughts and mood. Use such screensavers when you are working on a difficult project. Send them with your message written separately to your sweetheart. Send them with inspiring text to any friend who needs little inspiration. You can use them in many ways. The screensavers are available free for you to use as you wish. It all depends on your creativity now.

CDMohatta writes content for interactive screensavers, inspirational greeting cards and also solve quizzes & tests on personality

Comments Off